Stand-up Comedy

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Horror as Queer,”** a look at the influence and depiction of queerness in horror films, with May Santiago, adjunct professor of film studies at George Mason University and producer of the podcast *Horrorspiria.* [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-horror-queer](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-horror-queer) .] Horror was queer long before both Brad and Janet succumbed to the charms of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in *The Rocky Horror Picture Show.* In fact, one could make the argument that, for both better and worse, the history of horror films is the history of queers on film. Film scholar May Santiago will do just that, with plenty of vivid examples, in reprising a talk that has earned rave reviews. You’ll learn how queer auteurs such as F.W. Murnau and James Whale were there at the very beginning. Murnau played a central role in the German expressionist movement that gave rise to films such as *Nosferatu*, while Whale left a body of work full of queer codes, including the films *Frankenstein*, *The Old Dark House*, and *The Invisible Man.* From there, Santiago will discuss how the representational codes established by such queer filmmakers were appropriated throughout the celluloid century by non-queer authors who constructed cinematic horror language that used queerness as shorthand for the monstrous. The result was harmful stereotypes of queer people in films and society, with examples being the stoic psycho lesbian trope embodied by Mrs. Danvers in *Rebecca*, the transgender sex-obsessed serial murderer Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock’s *Psycho*, and the villains of *Dressed to Kill* and *Silence of the Lambs.* Yet, even with these negative portrayals of explicit or implicit queerness, horror cinema’s relationship with queerness and queer audiences has grown stronger with each passing decade, with queer authors and queer audiences reclaiming the monstrosity that created the basis of the horror genre. Santiago will look at how the evolution of horror films coincided with that of queer stereotypes and how queer authors embedded queerness in films that aren’t explicitly queer. Among the questions she’ll tackle: How did we come around to thinking that the Babadook was gay? ? (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A frame from the 1920 silent German horror film *The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari* (tint added).

Continuing the 201 Improv class. This will run 8 weeks and will have a showcase towards the end of June. It is 150$ for the entire class and showcase. Let's "yes, and"!

Please join us. We are a welcoming group who have been meeting for two years. About 6-10 of us gather together weekly on Mondays for silent meditation, walking meditation, ending with shared reflections, tea and poetry. No RSVP needed; just show up! We start and end on time. Enter the front door and look for a sign. Someone will greet you. No experience necessary. Schedule: **4:30** a brief instruction or reading about meditation and silence **4:35-4:45** silent meditation (10 minutes) walking meditation **4:55 -5:15** silent meditation (20 minutes) **5:15-5:30** poetry, tea, reflections, departing ***This is a good place to rest and refresh on the way home from work and before dinner.*** Free. Try it.

We have heard our local actors share about their roads to success, now it's your turn! What were your successes this year? Bring your lunch and be prepared to share what worked for you this year. How do you define success? Let's celebrate our year of community building and pat each other on the back for what we accomplished as actors in the DMV. Don't worry if you aren't feeling the success vibe. Come and learn what others are doing to build their careers. The best thing about the acting community in DC is the support of the community. If you aren't able to attend, please feel free to share your successes with our Talent Roundtable co-chair, Alison Bauer at [abauer226@gmail.com](mailto:abauer226@gmail.com) and she will post for others to celebrate. This event is **IN PERSON** at the Hill Center's Amphitheatre. (Rain plan is to meet inside in the conference room) FREE for WIFV Members / $15 Public You MUST register here: https://www.wifv.org/calendar/#id=32506&cid=783&wid=401&type=Cal

Come in and sit down at a table to play casual MtG Commander!

