Upcoming events
Unfortunately, The Basement is not wheelchair accessible at this time. We are diligently working on finding funding to remedy this.
EBONIZED CHILL
Music Evolved Records Presents EBONIZED CHILL
Using entertainment to combat mental illness
November 3rd CANCELLED
RESCHEDULED to DECEMBER 1st
6pm Doors
7pm Show
$25
Starring
The Baylocks
Featuring
Irina Manelis & Mike Engle
Speakeasy Soiree: A Prohibition-Themed Gala at The Basement
Step back in time to the roaring 1920s at Speakeasy Soiree, a prohibition-inspired gala hosted by The Basement, where jazz, gin, and glamour collide in anunforgettable evening.
The night will feature live music by the sensational Grace Street Seven, a high-energy jazz band known for their vintage sound and infectious swing. With theirsmooth rhythms and toe-tapping melodies, they’ll transport you straight to the days of secretive, candlelit clubs, where the only thing flowing more than the jazzwas the bootleg booze.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in their finest to truly immerse themselves in the atmosphere. As you mingle and dance the night away, enjoy delicioussignature cocktails, craft drinks, and hors d'oeuvres.
But it’s not just about the celebration. Speakeasy Soiree is also a fundraiser, with proceeds supporting The Basement. Your attendance helps fund The Basement's mission to provide a platform for creativity, connection, and cultural enrichment for local performance and visual artists.
Tickets are limited, so secure your spot now for a night of jazz, cocktails, and timeless fun.
The Second 5th Annual GLAPcock Awards at The Basement
UH OH. The GLAPcock Awards are back, y’all.
It’s the silliest celebration in all of RVA, so mark your calendars & plan to join Yes, And! at The Basement on Sunday, November 17! Suggested donation: $10. Come one, come all! Funds raised will support the Yes, And! Annual Fund & our upcoming Season 3 Main Stage productions.
Hosted by two of the Maggie’s — Maggie Roop & Maggie Bavolack — the GLAPcocks are among the most coveted awards in America. With categories like Most Sparkliest & Most Ferocious Facial Hair, these awards are obviously very very serious
Dracula: An Audio Drama
Join us for the final performance of Dracula at The Basement on November 2nd at 2 PM. This is your last chance to experience the haunting retelling of Bram Stoker’s iconic tale, brought to life through immersive audio storytelling and atmospheric theatrical effects.
Descend into the eerie depths one last time, where every whisper, heartbeat, and sinister sound will send chills down your spine.
For the Full Theatrical Experience, tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, placing you at the heart of the action in our performance space.
Or, unwind in the Bar/Listening Lounge, where you can sip a drink while absorbing the haunting sounds. Lounge tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.
Don't miss this final opportunity to witness Dracula's reign of terror—one last time!
One of the original vampire novels jumps off the page in this new adaptation of Bram Stoker's seminal novel Dracula. After living in seclusion for centuries, the villainous Count Dracula sets his sights on Victorian England. After tricking innocent lawyer Jonathan Harker into purchasing an abandoned monastery for him, Dracula wreaks havoc on the inhabitants surrounding the property. When Lucy Westenra falls ill, Dr. Seward calls upon his former teacher Abraham Van Helsing for help who realizes that Dracula is a vampire. Our heroes must stop this creature of hell before he takes over all of England and then the world!
First Fridays Underground: November
First Fridays Underground at The Basement: November
Open Gallery: 7pm-12am (Curated by The Art Seen) Feat. David Marion Live Painting
Dracula Audio Drama 20-Minute Sneek Peek: 7:30pm
DJ EOS: 8pm-12am
Nu Rodeo Caledonia Feat. Darshe Dazzles and More!: 10pm-11pm
Dracula: An Audio Drama
On Thursday, Choose from two shows: one at 7 PM and another at 11 PM, perfect for early thrill-seekers or night owls craving a late-night scare. Doors open at 6 PM.
