DC is facing tough times. That's why "Laughing Matters" more than ever. As part of this campaign, Washington Improv Theater is helping people in the DC area find resilience, connection, and joy through the art of improv. It's time to fight uncertainty with optimism (and play)!
In the face of political upheaval and economic uncertainty, WIT believes that prioritizing joy is an essential act of self-care and resistance. Our community is feeling the pressure and we are committed to fortifying people’s spirits. Laughing Matters is a declaration of solidarity with the residents of the DMV. We’re using the transformative power of improvisation to forge connections, build resilience, and fuel the movement for a stronger city.
That’s why we’re bringing our mission off the stage and into the heart of the community. The Laughing Matters campaign unites these activities, which are designed to support past and current federal workers, as well as people impacted by the government shutdown. Because we believe that Community Over Chaos is powered by play.
Our evolving campaign includes:
• Improv for All Workshops: Monthly free introductory workshops intended specifically for current and former federal employees. These workshops are made possible through the support of our host venue The Potter’s House in Adams Morgan.
• Targeted Performances: Our performances regularly highlight the value and importance of what federal employees bring to the community and the role they play in service of the country and the greater good. For example, our science-focused ensemble The Hypothesis includes federal workers on its cast and they often interview individuals involved in work and research that relies on government funding. We also regularly spotlight people, who are doing good in DC (and the world) such as 826 DC Executive Director Robyn Lingo, former USAID employee and current democracy advocate Franc O’Malley, and Reporters Without Borders Executive Director Clayton Weimers. WIT is also offering deeply discounted tickets to our fall performances for anyone impacted by the shutdown (in addition to our ongoing commitment to provide low-cost tickets to every show).
• Free classes: On an ad hoc basis, WIT has offered free classes to federal employees who have lost their jobs. To date, seven students have received this scholarship for a Level 1 class. These opportunities are announced via social media so follow us on Instagram to be the first to know about future class openings.
• Skills-building Workshops: Via a series of free virtual workshops, our organizational training arm WIT@Work has helped former federal employees experience joy while learning real-world skills like how to effectively communicate and project confidence when interviewing or negotiating.
You deserve a break, a laugh, and the strength to keep fighting the good fight. Join the Laughing Matters movement — a growing network of resilient DC area residents who are choosing joy, connection, and play, no matter what.
Pictured: An improv workshop for past and present federal employees held in July 2025. The workshop and instructor Richie Khanh (front row, far right) were profiled in an article for The New Yorker.
Improv for All
Sign up for an Improv for All workshop by looking at our calendar. Our targetted workshops for federal employees fill up quickly (registration opens a month before each workshop), but we also offer regular, free workshops all over DC every month.
Laughing Matters Updates
WIT launches Laughing Matters campaign to lift and fortify spirits in the DMV
Laughing Matters is our rallying cry to fight uncertainty with play.
WIT to continue offering joy and community for federal workers throughout 2025
Since the start of the year, WIT has engaged in several outreach initiatives aimed at current and former federal workers. Those efforts, including monthly free workshops, are set to continue until at least the end of the year.
You Deserve a Laugh: WIT presents a free improv workshop for federal workers
Tap into your creativity and enjoy some much-needed laughter.
Make Space For Joy on March 1: WIT to Stage Back-to-Back Free Workshops
We’re scheduling four back-to-back workshops at Studio Theater that are open to anyone and everyone who needs to find their joy.
In the News
As the class wrapped up, [Richie] Khanh gathered the group for a pep talk. “What we do is very important, and it matters,” he said. “So thank you all for showing up and finding some time for joy. Let’s give ourselves another big round of applause.” — The New Yorker
Coverage in the media
• “Yes, And” for Downsized Federal Workers — The New Yorker (Illustration of Richie Khanh by João Fazenda courtesy of The New Yorker.)
• WIT’s discounted ticket offers for furloughed federal workers have been mentioned by Axios and in The Washington Post and Washingtonian.
• USA Today: WIT has long been committed to supporting furloughed federal workers. Watch this video coverage of WIT’s activities during the government shutdown in 2019.
Want to get involved?
The Laughing Matters campaign is constantly evolving. We’d love for you to be involved with your ideas on how we can support DC residents.
Just like in improv, all it takes is for someone to act on one idea and the rest of the team will lend support! If you have an idea for us or want to offer support, contact us at wit@witdc.org.