Greg Godbout had an unusual problem. A few years after launching the comedy program at the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse with business partner Tim Clark, he was selling out the 275-seat club with big-name acts like Trevor Noah, Jay Pharoah and Amy Schumer. But those shows left little room for rising stars. "The more famous comics that want to play," he says, "the less up-and-coming comics we can book."
So in 2010, the partners started dreaming up a new concept: A black box theater space where stand-up comics could take the stage one night -- and then improv shows or off-Broadway humor acts could take the next.
That idea has now given rise to the Drafthouse Comedy Theater, a downtown space not far from the D.C. Improv set to debut Jan. 29 with sets by veteran comic Todd Barry. Unlike general performing arts venues like the Warner Theatre that occasionally host comedians, Drafthouse Comedy will provide Washington with another local club exclusively dedicated to humor.
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With room to squeeze in about 150 guests and eight or so shows per weekend, the new space will feature rising comics like Ali Wong and Janine Brito. Godbout hopes the intimate venue will also foster a new audience -- college students who might not be willing to make the trek to northern Virginia.
Though the downtown venue will sometimes host the same acts as its older sibling, comedians who charge pricey booking fees will mostly stick to Arlington, where the loyal audience, spacious quarters and full-service restaurant help ensure steady earnings. Drafthouse Comedy will offer wine, beer, liquor and light dishes and won't enforce minimum purchases.
And even though patrons might not find Schumer at the new venue, Godbout predicts they'll still be in for plenty of laughs. "They're not expensive comics. They're not stratospheric," he says. "But they're really high quality."
Drafhouse Comedy, 1100 13th St. NW. www.drafthousecomedy.com.
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