Looking for a good time that doesn’t involve smirking ironically at rapping kangaroos or enjoying a mean-spirited laugh as the Capitol Steps fumble obvious political humor? You won’t find it on the Hilltop—but you might find it down a narrow set of steps in a tucked-away nightclub called the D.C. Improv.
The Improv recently hosted stand-up comic and Georgetown alumnus Mike Birbiglia (CAS ‘00), who headlined for three nights. While still a student at Georgetown, Birbiglia worked as a doorman at the club before beginning to appear behind the mic as a featured comic. Birbiglia’s set, which is largely observational humor, covers typical stand-up material; relationships, human foibles, panda porn, etc. During his performance, he delved into college-related material for the benefit of the Georgetown students who attended, covering topics familiar to students like stealing from the cafeteria and talking shit about your roommate without them find out. Unfortunately, this was the only form of engagement with the audience he achieved, as he preferred to recite his established routine from memory rather than improvise or interact with the audience. His set also suffered when he dwelt on his own whiteness (“cracka’ please”), or when he would spend too much time deconstructing rap lyrics and pointing out their flaws—obvious territory that he exploits too much for easy laughs.
What makes the D.C. Improv so successful both here in D.C. and in terms of Improv clubs nationwide (there are about 15 that bear the franchise Improv name) are its exclusivity and its standards for comics. “Not just anyone can come up and perform,” said Allyson Jaffe, a manager and part-time comic at the club, “They have to be funny, they can’t just come up here and tell dick jokes all night.” That isn’t to say that the club screens specifically for clean or wholesome comics (for the same reason that you can’t think of a PG-rated movie that is funny). Their main concern is with bringing comics who are funny and in-demand.
The club itself sits off of Connecticut Avenue downtown, down a narrow set of steps situated in front of a number of storefront window displays. The only comedy club in the District, the Improv’s interior boasts a white and black checkerboard floor tile that leads to a ticket window, with a counter on the right serving food and drinks. Further in is the main room, with its lighted, brick-wall-backed stage standing in contrast to the all-black walls, ceiling and tables scattered throughout the room.
So if your Mr. Show DVD is scratched beyond repair and you’ve seen Super Troopers so many times that the idea of Afghanistanimation isn’t as funny as it used to be, the D.C. Improv might be able to help. And while not every comic the club hosts is sure to be pure gold (raise your hand, Paula Poundstone), at least it promises to never let Carrot Top perform again.
The D.C. Improv is located at 1140 Connecticut Ave., N.W. More information can be found at www.dcimprov.com.