Hi All, This event is being held in partnership with the DMV Spades Meetup Group. Direct all questions to the Organizer and Host, Nne-Nne Abanobi. ***** 🎲♠️♟️ **Monday Game Nights & Spades Play in DC** 🎲♠️♟️ Stop in after work for food, fun, and games at 1942 Lounge in DC! ♟️🎲♠️ Play Spades and other games starting at 6pm! All skill levels are welcome! 🍸🍷🍺 Happy Hour Specials Available! Indulge in elevated vibes, craft cocktails, and curated experiences. 📍1942 DC Lounge 1942 9th Street NW Washington, DC 20001 ⏳️ 6pm to 9pm www.1942loungedc.com 🏈 Stay late to watch Monday Night Football too! 🏈

Michael Palascak is a comedian who grew up in Indiana and now lives in LA.He performed on both [The Late Late Show with James Corden](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqGB9FDPKlo) and [The Late Show with Stephen Colbert](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kqIbYMKm1E&t=344s) in the same year.He has over 1 million views on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH5VAiBHcMATo79cv0k3AR4wlTo4TbYQv).In addition, his resume includes [A Little Late with Lilly Singh](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keMK5a2LN60), The Tonight Show, [Letterman](https://vimeo.com/185925699), [Craig Ferguson](https://vimeo.com/75856450), [Conan](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUFHHjt5JFI&feature=emb_title), has a [Comedy Central Half Hour ](https://youtu.be/KYSC6TToaUk)special, and was a [Top 5 Finalist on Last Comic Standing](https://vimeo.com/140408883) where one judge claimed, “My first impression of Michael was a great likability. This is a guy that could star in a sitcom.”Michael’s likability allows him to relate to his audiences in a real way which sets up the huge laughs he gets from his sharp, personal material.Consistently writing and performing, this summer Michael released both a new album— [The Internet Live](https://800pgr.lnk.to/PalascakWE) through 800 Pound Gorilla and a new stand-up special on the Dry Bar app— [1984](http://www.drybarcomedy.com/michaelp).Available for free streaming.Drew Hunt of [The Chicago Reader](https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/michael-palascak/Content?oid=9964001) wrote about Michael, “In a lot of ways, he represents the ideal antidote to the sort of unbridled cynicism that pervades much of contemporary stand-up.”Michael’s optimism continues in the new National Lampoon series — [The Bright Side](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG8Hz-se3CNIc6JeEepO5VA/?guided_help_flow=5) where he takes a positive stance on a negative topic streaming on YouTube.[www.michaelpalascak.com](http://www.michaelpalascak.com/)

Michael Palascak is a comedian who grew up in Indiana and now lives in LA.He performed on both [The Late Late Show with James Corden](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqGB9FDPKlo) and [The Late Show with Stephen Colbert](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kqIbYMKm1E&t=344s) in the same year.He has over 1 million views on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH5VAiBHcMATo79cv0k3AR4wlTo4TbYQv).In addition, his resume includes [A Little Late with Lilly Singh](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keMK5a2LN60), The Tonight Show, [Letterman](https://vimeo.com/185925699), [Craig Ferguson](https://vimeo.com/75856450), [Conan](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUFHHjt5JFI&feature=emb_title), has a [Comedy Central Half Hour ](https://youtu.be/KYSC6TToaUk)special, and was a [Top 5 Finalist on Last Comic Standing](https://vimeo.com/140408883) where one judge claimed, “My first impression of Michael was a great likability. This is a guy that could star in a sitcom.”Michael’s likability allows him to relate to his audiences in a real way which sets up the huge laughs he gets from his sharp, personal material.Consistently writing and performing, this summer Michael released both a new album— [The Internet Live](https://800pgr.lnk.to/PalascakWE) through 800 Pound Gorilla and a new stand-up special on the Dry Bar app— [1984](http://www.drybarcomedy.com/michaelp).Available for free streaming.Drew Hunt of [The Chicago Reader](https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/michael-palascak/Content?oid=9964001) wrote about Michael, “In a lot of ways, he represents the ideal antidote to the sort of unbridled cynicism that pervades much of contemporary stand-up.”Michael’s optimism continues in the new National Lampoon series — [The Bright Side](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG8Hz-se3CNIc6JeEepO5VA/?guided_help_flow=5) where he takes a positive stance on a negative topic streaming on YouTube.[www.michaelpalascak.com](http://www.michaelpalascak.com/)

