Dual Duel

An improv competition where teams of two (i.e. “duos”) compete for the ultimate prize: bragging rights and $250!

Many Teams. Four Rounds. One Final. Oh and did we mention there’s $250 on the line! Each night 3-4 duos will take the stage for a set amount of time to improvise a set and win over the audience. At the end of each show, the audience will vote one team to advance into the finals, where one DUO will be crowned the DUAL DUEL CHAMPIONS. That’s five knockout nights of award-winning comedy!

CSz Philadelphia - Home of ComedySportz is proud to bring back a pre-pandemic hit Dual Duel, an improv comedy competition to determine the funniest duo act in the Tristate Area for 2025.

mirror zone

Welcome to an improvised dimension where the strange, the mysterious, and the hilarious collide! It is a dimension of shadow, substance, and other audience suggestions. Hold onto your butts; you’ve just crossed over into our new comedy show: The Mirror Zone.

Are you a fan of the eerie and thought-provoking tales of "The Twilight Zone"? Do you enjoy the dark, dystopian visions of "Black Mirror"? Do you just like weird stuff? Come see The Mirror Zone! Our cast takes you on an unpredictable comedic journey, blending the unsettling with the hilarious in a way you've never experienced before.

Cast:
Tom England: Tom England (he/him) is an improviser and writer. Tom is a regular player and instructor with ComedySportz Philly, and a cast member of "Hallmarkable" and "Off The Record." His plays and musicals have been featured in multiple theatre festivals in Philadelphia and New York. Tom is a graduate of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television Professional Program in Screenwriting.

Kristin Finger: Kristin has been performing and teaching improv professionally for over 15 years here in Philadelphia, Chicago and in New York. She is currently the Artistic Director of CSz Philadelphia where she continues to perform and teach as well. She regularly performs with independent improv groups such as Grey Gardens and Wisdom Teeth, along with other popular improv shows such as Murder Manor, Improvised Golden Girls, The She-Quel, and more. If she’s not directing or performing on stage, she’s spending her time being a freelance Graphic Designer and is the Visual Communications Manager for the Wilma Theater here in Philadelphia.

Jake Lucas: Jake Lucas (they/them) is the Artistic Director of ComedySportz Philly, and has been improvising and educating for over 8 years. Their specialty in play and social & emotional learning (SEL) helps ensure everyone can put the "imp" in impulse. Jake has improvised, devised, and consulted with the City of Philadelphia, University of the Arts, Philadelphia School of Improv, Playworks, Fab Youth Philly, Pseudonym Productions and more. You can see them performing in ComedySportz, Roll Play, Hallmarkable, Be Kind, The Neighborhood, and wherever hoagies are sold. 

Emily Murphy: Emily (she/they) is an AuDHD improviser and writer based in Philly who has been performing comedy since 2019. Emily is currently directing Dear Diary for Season 4 of the CSz Improv Double Feature and was the Director Apprentice for Season 3's Incantation. They have performed with PHIT House Team Main Dog and can be found performing in sketch and improv shows with indie teams 6 Different People and Remain Dog, and also at home with their cat. Outside of comedy you can find her playing bass in metal band War on Xmas or running on the Schuylkill Trail.

Kiran Pandey: Kiran Pandey is a writer and improviser based in Philadelphia, performing with such teams as Schmooty, Be Kind: Rewind, Nothing But Roaring, and From the Future. He also enjoys crossword puzzles and the Eraserhead baby.

Michael Rugnetta: Michael Rugnetta is a native Philadelphian who was previously part of the house team "Remain Calm" at Philadelphia Improv Theater.  He has been doing improv on and off for over a decade and has recently been getting into musical improv. His most notable achievement is once winning a car on Wheel of Fortune, despite the unfortunate side effect that it resulted in a reduction of his financial aid in college. 

Recent Additions: Keane Cobb & Stephanie Hofstetter

theatre contra presents dare night: national treasure

Dare Night: National Treasure is a live reading/performance of Nicolas Cage’s magnum Philly opus, National Treasure. The twist? You're in control! The cast will accept audience dares throughout the show. You get to determine how the story unfolds for our hero, Benjamin Franklin Gates…for better or worse. Theatre Contra’s Dare Night: School of Rock was a big hit in the 2023 Fringe Festival. Be the first to see their newest production, Dare Night: National Treasure, only at CSz Philadelphia!

CAST: Adam Howard, Bryant Edwards, Mariah Ghant, Natajia Sconiers, Leslie Miller, Rachel O'Hanlon-Rodriguez, and Sarah Heddins | DIRECTED BY: Bryant Edwards and Liz Crino

About Theatre Contra: Theatre Contra is a Philadelphia based theatre company established in 2018 after working together to create the successful Philadelphia Fringe Festival show, The Vs. Series. Theatre Contra is a collaborative group that works to engage the community through new, devised, and established works that focus on the visceral conflict and conviction with in us all.

Founding Members: Eliana Fabiyi, Kaitlyn Ide, Christine Freije, Madeline Jones, Paige Martini, Tara Bankard, Jonathan Silver, Ryann Carey, Bryant Edwards

and scene

Experience the ultimate theatrical challenge as Philadelphia’s finest actors and New York’s top improvisers share the stage for an unforgettable night of live performance.

Actors arrive with their lines memorized, ready to deliver scenes from classics like Mamet to Molière. Meanwhile, the improvisers step in with no script, no preparation—just their instincts and creativity to make it all work.

This one-of-a-kind format, inspired by Stephen Ruddy and first performed as "Gravid Water" at UCB, blends the precision of acting with the spontaneity of improv, creating moments of brilliance you won’t want to miss.

The Philly Actors: Shannon DeVido (Cross, Lucky Hank, Difficult People, and Teenage Dick at The Public Theater), Brian McCann (The Arden Theatre, Philadelphia Artist Collective, and The Lantern Theater Company), Dave Johnson (The Berserker Residents, The Arden Theater, Tires, and We Own This City), Brian Anthony Wilson (The Wire, The Postman, Ladysitting and The Gem of the Ocean at The Arden Theater), and Sabrina Profitt (Steel Magnolias and The Prisoner of Second Avenue at Act II, Rocky: The Musical and The Outsider at Walnut Street Theater)

The NYC Improvisers: Connor Ratliff (Mean Girls 2024, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Dead Eyes), Alex Dickson (Last Week Tonight), Brielle DeMirjian (Daily Show), Brian Morabito (GTA 5, TikTok), and Brandon Zelman (Sandwich Girl).

game Night

Welcome to Game Night, the ultimate party-game game show experience where laughter, competition, and surprises collide! At CSz Philadelphia, we're turning your favorite party games into a hilarious live show featuring top-notch comedians battling it out for your entertainment...and some quirky prizes.

Imagine the excitement of hanging out with your friends but with even more laughs and a professional touch. Game Night takes your favorite party games and turns them into a comedy extravaganza. Whether it’s charades, trivia, or some unexpected twist, our talented performers bring a comedic flair to every challenge, ensuring non-stop entertainment.

