Donnell Rawlings

Thanksgiving is a time when people head home to see their families ... and for Donnell, the DMV is home. He went to TC Williams in Alexandria, and he started his showbiz career by heckling performers at DC comedy clubs before taking the stage himself. His success as a stand-up landed him a spot on "Chappelle's Show," securing him a spot in pop culture history, and he became a favorite on some huge East Coast radio shows (including the WPGC morning show). Bring your family out to laugh with one of our favorites.

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.

Donnell Rawlings first become recognized for his hilarious sketches as Ashy Larry on "Chappelle's Show" and soon became a force both on and off the stage as a comedian, actor and podcaster.

Donnell co-stars in Adam McKay's HBO series "Winning Time: THe Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" and will filmed a new special for Netflix in spring 2022, produced by Dave Chappelle. His podcast, "The Donnell Rawlings Show," airs on the 5 top platforms and has reached over 4 million views. He also co-stars on STARZ’s "BFM / Black Mafia Family" with Snoop Dog and Eminem.

Donnell has also won critical acclaim for his role on HBO’s "The Wire" and as Dez in Pixar’s hit film "Soul." He was honored by The African-American Humor Awards in 2021 with the Redd Foxx Award.

Donnell was born in Washington D.C. and grew up in Alexandria, Va. He served in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in South Korea and at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The most significant part of Donnell’s life is being a father to his son, Austen.