It all started in 2015 when DC-based non-profit workers and comedians Matt Dundas and Chris Blackwood attempted to expand the comedy scene in the Nation's capital with the creation of Grassroots Comedy DC (GCDC). For the first year of GCDC's existence, they worked to produce an array of stand-up comedy shows throughout the area, yet there was one thing missing: a consistent audience.
In November of 2016, that all changed. With a sudden and unexpected shift in national leadership and policies impacting so many issues near and dear to their crunchy comedy hearts, they saw an opportunity. Many people (particularly in cities like DC) were stressed out to the max, with uncertainties in causes they cared dearly about, and in many cases for DC residents, even their own job security. Matt and Chris thought that these people (themselves included) could really use some levity, along with a sense of doing something to help. So they did what they knew best to help make people feel better- they produced a comedy show (of course), but this time made it a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood packed with some of the best comedians in the Mid-Atlantic region, about two weeks before the 2017 Women's March.
In under 48 hours, they had sold nearly 200 tickets. It seemed like they were onto something. So they did it again the next month, this time with a fundraiser for La Clinica Del Pueblo - a DC-based organization that supports local immigrants with a variety of health care services, and once again with a stellar lineup of some of the area's greatest comedians. Again, they quickly sold the show out and had people asking when the next one would be. The rest is history.
Between then and September of 2021, GCDC has partnered with 53 non-profit organizations to produce over 65 comedy show fundraisers for causes aimed at improving the world through laughter. 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. Join us!
In November of 2016, that all changed. With a sudden and unexpected shift in national leadership and policies impacting so many issues near and dear to their crunchy comedy hearts, they saw an opportunity. Many people (particularly in cities like DC) were stressed out to the max, with uncertainties in causes they cared dearly about, and in many cases for DC residents, even their own job security. Matt and Chris thought that these people (themselves included) could really use some levity, along with a sense of doing something to help. So they did what they knew best to help make people feel better- they produced a comedy show (of course), but this time made it a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood packed with some of the best comedians in the Mid-Atlantic region, about two weeks before the 2017 Women's March.
In under 48 hours, they had sold nearly 200 tickets. It seemed like they were onto something. So they did it again the next month, this time with a fundraiser for La Clinica Del Pueblo - a DC-based organization that supports local immigrants with a variety of health care services, and once again with a stellar lineup of some of the area's greatest comedians. Again, they quickly sold the show out and had people asking when the next one would be. The rest is history.
Between then and September of 2021, GCDC has partnered with 53 non-profit organizations to produce over 65 comedy show fundraisers for causes aimed at improving the world through laughter. 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. Join us!