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

Martin Phillips started to perform in college when he won funniest student in DC and hasn't stopped since. He has performed at several festivals like the Cleveland Comedy Festival and the LA Diversity in Comedy festival, has made several appearances on the Kill Tony podcast, and has even performed in Alaska! Martin has two podcasts, The Martin Podcast and one where he discusses rom-coms, Isn't It Romantic? Martin performs wherever he can, be sure to see him!

Instagram: @martinphillipscomedy

Larry Lancaster is the Host of "Throwback Saturdays Radio Show" on WEAA 88.9 FM or WEAA.ORG every Saturday morning 10am -12pm and "Good Morning Baltimore" weekdays 7am-10am on WEAA. His accomplishments include appearances at The Apollo, on BET Comicview, national television commercials, clubs, theaters, colleges and churches throughout the East, West and Southeast Coasts.

Stacey Axler has been performing regularly since 2021, at shows and clubs throughout DC and Maryland. She has performed in comedy festivals such as the North Carolina Comedy Festival, Solocom in NYC and the Sixth City Comedy Festival. Stacey also hosts a monthly standup show.

Instagram: @staxonstax124

Dee Ahmed is a stand up comedian from Arlington, VA. A natural goofball, he's molded his unique comedic voice that’s insightful, affable, and hilarious. He has quickly become a regular at shows all over the DC area, from open mics in dive bars to comedy festivals, including The 202 Comedy Festival, Charm City Festival, Pittsburgh Comedy Festival, Cinderblock Festival, and What a Joke: A National Comedy Festival. Dee won Comedy Kumite 34.1 (summer 2022) at the DC Improv.

Instagram: @deewasjoking

Jacques Kindle is a comedian based in Washington, DC. Jacques won Comedy Kumite 23.1 and 23.2 (winter 2020) at the DC Improv.

Instagram: @jokesonjacq

Jon Yeager is a comedian originally from Baltimore, “but please, don’t hold that against him.” Jon is a featured player in The Constituents, DC’s premiere political humor show, has opened or featured for Kevin Nealon, Dave Coulier, and Tony Woods. He lives with his dog Muppet, a lovely Lhasa Apso and American Bulldog mix, and is available for barmitzvahs, corporate events and interventions.