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You Belong On Stage Comedy Incubator
The Washington, D.C. area has a thriving comedy scene, but like most places, the majority of stand‑up shows are primarily made up of male comedians, and open mics can be intimidating environments—especially for female‑identifying, trans, and non‑binary individuals, particularly those of color, religious minorities, those with disabilities, and others who may understandably feel daunted by going alone to a bar at night with few other non‑cis‑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 believes that women and non‑binary folx belong on stage and that amplifying the diverse voices of the DMV is critical. In spring 2023, Grassroots created and launched a new incubator program for women and non‑binary folx—it was so much fun that we did it again, seeking new comics from those who have never been on stage to those performing for up to one year. The group meets for weekly workshops, building community, exploring joke structure and formats, networking with peers and seasoned comics, and workshopping material, culminating in a graduation showcase in DC. As of May 2025, the Grassroots Comedy You Belong on Stage Comedy Incubator has spread its wings and taken a new form in the brand‑new Just Kidding Comedy Collective; it has been an honor to host and grow the incubator, and we’re excited to see it evolve in its new home. The GrassCast The official podcast of Grassroots Comedy! Host/GC Co-Founder Chris Blackwood and rotating comedian guest hosts dive into pressing causes of our times (climate change, immigration, racial equity, etc.- basically anything that’s been keeping liberals up at night over the past five+ years), with spoonfuls of comedy to help the anxiety go down. Each episode covers a different cause and features a representative from an organization that works on it, providing insights on the good fight to make the world a better place, and how you the listener can help. If that’s not enough, there are also topical clips from some of the funniest up and coming comedians today (taken directly from GC’s live comedy shows) throughout. Cheaper, healthier, and more informative than Xanax! Listen today to learn about something important and how to be a part of it while laughing throughout! New episodes are currently on hiatus, but will be returning soon! |
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