The Coalition Theater is thrilled to present its 7th Annual 2ND BEST FEST, running June 6-8, featuring improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy acts from all over the US, crammed into 3 magical nights at 2 different venues!
Our final Fest night showcases a critically acclaimed performance from from Emmy winner Sarah Shaefer, New York's Matt Barats, and Richmond's own Kimberly Nario.
House opens at 8:30PM / Tix: $25
Limited tickets available at the door!
---------------
Sara Schaefer is a critically acclaimed stand up comedian, writer, and miniaturist. Her Comedy Central Stand Up Presents half hour special debuted in November 2019 and she was the co-host of MTV’s late night show Nikki & Sara Live. Sara published her first book, Grand, in 2020 with Simon & Schuster. She has written for numerous television programs including Who Wants To Be a Millionaire, The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Would I Lie To You, and The History of Swear Words. She won two Emmy awards for her work at Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. In recent years, Sara has toured her solo show "Going Up" all over the world to rave reviews.
Matt Barats is a comedian in NYC. He has a lead role in the indie comedy feature INSPECTOR IKE (available on Mubi), has been part of the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, and is co-creator of the visual albums REVERIES which Vulture called ”an endorsement for unbridled creativity and experimentation and a marvel of artistic devotion.” Other notable comedy shows/groups include SADIE HAWKINS DAY, POSTMEN, and THE HOLY FUCK COMEDY HOUR.
He is the creator of short films including IMPROV IS LOVE, MY CREATION, FLY ON THE WALL, and directed the documentary short HERE WE HAVE IDAHO as well as the diy feature CASH COW which premiered at the 2023 Slamdance Film Festival.
Matt has contributed to The New Yorker and The Onion. TV credits include HIGH MAINTENANCE, SEARCH PARTY, THE LAST O.G., LAST WEEK TONIGHT, HBO miniseries THE WHITE HOUSE PLUMBERS, and the upcoming series FANTASMAS.
Kimberly Nario is a Richmond-based creative. She is a regular improviser and stand up whose recent credits include Improvised: The Office, Hearst Girls, Can't Hardly Date, and Twins(1989). She has opened for Brandie Posey and Eliza Skinner, and some men (probably). She directs the monthly improvised play, Still Life.
Located in Richmond's Downtown Arts District, the mission of the nonprofit Coalition Theater is to build an inclusive space where laughter connects people. Proceeds from 2ND BEST FEST help further this mission, supporting performances, comedic education, and community outreach.
Learn more at https://rvacomedy.com and https://2ndBestFest.com
