Long before he took center stage at the Guild Theater, Dru Burks was one of St. HOPE’s first students. Enrolled in the organization’s original summer program back in 1989, Dru’s connection to St. HOPE runs deep—so much so that he often says it’s “in his blood.” Today, he’s helping shape that same community, now as the Guild Theater Manager, a role he officially stepped into in 2018.

A proud Sacramento native, Dru graduated from Kennedy High School and then went on to study communications at Sac State. But it wasn’t until a twist of fate at a now-closed Cheers bar on Franklin Boulevard that he found his true calling—comedy. Sixteen years ago, a friend secretly signed him up for an open mic night. When Dru’s name was called, he had no idea what was happening—but he took the stage, winged it, and made people laugh. That spontaneous moment ignited a career that has since made him a familiar name in the comedy scene.

Since then, Dru has performed and headlined at iconic venues like Punchline, Tommy T’s, and Laughs Unlimited. At the Guild Theater, he now hosts and curates a bi-monthly Comedy Night, featuring comedians from across the country. Each show includes a four-person lineup—an opener, a featured act, a headliner, and Dru himself as the host. The experience is part stand-up, part improv, and often interactive with the audience.

“What I love most about comedy is that we give people an hour where they can forget everything going on in the outside world and just laugh. That’s powerful, ” Dru says. 

For the comedy nights, Dru handpicks the headliners and builds the rest of the show around their style and energy. He also oversees Guild Theater rentals and is involved in bringing cultural and community events to life such as Juneteenth, Christmas at 40 Acres, and the Oak Park Black Film Festival. 

What makes it so meaningful for him is the impact he sees on the community. “I’ve seen the change St. HOPE has made,” Dru says. “Former students come back, families return. It’s a cycle of inspiration.” He lights up talking about multigenerational stories tied to the Guild—a theater that first opened in 1915. “One day a woman stopped by the Guild Theaters and told me she saw The Three Stooges live here. That’s the kind of legacy we’re carrying.”

When he’s not on stage or behind the scenes, Dru has another passion—cars. He’s a regular at local “Cars and Coffee” meetups, where enthusiasts gather to admire each other’s rides and talk shop. His pride and joy? A classic 1988 convertible BMW 325. “If I ever win the lottery, I’m starting a car collection,” he jokes.

Whether he’s bringing laughter to a packed theater or helping build a space where the community can thrive, Dru Burks is a force of positive energy. You won’t want to miss the next comedy night at the Guild Theater on May 24 at 8pm. In addition to Dru, the show will feature headliner EastSide IVO and comedians Alvin Duke and Hannibal Thompson. Get your tickets now for an unforgettable night.