Calling All Dreamers participant signs lease, bringing laughs to the waterfront with a soft launch this fall and grand opening in January 2026
A familiar name from last year’s Calling All Dreamers cohort is officially putting roots downtown: Haus of Comedy, the 2025 program’s runner-up, has signed a lease in the heart of Old Sacramento Waterfront. Located in the historic F.W. Fratt Building at 2nd & K Streets, the owners of the comedy lounge and entertainment venue just received $15,000 in prize money through the Downtown Sacramento Foundation as they begin their lease on September 1, 2025.
Slated to soft launch later this fall, with a grand opening planned for January 2026, the venue will feature high-energy, improvised comedy in the style of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, alongside stand-up, sketch, drag, and other unique live performances. Guests can also look forward to world-class improv classes, improv for the workplace, and private coaching, making it a hub not just for entertainment, but also for creativity, skill-building, and community connection.
Haus of Comedy was selected as the 2025 runner-up following months of business development workshops, mentorship, and pitch presentations through the Calling All Dreamers business incubator. The program helps entrepreneurs refine their business model and secure support to launch a brick-and-mortar location within the downtown district.
“It’s really challenging to capture just how helpful Calling All Dreamers has been for us,” said Haus of Comedy owner Jessilee Windhaus. “The team was and continues to be incredibly supportive and connected us with so many resources that we absolutely would not have had otherwise. The mentorship component of the program, especially SCORE, was absolutely invaluable. We really felt that everyone genuinely wanted us to succeed as long as we were willing to put the work in. The Downtown Sacramento Partnership’s contribution to our city is impossible to overstate.”
Haus of Comedy’s decision to open in Old Sacramento was as exciting as it was personal. Born and raised in Sacramento, Windhaus has long been drawn to the district’s blend of history, scenic river views, thriving business community, and family-friendly fun.
“The Old Sacramento Waterfront is thrilled to welcome Haus of Comedy as the newest experience-based business in this vibrant and welcoming district. Jessilee, Andy, and their team are incredible improv artists and we are eager to see them engage with the community and bring people together through laughter in their new home,” said Andrew LaFrance, Business Development Manager at Downtown Sacramento Partnership and program manager for Calling All Dreamers.
Haus of Comedy joins a growing list of Calling All Dreamers alumni bringing fresh energy and ideas to Old Sacramento Waterfront, including Dipped N Color Splat Studio, NEO Escape Rooms, Ecojoyous, Cerealism, Capital Tuk-Tuk, and the upcoming Pittador Brews Specialty Teas & Coffees.
For other interested dreamers, the 13th annual Calling All Dreamers business incubator is now accepting applications through September 1, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. For more information and/or to apply, please visit www.CallingAllDreamers.org.
Note: this announcement was amended to reflect the 2025 runner-up instead of the previously stated 2024.
