Upcoming Shows - May 22, 2013 7:00 pmPHIT Sweeps Weeks
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- May 23, 2013 8:00 pmPete Holmes
- May 23, 2013 8:00 pmLaff Therapy Thursdays
- May 23, 2013 8:30 pmThe Flat Earth
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- May 23, 2013 10:00 pmA Few Answers Short
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- May 24, 2013 8:00 pmThe N Crowd
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- May 24, 2013 10:00 pmPete Holmes
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- May 25, 2013 9:00 pmDoylestown Comedy Cabaret
- May 25, 2013 9:30 pmSarcasm Comedy Club
- May 25, 2013 9:30 pmThe Comedy Works
- May 25, 2013 10:00 pmComedy Sportz Philadelphia
AEC v1.0.4
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By Joe Moore, on March 4th, 2011
On Tuesday, March 1, 2011, there were candles on the tables at Helium Comedy Club which has created a new excuse for everyone to see great stand-up in Philly. The inexplicably named Bird Text, a group founded by comedians Luke Cunningham, Tommy Pope, and John McKeever, launched its new showcase — appearing monthly. It features national touring comedians with an a line up of Philly’s own — promising a great show. I was excited for the first installment, below are the minutes of the meeting:
7:58 – I walk into the show, $10 at the door.
8:12 – I receive my first drink. A Dogfish Head 60 minute IPA.
8:26 – The House announcer requests me to turn off my cell phone and silence my beeper. I comply.
8:27 – Luke Cunningham takes the stage, walking on to a song that I have not heard over the PA at Helium before. Typically, its some rousing song from a broadway musical — I think it’s from “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” I make note of it as it’s the first time I’ve heard anything else.
8:28 – Beer 2 arrives, this time Lager.
8:29 – Luke Cunningham breaks the mic stand. This is not unexpected, two minutes into his set, as he is both gigantic and hilarious.
8:36 – Enjoying Luke’s set, until a foul oder strikes my nose. Someone around me farted.
8:38 – Luke introduces Andrew Rupert and Eric Oliver — two members of Brotherly Love, Philly Gay Men’s Chorus. For each act this evening, Eric and Andrew will come out and harmoniously deliver one of that act’s punch lines. I think it’s a put-on and they are comedians.
8:40 – A dapper Steve Gerben is introduced.
8:40:30 – Beer 3, Lager is delivered.
8:44 – Steve probably makes the guy in the Phillies hat next to me a little uncomfortable, as well as the guy in the Phillies hat next to him uncomfortable. No idea how the other 3/4ths of the room with the Phillies hats on felt, but we were all laughing.
Continue reading JUST THE MINUTES with Joe Moore (Bird Text Comedy Show)
By Aaron Hertzog, on March 4th, 2011
 Mike Rainey has developed himself a reputation as one of Philly’s most brutal comics, as well as one of the quickest on his feet. He can be seen monthly with his segment Story Time with Mike Rainey at Chip Chantry’s One Man Show (with Special Guests).
How and why did you get into comedy?
I thought I was funny but didn’t have the balls to perform. Then, I saw Jim Norton and was blown away by the fact that someone could make me laugh for an hour straight. I soon after started writing jokes but still couldn’t work up the nerve to perform. I then went to see the band Tool perform and there was a moment where the lead singer, Maynard James Keenan, just spoke to the crowd while the band played softly in the background. I just remember him saying the words “take risks” and I felt like I had been punched in the chest. At that point, my mind was made up and I was finally going to do it. One of the reasons why I love performing comedy is that I always get so nervous before a show that I either throw up or have diarrhea.
How would you describe your style as a comedian? What influences and factors do you think contribute to that?
I’ve been predominantly set up / punchline from day one, mostly about current events or nonsense that I made up. Lately though, I’ve been working on bits that are more personal and just trying to grow out of what I’ve relied upon up until this point.
Do you have a favorite show or venue you like to perform at? What about it makes it fun or special for you?
My favorite venue is The Shubin Theatre (Philly Improv Theater). Almost always a packed house and it is intimate enough as to where I can perform without a mic, which I prefer. As a performer, the most you can hope for out of an audience is for them to be willing to listen. The rest is up to you. The Shubin always allows that.
