Improv Church

Improv Church

A night of improv comedy featuring some of the best comedians in the DC area. (For ages 14+) 

Last Saturdays of Each Month | 7PM 

Tickets Available at the Door, or in advance online using the button below.  (Ticket Donation: $10)

Buy Tickets Here
Why call it<br>Improv Church?

Why call it
Improv Church?

1. Well, it’s an improv comedy show that takes place in a church – so there’s that.

2. The pastor of said church gives the monologue that kicks off the improv comedy. She also happens to be an improv comedian who has performed across the country.

3. We think the church is the gathered people of God. That’s all of us. Improv is about connection – it’s about telling stories while highlighting the joy, failures, and foibles of real life. The Bible is full of those stories as well. We think there’s a cool opportunity to gather and enjoy a legit improv comedy show and explore the intersection of not just faith – but real life in community.

Besides — laughing together is good for the church — and for people who have no interest in the church. Just come. It’s good.

Ages 14+
This is a comedy show that will likely involve off-color language and scenarios. It’s completely improvised – and we’ve placed no restrictions on the comedians. The human condition can be hilarious – as can a well placed “bad” word. If these things offend you — this probably isn’t the church service for you.

Armando

Improv Church follows an improv comedy structure called the Armando. Traditionally it begins with a monologue that then inspires the improvisers to a series of scenes. That process repeats roughly half-way through the show. At improv church, instead of just a monologue, our pastor is offers a “homily” or short sermon/message. The improvisers have never heard it before. Everything they do on stage is completely made up on the spot. 

Normally sermons are one-way mediums. At Improv Church, you get to watch the concept or inspiration of the sermon explored in thematic, specific, hilarious, and completely absurd ways by a team of talented improvisers. It’s an experiment in comedy & faith. Expect the unexpected – but maybe go home laughing & with something to think about. 

Whether you are just exploring faith or have been following Christ for years, we believe you belong at Vine Church. 

At the conclusion of Improv Church, Communion & Prayer will be offered for anyone interested. You are invited to share in, or simply observe, each of these parts of worship.

Cast

Mike Bass

Mike trained in DC, Chicago, and NYC, and has performed with Washington Improv Theater as a member of its mainstage company, 161, (and Dr. Fantastic, Superbest, and countless others with fun names), as well as The Big Honkin, Comedy Sportz, and DC Menu. His comedy work has taken him to festivals in Chicago, New York, Philly, and Richmond, and even a film festival in Cannes. In his day job, he’s a writer/producer/director in marketing and communications. He is thrilled to play with old friends anytime he gets the chance.

Pete Bergen

Pete Bergen trained at Washington Improv Theater and The UCB Theater in Ny where he was accepted to their advanced study program. His days are spent teaching improv to middle and high schoolers all over the DMV and he is thrilled to be a part of this program.

David Johnson

David Johnson

Dave Johnson is an actor, improviser, and acting and improv teacher/coach with a B.A. in drama and an M.F.A. in acting. He has taught improv and theater since 2004 for numerous clients, such as Washington Improv Theater, Camp Arena Stage, Washington College, Ohio University, Mount St. Mary’s University, NextStop Theatre Co., Comedy Sportz, Richmond Improv Festival, North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival, Coalition Theater, Unified Scene Theater and Fairfax County Public Schools (among others). An acting and improv coach since 2005, he continues to act in films, on stage, and in web/TV shows and commercials.

Mikael Johnson

Mikael grew up in MD, cut his improv teeth in DC and now resides in Fairfax. He has been an improviser, actor, writer, and director in the Washington, DC area for over 20 years.

Molly Murchie

Molly Murchie has been improvising since 2001 when she began training with Washington Improv Theater. It changed her life, and she has the husband and two kids to prove it.

Back in the day, Molly was a founding member of the WIT ensemble Jackie and was one of the jerks in Dr. Fantastic. Most recently, she was a member of the WIT ensemble Hellcat. She performed in the WIT special project In Lieu of Flowers and is a former Fighting Improv Smackdown Tournament champion with the team Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch. She has also appeared in assorted scripted and immersive theater in DC, and she has told stories with SpeakEasy DC and Perfect Liars’ Club.

Molly is a fifth generation native Texan, a dog enthusiast, and one-time Jeopardy! loser.

Greer Smith

Greer Smith

Greer leapt into improv after classes at the DC Improv with Shawn Westfall and at Washington Improv Theater (WIT).  Greer was a performer in Comedy Sportz and The Blue Show at the legendary Comedy Spot in Ballston, Virginia, as well as member of iMusical and 161, both at WIT.  She has been honored to be invited to perform with DC Menu several times and is now delighted to be performing with a cast she admires and enjoys here at The Vine.

Kate Symes

Kate Symes

Kate has been performing and teaching improv comedy in the DC area since 2009. She trained at DC Improv, Washington Improv Theater, Second City, and Upright Citizens Brigade. She has performed with house teams, indie teams, and competition teams, in real live theaters, at corporate events, and at comedy festivals across the US. These lists are how you know she’s legit.

Katie Phillips

Katie Phillips

Katie joined the cast of SitcomBoston in 1999 and later mainstage ImprovBoston. As part of the artistic staff she developed a number of shows—including the first all female improv comedy troupe in the city: BostonCream. She performed with the longest running sketch comedy show in Boston, the “Orange Show” and was in the 2-woman show “Hamhocks” that was highlighted as part of the Funny Women Festival in Chicago.  She performed with Washington Improv Theater (WIT) and served as the Artistic Director for 2-years. She was part of the hit 3-person improv team “Biscuitville,” & has performed at festivals and comedy shows across the country. While mostly retired, Katie can still be found on the stage in DC from time-to-time performing with District Menu Comedy – and every Sunday preaching at Vine church.