Capitol Steps, the popular satirical performance group known for putting the “mock in democracy,” announced it will be shutting down this year.

“Like many in the entertainment business, we simply weren’t built to survive going a year or more without live performances,” reads a statement tweeted by the Capitol Steps account.

In its nearly four decades of shows, the comedy troupe’s wild takes on modern history and politics has been described as “a machine gun of comedy,” the “real thing” when it comes to satire, and a “wonky-tonk geek chorus at the wings of our political theater.” The group famously got its start in 1981, when a group of Senate staffers staged a satirical performance at a congressional office party.

Over its tenure, the comedy group, comprised primarily of former congressional staff, went on to host live performances, tours, and make appearances on national radio and television.

“Who would have dreamed that a Senate office Christmas party, 39 years ago — much like everything else in D.C.— could have spun painfully out of control and given us a livelihood for all these years and given some folks a lot of laughs,” says Mark Eaton, a manager with the Capitol Steps. “We appreciate everybody that ever came to a show or bought a ticket, or the corporations and the associations that hired us over the years. All those folks were very integral to our success.”

As many arts groups and venues did, Capitol Steps paused its live performances and tours when the pandemic began in March, and has not returned to stages since.

“We’re kind of in the same boat with an awful lot of entertainers and live performance groups that just can’t survive without shows and income coming in,” says Eaton. “So that’s why we had to make the tough decision.”

The group will keep its office open through at least the spring, according to Eaton. CDs are still available through the group’s website, and Eaton says there’s no plan yet to shut down any social media accounts.

The news was met with sadness by fans on Twitter. It comes in the midst of the second impeachment vote for President Donald Trump, a week after insurrectionists stormed the Capitol, and amid mounting anxiety as Washingtonians prepare for potential violence around President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. Based on the reactions, it’s clear Washington could use a laugh.

https://twitter.com/lachlan/status/1349440375388332032

Eaton says that there’s no ruling out that the group could make a return when live performances are allowed in D.C., but it’s unlikely the group will make a resurgence.

“It’s just something that we just can’t plan, and we don’t want to make any plans for an uncertainty,” Eaton says. “We’re not saying a resurrection isn’t impossible, but it’s definitely a long shot.”