Michael Blackson

"The African King of Comedy" was born in Ghana, got his start in the comedy clubs of Philadelphia, and became a breakout star thanks to his performance in the movie “Next Friday.” His sketch comedy and stand-up routines have been crushing audiences for years. Come check him out this summer and find out what thousands and thousands of comedy fans already know: It’s one of the most entertaining live shows around.

All sales are final. Refunds and exchanges are offered only when a show is canceled or rescheduled.

Admission Policies

• Please note: An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. Senior citizens and people with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. By visiting our establishment, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
• Patrons must be 18 or older to attend events or classes at the DC Improv. Any exceptions are clearly noted in the event descriptions.
• There is a two-item minimum per customer. This can be any combination of food items or beverages. Bottled water and soft drinks count as items. (The two-item minimum does not apply to comedy classes.)
• Coupons or passes for free admission cannot be used for a show listed as a "special event."

Seating Policies

• Matinees, the first show of any evening in our main showroom and all shows in our lounge showroom are seated by time of arrival. The earlier you arrive, the more options you'll have. Please note that the size of your party can affect what options are available to you, as certain tables and areas are designated for larger parties.
• "Late shows" in the main showroom have assigned seating. Assignments are made in order of ticket purchase. Generally speaking, the earlier you buy tickets, the closer you will be to the stage.
• If tickets are designated as being at a "reserved table," your party will have a table to itself. For general admission tickets, if your party does not fill an entire table, you may be sharing a table with other patrons.

He has been called one of the most original stand-up comics in the country, and his performances leave audiences laughing in tears. Michael Blackson, aka The African King of Comedy, has been entertaining audiences all across the country and around the globe for more than a decade. Inspired by the stand up comedy of Eddie Murphy, Blackson began to develop his comedic talent in 1992 in the unkind comedy clubs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Blackson’s comedic appeal grew from his involvement with BET’s "ComicView" series, HBO’s "Def Comedy Jam," "Showtime at Harlem," and "Live in Hollywood." However, it was in a Los Angeles comedy club where Blackson got his big break. Blackson was performing at the Comedy Store where actor/director Ice Cube was in attendance to see comedian Mike Epps perform. But after experiencing Blackson’s performance, Ice Cube invited the young comic for a reading … and the rest is smash hit history! Blackson’s outstanding and unforgettable performance in the smash hit comedy, "Next Friday," drew praise and a fan following like no other.

After his scene stealing performance in "Next Friday," fans wanted more, and in 2005, Blackson would not disappoint. He released his top-selling sketch comedy CD entitled "Modasucka, Welcome to America." With Blackson, the work never stops. Along with special guest appearances on some of the hottest music videos, Blackson stole the stage on "P. Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy" on HBO and starred in a commercial for "Chappelle's Show" on Comedy Central. There’s no mistaking Blackson for any other comedian when he takes the stage.