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

Russ Green is a writer, comedian, husband and father of four from Washington, DC. The Howard University graduate has opened for Alycia Cooper, Tony Woods, and produces "Laughter Hours with Russ Green" a monthly comedy series. Additionally, he has performed at The Big Hunt (Underground Comedy Presents' Smart, Funny & Black), The Howard Theatre (Brightest Young Things' Super Sampler), and Stand Up NY. His debut comedy sketch earned over 80K views on World Star Hip Hop and his Banana Bread Muffins are renowned. Russ won Comedy Kumite 5.1 (winter 2016) at the DC Improv.

Instagram: @onlyrussgreenfans

Originally from Camden NJ, Dom Rivera landed in the DMV after joining the USAF. In 2016 he decided to take the Five Minutes to Funny class at the DC Improv. Six years later he’s opened for Patton Oswalt, Maria Bamford and performed at the Kennedy Center for the HBO “Entre Nos” tour. Hear the unique stories and life lessons from a Puerto Rican husband and father of three, professionally diagnosed as anxious AF. Dominic won Comedy Kumite 16.1 and 16.2 (fall 2018) at the DC Improv.

Winston Hodges is from DC by way of Richmond, Virginia. He has worked comedy clubs up and down the east coast and is known for his southern charm and edgy wit. He has been featured on Don't Tell Comedy, and his award winning special Grieving Productively is available on YouTube. His videos online have been viewed over 20 million times and he has opened for Fortune Feimster, Demetri Martin, and Dave Attell to name a few. Winston won the "Cottage Kumite" (Kumite 36, fall 2022) at President Lincoln's Cottage.

Instagram: @winstonhcomedy

Rola Z has performed at the NY Arab-American Comedy Festival at Gotham Comedy Club, DC Improv and the Wiggle Room in Montreal. She produces niche shows in DC and Montreal and has been featured in the Washingtonian, District Fray, Dubai TV and more.

Instagram: @somearabwoman