This Halloween, step into the eerie ambiance of The Basement for an unforgettable retelling of Dracula, brought to life through immersive audio storytelling and theatrical effects. Descend into the depths and experience the chilling tale of Bram Stoker's iconic vampire, where every heartbeat, whisper, and footstep will send shivers down your spine.
For the Full Theatrical Experience, tickets are just $15 in advance or $20 at the door, securing you a front-row seat in the spine-tingling performance space.
Prefer a more laid-back but equally spooky night? Enjoy the show in the Bar/Listening Lounge, where you can relax with a drink while the haunting sounds fill the air. Lounge tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.
Prepare for a night of terror and intrigue—Dracula awaits!
One of the original vampire novels jumps off the page in this new adaptation of Bram Stoker's seminal novel Dracula. After living in seclusion for centuries, the villainous Count Dracula sets his sights on Victorian England. After tricking innocent lawyer Jonathan Harker into purchasing an abandoned monastery for him, Dracula wreaks havoc on the inhabitants surrounding the property. When Lucy Westenra falls ill, Dr. Seward calls upon his former teacher Abraham Van Helsing for help who realizes that Dracula is a vampire. Our heroes must stop this creature of hell before he takes over all of England and then the world!
PRIVATE EVENT
We are closed today due to a Private Event. Want to find out if you can have a Private Event in our space? Reach out to us!
CLOSED FOR REHEARSAL
We are closed today due to a rehearsal in the space. Come check out the show when it premiers and reach out if you have an event you want to do!
Charming Disaster's Musical Underworld Tour
Charming Disaster’s Musical Underworld Tour offers an intimate, playfully dark cabaret experience that is part concert, part vaudeville act, as the goth-folk duo perform original songs that explore myth, monsters, and mortality. This show invites audience members beyond the river Styx…and promises to get everyone back to the land of the living before it’s too late. Mysterious onstage rituals may ensue.
Charming Disaster is a goth-folk musical duo based in Brooklyn, NY, formed in 2012 by Ellia Bisker and Jeff Morris. Inspired by the macabre humor of Edward Gorey and Tim Burton, the murder ballads of the Americana tradition, and the dramatic flair of the cabaret, they write playfully dark songs that tell stories about death, crime, myth, magic, folklore, science, and the occult.
Charming Disaster’s music has been featured on the podcast Welcome to Night Vale, they have toured the United States and Europe, and have opened for Rasputina, Voltaire, The Dresden Dolls. Recent appearances include Joe's Pub at the Public Theatre in NYC, the Rochester Fringe Festival, Philadelphia’s Science History Institute, Cleveland's Wizbang Circus Theatre, and the Coney Island Sideshow stage.
LINKS:
Website: charmingdisaster.com
Facebook: facebook.com/charmingdisaster
Instagram: @charmingdisasterband
YouTube: youtube.com/charmingdisasterband
Bandcamp: charmingdisaster.bandcamp.com
Spotify: charmingdisaster.com/spotify
Wellness, Art and Magic at The Basement
On Saturday, October 26th from 2pm-7pm, Earth Bae will be hosting Wellness, Art and Magic at The Basement RVA✨. This vendor event is a safe space for everyone to attend and enjoy great Music, Art, Tarot Readings and more.
Please join us for good vibes and an Open Bar!
VENDORS WANTED! Contact https://www.instagram.com/__earthbae/ for more info!
Ahmed Al-kadri Comedy Show at The Basement
Ahmed Al-kadri is a Yemeni-American comedian based in LA. He was previously working as an Accountant but his immigrant parents are forcing him to be a comedian. Ahmed has amassed a following on social media with over 690K followers. His content has been featured on Buzzfeed and Variety. You may also have seen him on the series David Diamondhands, OFTV, and his YouTube special “Special Not Special”
Wild at Heart
The Halloween SpookDracular Monster Mash
Bash with paranormal insight by Pamela K. Kinney (Haunted Virginia) and Emily MacArthur (River City Haunted tours)
haunting poetry and prose by Alexandra Naughton, X.C. Atkins, Andrew Blossom, and Lilly Cook and
hellacious burlesque by Qing Blaze
@wildatheartreadingseries
Open Availability
The Space is available! Reach out to us on our Contact Page and schedule your event!
