Fletcher to debut new recurring show

Local improv group FLETCHER, one of the original PHIT House Teams, will be starting up a new recurring show in South Philly at the Arts Parlor. FLETCHER & FRIENDS will feature a set from the group as well as a couple from some other local talent. In their debut show, they will be joined by KING FRIDAY and IRON LUNG.

FLETCHER & FRIENDS
THURSDAY, MAY 19 @ 8PM
THE ARTS PARLOR, 1170 S BROAD ST
$5 SUGGESTED DONATION

It’s time to get PHIT

I hope you’ve all resolved to get your comedy on… and during the next two weeks, the PHILLY IMPROV THEATER has what it takes for you to be the Biggest Winner:

Wed, 1/26
8:00PM – The Bully Pulpit ($10)
9:30PM – Rant-O-Wheel ($10)

Thu, 1/27
8:00PM – Hey Everybody! ($10)
9:30PM – Cagematch: Grimacchio v. Hans Gruber ($10)
11:00PM – The Gross Show ($10)

Fri, 1/28
8:00PM – Women w/ Class + Kristen & Amie Show ($10)
9:30PM – Rosen & Milkshake + Angry People Building Things ($10)
11:00PM – Hopper Bros Happy Magic Fun-Time Show ($10)

Sat, 1/29
8:00PM – King Friday + Asteroid ($10)
9:30PM – Fletcher + Mayor Karen ($10)
11:00PM – PHIT Improv Jam (FREE)

Sun, 1/30
8:00PM – Comedy University: Improv Kerouac + Guests ($10)

Wed, 2/2
8:00PM – Guilty Pleasures ($10)
9:30PM – TV Party! ($10)

Thu, 2/3
8:00PM – Hey Everybody! ($10)
9:30PM – Cagematch: 1/27 Winner v. TBA ($10)

Fri, 2/4
8:00PM – Suggestical! + Rare Bird Show ($10)
9:30PM – Medic + BWP ($10)
11:00PM – Sketch Open Mic: Sketch Up or Shut Up (FREE)

Sat, 2/5
8:00PM – King Friday + Asteroid ($10)
9:30PM – Fletcher + Mayor Karen ($10)
11:00PM – Never Have I(mprov) Ever ($10)
12:00AM – PHIT Improv Jam (FREE)

 

All shows are at the Shubin Theatre, 407 Bainbridge St.

Tickets and additional information available at www.phillyimprovtheater.com

December PHIT shows are upon us

Following their personal record-length run last month, the PHILLY IMPROV THEATER is set to kick off its December shows this week with some of your old favorites, a little reformatting of familiar formats and some great new comedy.

• Aaron Hertzog’s Hey Everybody! continues its newly minted weekly slot, surrounded by the fun usual suspects like Guilty Pleasures, The Bully Pulpit and Rant-O-Wheel… as well as new faces like TV Party! and Chip Chantry’s One Man Show, relocated from its former home at The Khyber.
• Fans can scout up and coming talent from area colleges in Comedy University, formerly known as Improv Comedy PhD, and now moved to Sundays.
• PHIT welcomes friends from afar, with Brick Penguin bringing a little DC our way and the Philly premier of Magnet’s newest house team Brick, featuring local improviser and PHIT director/instructor Amie Roe.
• Cagematch winners Six-Fisted Dynamo look to hold on to their newly claimed title against the comic stylings of Grimacchio.
• PHIT introduces Sketch Up or Shut Up’s improv step-sibling with its new instructor-hosted weekly improv jam.
• Those Hopper Brothers are back again this holiday season, this time with their Happy Magic Fun Time Show.
• And finally, house team Activity Book debuts “Metal Men” – a special run of shows featuring the alter-egos of superheroes from a failed comic book… exploring the comedy of not being so superly awesome.

The whole thing is topped off with shows from all of the house teams and sketch comedy from Camp Woods. It promises to be a jam-packed,  fun-filled couple of weeks.

Here’s the full run down…

Wednesday, December 1st
8:00PM Guilty Pleasures hosted by Brendan Kennedy – $10
9:30PM TV Party! hosted by Rob Baniewicz & Paul Triggiani – $10

Thursday, December 2nd
8:00PM Hey Everybody! hosted by Aaron Hertzog – $10
9:30PM CAGEMATCH – Six-Fisted Dynamo vs. Grimacchio – $10

Friday, December 3rd
8:00PM Activity Book Presents “Metal Men” + Asteroid! – $10
9:30PM King Friday + The Amie & Kristen Show – $10
11:00PM Sketch Up or Shut Up – FREE!