The Competition
The comedians are not just playing for laughs; they’re in it to win it! But winning won’t be everything because there’s also losing. That’s right! Prizes AND consequences. From silly antics to hilarious dares, there’s always a twist that keeps you and the performers on their toes. Expect the unexpected and be prepared to join in the fun!

The Experience
Game Night at CSz Philadelphia isn’t just a show; it’s an interactive experience. With audience participation and the crazy spontaneous comedy that CSz Philly is known for, you can expect an outrageous night of fun and laughter.

timeprov

Grab your sonic and brace yourself for an exciting ride with Timeprov: The Improvised Doctor Who Parody!

Timeprov is an affectionate improvised parody of Doctor Who that will take you on a funny and wondrous adventure to the farthest reaches of time and space. YOU cast the Doctor, companion, and villain. YOU decide where and when we’re going. WE bring the thrills and the laughs. And Timeprov is a great time even for comedy fans who have never watched a minute of Doctor Who—we keep it fun for everyone, so your two hearts won’t miss a beat.

CAST: Dominick Arp, Adam Cooper, Thomas Finegar, Tanesha Ford, Kelsey Hebert, Kelly Jennings, Prateekshit Pandey, LaPorscha Rodgers, Christine Sangco, Michael Savitski, Michael Weingartner

“Our phenomenal cast is a mix of major Who nerds and some very game performers who had seen little or none of the show before we cast them. What they have in common is a sense of wonder equal to their sense of humor. We’ve added theatrical accoutrements—lighting, music, costumes, set pieces—to present a fun and funny entertainment that transcends ordinary improv shows. You’ll have a fantastic time even if you’ve never seen Doctor Who.” — Michael Jeffrey Cohen, Co-Creator

Director – Kelly Jennings | Concept – Michael Jeffrey Cohen with thanks to John Cooper | Photography: Aileen Bianchi | Video Design: Kevin Regan | Graphic Design: John Cooper

trap improv

Calling all rap, trap, and hip-hop fans!

TRAP IMPROV, the hottest, most poppinest, trap music-based comedy show, is back at CSz Philadelphia!!!

TRAP IMPROV is full of non-stop laughter and heavy beats that'll keep your body moving. The show mixes trap music vibes with audience interaction and hilarious improvisational comedy.

It's a unique blend you won't find anywhere else!

You and your crew will dig the energy in the room as hosts, Marcely & Cab Washington, welcome you to the show. They interview you and the crowd about your favorite trap songs. Then the cast, made up of improvisers and trap enthusiasts, hit the stage to create comedy scenes based on your songs and stories.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see this one-of-a-kind event.

Cast: Jabari Dortch, Tia Kemp, James Knight, Kelly Conrad, Keane Cobb, Darryl Charles, Cab Washington, (Host) Marcely Jean-Pierre

not yet rated

In a world filled with movies… this one has not been made. Using movie tropes and your suggestions this elite group will embark on a mission some of them may not survive- to create a completely improvised movie right before your eyes! Action, Horror, Sci-fi, Western, it’s all on the table in a movie you definitely won’t see in theaters! The heroes and villains, the twists and turns, the special effects, even the soundtrack are made up on the spot. No Script. No Props. No Idea What’s Gonna Happen! This film is Not Yet Rated.

NOT YET RATED CAST: Fred Brown, Kelly Conrad, Matt Garren, Marcely Jean-Pierre, James Knight, Kirsten LaCerda, Daralyse Lyons, Stacie Lyons, Brendan Manklang Kingston, Tanya Morgan, Rob O'Neill, Whitney Rumble, and Victor Tran. TECHNCIAL DIRECTION AND IMPROVISATION BY: Jack O'Keeffe.

Murder Manor: The Golden Girls Edition Mystery

Murder. Cheesecake. Welcome to Murder Manor: The Golden Girls Edition.

Three old friends, an elderly mother, and an ex-husband find themselves in the middle of a murder. Who did it? Was it sarcastic Dorothy, flirtatious Blanche, dimwitted Rose, cheating Stan or firecracker Sophia? The creative team behind the hit show, Murder Manor: An Improvised Game of Clue, are back with an all new mystery and a familiar cast of characters. 

Based on the famous board game that is based on the famous TV show, four improvisers from CSz Philadelphia become the beloved murderous mavens of Miami. All have secrets to protect and a mystery to solve before the commercial break. Grab your shoulder pads and head out to the lanai for Murder Manor: The Golden Girls Edition, an improvised murder mystery that never ends the same way twice, except with a lot of laughs. 

barko

BARKO weaves improvised comedy from nothing to a twisted end. Award-winning physical theater artist Nick Gillette, martial artist/philosopher Pim Van, and polymath clown/writer Sam Miller. Finding laughter in the everyday, this show highlights organic discovery and inspired action. BARKO is slapstick at the speed of life.

CAST: Nick Gillette, Sam Miller, Pim Van Huÿkelom

BrainWaves

BrainWaves is a new show that combines science and improv, creating a comedic reaction.

This month’s theme is Memory in the Brain. Host Deepu Murtry will interview two real-life brain scientists (see below) about their most recent findings on memory and brain functions. Then, a group of comedians will translate their data into spontaneous, comedic scenes. It’s smart. It’s funny. It’s science!

Cast: Jessie Preisendorfer, Emily Davis, Alan Williams, Siobhan O’Hara, Bob McNichol, and Erika May-McNichol, Hosted by Deepu Murty

Janice Chen, Department of Psychology & Brain Sciences @ John Hopkins University
Anna Schapiro, Department of Psychology @ University of Pennsylvania

3-2-1

3-2-1 is a new monthly improv show that highlights the creativity of smaller improv groups; specifically Trios, Duos, and Solos. The last Sunday of each month, you can experience a new combo of performers, styles, and formats.

Created by Michael Weingartner and Dom Arp, later show runner Sam Miller.

Dun-dun improvised crime unit

From the creator of the hit improv mystery show Murder Manor: An Improvised Game of Clue, comes an all new improvised take on law and order.

Dun-Dun: Improvised Crime Unit is a fully improvised crime and comedy procedural parody in the style of Law & Order.

The show starts with cast of five improvisers getting a suggestion from the audience. They then create a  fully improvised crime story right before your eyes.  Who did it? What was their motive? Will they be found guilty? And how the heck did the cast get all of that from one suggestion? 

These are their stories…and you get to be a part of them.

no diggity

Old-school hip hop fans get ready for No Diggity, an improv comedy show inspired by throwback hip hop and R&B music.

The host, Tia, has put together a mix of old-school hip hop and R&B music videos that inspire and score the cast’s hilarious improv scenes.

Think you know your old school? Come on out and show us. Audience members help choose which videos will be part of the show by correctly guessing hip hop and R&B trivia questions (prizes included!). Bring friends, bring fam, be ready to have fun and take it all the way back to the 99 and the 2000s.

