collaborative comedy writing

In this weekly meeting we will review 2 submissions with a word limit of 2K each. Please use track changes when making edits and send out the edits to all group members that everyone may learn and grow from your critiques. If you're interested in getting on our email list and participating in this meeting, please send us a message!

Join us for another lowkey writing session! Bring your laptop, iPad, or notebook so that you can get some words down! We will start around 6:00 as people filter in. Writing, chatting, and casual introductions will go on until 6:30 as people arrive and grab food and drinks, when we will do a round-table to introduce ourselves, our genres and writing styles, and what we are looking for from the group. After that, we can buckle down to do some writing and make ourselves be productive! I will try to snag the big community table to the right of the registers at Tatte, or sit against the back wall with a couple of tables pulled together, so you can look for me there. I'll post in the comments when I arrive, so feel free to check there or message me if you are feeling lost or having difficulty finding the group. I'll look forward to meeting you all! Our next workshop will take place on the Monday following this one, so look forward to that, as well!

**Have you ever had a cheering section in your life?** As a former comedian, it's tough getting up on that stage. You tell a joke, hope and pray that it lands, and if it doesn't, you stand there in a state of total oblivion. Like a job interview with a humorless hiring manager. You all live in the DMV. You've experienced this. **So...what would it be like if we showed up and *were* the cheering section for every comedian, no matter how funny or unfunny the jokes were?** Friends, this is as much a fun outing as it is a social experiment: **What would it be like if we made a pact to cheer wildly and laugh at every joke by every comedian the whole night?** We're going to completely take over the energy of the room and make it a place of celebration, support and enthusiasm. This will be the best open-mic any of these comedians have ever experienced. And it'll be a complete surprise to all of them. We'll meet at 6 downstairs to get to know the others in our group, then migrate up around 6:30 to grab some tables and settle in for the show that begins at 7. If you're ready to show some love and have some laughs, then join us on April 6th and let the good times roll.

Come join local improv troupe, the ***Home Improv Mints***, as we run through some of the basics of short form improv. Wear clothes you can move around in. We will start at **7:15**. We will run until just after 9 pm. Bring yourself and a willingness to try new things - like (insert audience suggestion here)! We try a different topic each session to see if it changes who sees the announcement. There might not be bobwhite imitations, hyena butter, lava floors, trans livestock, thalidomide twinkies or inflatable turnips (all things that HAVE come up), but we can promise something *random*. But we encourage you to bring cookies. NOM NOM NOM! We only have so many slots available. **Please don't RSVP as a yes *until* you are certain.** We limit the class size so everyone gets a chance to play, and ask for RSVPs so we know how many outlines to print and cookies to bring. We understand things change sometimes. Please message us if things change and you can't make it, rather than being a No-Show. Multiple No-shows get you put on the naughty list and may get you ejected from the group. Please don't make us do that. Please donate - *running* a Meetup group ain't free folks. Suggested Donation is $10/session. And feel free to bring more cookies. Everybody likes cookies. If you're keeping track, this one will be Workshop # 3. Hope to see you then!

Ikigai is a Japanese concept meaning "a reason for being" or "a reason to wake up in the morning." It represents the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for, promoting a life of purpose and daily fulfillment. What is your Ikigai? **ATTENDANCE POLICY:** To keep this group running smoothly and ensure that spots are available for those who genuinely want to attend, please RSVP only if you are confident you can make it. If you RSVP “Yes” and do not attend without updating your RSVP in advance, you may be restricted from attending future events for a period of time. We understand that things come up. If you can no longer attend, simply update your RSVP as soon as possible so your spot can be offered to someone on the waitlist. Repeated no-shows will result in removal from the group. Thank you for respecting everyone’s time and helping us maintain a reliable and engaged community. **SUPPORT THINKERS AND DRINKERS:** Thinkers and Drinkers International is a registered 501(c)7 nonprofit organization. We work hard to create an organization that adds value to our communities while keeping membership free for all. If you find value in what we’re doing, please consider donating through Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thinkers](https://www.patreon.com/thinkers) **CONNECT:** Instagram: @ThinkersDrinkersInternational Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/thinkersdrinkersinternational/](https://www.facebook.com/thinkersdrinkersinternational/) Podcast: [https://www.spreaker.com/user/thinkersdrinkersinternational](https://www.spreaker.com/user/thinkersdrinkersinternational) Email: [[ThinkersDrinkersInternational@gmail.com](mailto:ThinkersDrinkersInternational@gmail.com)]

