Washington Improv Theater (WIT) has announced that it plans to establish a one-of-a-kind performance, learning, and organizational training center in the heart of DC’s Northeast neighborhood of NoMa — one of the fastest-growing parts of the city.
The theater has signed a 30-year lease on a 10,735 square foot space at 1222 3rd St. NE that will house a 110-seat theater on the ground level and seven training/rehearsal rooms downstairs. There will also be a small café/bar with outdoor seating.
To design its new home, WIT has engaged the local architectural firm DMArchitects, owned by D. Matthew Alexander, an improviser himself who specializes in creating venues that bring people together. WIT expects next steps, including completing the design, permitting, and construction phases, to take just over a year.
WIT is currently in its fourth year of artistic residence at Studio Theatre in Northwest DC, where its performances take place. At present, classes and rehearsals are spread out at rented locations across the District, including local art facilities, churches, and flexible work spaces.
Making Space for Joy
As the only nonprofit improvisational theater in the DC, WIT is 28 years deep into its mission to facilitate joy and self-discovery through creative collaboration and building community, such as the Laughing Matters initiative for current and ex-federal workers that it started in March.
“WIT has always used improv comedy as a force for social good, so we’re embracing this opportunity to grow our audiences and give more people the chance to explore just how transformative this artform can be,” says WIT’s Artistic and Executive Director, Mark Chalfant.
“Improv has always offered play as a remedy for DC’s work-centered, daily grind culture. Now, when division and social isolation are rife, WIT serves as a beacon for joy and connection, and we need those more than ever,” he adds.
Opportunity for Growth and Autonomy
Slated to open in January 2027, the new space grants WIT the long-sought means to radically expand all of its programming: shows, classes, and WIT@Work — its professional development arm.
Having a permanent home of its own will enable WIT to operate year-round, allowing for roughly 450 shows per year — a threefold increase over its current capacity. They also expect to double the number of adult improv class enrollments each year to around 2,200.
For the first time, WIT@Work will be able to host on-site retreats and workshops for nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies on topics such as leadership skills development, team building, and effective communications.
“Having control over our space and scheduling will give us the agency and agility we’ve dreamed of for decades,” says Chalfant. “Being able to respond to current events — like the recent government shutdown, when we gave furloughed employees $5 seats to see shows and free spots in our classes — and make quick decisions about how to deploy venue resources is crucial.
“After searching for this kind of opportunity for over 10 years, we’re delighted to have found the right neighborhood and the right landlord at just the right time,” he adds.
A Cultural Asset for NoMa
There are numerous advantages to moving to a location that is just steps from the Metro (the red line’s NoMa-Gallaudet stop) and the Metropolitan Branch Trail, as well as an easy stroll from Capitol Hill, H Street NE, and Union Station.
The vibrant bar and restaurant scene in and around Union Market — popular with locals and visitors alike — makes NoMa an attractive spot for a top-tier improv comedy venue and school like WIT. NoMa is known as the most successful live/work/play neighborhood in the District and WIT is eager to amplify the “play” ratio in that equation.
“We think this will be a productive reciprocal relationship,” says Chalfant of the move to NoMa. “WIT is usually part of a night out for folks, and NoMa gives tons of options for filling in the other parts. Conversely, our classes and WIT@Work workshops will draw regular daytime and evening traffic to NoMa that otherwise would not be there, which we think will support nearby businesses.”
President and CEO of the NoMa Business Improvement District, Maura Brophy, says, “Washington Improv Theater brings a rare blend of creativity, community-building, and cultural vibrancy, all qualities that reflect the spirit of NoMa. We’re thrilled to welcome them as a new cultural anchor in NoMa, and look forward to the connections, laughter, and new audiences they will bring to the neighborhood.”
