With Dirty South Improv Comedy Theater soon relocating to Franklin Street, UNC should work to encourage its relationship with the local comedy company, as more of its students are expected to frequent the theater after the move.
DSI hosts stand-up, improvisational and sketch comedy performances. Workshops, classes and summer camps are also held for the community to participate in the comedy scene.
DSI’s current 84-seat theater, located in nearby Carrboro, has limited access and capacity for a laugh-hungry public. In the current location,
DSI has 45 active comedic and improvisational performers, with a national network of about 100 professional comedians. The new location will be three times the size the current space.
Such prospects offer both UNC and DSI communities collaborative benefits, as both parties have worked together in the past to serve the local demographic of comedy thrill-seekers.
In the past, UNC has allowed DSI usage of land to hold comedy events on campus, partnered with it for promotional purposes and assisted with community benefits. With DSI’s new revitalized location, its ownership expects the student population to be far better served than it currently is in Carrboro — with a growing demographic of theater-goers.
UNC should not only continue such collaborative efforts, but strengthen them by offering campus space for use of theater events, or contributing to class lectures with theater graduates.
The University and DSI would mutually benefit from a continuing relationhip, as DSI is largely considered a dedicated member of the community, regularly reaching out to the area with fundraisers, outreach and educational opportunities.
