As part of the 5th annual 2nd Best Comedy Fest-- bringing 100+ comedians from across the country to RVA for one weekend of incredible shows, workshops, and parties-- we present a lineup of stand-up comedians that'll leave you saying, "What?! Y'mean this isn't the BEST Stand-Up Showcase?!"
Tickets are available to this show individually, or included with the purchase of an ALL-ACCESS FESTIVAL PASS.*
Featuring sets from the esteemed hosts of the Lady to Lady podcast
Barbabra Gray - Barbara’s intense yet goofy stage presence combined with vulnerable and dark material have made her a staple of the Los Angeles alternative comedy scene. She can be seen on Comedy Central’s “Corporate”, as well as Hulu’s “Coming to the Stage”, Nick Swardson’s digital series “Typical Rick” and MTV’s “Acting Out”. She has been a contributing writer for the past three seasons of the hit show “Billy on the Street”, in addition to the upcoming “Magic for Humans with Justin Willman” and “Rachel Dratch’s Late Night Snack” on TruTV.
Brandie Posey - Originally from Annapolis, Maryland, Brandie Posey is a stand up comedian, writer and producer who now calls LA’s comedy scene home. She has been featured as a performer at numerous comedy festivals and has opened for all of your favorite comics, including Kyle Kinane, Maria Bamford and the legendary punk band Against Me! Brandie has appeared on MTV, E! and Comedy Central. Her first stand up record “Opinion Cave” debuted at #1 on iTunes & #12 on Billboard.com.
Tess Barker is a Los Angeles based writer and nationally touring comedian who has appeared at the Comedy Central Stage, Meltdown Comics, UCB, and at clubs and colleges throughout the country. She has written for TVLand’s “Throwing Shade,” TruTV’s “Billy on the Street,” and is regularly published on a number of outlets, including Vice, The Guardian, Vox, MTV News, Jezebel, and L.A Weekly, where her work has ranged from investigative pieces about wage inequity in professional cheerleading to profiles of icons like Charo and Betsey Jonson. She was one of the hosts of Ovation TV’s “Broadway Bash,” — a talk show devoted to the television show Smash.
Also featuring sets from
Natasha Vaynblat is a comedy powerhouse based in NYC, recently seen in the Comedy Central project The Creators and on their stand-up stage. She regularly performs in the Upright Citizens Brigade’s hit show What I Did for Love in addition to her two solo shows: United Federation of Teachers & Self Help Yourself, Help! Her writing has been featured in McSweeney’s, Reductress, & Funny or Die, and she’s been featured in videos for IFC, Above Average, and UCB. In her free time, she’s responsible for the hilariously sartorial Instagram account Natasha Wears Clothes, which combines her love for maximalist fashion with joke-writing.
Steve Howze is a wildly talented stand-up & improv comedian currently based in NYC. He's a 6-year Coalition Theater Alumni featured in numerous improv shows and as a writer/performer on the only fake late nite show in town, RVA Tonight with Beau Cribbs. Recently he's been featured in NBC's Stand-Up for Diversity Showcase, and can be seen regularly performing with the Magnet Theater sketch team Souvenir.
And hosted by Sarah Ahmed, producer & host of the longrunning monthly stand-up showcase Beans, Bits, & Brews at Crossroads.
This show is presented as part of the 5th Annual 2nd Best Comedy Fest, produced by the Coalition Theater. Between June 6-8th, 2nd Best presents a lineup of 100+ comedians from all over the country presenting improv, sketch, stand-up, & alternative comedy and podcasts in downtown RVA. The Coalition is a nonprofit theater in Richmond's Arts District with the mission of making comedy shows & training accessible to all. Proceeds from 2nd Best Comedy Fest benefit the Coalition's mission.
*Seats are held for All-Access Pass purchasers until 10 minutes before showtime. After that, we reserve the right to release seats to standby patrons, and seating is not guaranteed. If you may be running late or would like to ensure seats are reserved for specific shows, email us at producer@2ndbestfest.com and we will be happy to accomodate you!