“Never trust a big butt & a smile, but trust this show gon be off the hizzy!” – Alonzo from high school

“The first improv I’ve seen with an usher and Usher!” – Auntie

Cast: Tanya Morgan, Marcely Jean-Pierre, Nick Elmer, Jabari Saeed, James Knight, and Keane Cobb, Host: Tia Kemp

Thank You, Places: An Improvised Musical

Thank You, Places: An Improvised Musical is a one-hour, Broadway-style musical that is entirely made up on the spot, created from a single audience suggestion.

With a delightful twist on classic musical theatre storytelling and stylings reminiscent of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Stephen Sondheim, Thank You, Places captivates your imagination and leaves you wanting more.

Thank You, Places cast brings with them experience on Broadway, National Tour, New York, Philadelphia, and Regional theatre stages, many years of improv comedy experience, and over 10,000 hours singing in the shower.

The theme of the December show is the new year - any new year! No one knows what will happen until the cast starts singing.

Cast: Rob Alesiani, Eibhleann Clyne, Ina Farrell, Joe Gates, Scott Hinners, Claire Holm, Kirsten LaCerda, Chris Newcomer, Alanna Shaffer, and Sue Taney

Musical directors: Scott Hughes, Kevin Mucchetti

plot twist

What happens when you take well-known scenes from plays like The Crucible, Death of Salesman, or Steal Magnolias, have professional Philly-based actors perform them... but with a TWIST??? Add in improvisers and you get PLOT TWIST! You, the audience suggest the twists and the performers will play them out on stage in the scenes with the script, but will then take it way OFF script!

Actors: Shannon DeVido, Ross Beschler, Mary Carpenter

Improvisers: Kristin Finger, DJ Gleason, Ralph Andracchio

CAT & VEGAS AND THE TEMPLE OF BOOM

Cat & Vegas are a professional improv comedy band who perform on-the-spot songs inspired by your suggestions. It’s the coolest improvised, intimate, and impromptu concert experience of your life! Are you ready to soft-rock? 🤟

Cast: Cat London and Vegas Lancaster

Cat London is an improv comedian, actress, filmmaker, and songwriter. She’s performed long-form and short-form improv with various professional troupes like Shave and a Haircut, Bit Players of Newport, RI, and Howdy Stranger of Hackensack, NJ. One time General Electric hired her to write comedic songs for a 3-hour Facebook Live product launch. It was dope. She likes improvising lyrics and playing piano and guitar for The Temple of Boom. | Vegas Lancaster is an actor, improv and stand-up comedian. He opened for comedian Demetri Martin as a college student which was very cool. He’s a long-time member of the professional improv troupe, Philly’s The N Crowd, and is a regular host/creator of High Note Humor of New Jersey, curating special guest appearances and encouraging young comics to test new material. He likes improvising lyrics and pretending to play the piano for The Temple of Boom.

OFF THE RECORD

Hey music and comedy fans! Get ready for a brand new improvised stage show: OFF THE RECORD: THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL DOCUMENTARY!

OTR is an improvised musical documentary -- THIS IS SPINAL TAP meets BEHIND THE MUSIC. You'll experience a band’s rise to super stardom and their inevitable fall into obscurity. (And maybe, a little redemption.) Most impressively: you'll hear their number-one singles, deep cuts, and B-sides; all played LIVE, all improvised, every show!

Off The Record Cast: Yasmine Beydoun, Annie Briskey, David Dritsas, Kelsey Hébert, Jasmine Jiang, Alex Levitt, and Sue Taney | Off The Record Band: Tom England, guitar, Peter Kochanek-Rogers, percussion, Dan Perlman, keys 1, pauli reese, keys 2

CSz Philly’s Off the Record is a different type of improv - Dara Lyons, Broad Street Review (May 4, 2023)

philly is phenomenal

Philly is the BEST city in the world, hon, and two New York comedians are going to prove it on January 6th @ 8PM. 🥨 🔔 🏈 🥨 🔔 🏈 🥨 🔔 🏈 🥨 🔔 🏈 🥨 🔔 🏈

The hosts of the "Loud About Nothing" podcast, Sebastian Conelli and Robbie Nunes are bringing their friends to Philly to interview a local legend live on stage. They use their stories to create comedic scenes every Phill-uh-delpheeyan would love. The show features improv inspired by a Philadelphia Local Legend and audience submissions.

Cast: Sebastian Conelli is a NY-based comedian from Staten Island. He’s a cawfee from Dunkin kind of guy. Sebastian has studied and performed improv and sketch comedy at the Magnet Theater and the Upright Citizen Brigade Theater since 2010. At UCB he learned under Anthony Atamanuik, Armando Diaz, Russ Armstrong, Will Hines, Michael Delaney and Christina Gausas. He currently performs long form improv in Raaaatscraps every Sunday night. Sebastian has appeared as a blue-collar worker on TV shows such as Search Party, The Last OG, and The Detour. He has almost said a full sentence between all of them. He hosts a podcast called Loud About Nothing from his mothers basement. She’s proud?

Robbie Nunes is a NY-based comedian and producer. He has hosted and produced live shows such as Smoothie Talk Live and NY is PHENOMENAL. He is also the producer and co-host of Loud About Nothing. |

Ryan Haney is a writer and comedian who’s been improvising in New York since 2012. He’s performed around the country with the UCB Touring Company and written for Funny or Die, College Humor, McSweeney's, MeetCute, and Runner's World.

Local Legend: Kate Marlys emerged on the public relations scene over ten years ago when she launched www.PhillyPRGirl.com, her successful special events blog, with the goal of keeping readers in-the-know about “all things” Philly.   Within two years starting her blog and throwing her own networking events, Kate expanded her brand to include a full-service public relations company.  Philly PR Girl LLC offers a full range of services including event planning, influencer marketing, digital and social media, public relations, and content creation.

Big GRande

Big Grande has been bringing their brand of rapid, absurd, honest, and wild live shows to sold out crowds at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles for over a decade, and three quarters of them are here tonight! Using conversations with the audience, they’ll do a set of improvised scenes that will leave you laughing (hopefully) and them sweating (definitely).

(LEFT) DAN LIPPERT Dan has been performing and teaching live improv and sketch since 2009. He performs with the UCB house team Winslow, UCB’s staple improv show Asssscat, and Big Grande. He’s taught all levels of sketch and improv at UCB, and loves to focus on the building blocks of listening, connecting, communicating clearly, and finding your individual voice. If you’re looking for Dan elsewhere, listen to The Teachers Lounge, ManDogPod - The Improv and Conversation Podcast, Comedy Bang Bang, improv4humans, and watch Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin, American Princess, Superstore, Brooklyn 99 or all the videos on biggrandewebsite.com, including Live on Set - a fully improvised four episode comedy special.

