DO YOU HAVE A FUNNY FRIEND WHO YOU THINK BELONGS ON STAGE? LET US KNOW AND WE'LL REACH OUT TO INVITE THEM TO APPLY!

_________________________ WHAT AND WHY IS THIS A THING? The Washington, D.C. area has a thriving comedy scene. As in most places, the majority of stand comedy shows in DC are primarily made up of male comedians. Open mics can be very intimidating environments -- in addition to the expected nerves of trying new material for strangers, female-identifying individuals (particularly those of color, trans women, religious minorities, those with disabilities, and others) may be (understandably) daunted by going alone to a bar at night with few other non-male comics around to perform material from a minority perspective. As the saying goes, "you have to see it to be it," and comedy mics as they exist today send implicit messages about who belongs on stage and who does not. 

Grassroots Comedy believes that women and non-binary folx belong on stage and that amplifying the diverse voices of the DMV is critical. This Spring, Grassroots is creating and launching a new incubator program for women and non-binary folx. We are seeking new comics, from those who have never been on stage to those who have been performing for up to two years, to apply and join our small cohort. The Cohort will meet several times for weekly workshops, getting the opportunity to network with other comedians (peers who are new in the space as well as more seasoned comics), explore joke structure and formats, and – most of all – to build community and workshop material. The Incubator will culminate in a showcase held at The Outrage. 

INSTRUCTORS: Dana Fleitman will be the primary instructor, with rotating guests including Chelsea Shorte, Yasmin Elhady, Brittany Carney (joining virtually), and more TBD

ABOUT GRASSROOTS COMEDY: Since 2015, Grassroots Comedy has worked towards our mission of making humans laugh while improving humanity. We’ve partnered with over 60 non-profit organizations to produce over 100 comedy shows raising awareness and funds for causes in need. We've created comedy videos, added a podcast, and continue to grow and build a community around using comedy as the ultimate force for change, peace, and happiness. Grassroots Comedy just received our nonprofit status and is transitioning to becoming a 501C3, which is an exciting opportunity to expand our offerings in service of our mission.

Proposed Workshop Dates: Sundays in DC or downtown Silver Spring (metro accessible), May 14-June 11(break for Memorial Day)
Finale show: June 17 at The Outrage (seats 50)  
APPLICATIONS will be reviewed on a rolling basis and must be submitted by midnight on April 23, 2023.