Michael Palascak is a comedian who grew up in Indiana and now lives in LA.He performed on both [The Late Late Show with James Corden](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqGB9FDPKlo) and [The Late Show with Stephen Colbert](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kqIbYMKm1E&t=344s) in the same year.He has over 1 million views on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH5VAiBHcMATo79cv0k3AR4wlTo4TbYQv).In addition, his resume includes [A Little Late with Lilly Singh](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keMK5a2LN60), The Tonight Show, [Letterman](https://vimeo.com/185925699), [Craig Ferguson](https://vimeo.com/75856450), [Conan](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUFHHjt5JFI&feature=emb_title), has a [Comedy Central Half Hour ](https://youtu.be/KYSC6TToaUk)special, and was a [Top 5 Finalist on Last Comic Standing](https://vimeo.com/140408883) where one judge claimed, “My first impression of Michael was a great likability. This is a guy that could star in a sitcom.”Michael’s likability allows him to relate to his audiences in a real way which sets up the huge laughs he gets from his sharp, personal material.Consistently writing and performing, this summer Michael released both a new album— [The Internet Live](https://800pgr.lnk.to/PalascakWE) through 800 Pound Gorilla and a new stand-up special on the Dry Bar app— [1984](http://www.drybarcomedy.com/michaelp).Available for free streaming.Drew Hunt of [The Chicago Reader](https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/michael-palascak/Content?oid=9964001) wrote about Michael, “In a lot of ways, he represents the ideal antidote to the sort of unbridled cynicism that pervades much of contemporary stand-up.”Michael’s optimism continues in the new National Lampoon series — [The Bright Side](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG8Hz-se3CNIc6JeEepO5VA/?guided_help_flow=5) where he takes a positive stance on a negative topic streaming on YouTube.[www.michaelpalascak.com](http://www.michaelpalascak.com/)

Michael Palascak is a comedian who grew up in Indiana and now lives in LA.He performed on both [The Late Late Show with James Corden](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqGB9FDPKlo) and [The Late Show with Stephen Colbert](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kqIbYMKm1E&t=344s) in the same year.He has over 1 million views on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH5VAiBHcMATo79cv0k3AR4wlTo4TbYQv).In addition, his resume includes [A Little Late with Lilly Singh](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keMK5a2LN60), The Tonight Show, [Letterman](https://vimeo.com/185925699), [Craig Ferguson](https://vimeo.com/75856450), [Conan](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUFHHjt5JFI&feature=emb_title), has a [Comedy Central Half Hour ](https://youtu.be/KYSC6TToaUk)special, and was a [Top 5 Finalist on Last Comic Standing](https://vimeo.com/140408883) where one judge claimed, “My first impression of Michael was a great likability. This is a guy that could star in a sitcom.”Michael’s likability allows him to relate to his audiences in a real way which sets up the huge laughs he gets from his sharp, personal material.Consistently writing and performing, this summer Michael released both a new album— [The Internet Live](https://800pgr.lnk.to/PalascakWE) through 800 Pound Gorilla and a new stand-up special on the Dry Bar app— [1984](http://www.drybarcomedy.com/michaelp).Available for free streaming.Drew Hunt of [The Chicago Reader](https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/michael-palascak/Content?oid=9964001) wrote about Michael, “In a lot of ways, he represents the ideal antidote to the sort of unbridled cynicism that pervades much of contemporary stand-up.”Michael’s optimism continues in the new National Lampoon series — [The Bright Side](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG8Hz-se3CNIc6JeEepO5VA/?guided_help_flow=5) where he takes a positive stance on a negative topic streaming on YouTube.[www.michaelpalascak.com](http://www.michaelpalascak.com/)