FreeWrites are casual gatherings of writers of ALL skill levels. Whether you are working on a manuscript, journaling, blogging , or are someone who only takes pen to paper when writing grocery lists...this is for everyone! How Does It Work? With Natalie Goldberg's guidelines and a set of guided writing prompts, we write. Sharing is optional. There is no critiquing, commenting, or suggestions made. Hope to see you there! Atwater's in Catonsville. Every Monday at 10 am "I can shake off everything as I write, my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn." Anne Frank

**When Should I Join the Union?** Bring your brown bag lunch and join the Talent Roundtable in person or on Zoom as we discuss the question of when to join SAG-AFTRA and the pros and cons of joining. Our panelists are **Ryan Hastings** of SAG-AFTRA, and actresses **Towanda Underdue** and **Elisabeth Noone**. Our moderator is Kimberly Skyrme. **Ryan Hastings** will be hosting our in-person portion at the SAG-AFTRA offices in Bethesda, 7735 Old Georgetown Road, Unit #950 (Bethesda Metro) Program starts at 1:00. There will be no virtual networking for this program. FREE for WIFV Members / $15 Public You will receive login information with your registration confirmation. You MUST register here: https://www.wifv.org/calendar/#id=32420&cid=783&wid=401&type=Cal

Let's do a co-writing session at Panera. Bring whatever you're working on on your laptop or notebook. We're open to all genres - essays, poetry, fiction. (But this is primarily for working on writing projects, not journaling.) Schedule: 3:00 - meet and chat 3:30 - work on your project 4:30 - chat 5:00 - close

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at **7:00 PM on Wednesday evenings.** Edit: As of January 7, 2026, we will be back at Starbucks! Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **We'll meet inside the coffee shop**. Please buy something to ensure we're welcome back. Sit down anywhere, but let me know you're here so we can introduce ourselves and check in before and after writing! (I'll be the one with the sign.) **SCHEDULE:** 7:00 - Quick introductions 7:20 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:20 - The End: chat, take off, or keep writing Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! **What Should I Bring?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Note that outlets are limited, so please make sure your devices are charged. Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the overhead music or the conversation by other patrons. **Other Important Details:** Starbucks has WiFi. TRAVEL / PARKING: The shopping area is about a twenty minute walk from the College Park or P. G. Plaza/Hyattsville Crossing Metro Stations. There's also a bus stop right outside the shopping center on Baltimore Ave. Parking is free. SEATING INFORMATION: Seating is first come first serve. I'll try to grab a table, but be prepared to sit down anywhere. FOOD GUIDELINES: Tea, coffee, and light food are available at the coffee shop. Please thank our hosts by purchasing something to drink.

### Drop-In Improv Class — Beginner Friendly **Improv for good people.** Join us for a fun, beginner-friendly drop-in improv class focused on play, laughter, and connection — in a supportive, no-pressure environment. You don’t need performance experience, improv training, or a “funny personality.” You just need a willingness to try. *** ### What to expect Each session includes: * Friendly introductions * Easy warm-ups * Guided short-form improv games * Lots of laughter in a small, welcoming group The exercises are inspired by shows like *Whose Line Is It Anyway?*, but the focus is on participation, not performance. *** ### A few important reassurances ✔ You don’t need to be “funny” ✔ You don’t need improv experience ✔ You *do* need curiosity and a willingness to play Everything is explained clearly, and you’re never put on the spot. *** ### Who this class is for This class is a great fit if you: * Are curious about improv but a little nervous * Want to meet new people in a genuinely welcoming space * Enjoy playful learning and low-pressure activities * Want a break from overthinking and daily stress Many people arrive unsure and leave smiling. *** ### How Meetup fits in Many participants first discover Laughy Place Improv through Meetup, attend a class or two, and then decide whether they’d like to continue by booking future classes directly through the website. There’s no pressure — Meetup is meant to be an easy, friendly way to try things out. *** ### Location & logistics 📍 **Theatre on the Run** 3700 S Four Mile Run Dr, Arlington, VA Parking and entrance are on the opposite side of the building from Four Mile Run Drive. Use the door labeled **“Arlington Cultural Affairs – Main Entrance.”** Ring the doorbell to be buzzed in. Sunday classes are usually in room 174 and Wednesday classes are usually in room 147, but you can check the class list by the concierge desk to be certain. I’ll be in the room about 20 minutes early to set up and meet folks as they arrive. If you can, please come a few minutes before the scheduled start time so we can kick things off together. *** Looking forward to laughing with you!

