WIT Takes Improv to the Campaign Trail with Stumped

Sep 15, 2026
Stumped presented by Washington Improv Theater at Studio Theatre

"The only thing more unpredictable than a real election is a fake one." That's the tagline for Washington Improv Theater's (WIT) new Directors' Series production, Stumped, which premieres on Friday, Sept. 25 as part of a five-week autumn performance series called WIT Presents.

The run also includes the new musical improv production Fraudway! Presents, plus dozens of shows by WIT's talented company ensembles and local indie troupes, and a special Halloween-themed event on Sunday, Oct. 25. Stumped and Fraudway! Presents are part of this year's D.C. Theatre Week offerings.

The show follows two fictional candidates (and their hapless but hilarious staff) on a fun-filled, satirical romp along the improvised campaign trail as they vie for a seat in Congress. DC's funniest improvisers will take electoral chaos to the next level as they explore the absurdities of American politics through a distinctly comedic lens, touching on everything from campaign financing and congressional gridlock, to scandals and hot mic gaffes.

Because there's no script, each show will be unique, and feature new candidates representing districts in different states, spouting varied policy positions pulled from a hat. It's a highly interactive show, with audiences playing a central role in determining many of the surprise elements, including who wins in the end! It's directed by Chris Olinger and Sam Sanders. Stumped can be seen Fridays at 7:30 PM and Saturdays at 6 PM from Sept. 25 to Oct. 24. 

This limited-run Directors' Series production invites audiences on a musical adventure unlike any other. Fraudway! Presents revolves around an unwitting improviser - with zero knowledge about a particular musical, like "Guys and Dolls" or "Chicago" - who is dropped smack in the middle of an improvised version of that same piece of work. Anything can happen when the main character knows nothing about their part! The show is directed by David Shadburn and Marjanna Smith with musical accompaniment by Andrew Zimmer.