Overview

Dirty South Comedy, DSI, is a local comedy company on the west end of Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The venue offers a intimate atmosphere where the audience can connect with the performers and participate in the shows. The theater has over 100 active performers from Chapel Hill and the Triangle area. Patrons are welcome to grab drinks at the bar while they enjoy the show. DSI is an active supporter of the Triangle community and participates in fundraising events, outreach programs and educational opportunities for all ages and abilities. The theater also houses the DSI Comedy Training Center, which offers new classes in stand-up, improv and sketch comedy every month. Although primarily based in Chapel Hill, DSI has a national touring company spreading comedy across North America. Zack Ward, owner and executive producer, founded DSI comedy on April 1, 2003. The theater was originally located at Carr Mill Mall in Carrboro, N.C., before moving to its current location in May 2014. 

Shows

DSI Comedy Theater offers a variety of shows to the public five nights a week — two shows on Tuesday through Thursday, three on Friday and four on Saturday — on the main performance stage including stand-up, improv and sketch comedy performances. Every Saturday, DSI offers a free 30-minute comedy show at 10:00 p.m. The theater also offers family-friendly events including Family Improv and Improv Wildcard. On Fridays at 10:00 p.m., DSI's main show is Mister Diplomat that includes true stories told by local celebrities or special guests, which the professional improv comedians then use as a narrative to drive their sketches. DSI opens the stage up to the public with The Jam that follows immediately after Mister Diplomat at 11:00 p.m. In Stranger Danger on Saturdays at 8:30 p.m., the comedians explore the horrible memories and the trying times of bad dates. Ladies can come out to Ladies Night on Fridays at 7:00 p.m. at DSI where the female comedians hit the stage with stand-up, improv and sketches. 

Classes

DSI offers courses in standup, sketch and improvisation. Classes last two to two and a half hours once a week for six weeks and have a maximum capacity of 14 students. Enrollment into a class is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and there are no refunds for missed classes.  Perspective students must be at least 17 years old. Occasionally DSI will offer teen classes.

DSI offers two levels of standup and sketch writing and seven levels of improvisation classes. Once students complete all seven improv classes program, they may audition to join the performing ensemble. Auditions for the ensemble are held twice a year in early September and March.

For those who are unable to attended classes, DSI offers improv drop-in workshops several times a month. These workshops allow anyone who has completed DSI’s Improv 101 learn new skills. The workshop is 20 students and lasts for two hours. To enroll, register online. The class fee is $10.00.

During the summer, DSI offers weeklong comedy camps for children and teens. The camps cover topics ranging from acting to standup.  There are three age groups, 8-10, 10-13 and 14-17.  Camps cost $235 for the week. 

Contact

Address:

DSI Comedy Theater

462 W Franklin St

Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Hours:

Tuesdays through Thursdays 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays 6:30 p.m.-12:00 a.m.