Fall Cabaret: FEATURING THE STUDENTS OF SARAH WALSTON, WITH PIANIST CHARLES STAPLES
October 17th
Doors Open at 7pm
Show at 8pm
$10 Cover
Burlessqns: Pastie Making Tips & Tricks
Saffron Soleil’s Burlessqns
Fall workshops September - October
pastie making tips & tricks
an in depth tutorial
A full in-depth follow along lesson covering all of Saffron’s rhinestoning techniques and tips. Participation and questions are encouraged!
$45 for a la carte class or bundle classes!
Sign up at https://saffronsoleil.bigcartel.com/
audaCITY Family Reunion: Richmond Edition
Join us as audaCITY launches its highly anticipated four-city Family Reunion tour, coming to Richmond, VA. Hosted by Duce Banx. Indulge in delectable cuisine, while enjoying an open bar. Explore a curated selection of vendors and more!
Prepare to be captivated as we celebrate RVA's vibrant artistic community, featuring talents spanning fashion, music, visual art, film, and more. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of black artistry that our city has to offer.
Tickets are selling fast, so secure yours today and ensure you don't miss this unforgettable evening!
Ali Webb - "Be Anything"
Jazz as you’ve never heard it before – Ali’s humorous vignettes celebrate life through song, the ironies and self-effacing moments, the defeats and triumphs, the heartbreaks and love that build resolve. Through her original songs and well known jazz classics, Ali reveals the magic and the music of the human spirit, inspiring us to embrace the life we all share, a life where we can “Be Anything.”
7pm Doors, 8pm Show
$20 Adv, $25 day of
Ali Webb, jazz singer, storyteller, comedian, takes you on a journey through life in her show, “Be Anything.” Ali brings her vibrant spirit and love of music to each song, including selections such as “When You’re Smiling” and “Don’t Explain” and of course, “Be Anything.”
Accompanied by Wells Hanley (piano), Randall Pharr (bass), and Brian Caputo (drums), Ali displays to the audience how jazz and life intersect, how music tells the stories most fundamental and important to us as human beings. Through self-effacing humor, Ali recounts hilarious anecdotes from her life, including snarky grocery store clerks and bad boyfriends, and even sings her original song called “SPAM”, which traces her family’s lineage.
This show reveals truths about life’s most difficult moments, and how through time and with love, these heartbreaks become triumphs of the soul.
Ali’s repertoire, originals as well as songs from the 1920s through the 1960s, demonstrates her vocal and emotional range and the adept musical skills of her fellow performers. Each song is delivered with the joy and improvisational spirit characteristic of jazz. Ali also shares with us her personal relationship to many of these songs and how they help her understand past events and embrace life with bravery and honesty.
Burlessqns: Performer Makeup 101
Saffron Soleil’s Burlessqns
Fall workshops September - October
Performer Makeup 101
makeup for the stage
A Lecture & workshop covering basic theater makeup concepts, burlesque trickery, and recommendations for makeup products to buy.
$45 for a la carte class or bundle classes!
Sign up at https://saffronsoleil.bigcartel.com/
Burlessqns: Stillness on Stage
Saffron Soleil’s Burlessqns
Fall workshops September - October
Stillness on Stage
Slowburn act workshop
This class is a light movement workshop that focuses on learning how to pace your burlesque act and engage with the audience.
$45 for a la carte class or bundle classes!
Sign up at https://saffronsoleil.bigcartel.com/
The Drag Bazaar
The King Collective presents The Drag Bazaar, an all drag king experience! Performances by some of Richmond’s finest along with vendors, go go dancing, and raffles!
The King Collective is a group of masc presenting performance artists building community and support within the drag world. Their vision is to broaden knowledge, acceptance, and respect for drag kings.
