Derek Gaines

An award-winning writer, actor and stand-up, Derek Gaines got his comedy start in Philadelphia before taking over New York and beyond. Known as the man with "the smile of a thousand angels," he's been on your TV screen in "The Last O.G.," "Bupkis," and "Blue Bloods." Now he's returning to headline on the DC Improv stage for a second time.

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.

Derek Gaines is an American WGA-award-winning and Daytime Emmy-nominated writer, actor and stand-up comedian who got his start in Philadelphia and has now dominated his way to every prestigious New York stage and around the country.

Known as the man with "the smile of a thousand angels," Derek's first break came in 2014 when he appeared on AXS TV's "Gotham Comedy Live" and was selected by the Just For Laughs Festival as part of their "New Faces" showcase. Derek went on to co-host MTV's "Broke A$$ Game Show" and his career has skyrocketed from there!

Derek had a recurring role as Jaybird in the hit Tracy Morgan's series "THE LAST O.G.," and as Bugs on CBS' "Blue Bloods." He has been featured in films like "The King of Staten Island," written and directed by Judd Apatow and starring Pete Davidson, and "The Wrath of Becky," starring Lulu Wilson. Derek won a WGA Award for his writing on "Inside Amy Schumer" and was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for his work on the Apple TV+ & Sesame Street's "Helpsters". Derek has also written and starred in "Bupkis" alongside Joe Pesci, Edie Falco and Pete Davidson.

Derek is also the co-founder and host of the "No Need For Apologies" podcast alongside Dave Temple, with episodes that drop weekly.