(CENTER) JON MACKEY Jon was raised in the mediocre state of North Carolina where he cut his teeth filming 4 hour long backyard wrestling shows and almost killing his friend’s seven year old brother.  He has been studying and performing improv for well over a decade (crazy) and regularly uses the tricks he’s learned along the way in his work as a commercial and television director (you might have seen the Birddogs campaign he directed on some baseball games, or your targeted ads on Instagram and Facebook).  He hopes you like him.

(RIGHT) RYAN ROSENBERG Ryan has been studying, performing and teaching at the Upright Citizens Brigade theater for the better part of a decade. He is part of the harold team The Dragons, sketch/improv team Big Grande, and is a co-host of the improv podcasts ManDogPod and The Teachers Lounge. He can also be heard and seen many places around the internet, and on some TV and commercials here and there.

Come Thru with Keane Cobb

Come Thru with Keane Cobb is a monthly late night variety talk show. Each episode Keane will keep you up to date with timely monologues, special guests, interviews and maybe some animal tricks(if it's in the budget). So, get your friends, and "Come Thru with Keane Cobb"!

Guests: Comedian Na'im Ali, Sex Educator and Podcaster Dr. Timaree, and musician Jay Simpson, Host: Keane Cobb

DTF: The Darryl and Timaree Fun Hour

Don’t miss DTF: The Darryl and Timaree Fun Hour, the greatest sex-ed comedy game show in the known Universe!

For 10 years, your hosts, Dr. Timaree (Philadelphia Inquirer) and Darryl Charles (ComedySportz Philly, Punch Line, Helium) have been hooking up with their funny and sexy friends for a night of adult edutainment, audience games and more.

September’s guests: Alison Zeidman and Evita Lavitaloca Sawyers (Bios)

Grab you friends and partners and join in the fun. Audiences can play games and win some prizes! (Or just watch if that’s what you’re into.)

Darryl Charles is a comedian. His Debut Album "Black Gentrifier" debuted at #3 on the iTunes Comedy charts and is currently streaming on your favorite places to do that. He's been seen on The Travel Channel, ComedyCentral.com, and Houwser and Tushy commercials. He does stand-up across the country and has opened for some of your favorite performers, including: Pheobe Robinson, Janelle James, Tommy Davidson, Dave Attell, Patrice O'Neal and Dick Gregory. He performs, teaches and coaches improv comedy and has been a member of ComedySportz Philadelphia since 2011. He is a sketch comedy writer and performer, doing most of that work with the sketch group The Layoff Kids, who were featured performers on Funny or Die. He's also the co-host of DTF: The Darryl and Timaree Funhour, the greatest sex-ed/comedy/gameshow in the known universe.

Timaree Schmit. Sexologist Dr. Timaree is an educator, freelance writer and consultant in Human Sexuality, and she believes that sexual freedom is the foundation of social justice. Dr Timaree is available for leading workshops, designing curricula, research and writing assignments, and as an expert guest. She is the host of the award-winning podcast Sex with Timaree, co-host of the long-running Philly favorite sex education/comedy show DTF: Darryl & Timaree Fun Hour and was the long-time LGBT Affairs and Sexuality contributing writer for Philly Weekly. Nominated for Philly Geek Award as Geek of the Year, Dr. Timaree is committed to sharing factual, sex positive information from an intersectional, body-positive, feminist perspective.

friday night improv

At FRIDAY NIGHT IMPROV, you tell us a story and we’ll turn it into comedy. We’ve brought together a cast of talented and experienced improvisers from ComedySportz Philadelphia to help us out.

EAT YOUR BEATS

Rap battle. Game show. Food fight.

At EAT YOUR BEATS, a group of comedians are challenged to improvise rap songs based on a culinary theme. The feats and beats change, round after round. You get to decide who moves to the next round and who gets eliminated.

It’s feast of lyrical dexterity, culinary imagination, and comedic chutzpah. Only one participant can make it to the final course and receive their true dessert!

Bon Appétit, yo!

Hosted by: Alejandro Morales and Malakiah Ayres

would i lie to you?

Can YOU tell which comedian is telling a lie? Get your internal lie detector tuned and ready for the laugh-out-loud fun that is “Would I Lie To You?”, based on the popular BBC game show.

Two teams of Philly comedians face off in a tournament of truth and lies. One contestant tells a short story. It is up to the other contestants, and the audience, to determine if it is completely true or totally false. If you're a fan of the BBC show, you know how outrageous the storytelling gets. This time, it's our talented local comedians who are in the hot seat! They'll be serving up truths, half-truths, and downright “porky pies,” all while trying to outwit each other and you.

Created and hosted by Ryan Roe, with recurring captains Maddie Breske and Ross Weisman

christmastown, PA

Junior is bringing his girlfriend Haley home to meet the family over the holidays. Little does she know that they really, really, really love Christmas.

And they're puppets.

There are lots of Christmas shows in Philadelphia, but none like CHRISTMASTOWN, PA.

CSz Philadelphia is proud to present a new holiday tradition in the spirit of the Macy’s Christmas Light Show, the Christmas Village, and all 37 productions of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Come watch as we transform the ComedySportz stage into the fictional CHRISTMASTOWN, PA. This is an all-ages Christmas show that is heartwarming, silly and hysterical.

Cast: Robert Cutler, David Dritsas, Kelsey Hébert, Donovan McDonald, Angelina Meehan, Eoin O’Shea, Claire Seelig, Ismaela Stewart, Dave Sucharski

Book, music, and lyrics by Joe Gribbin | Based on a concept by Joe Sabatino | Directed by Alan Williams

Dr. Young Unpacks

DR. YOUNG UNPACKS is a playful, high energy, informative talk show that dives deep into the psychology of media, politics, and popular culture, featuring award-winning Professor Danna Young - Associate Professor at the University of Delaware (and performer with ComedySportz Philadelphia for over 18 years).  Each week, Dr. Young unpacks a new topic, such as “Why Comedians Are Communists And Conservatives Hate Picasso;” and “How News Serves (Or F*Cking Destroys) Democracy .”

“We live in complicated times. People want to understand what’s going on around them, without getting overwhelmed or freaked out. I’m an optimist. I believe that once you unpack a topic and help people understand how things work and why, they can start making the world better.” — Dr. Young

Dannagal Goldthwaite Young (Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg School for Communication, 2007) is an Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Delaware where she studies media, politics, and cognitive psychology. Her research on the psychology and influence of political entertainment has been widely published including peer reviewed research in Media Psychology, Political Communication, International Journal of Press/Politics, Psychology of Popular Media Culture, Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media, and Mass Media and Society. Her writing has appeared in the popular press, including articles in The Atlantic, The New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, contributions on National Public Radio, and coverage of her research in national and international publications including Variety, The Globe and Mail, the Guardian, and the Christian Science Monitor. Dr. Young was awarded the University of Delaware's prestigious Excellence in Teaching Award in 2014. She is also a Research Fellow with the University of Delaware's Center for Political Communication and University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Public Policy Center.

