Stand-Up Showcase
Stand-Up Showcase brings four comedians to the DC Improv for a multi-night showcase featuring performers from the Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and broader national comedy scenes. The show presents a range of comedic styles in an intimate club setting, with audiences seeing emerging talent and performers who have shared stages with established headliners.
The lineup includes John Jacobs, Denise Taylor, Ontonio Kareem, and Bob Holden. The showcase is presented in the DC Improv lounge and generally runs for approximately 90 minutes.
When: October 9–11, 2026
Showtimes: Friday at 7:30 and 9:45; Saturday at 7:00 and 9:30; Sunday at 7:00
Tickets: $26.50, including service charges
Lineup: John Jacobs, Denise Taylor, Ontonio Kareem, and Bob Holden
John Jacobs: A Washington, D.C., native, Jacobs appeared on the first season of Netflix’s “Are You the One?” and season 26 of MTV’s “The Challenge.” He has opened for Anthony Jeselnik, Margaret Cho, Doug Stanhope, Kevin Nealon, Nick Swardson, and other prominent comedians, and performs at clubs, colleges, and cabarets nationwide. His Instagram is @maybachdiamonds.
Denise Taylor: Taylor began pursuing comedy after a fourth-grade teacher dubbed her a “ringleader” for entertaining classmates. Her sharp writing and commanding stage presence have led to opening spots for Judah Friedlander, Chris Gethard, Kamau Bell, Moshe Kasher, and other touring comics. She contributes to The Onion and frequently performs on the Washington, D.C., comedy shows Fale University and The Time Machine Roast. Her Instagram is @denidenitaytay.
Ontonio Kareem: Kareem is a comedian, writer, and actor whose relaxed, introspective style has attracted national attention. He has appeared on Don’t Tell Comedy, where his performance received 350,000 views, and was named New York’s Funniest in 2025. He is a regular at the Comedy Cellar, has performed at Moontower and the New York Comedy Festival, and appears on NBC’s “Chicago Fire.” His Instagram is @ontoniokareem.
Bob Holden: Originally from the DMV, Holden began performing comedy in 2018 and draws on personal experiences and everyday observations. Now based in St. Pete, Florida, he is a regular at Side Splitters Comedy Club and The Tampa Funny Bone. He has also performed at the Asheville, Riot, and West End Comedy Festivals, and founded St. Pete Stand Up and owns St. Pete Comedy Club. His Instagram is @bobholden123.
Run time: Approximately 90 minutes
Venue: DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036
Contact: 202-296-7008 or support@dcimprov.com