After the Dallas Comedy House closed in August 2020, Ian and Rosie Caruth would drive by the vacant club in Deep Ellum and think, “Somebody has to do something.” The Caruths, who were students and interns at the venue, ultimately decided that “somebody” would be them.
The couple met in New York City, where they taught and performed at the Magnet Theater. They worked jobs in video editing and PR to support themselves while living in East Village. Eventually, they needed a change of pace and, for a while, worked for a cannabis operation in South Lake Tahoe. In 2016, they moved to Dallas.
The Caruths joined the Dallas Comedy House, founded by improv comedian and corporate trainer Amanda Austin. Due to the pandemic, Austin was forced to close the venue, and the landlord of the nearly 10,000-square-foot club began seeking a new tenant. The Caruths heard the call and opened Dallas Comedy Club this past September. “This is our life’s savings and our life’s work,” Rosie says. “We believe in this, and we are fully leveraged,” Ian adds with nervous laughter.
Laughter is cheaper than therapy, and it’s the best way to get to know someone.
Like its predecessor, Dallas Comedy Club hosts performances from local and national comedians, improv troupes, open mics, and sketch shows up to five nights a week. It also offers improv, sketch, stand-up, and storytelling classes. Corporate training is available, too, with the Caruths helping business leaders build better teams, improve communication skills, and put improv’s “yes, and” philosophy to work.
The couple created an elevated dining experience, with a menu that includes calamari fries with romesco and lemon aioli, duck tacos with avocado crema and guajillo salsa, and an off-the-wall pork stir fry.
In March, the Caruths will host their first Texas Comedy Festival, bringing in talent through their connections in California and New York while also highlighting local voices. Beyond making people laugh and building a business, the couple is focused on creating a positive and inclusive community. “Laughter is cheaper than therapy, and it’s the best way to get to know someone,” Rosie says.
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