September 29th
$20
18+
Doors at 6pm
Show at 7pm
Be ready for the weird and wonderful
Wild at Heart
Wild at Heart: A Monthly Reading series at The Basement
Bar opens at 6:30pm, Show starts at 7:30pm
Readings by
Laura Show Reeve
Mathias Svalina
JT Peifer
A Live Comic Reading by
Oura
Music by
Dawning
and Burlesque Dance Performance by
Kayy Lovely
@wildatheartreadingseries
Burlessqns: Costuming 101
Saffron Soleil’s Burlessqns
Fall workshops September - October
Costuming 101, Resource share
Lecture, Resource Share and Q&A
A Lecture class with a slideshow describing all the costumes and props Saffron has made, covering the basics of how Saffron rhinestones costumes.
$45 for a la carte class or bundle classes!
Sign up at https://saffronsoleil.bigcartel.com/
Burlesque and Drag Open Mic
Nu Rodeo Caldonia is excited to host Burlesque and Drag Open Mic for new and experienced performers. A great opportunity for the amateur wanting to test the waters, new performers wanting more stage experience, or seasoned performers hoping to test out something new! Take your moment on the stage infront of a supportive audience exctied to see you shine!
Join us at 7pm for a burlesque mixer to chat and mingle with local burlesque performers and producers.
Want to participate? Click here
Show begins at 8pm
You must be 18+ to participate or attend
Pay What You Can admission at the door
Burlessqns: The Business of Burlesque
Saffron Soleil’s Burlessqns
Fall workshops September - October
The Business of Burlesque
How to get booked and stay booked - Etiquette & Advice
A Lecture class with basics covering burlesque history, producer etiquette, backstage behavior, safety, and more! Q&A session to close.
$45 for a la carte class or bundle classes!
Sign up at https://saffronsoleil.bigcartel.com/
Lindsey Zelli and Jeff Ashworth WITH CHILD
Lindsey Zelli (RTCC Best Lead Performance Award Winner, 2023) and her husband Jeff Ashworth (who won the lottery by marrying her) are proud to present WITH CHILD, a cabaret about one couple’s path to parenthood and the subsequent ups and downs that accompany the transition from husband and wife to mom and dad. Featuring songs from some of your (or at least their) favorite musicals, jokes that will have you laughing through tears (also theirs) and the incredible accompaniment stylings of Elle Meerovich, it’s the perfect excuse to hire a sitter—even if you don’t have kids.
September 14 and 15, 7pm doors, 7:30pm delivery.
Don't miss the "We're a Package Deal," buy three general admission tickets get one free. We're also offering a discount to parents since we know every little bit helps!
Add 4 tickets to your order and use code "B3G1"
Lindsey Zelli and Jeff Ashworth WITH CHILD
Lindsey Zelli (RTCC Best Lead Performance Award Winner, 2023) and her husband Jeff Ashworth (who won the lottery by marrying her) are proud to present WITH CHILD, a cabaret about one couple’s path to parenthood and the subsequent ups and downs that accompany the transition from husband and wife to mom and dad. Featuring songs from some of your (or at least their) favorite musicals, jokes that will have you laughing through tears (also theirs) and the incredible accompaniment stylings of Elle Meerovich, it’s the perfect excuse to hire a sitter—even if you don’t have kids.
September 14 and 15, 7pm doors, 7:30pm delivery.
Don't miss the "We're a Package Deal," buy three general admission tickets get one free. We're also offering a discount to parents since we know every little bit helps!
Add 4 tickets to your order and use code "B3G1"
Spellbound's 2nd Qualifier Poetry Slam
Spellbound's 2nd Qualifier Poetry Slam
Join us at The Basement
The SpellBound Slam team is back with another slam!! Poets from around the state come to compete for a cash prize and a spot in the grand slam in January!!
Rules/Details: 10 (12...we're considering) poets will present their original work for the audience, 5 judges picked from the audience will score the poems from 0.0 to 10.0 using decimals to minimize ties.
ALL ROUNDS ARE CLEAN SLATE...this means scores for each round only matter to that round!! There are 3 rounds! Poets, come ready with 3 poems of your original work!
