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Applications for Summer 2025 now open
Women and genderqueer folx belong on stage, and amplifying the diverse voices of the DMV is critical. That's why comedian/educator Dana Fleitman created and launched the "You Belong on Stage" Standup Comedy Incubator in 2023 at Grassroots Comedy (check them out!). Five cohorts and nearly 50 graduates later, she is delighted to continue this program in partnership with program alumni under the auspices of the Just Kidding Comedy Collective!
The Incubator is a cohort-based program that seeks new comics, from those who have never been on stage to those who have been performing for up to one year. The group meets for weekly workshops, getting the opportunity to network with other comedians (peers who are new in the space and seasoned comics), explore joke structure and formats, and – most of all – to build community and workshop material, culminating with a graduation showcase in DC!
WHY?
The Washington, D.C. area has a thriving comedy scene. As in most places, the majority of standup 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, trans, and non-binary individuals (particularly those of color, religious minorities, those with disabilities, and others) may be (understandably) 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.
WHO IS INVOLVED?
The program was founded and designed by Dana Fleitman, a comedian and educator who has performed standup comedy for over a decade and has a Master of Arts in Education, if you're into that kind of thing. Rosalie Rubio and Auriel Haack -- both program alumns and talented comedians -- are the primary instructors for the class. Guest instructors have included Stacey Axler, Bria Beddoe, Jenny Cavallero, Yasmin Elhady, Shelley Kim, Arzoo Malhotra, Natalie McGill (joining virtually), Elizabeth Norman, Kasha Patel, Blaire Postman, Chelsea Shorte, and more!
Applications for Summer 2025 now open
Not sure about applying? See what our grads have to say!
Some program alumni go on to perform throughout the DMV and beyond, booked on (and producing) shows at venues like the DC Improv, The Comedy Loft, DC Arts Center, and more. Others simply enjoy the class as an exciting experience of its own. What our grads all have in common is that they love the program! When asked to rate how likely they would be to recommend the class, our exit surveys show an average score of 4.8/5.
Check out what our program alumni are saying:
"I'd be thinking about trying stand-up comedy for over a year before I joined the incubator program but had struggled to find open mics and have the confidence to perform for the first time. The incubator program, and Dana's amazing coaching, allowed me to explore this form in community with other women and non-binary comics who gave me the feedback and support I needed to dive in head first."
"If you are not sure if you should do this class, DO IT. Even if you don't end up doing stand-up regularly, you will learn and grow a ton around self-confidence, presentation, public speaking, and finding and using your voice, and you'll meet some awesome, smart, lovely people in the process. This is a warm, supportive environment in which to try something new and to do a very brave thing in a way that is accessible and manageable. There is 0 downside to giving this a try if you're even remotely called to it." -- Lisa Kays, Cohort 2
"Though this class really allowed me to explore my high school theater kid psyche, I'm not being dramatic when I say this class changed my life. We were given an extraordinary amount of incredibly helpful resources, including learning the foundations of how to craft a funny joke (it's harder than you think!), a guide of local open mics to check out... and a network of truly amazing, inspiring, and hilarious guest comics who helped us further hone our sets. Dana and the TAs managed to create an environment that was wholeheartedly accepting, supportive, and collaborative in a way I have never experienced in any other facet of my life. Which might sound sad at first, but when you join the class you'll immediately understand what I mean. TL;DR - Apply to this incubator because it's fun and supportive and you'll graduate from the cohort with lifelong friends who are genuinely the funniest people you'll ever meet in your life!" -- Nicole Lado, Cohort 3
The You Belong on Stage Comedy Incubator is a DC gem. It not only provides a welcoming, safe space for BIPOC and Non-Binary Folx, but it does so in a way that genuinely teaches you the skills to successfully create a tight five set. Our cohort showcase was a success not just because we all made it on stage without passing out but we made people genuinely laugh. And we had fun doing it. And most importantly -- we all plan to do it again. DC has 10 new funny folx on the scene because of this program." -- Michelle Kanna, Cohort 4
"I took this class because I knew I wanted to continue exploring comedy but was feeling intimidated and lacked confidence in my abilities. I’m leaving this class really excited and motivated to continue comedy in DC and I’m very grateful to all of you for this experience!" -- Em Knepp, Cohort 5
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