CSz Philadelphia brought back it’s popular “Dual Duel” this August, a tournament where every participating team is a duo. That’s right, a pair and exactly a pair of improvisers come up with their style and format, and compete throughout the month for the audience favorite each night.

The show was originally produced by Alli Soowal in 2016, bringing a format to Philadelphia that had been successfully produced in LA and Chicago. Our inaugural 2016 winners were the duo “The Salesmen,” Nick Gillette and Kevin Pettit. Dual Duel continued to celebrate the unique combinations and imaginations of the duos, but had not been produced at CSz Philly since the pandemic.

Jake Lucas, Artistic Director, decided it was more than time to bring back this fan favorite, recognizing the opportunity to bring new partnerships together and host performers from all over the Philly area.

Lucas says, “It’s such a fantastic concept and a great show. I really cherish show programming that offers a space to new acts and performers earlier on in their experience, and gives opportunity for established performers to further hone their craft and keep experimenting. Whether it's been a podcast, a Greek tragedy with songs, a collection of scenes, a sleepover, two dads, or a celebrity impersonation offering advice and insights, this recent production of Dual Duel showed us so much creativity.”

Jake Lucas signing the winning check from 2025 with the smallest pen they could find

The pitch’s Don Montrey & Kevin regan smiling big with their big check

The tournament ran Fridays in August, culminating in the finals on August 29th. Four teams made it based on audience votes, and the finalist groups were “She Bear” (Ben Behrend and Kathleen Sheehy), “The Gorgeousity” (Karen Getz and Dawn Falato), “Sarah & Andy” (Sarah LeClair and Andy Moskowitz) and “The Pitch” (Don Montrey and Kevin Regan).

All of the acts were unique and showed the bonds between the performers, many of which stretched back a considerable amount of years. Getz and Falato, for example, met in 2003, and their act formed based on their “strong beliefs in the magic of creating art together - how ensemble work makes instant communities out of strangers.”

Montrey and Regan, the winners this year, have known and worked with each other for a decade and a half, and cite the joy that their duo partner brings to the stage as one of the most enjoyable parts of “Dual Duel.” Their format involved making an elevator pitch for a screenplay on the spot, in a frenetic, stream-of-consciousness desperation to appeal to a potential producer.

All of the teams appreciated the flexibility to discover what their strengths are as a team, and audience members will appreciate the diversity of improv on display when they come to see a competition or tournament or festival event like this. CSz Philadelphia hosts several such opportunities each year, and we hope people continue to come out to see a whole showcase of talent and inventiveness.

The excitement continues throughout 2025 with new programs and returning favorites all year long! Up next, check out our Second Sunday Story Slam at Six. Sign up to deliver a prepared, performed story around this month’s theme, “Falling.”

Catch SSSS on the second Sunday of the month – this month is Sunday, September 14th at 6 pm. Not a storyteller? Grab a ticket to listen to a wide variety of pieces. Suddenly fancy yourself a storyteller? Sign up as an impromptu raconteur and give it a whirl! There’s a cash prize each month, as well! Check out the rules, and pay-what-you-wish for entrance, at our website: Story Slam - A Community, Open-Mic Storytelling Show — CSz Philadelphia

See you at the theater!

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“The Pitch” Steals the Show: Dual Duel Winners Don Montrey and Kevin Regan