Grads of the eighth cohort of the You Belong on Stage Standup Comedy Incubator for Underrepresented Genders take the stage!

People of underrepresented genders belong on stage, and amplifying the diverse voices of the DMV is critical. That's why comedian/educator Dana Fleitman created and launched the "You Belong on Stage" Standup Comedy Incubator in 2023. The Incubator is a cohort-based program that seeks new comics, from those who have never been on stage to those who have been performing for up to one year. The group meets for weekly workshops, getting the opportunity to network with other comedians (peers who are new in the space and seasoned comics), explore joke structure and formats, and – most of all – to build community and workshop material, culminating with THIS SHOW!

Cohort 8 has been hard at work with instructors Rosalie Rubio, Cat Hayes, and Charlia Harte — along with many illustrious guest instructors — to hone their 'tight 5' and bring some new energy into the DC comedy scene.

Get ready to celebrate these driven, talented, and HILARIOUS performers from cohort 8 of the incubator at their graduation show.