After more than 25 years of renting shared spaces, WIT will finally manage its own creative hub! This is a one-of-a-kind arts center space will establish a creative hub connecting DMV residents of all backgrounds, inspiring joy and connection at a time when it is needed most.
Our new venue is an expression of radical optimism and creative energy. Amid a nationwide loneliness epidemic, our theater will serve as a much-needed antidote to growing anxiety and isolation, making a home for creativity and laughter.
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The Venue: A Theater Custom-designed for WIT’s Unique Needs
Our long-awaited permanent space in NoMa (1226 3rd St. NE) is a hybrid theater, education and corporate training facility, and community hub—a place where face-to-face connection and transformative laughter replace workaholic “grind” culture. Our new home will feature:
- A versatile 110-seat performance space equipped with new, state-of-the-art equipment tailored specifically for our flexible needs.
- Seven accessible classrooms that will provide ideal learning environments for our students and WIT@Work organizational trainees, as well as rehearsal spaces for our performers.
- A café/bar featuring drinks on tap and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating for audiences and artists to form connections.
WHY DC NEEDS WIT
Read our brochure about why our theater isn't just a comedy venue. By creating community and fortifying the spirits of DMV residents, WIT's new space addresses critical needs in the District.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has WIT been searching for a space?
We have been searching for a permanent home for WIT for a decade. During this search, we conducted 27 different site visits across all four quadrants of DC.
Why is this the right space for WIT?
This is the best opportunity we’ve met. The difference with this opportunity is that our landlord recognizes the value WIT brings to the community and wants us in the space. We’ve negotiated an extremely competitive monthly rent as well as nearly $1M from the builder to fit out the space. With economic and political uncertainty, the conditions aren’t likely to get better. This space is custom-designed to fit all of WIT’s unique needs, and autonomy over our venue will unlock artistic possibilities and allow us to greatly expand our programming.
How much will it cost?
Securing Washington Improv Theater’s permanent home is a $4 million endeavor. We are devoting a half million dollars from our cash reserves to support the project, and our landlord has granted us a generous Tenant Improvement Allowance to build basic infrastructure. Your contribution will help us bridge the remaining gap.
How can I support the project?
The simplest way to make a difference is by donating directly through our secure giving page. You can also become a Campaign Ambassador to rally others. Learn more about becoming an Ambassador on our dedicated web page.
If you are interested in learning about exclusive naming rights opportunities for spaces within the theater, email dan@witdc.org.
Become an Ambassador
Improv is all about the team—saying “Yes, And” to a shared goal and building something incredible together. WIT’s capital campaign is no different. While every individual gift brings us closer to our $4 million goal, teaming up with your friends, fellow students, or performance ensemble members can exponentially multiply your impact and help us cross the finish line.
Whether you are fundraising with classmates, teammates, or another group of friends, team fundraising is a powerful way to leverage your network and turn a personal commitment into a collective movement. By rallying your circle, you don’t just raise money; you share the radical optimism and creative energy of WIT with others.
See the Space
As part of our design process, DMArchitects produced these renderings to help capture WIT's new space.
Campaign Updates
WIT welcomes five new members to its board of directors
Washington Improv Theater is thrilled to announce the addition of five new members to its board of directors.
Our New Neighborhood
Our long-awaited permanent space at 1226 3rd St. NE is situated in the heart of the thriving NoMa neighborhood. This dynamic location offers unparalleled access, being just steps from the NoMa-Gallaudet U Metro station (Red Line). The area boasts an eclectic mix of amenities, including a nearby Trader Joe’s, major retail anchors, diverse restaurants, and the vibrant Union Market.