Saturday, December 4th
8:00PM Activity Book Presents “Metal Men” + Asteroid! – $10
9:30PM Camp Woods + Brick Penguin (DC) – $10
11:00PM Improv Jam hosted by Mike Marbach & Kristen Schier – FREE!

Sunday, December 5th
8:00PM COMEDY UNIVERSITY: Women With Class + Special College Guests – $10

Monday, December 6th
8:00PM Chip Chantry’s One-Man Show (With Special Guests) – $10

Wednesday, December 8th
8:00PM The Bully Pulpit hosted by Luke Giordano – $10
9:30PM Rant-O-Wheel hosted by Jaime Fountaine – $10

Thursday, December 9th
8:00PM Hey Everybody! hosted by Aaron Hertzog – $10
9:30PM CAGEMATCH – 12/2 Winner vs. Good Cop, Bad Doctor – $10

Friday, December 10th
8:00PM Activity Book Presents “Metal Men” + Mayor Karen – $10
9:30PM Fletcher + Brick (NYC) – $10
11:00PM The Hopper Brothers’ Happy Magic Fun-Time Show – $10

Saturday, December 11th
8:00PM Activity Book Presents “Metal Men” + Mayor Karen – $10
9:30PM Camp Woods + Brick Penguin (DC) – $10
11:00PM Improv Jam hosted by Amie Roe & Greg Maughan – FREE!

Sunday, December 12th
8:00PM COMEDY UNIVERSITY: Cookiepuss (NYC) + The Rubber Chickens (University of Delaware) – $10

Tickets and additional information can be found on PHIT’s website.

Comedian Profile: Andy Moskowitz

Editors Note: In this segment, we step away from the stage and take a look at comedians in the Philadelphia area… Learn a little more about where they come from, what they do while not performing and of course the question we all ask ourselves… Why do we do it?

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ANDY MOSKOWITZ

Might have seen him in: Fletcher, ComedySportz, Pasiónes de Pasiónes

Hangs his hat in: Fairmount

Stomping Grounds: Ardmore, PA

Pays the Bills as: Medical Copywriter

Other Hobbies: Film and film criticism, running, card tricks

Why Improv?

When I was a kid, I hated waiting for stuff. Crowded restaurants, amusement park lines — even the mail — were all torture for my impatient 8-year-old psyche. Hannukah was especially difficult, because the best presents were reserved for the final night. I had to endure seven nights of wax lips & gelt before I got the big one. And every year, my mom would tell me I had to learn to “delay gratification.”

Twenty years later, I’m still a kid and I still hate waiting. Improv is the instant gratification artform. You’re on stage, you get an idea, you spit it out, and the rewards are instantaneous. Improv is the last night of Hannukah. Or a VIP pass to Disney Land. Or the table reserved for the mafia at Buca di Beppo, even on a busy Friday night. See where I’m going with this?

See Andy in these upcoming Fringe Festival shows

Fletcher
9/3, 9/7 & 9/15 @ 8:30PM | 9/10 @ 11:30PM | 9/12 @ 5PM

Pasiónes de Pasiónes
9/5 @ 8:30PM | 9/10 & 9/18 @ 7PM

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If you know someone who you think should be profiled, we’d love to hear about them.

Comedian Profile: Kristen Schier

Editors Note: In this segment, we step away from the stage and take a look at comedians in the Philadelphia area… Learn a little more about where they come from, what they do while not performing and of course the question we all ask ourselves… Why do we do it?

–

KRISTEN SCHIER

Might have seen her in: the N Crowd, Fletcher, Real Housewives of Philadelphia, Ladies & Gentlemen or the Amie and Kristen Show

Hangs her hat in: West Philly

Stomping Grounds: Lived in Chardon, OH up to 4th grade (about 9 years or so). I went to Unionville High School, however, I have lived in Philly longer that I have lived anywhere else in my life

Pays the Bills as: Teacher/Actor – Yea that’s right, I am trying to make a living at this stuff

Other Hobbies: I love to play the ukelele (though I am not very good at it yet), karaoke (which you don’t have to be good at), dancing (I am VERY good at) and clowning (weeeee). I also love to go out to eat and I love to go shopping even though I don’t have any money. I like when there are a lot of people around. I am a social creature.

Why Improv?

Oohh geez, you had to ask that, didn’t you. I love to do improv because it is a big beautiful empty space to create theater and play with people. It is a place where I can take huge risks that have no real life consequences. I love improv because in ways to complicated to talk about now, I believe it makes you a better person. I love performing for people and making people laugh. I love collaborating with other people. It is probably the closest I will ever get to being a rockstar – unless I get a lot better at the uke.