Published in: The Atlantic, The New York Times, Columbia Journalism Review, Philadelphia Inquirer. Media appearances on: NPR, WHYY Radio Times, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Quoted in: The New York Times, The Guardian, Christian Science Monitor, The Washington Post, Politico, Variety, The Week, Pacific Standard, Le Devoir, New York Magazine, USA Today, Globe and Mail, Huffington Post, Splitsider, Washington Times, BBC, CNN, PBS, Daily Mail UK, Toronto Star, Reuters, AFP, The Conversation.

NYTEShift

NYTEShift is a Philly-based comedy troupe, performing improv and sketch around the city for over 10 years. Comprised of all hilarious comedians of color, NYTEShift brings their unique voice into a high-energy comedy show, taking pride in being a beacon for representation within the improv community.

Every month, the group hosts some of Philly’s newest and most accomplished comedy performers in a laugh-packed night of diversified comedy.

April’s Guests: Improv group, Remain Dog (Philly)

Cast: Keane Cobb, Kelly Conrad, Jabari Dortch, Marcely Jean-Pierre, Tia Kemp, James Knight, and Tanya Morgan

Longform mini festival

Join us for CSz Philadelphia’s first-ever Longform Mini Festival—a weekend packed with improv performances, workshops, and community connection! Whether you're an improv comedian or a fan of unscripted comedy, this festival is your chance to dip your toe or dive right in to the world of longform improv.

Enjoy captivating performances from both veteran teams and fresh, new, innovative acts, showcasing diverse formats and narratives that will keep you laughing.

For improvisers, we’re offering workshops led by experienced instructors covering everything from character development to scene work, helping you sharpen your skills and explore new techniques. It's a perfect opportunity to experiment, receive valuable feedback, and grow in a supportive environment.

Comedy fans, come experience the magic of creativity and spontaneity as performers craft hilarious and heartfelt stories right before your eyes.

The Longform Mini Festival is a celebration of comedy and comity—whether you’re performing or just enjoying the show, you won’t want to miss it!

Improv Comedy BOGO

Description

Get Ready for a Night of Awesome Comedy!

CSz Philadelphia is thrilled to present the Improv Comedy BOGO. It’s two great shows for the price of one great show. What a deal!

The BOGO features two improv teams for your comedy pleasure. Stick it to your day job with Hardly Workin’, a workplace comedy inspired by your own outrageous stories. Then embark on a bizarre journey with Don’t I Know You? which can best be described as “Six-degrees of Kevin Bacon, without the celebrities.”

Don’t miss this ridiculously fun pairing of shows, all for one low price!

The Neighborhood

The Neighborhood is an improv comedy show based around those closest to you: your neighbors. Your host, Jake, will ask for the "hot goss" on the people in your neighborhood. The "goss-ier" the better! The cast uses that information to create scenes and games that you and the audience get to vote on.

Did they capture Mrs. Kravitz' helpfulness? Were they as nosy as Mr. Henson? Were they as cute and loud as Pepper the Poodle?

Be a part of the fun as we create The Neighborhood on our stage.

Our December show is all about the holidays in your neighborhood - the lights, the Amazon delivery trucks, the race to see who can put their tree on the curb first. Bring your holiday memories and we’ll wrap them in improv fun!

The Neighborhood is BYOB so bring a drink and some friends and enjoy the show.

Cast: Ben Behrend, Kristin Finger, Nathan Holt, and Alex Levitt
Host: Jake Lucas

Big Bracket Bedlam

Turn off the cable sports channel with the college basketball highlights and get ready for the comedy highlight of March: BIG BRACKET BEDLAM! A single elimination tournament of comedic proportions.

1. 50 professional ComedySportz Players have been divided into 16 heavy-hitting teams ready to do gut-busting battle.

2. Every Saturday and Sunday in March the teams compete playing Philadelphia’s longest-running show, ComedySportz (see below).

3. One team is eliminated, and one team continues on to the next bracket. (Sound familiar? Madness, no?)

4. The final two teams play in the Championship Round on Sunday, March 29th!
   
   Will it be the old-school South Street Soft Pretzels or the method acting Streep! Or will the adorable Sansom Street Sea Otters take down the oddly named Captain Platformica? You should come just for the team names! Come to one match, come to multiple matches, you and your guests will have a blast at ComedySportz BIG BRACKET BEDLAM!

Valentine's Day Comedy in Philadelphia: The Love Show

Looking for a comedy show to share with that special someone, whomever they may be on Valentine's weekend? Come to ComedySportz: The Love Show! 

No Hecklers. No Minimums. Just Lots of Laughs. And Love.

ComedySportz is competitive improv comedy. Two teams battle for the fans’ affection and points by creating comedic scenes, songs and games based on their suggestions.

The Comedy Show Where You Can Love Whomever You Want

At THE LOVE SHOW, romance, infatuation, desire and heartbreak abound in the not-often seen improv games Tinder Swipe, Romance Novel, and It’s Not You It’s Me. It’s an evening of a fast, smart, funny improv and in the end, the audience  gets to choose the winner! And we're BYOB. What's not to love?

Match Game CSz | Game Show

Try and match the Players of ComedySportz in our version of the classic game show. Loyal Fans are chosen as contestants and can win prizes if they fill-in-the-blanks and match the panel of comedians. It's an hour of wit, silliness, and double entendres that as much fun to watch as it is to play.

ComedySportz: Virtually Live!

ComedySportz, Philadelphia's longest-running show, is back with pay-what-you-can interactive improv comedy matches streamed into the computers, phones, and homes of you, our Loyal Fans!

ComedySportz is a high-energy interactive comedy event, appropriate for EVERYONE. The audience gets in on the fun by shouting out suggestions, cheering their favorite team, awarding points, and helping choose the WINNER!

Come see why ComedySportz is Philadelphia’s longest-running comedy show.

comedysportz for kids

ComedySportz for kids is a unique theatrical and comedy experience for children ages 3-7. It’s a fun-sized version of ComedySportz, our long-running comedy match only shorter, sillier and kiddy-er. Three ComedySportz players and a Referee play improv games competing for your children’s laughter.

It’s fast, clean and smart — perfect for young kids and their handlers. And just to make sure it’s really fun, the show features audience participation and even some opportunities for the kids to join the players on stage. It’s all guaranteed to get you and your kids in on the action and have a great time.

Of course, kids are always welcome to our regular shows, but at 60 minutes, ComedySportz for kids is specifically designed for young children who can’t sit through a full ComedySportz match.

What our fans say about ComedySportz for Kids:

“We loved it! Thanks for the great morning and laughs.”

“Loved every minute! Both kids and adults!”

