They say good living is to eat, drink and be merry. While you have the rest of RVAMag to get suggestions on where to eat and drink, I can help you find where to be merry with local comedy suggestions since what could be merrier than laughter? Although relatively young, Richmond’s comedy scene regularly offers a wide range of events with the option to partake as an audience member or participant.
You can catch regional and national acts at venues like Reveler, The Foundation (be sure to catch their showcase on the 30th!) and RVA Funny Bone. The Foundation also hosts regular open mics as well as a weekly writing room for women to practice or discuss comedy known as “Lady Days” (Sundays at 2). General manager Dante Holt says the club is “called The Foundation for a reason—so we can build on it”.
Other opportunities to learn about comedy include classes at Coalition Theater as well as weekly gatherings on comedian Monty Giles’s front stoop which he posts about in the RVA Standup Community Facebook group which is a place to keep up with local comedy events.
There are open mics multiple times weekly, many with their own distinct direction and vibes, like the lighthearted (nonsensical, actually) competition aspect of Champions at Coalition Theater or the snarky commentary at Basic City. All open mics are posted to the Comedy RVA site. One of its admins, local comic Emilie Erbland, also edits and helps publish the zine Comedy Underground Magazine (CUM), which accepts submissions if you like to be funny but are too shy to get on stage.
While some booked shows may have a cover fee (usually below $20), all open mics are free for both attendees and performers. Most venues serve snacks and drinks with some even offering full or limited menus so this is a great option for an affordable night out or date.
Last thing, you can catch up with all of our local comedy coverage HERE!
Mel Bee is a writer and historian who’s contributed to RVAMag sporadically since moving back to Richmond in 2011. You can also catch her on TikTok where she posts about architecture, history and design.
