Comedy Resources

If you're a comedian, or if you're looking to become one, here are some resources you might enjoy. You also might enjoy going to Denny's, their food is delicious. If you have suggestions for more listings on this page, please e-mail them to chris@dcstandup.com.

Comedy Classes

If you're interested, you can take classes in improv comedy, stand-up, writing ... you can send more listings to chris@dcstandup.com.

DC Improv Comedy School. Very popular. Regular classes in stand-up and improv comedy, plus occasional seminars on public speaking, the business of comedy and comedy writing.
The Comedy Spot. The home of ComedySportz (in Ballston Common Mall, No.Va.) teaches classes in improv comedy and also has occasional stand-up classes as well.
Washington Improv Theater. Offers improv classes of varying styles and skill level.
Magooby's Joke House. In fall 2008 Magooby's began offering comedy courses or private instruction in stand-up from Marc Unger. You can contact them for more information.

Promoters and Bookers

People who either organize comedy shows or can help you find comedians for any event.

DC Improv. The talent agency at the Improv provides entertainers for a wide variety of clients, including the White House Correspondents Dinner.
Standup Comedy To Go: Promoting weekly comedy in and around DC. Curt Shackelford runs numerous showcases and open mics.
Riot Act Entertainment.
Kaleidoscope Comedy: Running several open mics and events in the DC area since 2007.
Rob Maher. This comedian has been organizing shows at a number of different venues around DC, Maryland and Virginia since 2006.
Taglines Comedy. Comedian Mike Shader organizes weekly shows.
All Stars Comedy. Comedian Dave Tullis organizes shows at several venues in Virginia and DC.
First Laugh Entertainment. Jim Pate and Michael Smart organize shows in Northern Virginia.

Publicizing your Show

If you're putting on a show, there are a few places where you can have it listed at no cost. Here are a few -- if you have more, please e-mail chris@dcstandup.com!

Washington Post The Weekend section lists events as space permits. Mail notice--with date, time, address, cost, phone number--to the appropriate heading (Concerts, Nightclubs, On Stage, Carousel, On the Move, etc.), Weekend, The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20071-5650. Deadline is 10 days before publication date. For more information, call: 202/334-5292. If you're interested in paid advertising/display ads, call: 202/334-5126.
Washington City Paper: Send your show info to listings@washcp.com. Include the event name, a private phone contact (for the paper to call you, if they have questions), a public phone contact, date, location (including address), the cost, and a description. Events are published as space permits.
OnTap: This publication is distributed at bars and restaurants all over the DC area; they also have a Web site. You can e-mail the editorial director with information at events@ontaponline.com or you can send them regular mail: 4238 Wilson Blvd. Suite 3078 Arlington, VA 22203. Their fax number is 703-465-0500.
You can send event listings to The Onion's DC print edition at dccalendar@theonion.com.
The WashingtonPost.com City Guide (online online) accepts listings at events@washingtonpost.com. Include the name, date, location (w/ ZIP), ticket cost, public contact #, private contact # and a brief description.
Express, which people get free in the Metro, also has event listings: expressevents@readexpress.com.
There are free event listings at dcmessageboards.com.
The Washington Examiner lets you submit events via e-mail -- zap that to listings@event-source.com.
You can add listings to the CultureMob web site.
You can add listings to the Going.com web site.

Headshots

Established comedians and deluded psychotics alike usually end up getting headshots. Here are some people who can take your picture, and a few places to print them. Send more recommendations to chris@dcstandup.com.

Michael Woodward Photography. (202) 361-7713. Highly recommended by Chris White, Maureen O'Sullivan, several others. Affordable, with one print provided and a CD including the entire shoot.
Claire Newman Williams. Recommended by Shawn Westfall.
John H. Matthews Photography.
ABC Pictures. For making copies of your headshot ... recommended by Maureen O'Sullivan, Adam Ruben and more.
Tim Coburn. Kathryn Wilderotter reports that she's gotten a lot of compliments on headshots done by Tim. The session gives you a CD with all the shots plus one retouched print.
Photoscan. "We have been printing High Quality Lithographic Headshots Since 1989. Our prices start at 250 black-and-white 8x10 headshots for $74.00. We are located in Orlando, FL and Specialize in Mail Order."
Red Turtle Photography. From the improv troupe 5-6-7-8: "Wanted to add Katie Jett, Red Turtle Photography, to your list of headshot photographers. She has done headshots for my entire group, and two sets of promo photos for us so far. She's also going to do our upcoming show. We like her a lot. Everyone gets website access to their pictures (for that immediate gratification) and a photo CD of the entire shoot, no prints. "
Alexander Vasiljev. Jeffrey Frank Writes: "I am a student with WIT and have used Alexander for headshots for my real career."

CD/DVD Recording and Pressing

Anyone looking to record an album and then produce it has to shop around. Here are some vendors to consider. Send your recommendations to chris@dcstandup.com.

Joel Haas: Joel is an excellent sound engineer -- he can make (and mix and master) a very slick recording of any live comedy show.
Oasis CD: In Sperryville, Va. They run-off some high-quality CDs. Excellent customer service, decent turnaround time.
Jammin' Java: A fine (and affordable) recording venue ... in Vienna, Va.
Polinta: CD replication. Don't know much about them, but here's a link.
New England Compact Disc: Maybe a good option for fairly affordable CD runs ... including some of the smaller numbers (less than 1,000).