“Thank you ComedySportz for a great show and a memory Anita will treasure.”

tgif! Improvised sitcoms

Sz Philadelphia presents TGIF! - Improvised Sitcoms, four nights of improvised and interactive comedy featuring some of your favorite “Must See TV” and “TGIF” sitcoms from the 80’s and 90s. Or if you are younger, from Netflix. Every night will feature a new lineup of shows accompanied by Delaware’s Premier Acoustic Dork Rock Band: Hot Breakfast!

friends

Oh. My. GOD! Your six favorite 30-somethings are back in fully improvised episodes of FRIENDS based on YOUR stories. Come down to Central Perk and hang out with Monica, Rachel, Ross, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe…plus a few surprises. Can we BE any more excited?

Monica Geller - Tanya Morgan
Rachel Green - Kristin Finger
Phoebe Buffay - Matt McWilliams
Ross Geller - Tom England
Chandler Bing - Benjamin Behrend
Joey Tribbiani - Joe Sabatino
Swing - Bobbi Block
Directed by Don Montrey

full house

Whatever happened to predictability? Hey life is hard, but it’s easier when you are surrounded by family. And funnier when it’s improvised! Join Danny Tanner, Uncle Jesse, Joey, D.J., Stephanie, Michelle, and Kimmy Gibbler in an affectionate and hilarious improvised parody of FULL HOUSE. Laughs will be had, Impressions will be made, and of course some lessons will be learned.

Danny Tanner - Joel Sumner
Joey Gladstone - Curt Foy
Jesse Katsopolis - Sean Nelms
DJ - Rebekah Strauser
Stephanie - Doriane Feinstein
Kimmy Gibbler - Hen Smith
Swing - Melinda Messina
Directed by Emily Davis and Kevin Regan

Golden Girls

It’s cheesecake time!

Grab your shoulder pads and head out to the lanai for The Improvised Golden Girls. Join sarcastic Dorothy, flirtatious Blanche, dimwitted Rose, cheating Stan, and firecracker Sophia for a fully improvised episode of pop classic!

Dorothy - Kristin Finger
Blanche - Stephen Cole
Rose - Kelly Jennings
Sophia - Alli Soowal
Directed by Kristin Finger

triple play

Triple Play brings comedians up to bat in this stacked trio lineup of comedy goodness. With a microphone and amazing jokes, these up-and-coming comedians will bring down the house. Come get an autograph while you still can from the headliners of tomorrow!

This month’s performers: Malakiah Ayres, Amber Born, and Brandon Mitchell

Keane Cobb is an actor, improviser, standup comedian and writer from Philadelphia. Keane has been writing and performing his own brand of comedy since 2008 and has hosted the Funny Bone in Albany and the Helium Comedy Club and Punchline Comedy Club in Philadelphia. He is also a member of the all POC comedy troupe NYTEShift, the comedic trio known as Black History Monthly, a company member of ComedySportz Philadelphia, as well as a co-host of the podcast Alt-Black. He has performed in a number of comedy festivals including the Pittsburgh Comedy Festival, Hell Yes Fest in New Orleans, New York Sketch Fest, NYC Improv Fest, Cinderblock Comedy Festival in Brooklyn, Diverse AF Festival in New York, We The People Improv Festival, Philly Sketch Fest, Philadelphia Podcast Festival, and Fringe Festival. 

play it out

Are you watching a stand-up show with improv or an improv show with stand-up? Neither. Both. Who cares! It’s a crazy fun comedy show.

Comedians do a short set of their best material and the improvisers use it to inspire their scene work. 

Past comedians include: Malakiah Ayres, Sophia Connell, Matt Butler, Beth Haydon, Keane Cobb, Chip Chantry, David James, Jillian Markowitz, Kara Mia, Nicole Phoenix, Liam Paris, Momoh Pujeh, Darryl Charles, Eddie Finn, Rachel Fogletto, Michael Furr, Alejandro Morales, Kat Mosley, Megan Chialastri, Kinjal Dave, Jake Materra, Frank Neblett, Mary Radzinski, and Setoiyo.

Past improvisers include: Amelia Fowler, Erica Gooch, Don Montrey, Henry Smith, Harz Sondericker, Cecelia Ziman-DeStefano, Tanya Morgan, Jason Geis, Luis Cortez, Ben Behrend, Kelly Jennings, Kathleen Montrey, Kelsey Hébert, Marcely, Randie Welles, Mary Carpenter, Keane Cobb, Jabari Dortch, and Joe Tuzzi. Dang, that is a who’s who of Philly comedy right there. Created by Darryl Charles and Kristin Finger 

holiday specials

Remember the annual Christmas version of your favorite shows? So do we! That's why we took our most popular shows from this year and gave them some "holiday wrapping."

golden girls: christmas in miami

See your favorite four ladies on a holiday on their lifetime as we get all the classic comedy with a holiday spin.

Roll Play: A Holiday Adventure

It's "Whose Line?" meets "The Lord of the Rings" meets "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer." Roll Play: A Holiday Adventure is a fantastical holiday romp that combines RPG storytelling with interactive improv comedy. With YOUR suggestions shaping the world, the characters, and the quest, every show is a brand new adventure!

Puppets: Here & There

Puppets Here & There is a sophisticated, multi-media, improvised comedy show. With puppets. Based on an audience suggestion, the performers use a “plethora of puppets” to create two hysterical comedy shows for the price of one. Watch the fun as it happens live on stage or watch the live video feed for the hilarious “puppets-only” version. So you can watch the  performers "here" on stage or the puppets "there" on the screen.

I'll Have What She's Having presents: Die Hard

I’ll Have What She’s Having is a comedy show that re-imagines and improvises your favorite films as if they starred all-female identifying casts. This month, the ladies are tackling the classic action movie: Die Hard! 

Timeprov Christmas Special

Timeprov, an affectionate improvised parody of the BBC TV show Doctor Who, will take you on a funny and wondrous adventure through time and space! Grab your sonic and brace yourself for an exciting ride with the Timeprov Christmas Special. Every year, the BBC presents a wild, warm, and wonderful Doctor Who holiday special, and we at Timeprov will pay tribute to this tradition with our own Timeprov Christmas Special.

IMprovised star wars holiday special

Calling all Jedi, Wookiees, and Bea Arthur fans! Get ready to celebrate the holidays like never before in An Improvised Star Wars Holiday Special! Join us as we embark on a hilariously improvised journey inspired by the beloved Star Wars Holiday Special and the galaxy beyond.

dare night: gremlins

Dare Night: Gremlins is a wild, interactive live reading/performance of the 1984 dark comedy favorite. The twist? You’re in charge! Throughout the show, the cast will take on challenges you throw their way, steering the antics of our mischievous Mogwai. Will you keep them cute, get them wet, or feed them after midnight? Regardless, the results will be absolute mayhem!

CAST: Ben Bass, Bryant Edwards, Charlie Barney, Leslie Miller, Liz Crino, and Satchel Williams | DIRECTED BY: John Patouhas and Tay Sconiers

Fred Siegel, Man of Mystery

"When I was eight, I saw a girl turn into a gorilla…."

