Some stand-ups know how to work a room. "Crowd work" is the art of chatting with the audience when on stage. When done right, it creates a conversational atmosphere -- sometimes building a bridge to a comedian's best jokes, and sometimes leading to totally unscripted, in-the-moment laughs.

Here in the DMV, Tim Miller is one of the best at crowd work. At Read the Room he hosts a lineup of local talents doing predominantly crowd work. Join him in our lounge showroom for what could be a unique, unforgettable live comedy experience.

Tim D. Miller (linktree) is a master at engaging audiences and crafting a stand-up set that is a guaranteed good time for all. Tim’s material is based on his life experience from Waco to the Army to the White House, trying to raise a daughter, and his unique ability to find the funny in everyday life. Tim has appeared on TRU TV and in 2019 he performed at Comedy Central’s Clusterfest. He is the producer and host of "Read the Room," a crowd work showcase. Tim won Comedy Kumite 7.2 (summer 2016) at the DC Improv, along with Kumite 15.1 (spring 2018), Kumite 19.2 (spring 2019) and Kumite 25 (online, spring 2020). He was a finalist at Comedy Kumite XL (summer 2023).

Comedy Central: Up Next (2019)

Instagram: @theblacktimmiller

From Richmond, Va., Patrice DeVeaux has been traveling doing standup all over the country, opening for Orlando Jones, Chaunté Wayans, Tony Woods, and the legendary Adele Givens. Patrice is a writer, producer, and creative curator. She has appeared on several television shows, including "News One Now With Roland Martin," "Kill Tony," and "Revolt TV." She has also been featured on Kenan Thompson’s Ultimate Comedy Experience. Patrice has performed at the legendary Apollo Theater in NYC & internationally in the Netherlands. Patrice won Comedy Kumite 42 (winter 2024) at the DC Improv.

Instagram: @butisshefunny

Phil Mike is a Washington DC-based comic who’s performed on many of the top stages in the region. He entertains wide arrays of audiences with his relatable, honest takes on life. He’s opened for Alingon Mitra, Andy Haynes and Eliot Chang.

Instagram: @philgeorgemike

Jamal Russell is a D.C. based comedian who has been doing comedy for six years. Jamal has performed at the Ice House in L.A., Caroline's on Broadway, the Milwaukee comedy festival, the Motor City comedy festival and the Boston comedy festival. Jamal won Comedy Kumite 32 (winter 2022) at the DC Improv, and he was a finalist at Comedy Kumite XL (summer 2023).

Instagram: @laughwithjamal

Joey Friedman began performing at her parent’s dinner table in Monsey, NY. As a cancer survivor, she has nothing to fear and delivers jokes with an unshakable frankness. She produces shows in the Washington, DC, area.

Instagram: @joeythelady

Katie McKelvie is a comedian and humor writer whose comedic style has been described as "tired mom who has to run to the grocery store after this show to pick up some bananas." Katie can be seen performing all over the Washington, D.C. area and has featured at the Cleveland Comedy Festival, She-Devil Comedy Festival, the Charm City Comedy Festival, and the North Carolina Comedy Festival. In her spare time, she enjoys a fleece blanket, a comfort shoe, and naps.

Instagram: @katie.mckelvie