In 2017, the DC Improv celebrates its 25th anniversary by remembering the past – and looking to the future. The Next Wave series features rising stars, recommended to us (and you) by some of our favorite DC Improv headliners. These are performers that comedy fans will be talking about for years to come, and this is your chance to see them up close at one of the most respected comedy venues in America. Michael Yo knows all about entertainment, as one of your favorite correspondents on “Extra,” “E! News” and “The Insider.” But when he’s not interviewing the stars, he IS a star on the comedy stage. His energy-filled performances are winning over audiences everywhere. He is recommended to you by his onetime podcasting partner and fellow “Chelsea Lately” panelist … the fantastic Jo Koy!

The Bert Kreischer party train keeps picking up speed. Thanks to a Rolling Stone profile, he finished college at Florida State with a reputation as the country’s biggest party animal. He spun that into TV hosting gigs and a stand-up comedy career. Bert is always on the hunt for adventure, and he loves sharing his experiences on stage. He wrote a best-selling memoir in recent years, and his 2016 Showtime special was a smash hit.

No two Flip Orley shows are the same, which is why he's been a DC Improv favorite since the 1990s. Flip uses hypnosis to turn audience members into the stars of the show. He leads volunteers through twisted scenarios, getting reactions that are almost beyond belief – and he does it all without humiliating anyone. Whether you’re on stage or watching from the audience, Flip’s show is unforgettable. And no, we weren’t hypnotized into writing this.