Just when we need it the most, Dallas is about to become a funnier place. For owners Ian and Rosie Caruth, the opening of the Dallas Comedy Club this Wednesday is the culmination of a dream. “Our goal is to be home base for the comedic community—not to mention give people a reason to laugh again,” says Rosie.
When the Deep Ellum commercial space—formerly the Dallas Comedy House—became available in August 2020, the decision to try their hand at running a club was less an “a-ha moment” than a “why wouldn’t we?” The couple, who met in a New York comedy club, saw the ideal opportunity to put their Big Apple experience to work.
“We’d both studied comedy and been in the business a long time,” says Ian. “Plus, we were in the perfect position to make it happen.”
The newly revamped 9,600-square-foot space will feature three performing areas plus a full-service bar and dining experience. Expect an array of comedic genres, stand-up to situational, anecdotal to improv.
Among the first the Caruths brought on board was fellow comedian Gayden Day. As luck would have it, she was also a seasoned marketing pro with pedigree credentials. Among her responsibilities: spearheading the redesign of the landmark Deep Ellum building.
The overall vision: Create a space that encouraged shared laughter.
For the exterior, Gayden chose a vibrant, attention-getting palette. “We wanted to create energy, a feeling of happiness and hopefulness.” Great thought was given to the walk-up. Every angle was designed to attract neighboring foot traffic.
Backlit graphics tell the story of what happens inside, artfully integrated as part of the architecture. An added bonus: QR codes within the design provide club-goers with real-time information about their areas of interest.
“We wanted to design a safe place to have fun,” says Rosie. “When you enter the building, you’ll see the words ‘Follow the Fun’ as a reminder of why you’re here.”
Three-dimensional divers hang from the walls, encouraging guests “to dive in, let go and have fun,” says Gayden.
The divers also symbolize the very nature of improv, which is diving into a scene without a net.
Inside, the interactive element continues. Class offerings—another key component of DCC—are boldly displayed beside motivational phrases—”Be the Change,” a favorite of Ian’s, and “Spend the Change” a satirical pitch to purchase branded merchandise.
A hall of lights leads to the club’s two indoor theaters. Stark white mannequin heads and hands emerge from the wall to create conversation and curiosity.
As for the bar and patio, the goal was to make the space “date-night worthy—approachable, casual, sexy, stylish, and fun,” says Gayden.
A third stage will feature outdoor performances. Throughout, local artists are on display—a tribute to Deep Ellum’s commitment to the arts—along with photography on loan from renowned photographer/architect Leonard Volk.
The Club House is yet another area, designed for private parties and special events including meet-and-greets with visiting comedians. A neutral palette provides the foundation for a colorful play of furnishings. The space also sports a “Smile Club”—a wall displaying smiles of guests as they come and go.
“This place feels like us,” says Rosie. “We’re kooky, we’re fun, and we’re ready to show the world what we’ve got.”
With opening night less than a week away, DCC promises to offer Dallasites an unprecedented comedic experience. “The shortage of comedy here definitely works in our favor,” says Ian. “We just need to do it a little bit better than anybody has ever done it.”
Opening night is Wednesday, September 1st. The Dallas Comedy Club is located at 3036 Elm Street, Dallas.
