Hear ye, hear ye, good folks of Richmond Virginia! We, the people, have an alluring opportunity to move our small yet ambitious comedy community forward through (1.) teamwork, (2.) pizzas, and (3.) a minimum pledge of one dollar. Favorite local comedy troupe the Richmond Comedy Coalition needs our help with building their very own all-American headquarters in the Arts District of Downtown Richmond, Virginia, right near your best friend’s apartment (look it up). But they’re not asking to borrow your truck/van/SUV/Landspeeder just yet... The crew is asking for donations via computers; via the internet; via Kickstarter.
In recentcoverage of Richmond’s fledgling comedy scene, we explored the city’s lack of alternative comedy venues and shows (and Ikeas). Throughout the years, venues such as Gallery 5 and Steady Sounds have develop into the city’s alternative comedy hotspots, hosting the semi-monthly “Midnight Suggestion” and showcasing a variety of Richmond Comedy Coalition shows.
Local comedy show producer Johnny Hugel suggests that Richmond comedy needs a defined foundation in order to grow, one that’ll cultivate laughs the same way that the elves cultivate… cookies. With the Comedy Coalition running the gamut of Richmond comedy and putting on three improv shows a month, it’s no surprise that the crew is ready to saddle up and settle in its own permanent space. Along with the RCC’s regular monthly show and “Richmond Famous,” a monthly improv series inspired by true stories told by local celebrities, the Coalition also offers improv classes to any and all living beings who can utter the words, “yes, and.”
A permanent RCC building would be a great chance to expand the local community for all elements of comedy, including sketch, stand-up, variety, experimental, and of course, improv (or “improve” according to my autocorrect. I obviously should’ve added improv to my dictionary by now). They’ll be able to have more shows on a regular basis, provide a stage for all ranges of comedy, and be able to offer more classes, more often.
Some of the prizes include buttons, T-shirts, engraved mason jars, a day thrift store shopping with founding RCC member Katie Holcomb, assistance in leveling up your Diablo III character, a guest spot on Richmond Famous, and for $2,000, a laser-etched VIP card that’ll get you lifetime access to all regular shows (already has 1 backer)! The goal is set at $25,000 with only about 2 days left. At this very moment all of our hearts are pounding, our knees are shaking, and our eyes are sweating. SO COME ON RVA, GET OUT THERE AND ROCK THE VOTE! And please don’t forget to donate as well.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO RICHMOND COMEDY COALITION'S KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN!
The Richmond Comedy Coalition will also be hosting a live comedy marathon at The Shop on Friday, May 3rd from 8 PM-12 PM in order to help raise funds and close out the donations drive. The event will be streamed live and include guest performances throughout the night. Find out more at the facebook event page.