Fred Siegel is an improviser, a professor at Drexel and... a magician. A magician with a mysterious past that will terrify you!

Not really. But it's an amazing story.

In Man of Mystery, Fred tells tales of dank magic shops, manipulative mentors and his summer telling lies for money on the Coney Island Boardwalk all while performing  astonishing sleight of hand right before your very eyes. It's a funny, freaky intimate magic show you will not forget.

Written by Fred Siegel
Design by Dave Jadico
Directed by Noah Herman

This Week Sucked

CSz Philadelphia presents This Week Sucked, a new show that takes an audience member’s terrible week and turns it into fast-paced comedy.

Based on long-running shows in L.A. and Austin, This Week Sucked invites Philadelphia audience members to share stories of bad bosses, breakups, hookups, adulting challenges and general woes. The diverse cast recreates those stories through a series of comedic improvised scenes.

“This Week Sucked is about finding the comedy in crappy situations and the release that comes from seeing it acted out on stage,” says director, Erika May McNichol. “I love watching the audience member when they see their story interpreted onstage. They laugh the hardest which is a great feeling.”

Cast: Joel Sumner, Shannon DeVido (not pictured), Jessie Preisendorfer, Emily Davis, Deepu Murthy, Mariah Min and Bob McNichol. | Director: Erika May McNichol

Dangerous Fools

A fool from Los Angeles...  A fool from Philadelphia…No script.  With nothing but a blank stage, a single suggestion and two twisted minds, Philly Fringe favorites Thomas Fowler (Jimmy Kimmel, Live! and A Black Lady Sketch Show) and Mary Carpenter (ComedySportz Philadelphia and ‘Til Death Do Us Part) take you on an improvised ride that is hilarious, unique and dangerously unpredictable.

“Thomas Fowler and Mary Carpenter do their Flying Wallendas act with aplomb, performing acts of comedic derring-do...”[They] use silence and pregnant pauses to create...comic effect better than any improv group I’ve seen.” — Philadelphia City Paper

THE Punch Up Podcast - Live RecORDING

Come see the live version of The Punch Up Podcast! Each show features a comedian telling a story while the hosts help them by "punching it up" along the way.
It's a crazy, deep dive into the lives of some very funny people. 

Featuring Jessie Preisendorfer (Murder Manor), Kevin Regan (Roll Play), Eoin O’Shea (Christmastown, PA), and host Steve Roney (ComedySportz). 

I’ll Have What She’s Having

I’ll Have What She’s Having re-imagines old and new classic films as if they starred all-female identifying casts. What would Die Hard look like with Joanna McClane and Hannah Gruber; what’s the “offer you can’t refuse” from The Godmother, and would the world have been saved sooner if Black Widow was in charge of The Avengers?  

Cast: Beth Eisenberg, Kristin Finger, Erica Gooch, Kelly Jennings, Micheline McManus, Erika McNichol, Siobhan O'Hara, Jessie Preisendorfer, Alli Soowal,

Understudy/Swing: Emily Zargan, Ashlee Austin| Director: Mary Carpenter | Asst. Director: Olivia Roth

Dual Nite

Dual Nite is a new comedy show from CSz Philadelphia. Based on our wildly successful comedy competition Dual Duel, Dual Nite brings together four sets of improv duos for a night of smart, fast and diverse comedy. Every month features a new lineup with one of Dual Duel's finalists as headliner.

Remark | A Hallmark Holiday Movie Recap Comedy Show

Remark is a Hallmark Holiday Movie Recap Comedy Show.Kevin Regan and Kristin Finger have been spending the past two months watching and recapping all 40 of this season's Hallmark Holiday Movies. That's a lot of farm houses, meet cutes, and fake snow.

For the holiday season, they are bringing the LIVE version of their recap show, REMARK, to CSz Philadelphia’s virtual stage for some hilarious holiday entertainment. And they are bringing special guests, strong opinions, and a few surprises! Grab some red wine and a fireplace and watch the show.

This show is intended for all audiences.s

Independent Improv Comedy | The Pineapple Show

Kim Loux, Host of The Pineapple Show

Come watch an alternate reality unfold in this improv comedy show that is based on your stories, images, and photographs. Discover what world lies beyond your favorite poem from seventh grade, that suspicious alleyway behind your house, or the photo of your 2005 Halloween house party. The Pineapple Show features the best of Philly’s long-form indie teams. Each month, we challenge them to take their improv to the next level using your multimedia suggestions.

Send in your stories and photographs the worst advice you ever received and your story could inspire a set. Use #pineappleimprov to post images or stories on social media or leave us a voicemail with your story at 484-823-0006

Storytelling Show | The Devil On The Wall Or That Time I got Kidnapped

Jamie Campbell relives the time he was kidnapped as a child in this solo performance that is part comedy, part storytelling, and 100% true. Travel back to 1991 as Jamie returns to what he calls the “greatest adventure of my life.”  Harrowing at points, and astounding in others, the veteran comedian deftly walks the line between comedy and tragedy, exposing his own faults, and refusing to play the victim card.  

The production was the surprise hit of the KC Fringe Festival where it was the only solo show named “Best of Fest.”  Out of the 92 participating productions, none received better reviews.

Jamie Campbell is a nationally touring stand-up comedian, actor, and writer. His debut stand-up album, Tell Me You’re Proud of Me, debuted at #1 on Amazon’s comedy charts.   In Chicago, where he began his career, he was named  the city’s “Best Stand-Up Comedian” by The Chicago Reader.  His film and television work includes appearances on NBC's Chicago Fire and Pop TV's Hollywood Darlings,  as well as  a stand-out performance in the indie feature Sex Ain't Love. He has shared the stage or worked on projects with countless legendary names in comedy and entertainment, including Hannibal Buress, Cameron Esposito, Oscar Isaac, Chris Redd, Scott Adsit, Ty Burrell, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Alicia Keys, and Dana Carvey.

The Improv Royal Rumble

The Improv Royal Rumble is a high energy improv comedy show like no other. Twenty five performers from the worlds of improv, stand up, theater, music, pro-wrestling and more enter the stage at a random order to random entrance music.

This Is Your Life | Improv Comedy Show

Join host and comedian Joe Tuzzi as he treats a random audience member to an improvised re-telling of their life LIVE on stage in this comedy show version of the TV classic, THIS IS YOUR LIFE.

The laughter begins when Joe brings an audience member on stage and conducts a fun and playful interview about their life. He then reunites them with the "totally real" people from their past, all played by Philadelphia comedians, improvisers and actors.

Every show is different! Every life is different!

About Joe Tuzzi (Host): Joe is a performer at The Philly Improv Theater. He performs with “With Mirth and Laughter: Improv in The Style of Shakespeare”, and hosts “The Dean’s List”, and the storytelling show “Pass the Mic”.   In addition, Joe is a member of the indie improv duo “Roomies”, the indie sketch team “Fox Plaza," host and writer for the late night-talk-show-style-show “Two Late with Rob and Joe”, host and performer for “The Interrogation Room”, and a founder and writer for PCW (Philly Comedy Wrestling). He also has a one person improv show “The MonJoeScene”, which won PHIT’s cage match style show “VS”. 

