Happy February 2016 everyone! We’re absolutely thrilled February is here because that means that in a few short weeks, we’ll be announcing the line-up of performers, workshops and panels taking place at Philly Sketchfest 2016, March 31st through April 3rd. If you haven’t heard, we’ve extended our submission deadline by 48 hours making today the final day to get your sketch group in on the festivities. But that’s not all we’re up to in February as Philly Sketchfest is also presenting two new sketch showcases! Both shows take place on Friday, February 19th with our 8:30pm showcase featuring sketch from Spirit Animal & The Flat Earth who will performing their sets from the 2016 Chicago Sketchfest with stand-up from Alyssa Al-Dookhi. Then at 10:00pm it’s a brand new set of sketch from The Prince entitled, ‘Whole Human, Whole Horse’ directed by Maggy Keegan with stand-up from Joe Bell.
Philly Sketchfest is also a proud sponsor of the 2016 Bechdel Test Fest celebrating Philadelphia’s women and trans comedians at the Christ Church Neighborhood House. You can find out about all the sketch groups performing in it after the break…
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Hey, We’re Cool – February Edition
Thursday, February 4th – 8:00pm / L’etage – 624 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147 / Tix $5 at the door
Hey, We’re Cool is back this Thursday night at L’etage and all signs point to a show filled with love and romance. Joining the self-described ‘lovable comedy cherubs’ are Philly Sketchfest alums, High Dramma, stand-up comedian, Joey Dougherty, music from Barbecue Gordon and plenty of opportunities for the audience to get in on the fun with new games and stunts that Hey, We’re Cool are known for. Hey, We’re Cool is hosted by Matt Aukamp & Patrick Reber and with material written by Quinton Alexander (Adventure Friends), Jacquie Baker (The Flat Earth/The Incredible Shrinking Matt & Jacquie), Kev Ketner, Chris McGrail (Goat Rodeo), and Matthew Schmid (The Flat Earth/The Incredible Shrinking Matt & Jacquie).
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Up All Night : The Improv to Sketch Cram
Thursday, February 4th at 9:00pm / PHIT – 2030 Sansom St. (2nd Floor), Phila, PA 19103 / Tix $8-$10
Philly Improv Theater (PHIT) is putting up a sketch show that as of this posting, has yet to be written. We’ve asked everyone, even those involved, and no one can tell us what to expect. Why? Because it’s being done in the ‘sketch cram’ format of writing the entire show in 24 hours. And because they are the Philly IMPROV Theater, they’ll be building the foundation of each sketch through improvised scenes that will then be written into sketches. Comedians taking part in this 24 hour gauntlet include Christopher Gory, Judy Weightman, Gabby Thom (Wretched Hive), Courtney Painter (Barbara Bush/Dog Mountain), David Donnella, Alyssa Jackson, and Paul Triggiani (Secret Pants/The Flat Earth).
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The Dungeon Comedy presents – That Halftime Jawn
Friday, February 5th at 8:00pm / Kung Fu Necktie – 1250 N. Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122 / Tix $5 at the door
Fresh off their debut at the 2015 Black Friday Comedy Marathon, ‘It’s The New’ premieres a new set of sketch as part of The Dungeon’s comedy night at Kung Fu Necktie! Get out an support this brand new, Philadelphia-based sketch group comprised of Jackie Benhayon, Erin Fleming, Dru Kramcsak (Monologues at PHIT), Andrew Nealis, Jack O’Keeffe (Charlie Harley/Music Show), Bill Reick and Gabby Thom (Wretched Hive).
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Monologues at PHIT + Brought To You By…
Friday, February 5th at 9:00pm / PHIT – 2030 Sansom St. (2nd Floor), Phila, PA 19103 / Tix $8-$10
Filmed sketch offers groups an ability to reach audiences outside their locale while also opening up creative opportunities not available in a live format. However, the ability to receive immediate feedback from an audience is otherwise absent. That’s where Brought To You By… fills the gap, premiering new filmed sketches from Philadelphia-area groups in front of a live audience. Hosted & curated by Casey Hogan, Peter Szekeres, and Alex Coffey, the trio also integrate live material in-between videos.
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If you’re a comedian with an inclination to film and edit your material, email [email protected] to inquire about having your video featured as part of an upcoming show.
After that, it’s Monologues hosted & curated by Dru Kramcsak. This month’s monologists include Julia Hudson (Barbara Bush/Sweetish), Joe Moore (Dog Mountain/Guilty Pleasures), Nicole Yates, Gabby Szczepanek (Temple Tonight), Josef Kardos, and Dru Kramcsak.
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The Bechdel Test Fest
Saturday, February 6th from Noon to 9:30pm / Christ Church Neighborhood House – 20 N. American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 / All Day Festival Pass is $20 or $35 with T-shirt
Quite possibly both the best deal and biggest deal in Philadelphia this week, The Bechdel Test Fest is a ten hour event celebrating women and trans comedians in Philadelphia. For a mere $20 (or $35 with a cool festival T-shirt) you get access to the entire ten hours which includes sketch, improv, stand-up, music, and clowning. We’ve included the entire line-up below but definitely make it a point to check out sketch sets from Kathryn & Sarah, The Bloomers (University of Pennsylvania), and Leah Lawler.
Philly Sketchfest is a proud sponsor of the inaugural Bechdel Test Fest.
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Know about an upcoming sketch show? Want us to tell people about it? Send your listing to [email protected].
