DC Improv: Frequently Asked Questions / Policies

These rules were delivered to us on stone tablets by Moses himself. The rules on the smashed tablet were mostly about shutting off your phone during the show.

The show I want is sold out, but I found someone selling tickets online. Can I be sure they're legit?

1) We do not work with any ticket re-sale sites.

2) We have a will call only system, so anyone promising to send you tickets (by mail or e-mail) is likely a scammer. There are no tickets, PDF or otherwise, to send you.

3) If a seller wants someone else to pick up their ticket at will call, the seller must call the Improv and verify their identity before giving us the name of the person picking up the ticket (i.e. you). If you're buying a ticket second-hand, it's up to you to verify that the seller has done this. If we don't have your name in advance from the person selling the ticket, we can deny you admission to the show.

4) If we are aware that tickets are being "re-sold" at more than their original price, we will not facilitate such transfers.

What's your "bad weather" policy?

We have the same policy as most live entertainment venues: The show must go on! If our performers and staff can make it to the club, then shows proceed as scheduled. (No refunds, ticket exchanges or cancellations.) On the rare occasions when we must cancel a show due to inclement weather, all ticket holders will be contacted directly to discuss their options. If you're braving bad weather to attend a show, don't forget that public transportation is a great option. The Improv is less than a block from the Farragut North Metro station.

What's your policy on refunds / exchanges / cancellations?

We operate like most entertainment venues: All sales are final. (This goes for both comedy events AND comedy classes.) Whether you purchase tickets online, over the phone, at the box office, with a credit card or with cash, there are no refunds, exchanges or cancellations. The exception to this rule is when a performance is canceled. If the show or class you bought tickets for no longer exists, you will get your money back.

How long are shows?

Most stand-up comedy shows last 90 - 120 minutes. The show length really depends on the headliner.

What are your box office hours?

You can buy tickets to any DC Improv show through this website, at any time of day. But if you want to buy your tickets (or a gift card, etc.) in person or over the phone, here are the times you can generally reach us. (Please note that this schedule can change on very short notice; you can always call ahead to make sure we're open before heading to the club.)

• • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday through Thursday: 12:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. on days when there are shows. 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. on days when there are no scheduled shows.
  • Friday & Saturday: 1:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Please note that the box office may be closed on any day that no evening show is scheduled.

What's the deal with the two-item minimum?

The Improv (like most comedy clubs) requires that you purchase two items from the menu when you come to see a show. This can be any combination of food, drinks, coffee or dessert.

What's the earliest I can get in to the club?

Check your receipt for the "doors open" time. If customers arrive before that time, they will form a line to enter the venue when doors open.

How can I get the best seats possible?

Regularly, the first show each night is seated according to the time of your arrival. The earlier you arrive at the club, the more options you will have for seating (although the size of your party may affect which seating options are available to you). The later shows have assigned seating, according to the time of ticket purchase. (Meaning the earlier you buy your tickets, the better your seats will be.) Seating for late shows usually begins a half-hour before showtime -- but please be advised that there may be delays if an earlier show runs long. Also, large groups will not be seated in the front 2 rows. If you purchased tickets to a later show and would like to be seated together with another party, please call the Improv at 202-296-7008 and inform us ahead of time.

The exception to this system is events in our lounge showroom. All shows in our lounge are seated by time of arrival.

How can I purchase tickets?

Tickets can be purchased over the phone (202-296-7008) or through this website. There is a service charge per ticket when they are purchased over the phone or online. Tickets are also available at our box office  -- no service fees apply when tickets are purchased in person.

What exactly do you mean by reserved tables? And VIP tickets? 

If you buy a "reserved table" that means you will not be sharing your table with another party. The locations of the reserved tables are fixed in the showroom.

Some performers (but not all) opt to have VIP tickets for their shows. At a bare minimum, this means you will be seated in the "VIP section" -- generally, the first few rows of tables right in front of the stage. If the VIP ticket includes more perks -- such as a photo op with the performer or a piece of merchandise -- we list those perks on the online ticketing pages. 

Do I get physical tickets?

Nope! The DC Improv's ticketing works like a restaurant reservation. When you buy tickets, we put your name (and the size of your party) in our ticketing system. When you come to the show, check in at the box office by giving us your name and showing a photo ID.

Something came up and I can't attend. Can I give my tickets to a friend?

Yes, and what a nice friend you are. Call the box office (202-296-7008 x0) and tell them you want a friend to pick up your tickets. After we verify your identity, you can give us the name of the person who will be using your tickets.

My friends and I bought tickets separately. Can we sit together?

Yes. Call the Improv (202-296-7008 x0) ahead of time and tell us which other people you want to be seated with. Please note that we might not be able to accommodate requests made the day of the show . This is absolutely necessary if you want to sit together for a "late" show in our main room (usually a 9:00, 9:30, 9:45 or 11:00 showtime), as those shows have assigned seating.

Will I have a table to myself?

The smallest tables at the Improv seat four, and when shows are sold out or crowded we have to use most of the seats. That means you might share a table with another party during the show. Make new friends! (PLEASE NOTE: Some shows have "reserved" seating available, where you are buying out an entire table. If you get a reserved seating ticket, you will have a table to yourself.)

Does the DC Improv have a dress code?

We feel very strongly that all clients should wear at least some clothing. But other than that, the dress code is casual.

Can I bring a minor to the Improv?

DC Improv shows (and comedy classes) are 18 and over. If there is an exception for a particular show or class, it will be noted on the website.

What's the deal with airline peanuts?

I know! It's like, you call this a snack? Thank god you can wash down all that food with the 2 ounces of soda they give you, right?

Stairs can be a problem for someone in my group. Is there an elevator? And can you accommodate wheelchairs?

Yes! When you arrive at the club call the box office (202-296-7008) and request assistance. One of our staff members will escort you to the building's elevator. Also, if someone in your party is using a wheelchair, it's always a good idea to call us and alert us as soon as you get the tickets -- there are a few spots in our showroom that are much better for wheelchair access, and we may be able to set one of those areas aside for you.

Can I bring in stuff to celebrate a birthday?

You cannot bring in a birthday cake, candles or balloons. Cupcakes are allowed, but you must call the Improv in advance (202-296-7008 x0) to let us know that you're bringing them.

Does the Improv sell gift cards?

We sure do. Gift cards may be purchased at any time over the phone, on this website or in person. Gift cards may be used for tickets and/or food and drink inside the showroom.

Can I sleep over Billy's house tonight?

It's fine with the Improv if it's fine with your mother.