Poets will have 3:00 minute w/ a 10sec grace period to perform their poems. Usually there is a .5 for every 10sec a poet goes over...but here at SpellBound we don't do unnecessary math...so if a poem hits 3:11 the Poet will be disqualified from moving on!!
The cuts for each round will be 1st-10(12) poets 2nd-6(7) poets 3rd-3poets If there is a tie going from the 1st to 2nd...or 2nd to 3rd round...we will not take the tying poets to the next round!!
Time starts when the Poet engages the audience
No props, costumes, or anything accompanying the poets work...just words and performance
The top 2 poets of the night get:
1st place $100
2nd place $50
And qualify to return in January for the SpellBound Grand Slam!!
Come and be spellbound!
Bey-Lesque Roulette
Join us for a spectacular evening at Bey-Lesque Roulette, where we’re turning happy hour into a full-on Beyoncé celebration!
Head to The Basement to toast Queen Bey’s birthday with an unforgettable burlesque improv show.
Happy Hour from 5pm-7pm
Burlesque show starts at 7:30pm
Tickets: $4 adv, $9 day of
18+ to enter, 21 to drink
First Fridays Underground at The Basement
Come relax and enjoy First Fridays Underground at The Basement!
First Friday is Downtown Richmond's long-standing monthly art walk that happens year-round on the First Friday of every month. Galleries, shops, restaurants, non-profits, and more open their doors in celebration of creativity and community. First Fridays is a signature event in the city's Arts District and beyond.
Here at The Basement, we have different artists each month for a new and exciting time EVERY time. Check in later to see who will be performing each month. With work from local artists on our walls, delicious drinks at our beautiful bar, and mesmerizing performances by Richmond talents, we guarantee that you will have a great time Underground.
FREE ADMISSION!!
Doors/Bar open at 5pm.
BABE & Friends: The Five Year Anniversary Show!
Celebrate five years of unstoppable laughter with improv duo, BABE starring Elizabeth Byland and Anthony Brazeau. Join us for a night of comedy magic as we mark our five years of togetherness with an all star lineup. We're thrilled to welcome special guests, Big Mouth Improv, from Baltimore, bringing their bold baddie vibes to the stage. Adding to the hilarity, stand-up sensations and RVA's comedy icons, Lucy Bonino and Kade Wonders. And we have a special treat for you: we have Coalition Theatre's brand new house team hot off their grand debut! It's a night of comedy that you don't want to miss! We're brining our funny friends, you bring yours and together we'll celebrate FIVE YEARS WITH BABE IMPROV!
Four improv teams
Two Stand Ups
One nightA ton of laughs.
The Basement Theatre is a Nonprofit 501(c)(3) performance venue, art gallery, bar & lounge located in Richmond’s Historic Jackson Ward.BABE Improv is RVA's dynamic duo, starring the powerhouse talents of Elizabeth Byland and Anthony Brazeau! It was five years ago to the day that these two made their Richmond duo debut, and they haven't looked back since! For five years strong, BABE improv has delivered performances packed with laughter, heart, and whole lot of positive energy! They've performed their signature narrative style at The Queen City Comedy Experience, VB Comedy Fest, 2nd Best Fest, Improv Festivus, Baltimore Improv Fest, Miami Improv Festival, Dogwood Comedy Fest, The Last Word Comedy Fest, Norfolk Comedy Fest, and they make monthly appearances at local and regional theatres here in the RVA and beyond!BABE Improv is two weirdos traveling through time and space to bring you a multi-dimensional show that will have you wondering, "what's gonna happen next?!"
Classical Revolution Community Reading Session
This August Classical Revolution RVA is hosting a Community Reading Session and Workshop at The Basement!
Kittening 101 with Poppy la Fae
Everyone knows that the kitten is one of the most valuable players at a burlesque show, but what does it take to get started?
Learn from someone who got their burly start because they wanted to be a kitten! Learn important theatre terms for set up and clean up!
Build your own kitten kit to be prepared backstage!
Practice your pick up artistry!
$10-$20 Sliding scale