See Kristen in these upcoming Fringe Festival shows

Fletcher
9/3, 9/7 & 9/15 @ 8:30PM | 9/10 @ 11:30PM | 9/12 @ 5PM

Punchline!
9/2 & 9/11 @ 8:30PM | 9/5 @ 5PM | 9/7 @ 7PM | 9/10 @ 10PM

Real Housewives of Philadelphia
9/3 & 9/16 @ 10PM | 9/6 @ 8PM

N Crowd
9/10 @ 8PM | 9/17 @ 8 & 10PM

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If you know someone who you think should be profiled, we’d love to hear about them.

Lineup for Philly Improv Theater at the Shubin

UPDATE: We neglected to include the Guilty Pleasures shows next week. Our apologies!

The time is upon us as this evening the PHILLY IMPROV THEATER takes up residence at the Shubin for the next two weeks (albeit with a slight hiatus this weekend as they take to the Del Close Marathon). They’ve got shows featuring all the house teams, a first glimpse at a new one, the anniversary of the Bully Pulpit, standup, sketch, rant-o-wheel, visitors from Pittsburgh and the big ticket… SUSAN MESSING & BECKY DRYSDALE!

Wednesday, July 28

8:00PM – The Bully Pulpit, $10
The monthly show celebrates one year with a special panel – all the members of Secret Pants

9:30PM – Rant-O-Wheel hosted by Jaime Fountaine, $10
The return of the infamous Rant-O-Wheel – you never know what you’re going to get

Thursday, July 29

8:00PM – King Friday + Friends, $10
9:30PM – Fletcher + Friends, $10
In a prelude to their DCM shows this weekend, it’s two of PHIT’s house teams in back-to-back shows

Friday – Sunday

PHIT at DCM
PHIT takes the show on the road to the Del Close Marathon in NYC

Tuesday, August 3

8:00PM – Guilty Pleasures: Free Taping
The best kept secret in Philadelphia comedy looks to create some Internet notoriety. A special free taping featuring Roger C. Snair, Chip Chantry, Rob Baniewicz, Meg Favreau and Chris Cotton

Wednesday, August 4

8:00PM – Guilty Pleasures, $10
Regular installment of the monthly show. If you haven’t seen this yet, for shame as you are missing out. Featuring Roger C. Snair, JP Boudwin, Patrick Foy, Dominic Moschitti, Sam Narisi and Kevin J. Kelly

Thursday, August 5

8:00PM – Hey Everybody! hosted by Aaron Hertzog, $10
An evening of stand-up featuring David James, Steve Gerben, Luke Giordano, Blake Wexler, Carolyn Busa, Christian Alsis and Matt McCusker

Friday, August 6

8:00PM – Stranger, Danger + Friends, $10
Double trouble from the comedic pair Sarah Cowdery & Alex Gross

11:00PM – “Stormcrow” sneak-peek, Free
A special free sneak-peek at one of the new house teams, tentatively titled Stormcrow

Saturday, August 7

8:00PM – Irony City + Activity Book, $10
Improvisers from the far west (Pittsburgh) share a bill with the original PHIT house team

9:30PM – Messing with a Friend, $15
The incomparable Susan Messing (iO, Annoyance) is joined by the always unpredictable Becky Drysdale (Second City, UCB). This is one amazing ticket!

11:00PM – Sketch Up or Shut Up, Free
Sketch comedy twist on the classic open mic hosted by Meg Favreau

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Advanced tickets for these shows don’t seem to be available yet, but we’ll be sure to let you know when they are.

Philly reps it up at DCM this weekend

You might have heard us chatting here and there about the upcoming  DEL CLOSE MARATHON, and Matt Holmes was even kind enough to share his top ten picks.

Well, the weekend is finally upon us, and in addition to all of the great acts from all over converging on Midtown Manhattan, we thought we’d take a moment to highlight the groups that will be representing Philadelphia. So in order of appearance, here you have it:

RARE BIRD SHOW
Friday, 7/30 @ 10PM
Hudson Guild | 441 West 26th Street

The biggest name in Philadelphia improv takes the stage first, ready to set the bar and rock the house. They’ve played DCM for years and have become quite the belles of the ball. If you know them, you probably love them.

ROOKIE CARD
Saturday, 7/31 @ 1:15am
Urban Stages | 259 West 30th Street

These indie darlings host their own monthly show and held the Philly Cagematch title for nearly half a year. It’s their first time at DCM, and they’re looking to make it a memorable one.

KING FRIDAY
Saturday, 7/31 @ 4PM
UCB Mainstage | 307 West 26th Street

Newest addition to the PHIT roster, this team hosts their own monthly shindig at Studio 34 you may have heard of. A core young and energetic cast anchored by several Philly improv veterans… this group is quickly gaining a steady fan base.