This is the sign you've been waiting for. Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Understanding Honor Violence,”** on recognizing and responding to harmful traditional practices that exert control over others, with Sasha K. Taylor, visiting lecturer at Ohio State University’s Global Fellowship Program and advisor and trainer in honor violence prevention. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-honor-violence](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-honor-violence) .] People claiming to enforce traditional honor codes are responsible for a significant share of murders and other violent or abusive acts within immigrant and refugee communities. Honor-based violence and abuse often play a role in human trafficking, forced marriage, child marriage, visa-based coercion, and in the abandonment of families across international borders. Yet too often it is underreported, misunderstood, or overlooked by people and institutions with the power to help its victims. Learn how to spot and deal with honor-based violence with Sasha K. Taylor, a former FBI Intelligence official who provides training to law enforcement, non-profit organizations, and private companies and also is extensively involved with regional organizations that combat human trafficking. She’ll start by discussing how honor codes that have governed community life since the dawn of human civilization gave rise to the use of honor-related abuse, oppression, shame, and violence to exert control and perpetuate inequality. Although boys and men can be victims of honor-based violence, the perpetrators of it are predominantly male and the survivors predominantly female, lending support to the idea that honor violence is a form of gender-based violence. The forms that such violence can take include genital mutilation and honor killings. She’ll discuss state and federal data related to the prevalence of various forms of honor violence and describe how complex forms of abuse are often underreported, misunderstood, or overlooked. You’ll learn about cultural and systemic barriers to disclosure, warning signs and risk factors, the intersection of immigration vulnerabilities and abuse, and the challenges that survivors face when seeking protection and services. We’ll also look at policy responses to honor violence and how gaps within current federal immigration frameworks may unintentionally contribute to vulnerability and exploitation. Her talk will be especially helpful for first responders, victim advocates, educators, healthcare professionals, social workers, and law enforcement personnel who are often the first point of contact during a crisis. She’ll emphasize trauma-informed engagement, emotional intelligence, cultural competency, and empathetic response strategies that treat survivors with dignity and sensitivity. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: The main illustration for “Rasminah The Last Victim,” a series on child marriage on the Indonesian podcast station KBR (Creative Commons).

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!

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!

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving." The film continues John Carney’s “long run of success with yet another charmer” and “a sharp, hopeful crowd-pleaser that strikes the right notes!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus, this is a perfect early stop on our Summer of Ice Cream! Their menu uses made-from-scratch recipes in an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, crepes, waffle sticks, specialty coffee & espresso, and more! Their specialty shakes are as delicious as they are over-the-top and they offer an extensive vegan menu! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and we’ll meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:25 and 6:35pm! Advance ticket purchase is advised for this opening night showing! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.

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!

The topic for June is "Roadtrip" 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!

I have been studying the question of "self" online with Prof. Ellie Anderson and so I thought a prompt on the "self" might be interesting. Full confession: I had Claude create this prompt and I like it, so here goes: Imagine a thought experiment that merges two classic puzzles: > You undergo a procedure, performed neuron by neuron, in which every biological component of your brain is replaced with a functionally identical synthetic substitute. At each step, your behavior, memories, and personality remain unchanged. When the last neuron is swapped, is the consciousness experiencing the world still you? And — more pressingly — was there ever a continuous "you" to begin with? ### Questions to Wrestle With * If consciousness is purely physical, does the *gradual* nature of the replacement matter, or is it equivalent to being destroyed and rebuilt? * Could there be a "self" without continuity of experience — even moment to moment, while you sleep? On a more practical level, consider the simpler case first: **hemispherectomy** patients — people who have had an entire cerebral hemisphere surgically removed — often retain a strong sense of personal identity and continuity. This suggests "you" are not rigidly tied to specific physical material. But does that vindicate the synthetic neuron case, or merely show that identity is more *flexible* than we thought — not that it can survive *complete* substrate replacement? I used Claude so I could get this out today and let everyone have some time to consider it. Hope to see you at the Oracle. Sorry about the location change two weeks ago. That's what I get for trusting local weather predictions!