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 (now Grassroots Comedy). For the first year of their existence, they produced 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 implementation of policies impacting so many issues near and dear to their crunchy comedic hearts, they saw an opportunity. Many people in DC were stressed out to the max about causes they cared about deeply and 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 they made the show a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood a few weeks before the 2017 Women’s March, featuring some of the best comedians in the Mid-Atlantic region.
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 now, we have partnered with over 60 non-profit organizations to produce over 100 comedy shows for causes in need. 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. Now as a non-profit, Grassroots Comedy is building our capacity and expanding our programs to reach a wider audience and have a more significant impact.
Join us!
In November of 2016, that all changed. With a sudden and unexpected shift in national leadership and implementation of policies impacting so many issues near and dear to their crunchy comedic hearts, they saw an opportunity. Many people in DC were stressed out to the max about causes they cared about deeply and 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 they made the show a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood a few weeks before the 2017 Women’s March, featuring some of the best comedians in the Mid-Atlantic region.
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 now, we have partnered with over 60 non-profit organizations to produce over 100 comedy shows for causes in need. 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. Now as a non-profit, Grassroots Comedy is building our capacity and expanding our programs to reach a wider audience and have a more significant impact.
Join us!