Joe has traveled to perform and teach improv in festivals such as the Vancouver International Improv Festival, The Omaha Improv Festival, The Nestival, Hell Yes Fest, The Tampa Improv Festival, PHIF, and the Del Close Marathon.

A Guest and the "People From Her Life"

Robbie Ellis | Comedy Songmaker

Join New Zealand-Chicagoan Robbie Ellis (Second City, iO Chicago, The Annoyance) as he brings his comedy songs to the east coast. Come to CSz Philadelphia for songs from the piano about flat whites, accents, root vegetables, drinking and not drinking. With opening support from Stucco Lobster Breadbox.

"I write comedy songs and perform them, usually singing from the piano. I write about kind of anything really: I like playing with language, with multiple languages, offbeat musical styles, and subject matter that irritates me."

"I have an album of these songs called Pumpkins, which was primarily recorded at Orange Studios in Christchurch! Get CDs, downloads and T-shirts at my Bandcamp page."

SpoiLer Alert! | A Pop Culture Comedy Show

BUY TICKETS

A comedy show perfect for the holiday movie season, SPOILER ALERT! is inspired by film, television, and an endless stream of pop-culture material. The cast provides a spectacle of live reenactments, upcoming sneak-peeks, interviews, parodies, and the opportunity for the audience to help write a Hollywood Blockbuster!

Every week features a different theme:

11/2 - Pixar
11/9 - Marvel
11/16 - Harry Potter
11/23 - Philly In The Movies

Your host Joey Beams invites you to be a part of this wild, exciting night of live-entertainment filled with special guests, prizes, and more!

Featuring: Joey Beams, Ben Kunkle, Joe Ramoni, Ashley Alter, Joe Spurlock, and Ryan Lancello

Written & Directed by Joey Beams & Ben Kunkle 

Two-Man, One Man | Comedy Show

TWO-MAN, ONE-MAN is (technically) a three-man show—about two one-man shows—being performed as a two-man show.  Meet Arnold—a self-proclaimed “tortured” performance artist who believes he is the straight-white-male hero to save modern society—and Miles, a lowbrow, lovelorn stand-up comedian who doesn’t take anything seriously, including his act. These men are set to perform their respective one-man shows, but due to a scheduling error, they must share the same stage at the same time. With another show slated at the top of the hour and a stage manager on their asses, Arnold and Miles must compete for the spotlight or agree to share it.

Will they work together? Will they kill each other? Will they somehow teach each other lifelong lessons about art, sense of self, and collaboration in just under an hour? Probably not, but maybe! This new comedy, fresh off a smashingly successful Philly Fringe Festival run, spoofs the millennial narrative, privileged white artists, and the phenomenon of the one-man show.

“The hourlong show builds expertly...” — Mark Cofta - Broad Street Review

“This show’s got improv, stage combat, music, and maybe a few lessons to teach (or not).” — Michael Harrington - The Philadelphia Inquirer

About Benjamin Behrend (Writer/Miles): Benjamin is a Philly born and bred theatre artist, who has hadthe immense pleasure of working at Arden Theatre Company, Act II Playhouse, and the Idiopathic Ridiculopathy Consortium. He is a former InterAct Theatre Company Apprentice, and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. | About Patrick Romano (Writer/Arnold): Patrick is a Philly (suburb) born and bred actor, writer, director, and teacher. Regionally, he has worked with Act II Playhouse, Walnut Street Theatre, Arden Theatre Company, Quintessence Theatre Group, and the Philly Fringe Festival. Film: How To Get Girls (Official Selection, Portland Comedy Film Festival), Sock (Winner, Celtx Seeds Challenge). Commercial: lots of goPuff ads. Proud graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Mask and Wig Club, the nation’s oldest, all-male musical comedy troupe.

MATT&

Matt& is an improv comedy show where Matt Holmes performs with a random stranger plucked from the audience. Called a “must-see” and a “best worst nightmare come true,” nothing is planned, it’s all made up live as you're watching it, and every performance is unique.

"My partner is almost always someone who has never even seen improv before, let alone tried to do it", says Matt. "I tell them three things: they can do and say whatever they want, it's my job to make it work, and everyone wants them to succeed."

If you're used to improv shows, this one might feel a little different. Not only because of the audience member's starring role, but also because Matt and his crew incorporate improvised musical accompaniment, improvised lighting, and improvised sound effects, giving the show a more theatrical and cinematic feel.

“Loved it!” — Joe Bill - Annoyance Theater, iO, Second City

About Matt Holmes has been improvising for 20 years now and performing with a stranger from the audience for 10 years now. He co-founded Rare Bird Show in 2003—called “arguably the best” by The Onion's A.V. Club—and has performed and taught improv all over the country, including at Philly Improv Theater, Baltimore Improv Festival, Pittsburgh's Arcade Theatre, UCB Theatre's Del Close Marathon, and the Chicago Improv Festival at Second City.  mattandimprov.com

electoral discfunction

Politics! Comedy! Yelling! All this and more as debate & improv collide in a night of comedy so fast, so furious that we'll all be impeached before the night is through. It's ELECTORAL DYSFUNCTION!

Featuring: Robert George (Bloomberg Opinion), Dr. Timaree Schmit (Philly Weekly). Shannon DeVido (Difficult People), Neil Bardhan (Broad Street Review), Rachel Semigran (Crossroads Comedy) and Kelly Conrad (NYTE Shift). Plus, a video sketch by The Layoff Kids (Darryl Charles, Mikey Gleason and James Hesky). Produced by Tom Brennan & Ann Herberger.

LONG FORM SOCIAL

The Philadelphia School of Improv's newest Long Form Teams, DARKWOOD: TALES FOR A MODERN AGE and TOGETHER AT LAST, host an evening of improv comedy followed by an improv lottery jam. Throw your name in the hat and be one of six improvisers selected to perform the last set of the night with members of the house teams.

It's a social hour so bring your sense of humor and come ready to play!

DARKWOOD: TALES FOR A MODERN AGE (pictured above) re-imagines your common hopes, fears, and frustrations into a fairy tale for contemporary times.

Cast: Dominic Arp, Kathleen Carr, Chris D'Silva, Sarah Margulis, Anita Nicholson, Dave Sucharski, Cait Sumner, and Michael Weingartner

Directed by Kelly Jennings

TOGETHER AT LAST weaves together a world of characters based on the hometown of an audience member. Let us visit your old stomping grounds!

Cast: Nicole Cochete, Karen Coleman Hinners, Greg Kassee, Susan LaPalombara, Meredith Mcdonald, Chris Sheroff, and Matt Zapson

Directed by Tom Kelley

The Philadelphia School of Improv (PSI) is the education arm of CSz Philadelphia.