Continue reading TEN QUESTIONS WITH… Mike Rainey
By Aaron Hertzog, on March 4th, 2011
Description: The N Crowd wants you to share a laugh at the Actors Center. They perform improv entirely dependent on suggestions provided by the audience. When you come, you’re expected to have a slew of things to yell out when asked for suggestions. You can purchase tickets in cash at the door or online with a major credit card. Doors open at 7:30 pm. RSVP’s are held until 7:50 pm.
Style: Improv
Host: The N Crowd
Date: Reoccuring, every Friday
Time: 8:00PM – 10:00PM
Admission: $10 advance, $15 at door
Location: The Actors Center: 257 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA
Contact: Website
By Aaron Hertzog, on March 4th, 2011
Description: The N Crowd wants you to share a laugh at the Actors Center. They perform improv entirely dependent on suggestions provided by the audience. When you come, you’re expected to have a slew of things to yell out when asked for suggestions. You can purchase tickets in cash at the door or online with a major credit card. Doors open at 7:30 pm. RSVP’s are held until 7:50 pm.
Style: Improv
Host: The N Crowd
Date: Reoccuring, every Friday
Time: 8:00PM – 10:00PM
Admission: $10 advance, $15 at door
Location: The Actors Center: 257 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA
Contact: Website
By Aaron Hertzog, on March 4th, 2011
Description: The N Crowd wants you to share a laugh at the Actors Center. They perform improv entirely dependent on suggestions provided by the audience. When you come, you’re expected to have a slew of things to yell out when asked for suggestions. You can purchase tickets in cash at the door or online with a major credit card. Doors open at 7:30 pm. RSVP’s are held until 7:50 pm.
Style: Improv
Host: The N Crowd
Date: Reoccuring, every Friday
Time: 8:00PM – 10:00PM
Admission: $10 advance, $15 at door
Location: The Actors Center: 257 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA
Contact: Website
By Aaron Hertzog, on March 4th, 2011
Description: The N Crowd wants you to share a laugh at the Actors Center. They perform improv entirely dependent on suggestions provided by the audience. When you come, you’re expected to have a slew of things to yell out when asked for suggestions. You can purchase tickets in cash at the door or online with a major credit card. Doors open at 7:30 pm. RSVP’s are held until 7:50 pm.
Style: Improv
Host: The N Crowd
Date: Reoccuring, every Friday
Time: 8:00PM – 10:00PM
Admission: $10 advance, $15 at door
Location: The Actors Center: 257 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA
Contact: Website
By Aaron Hertzog, on March 4th, 2011
Description: The N Crowd wants you to share a laugh at the Actors Center. They perform improv entirely dependent on suggestions provided by the audience. When you come, you’re expected to have a slew of things to yell out when asked for suggestions. You can purchase tickets in cash at the door or online with a major credit card. Doors open at 7:30 pm. RSVP’s are held until 7:50 pm.
Style: Improv
Host: The N Crowd
Date: Reoccuring, every Friday
Time: 8:00PM – 10:00PM
Admission: $10 advance, $15 at door
Location: The Actors Center: 257 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA
Contact: Website
By Aaron Hertzog, on March 4th, 2011
Description: The N Crowd wants you to share a laugh at the Actors Center. They perform improv entirely dependent on suggestions provided by the audience. When you come, you’re expected to have a slew of things to yell out when asked for suggestions. You can purchase tickets in cash at the door or online with a major credit card. Doors open at 7:30 pm. RSVP’s are held until 7:50 pm.
Style: Improv
Host: The N Crowd
Date: Reoccuring, every Friday
Time: 8:00PM – 10:00PM
Admission: $10 advance, $15 at door
Location: The Actors Center: 257 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA
Contact: Website
By Aaron Hertzog, on March 4th, 2011
Description: The N Crowd wants you to share a laugh at the Actors Center. They perform improv entirely dependent on suggestions provided by the audience. When you come, you’re expected to have a slew of things to yell out when asked for suggestions. You can purchase tickets in cash at the door or online with a major credit card. Doors open at 7:30 pm. RSVP’s are held until 7:50 pm.
Style: Improv
Host: The N Crowd
Date: Reoccuring, every Friday
Time: 8:00PM – 10:00PM
Admission: $10 advance, $15 at door
Location: The Actors Center: 257 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA
Contact: Website
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WitOut Network Welcome to WitOut, a blog about the Philadelphia comedy scene. Get in touch with us at contact@witout.net.
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