Because of the nature of the casting being sort of random (no troupes or teams) the players were not always aware who would be playing when they arrived. Early in the shows history a player (we think it was Katie Klein), asked "Who is on the Menu tonight?" We liked the way it sounded and when we looked backstage at our de facto home of the DC Arts Center, there happened to be a stack of menus back
stage. It just seems like the universe was telling us something. What is District Menu? DMC is all about having fun. Our stand up showcases bring out the best and our monthly improv mash up brings together groups of folks that don't usually play together and brings out the best players in DC that you just don't get a chance to see that much. It has jokingly and lovingly been called the "seniors tour" of the improv scene. These shows are also a destination for high level players when they come to town. Some of them are listed here:
UCB- Ari Voukydis, Anthony Atamanuik, Will Hines, Ryan Karels, Alan Starzinski, John Timothy, Amey Goerlich, Terry Withers, Ben Rameaka, Eddie Dunn, Kerry McGuire, Kate Sidley, Tim Martin
MAGNET- Amie Roe
ANNOYANCE- Megan Johns
PHIT- Kristen Schier
COOK COUNTY- Mark Ratterman
SECOND CITY- Katie Klein, Stephanie Anderson, Tyler Davis, Ryan Asher, Sayjal Joshi, Chucho Perez
IO- Neil Jacobsen, Mary Catherine Curran
RCC- Patrick Gantz
ENGLAND- Lloydie
BIG- Kathryn Carlsen, Heather Moyer, Josh Kuderna, Ti Coleman
Our stand up shows also put the emphasis on quality comedy and quality people. The best comics from DC and beyond love our shows because it is a chance for them to do longer and more proven sets! We are also very proud of our benefit shows on behalf of sexual assault survivors with all proceeds going to Natasha's Justice Project. We have raised over $80,000 to help eradicate the backlog of unprocessed rape kits.