FLETCHER
Saturday, 7/31 @ 9PM
Hudson Guild | 441 West 26th Street

An original PHIT house team and up-and-coming rockstars. They’ve been knocking it out of the park pretty consistently. A group to really keep your eyes on.

ACTIVITY BOOK
Sunday, 8/01 @ 6:45PM
Urban Stages | 259 West 30th Street

Also an original PHIT house team, this group experienced an infusion of new cast last fall and after working diligently to mesh the old with the new, they’re now looking to make a big splash in the big city.

You can catch more details on these shows and others at the DCM website.

Comedy for the Weekend Warrior

Here’s a look at comedy happening around town this weekend…

CUBED

Friday, July 9th

8:00PM – N Crowd | Actors Center | $10-$15
8:00PM – CUBED + Rookie Card | Shubin | $10
8:00PM – Ben Bailey | Helium Comedy Club | SOLD OUT
9:30PM – Fletcher + Friends | Shubin | $10
10:30PM – Ben Bailey | Helium Comedy Club | $25-$30

Saturday, July 10th

7:30PM – ComedySportz Philly | Playground @ Adrienne | $10
8:00PM – Bare Hugs + WALT! | Shubin | $10
8:00PM – Kevin Brennan | Helium Comedy Club | $25-$30
9:30PM – Epsilon Faction + Activity Book | Shubin | $10
10:00PM – ComedySportz Philly | Playground @ Adrienne | $10
10:30PM – Kevin Brennan | Helium Comedy Club | $25-$30
11:00PM – Sketch Open Mic: Sketch Up or Shut Up | Shubin | FREE

Sunday, July 11th

6:00PM – PHIT L1 Class Show | Shubin | FREE
7:00PM – Improv Incubator | Community Education Center | PWYC
7:00PM – Philly’s Phunniest | Helium Comedy Club | $10-$15
8:00PM – Bare Hugs + WALT! | Shubin | $10

Comedian Profile: Dan Rich

Editors Note: In this segment, we step away from the stage and take a look at comedians in the Philadelphia area… Learn a little more about where they come from, what they do while not performing and of course the question we all ask ourselves… Why do we do it?

–

DAN RICH

Might have seen him in: Fletcher, The Ones Your Moms Warned You About

Hangs his hat in: South Philly

Stomping Grounds: Philadelphia, PA

Pays the Bills: Actor, performer, Phanstormer and food runner

Other Hobbies: reading, writing, music, movies (starting film school in the Fall), bike rides, Madonna, dancing, and taking care of my house plants

Why Improv?

Originally, I used improv to excercise my acting skills in between theater and film gigs, but now, it has become a passion.  I have fallen in love with improv’s limitless creativity, and I am addicted to the thrill of creating a show in the moment with absolutely nothing but your teammates (and a few chairs).  Besides, who doesn’t love to laugh?

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If you know someone who you think should be profiled, we’d love to hear about them.

Lineup for PHIT at the Shubin

It’s time once again for the PHILLY IMPROV THEATER to take up residence at the Shubin Theatre. They’ve put together a lot of great programming to kick off July… including recurring favorites like the BULLY PULPIT, a new Cagematch challenger looking to take down THE ONES…, the very audience inclusive M@&, new Troika breakout DECONSTRUCTING STEVE, newcomers WALT!, the much anticipated KEVIN ALLISON SKETCH COMEDY SPECTACULAR and if memory serves, the first ever L1 CLASS SHOW. Here’s the breakdown:

Wed, June 30
8:00pm – The Bully Pulpit

Thu, July 1
8:00pm – M@& + Friends
9:30pm – Angry People Building Things + Friends

Fri, July 2
8:00pm – Deconstructing Steve + Leo Callahan
9:30pm – King Friday + Friends

Sat, July 3
6:00pm – Storytelling Grad Show
8:00pm – Kevin Allison’s Sketch Comedy Spectacular
9:30pm – Kevin Allison’s Sketch Comedy Spectacular

Mon, July 5
8:00pm – The Moops

Wed, July 7
8:00pm – Guilty Pleasures

Thu, July 8
8:00pm – Hey Everybody!
9:30pm – CAGEMATCH: Stranger, Danger vs. The Ones

Fri, July 9
8:00pm – CUBED + Rookie Card
9:30pm – Fletcher + Friends

Sat, July 10
8:00pm – Bare Hugs + WALT!
9:30pm – Epsilon Faction + Activity Book

Sun, July 11
6:00pm – Class Show: Emily Davis’ L1
8:00pm – WALT! + Bare Hugs

PHILLY IMPROV THEATER
JUNE 30 – JULY 11
SHUBIN THEATRE | 407 BAINBRIDGE ST
TICKETS: $5 – $10