Join us for another optional writing session! Feel free to bring a project you're already working on or start something new with us. If anything interesting comes up while you're writing, you can share it with the group, but no pressure!

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite LINK (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-on-the-roof-tickets-160078014651). RSVPing only on the Meetup Page doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCED TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED, DUE TO COVID. ABOUT THE EVENT Area's top notch comedians will come together and make an appearance. Our comedians crack jokes and carry us along. However, in this interactive comedy show, you can throw your own jokes and show off your ability to bust us up laughing. The best Joke from attendees will be awarded. Ticket price includes Canned Cocktail/ Canned Beer/Canned Wine. We only serve Canned Beverages to minimize contact/contamination. Cash Bar afterwards (which means you pay as you go either with credit card or cash). TICKET PRICE : $15 (will increase soon) DRESS CODE : Casual If you are planning to book a room at the Hotel, to attend this event. Please mention that. They will give you a discount. As per DC Government guidelines, this is a sit down experience. Maximum of six people will be seated per table. We have super limited spots! Get your tickets soon and in advance. So that we reserve your seat. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED. After first formal session, we will rotate attendees from table to table. So that everyone meets everyone. You would get to meet your future friends/acquaintances/buddies/pals /partner-in-crimes or may be more:) To hang out/go out or do things together. Also, this is an ideal event if you are new in town or not! DOUBLE MASK IS THE NEW MASK! THE VIRUS IS STILL AROUND, WITH DIFFERENT VARIANTS AND LET US NOT DROP DOWN OUR GUARD. EVEN THOUGH, WE ARE VACCINATED. - Come one, come all; YOU CAN FLY SOLO TOO:) This is the most friendliest event you have ever attended! - Feel free to invite your friends. They don't necessarily have to be a member - Celebrate your birthdays or your moments in life with us. - For bottle/table service email (info@merevents.com) or text at (202) 368-1878. - Event is 21+ - Temperature check for staff and patrons. We are at 50% capacity. So, please drink for two:) As we all know, the hospitality industry is badly hit by the crisis and be generous to your bartenders and waitresses. Payment Instructions : 1. You should login from a PC to see the 'Pay Now' button, after RSVPing. Then hit the button. 2. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you're paying for. 3. If you don't have a Paypal account, click "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card". 4. If you have a Paypal account, simply log in, and pay as you normally would via Paypal. Refund and Ticket Resell Policy All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to ticket holders advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please, feel free to post in the comment box for the event, that you have a ticket for sale. Work out payment between yourselves, and have the seller only send the organizer a message letting us know the full name of the person taking your spot. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event. METRO & PARKING INFO Closest Metro Station is Navy Yard. Parking might be a challenge and the event involves drinking. We highly encourage you to take a ride share or taxi service. DRINK RESPONSIBLY. **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITE LINK AND PURCHASE TICKET. IT RULES.**

We will meeting at a **New Location: GameOn** which is at 1330 U St. If taking the metro go to U St station take the 13th St exit and walk half a block. The bar is on U St between 13th and 14th. We will be sitting at the upstairs nook by the Mario Bros mural. We will be reading "We Are Legion (We Are Bob)" by Dennis E. Taylor. [We Are Legion (We Are Bob) (Bobiverse, #1) by Dennis E. Taylor | Goodreads](We%20Are%20Bob) As per usual we are crowd sourcing book ideas and voting on the top books. We encourage you to add votes to the books [DC Science Fiction Book Club Suggestions - Google Sheets](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mprXaa6bcEW5EL_uprN16-RBcetO6pbqA4vHDTjtowI/edit?gid=0#gid=0)

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, April 22 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

The topic for April is "Water" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!