My First Sketch

This week, Josh talks to Lou Huang (@septar_sketch) about Asians in comedy, pandemic comedy, and wishing we were theater kids. Septar is performing March Radness at Plays and Players on Thursday, March 12, with Gooses featuring and on Friday, March 13, with Hot Winter Bods. Both shows are at 730 and are pay what you want. Then, Septar is heading to DC Sketchfest, performing Saturday, March 28, at 1035 along with Cam Wyllie and DC Raclette Club. Follow Septar on Instagram at @septar_sketch. Also, here in Philly, we have Philly Sketchfest Presents on Friday, March 20, at Plays and Players with Burnt Toast from New York City and Mother’s Pouch from Washington DC. That show is at 730. There is another show after that at 9, but honestly we haven’t decided what the name of it will be. But if you buy a ticket to the 730 show, you get into the 9pm show for free.

This week, Josh talks to Caitlin Bitzegaio (@caitorade) about writing for tv, directing Assssketch, and teaching sketch comedy. Assssketch is headed to SF Sketchfest this weekend to perform at the Great Star Theater on Saturday, January 24, with a 1pm matinee start. Then, Assssketch returns to its home base at UCB in New York on Saturday, January 31 at 7pm featuring special guest Jaygee Macapugay. You can follow Assssketch on Instagram at @assssketchnyc and follow Caitlin at @caitorade. Here in Philly, we have two shows on Friday, January 23. First at 730, Philly Sketchfest Presents Bad Medicine and Public Domain. It’s Bad Medicine’s first time back in Philly in almost 18 months, so come hang out with one of our favorite sketch teams. Then at 9, it’s Theme Park: The Games. If you buy tickets to the first show, you can get into the second show for free! Tickets at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com.

This week, Josh talks to Michael Silver (Comedy Dance Chicago) about Chip Tolentino, engineering brain, and the letter T. You can follow Comedy Dance Chicago at @comedydancechicago. Comedy Dance Chicago is performing at Sketchfest Chicago along with Big Apartment from New York City on November 7 in the 9pm block. Here in Philly, we have a live My First Sketch, tonight, November 6 at Sawubona at 730 with Tristan Wolfe from InAction Network. It’s a free show. Come hang out. On Friday, November 7 two shows at Plays and Players: at 730, Jonathan Cohall and Tom Hannigan, and then at 9, Motel Party. Tickets are available at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com.

This week, Josh talks to Anna Weatherwax (@x_happy2bhere_x) about improv in Sarasota, Rizzo with braces, and moving to Chicago. Happy 2 B Here will be performing at Sketchfest Chicago on Thursday, November 6, in the 9pm block along with Chaps from Washington DC and Sara Jo Geiger from Seattle. You can follow Happy 2 B Here on Instagram at @x_happy2bhere_x. 

This week, Josh talks to Emily Collins live and in person about recreating tv sketches, stage crew, and the start of Motel Party. Follow Motel Party on Instagram at @motelpartysketch. Motel Party is performing their Halloween show, Sketch or Treat on Saturday, October 18, with two shows at 7 and 9 at Sawubona Creativity Project. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. And Philly Sketchfest Presents Tales from the Crumb by Uncle Crumbum is also happening on Saturday, October 18, with two shows at 7 and 830 at the MacGuffin Stage in the Adrienne Theater. Tickets available at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com. Go to both.

This week, Josh talks to Sabrina Lichtenstein about old Britcoms, improv in Orlando, and not listening to the audience. Avery and Sabrina are doing Denver Sketch Festival along with Denver’s Co-Depen-dunce on Friday, October 10, in the 7pm block. Avery and Sabrina are also heading to NYC Sketchfest next weekend, Saturday, October 18, in the 7:30 block at the PIT Loft. Follow Avery and Sabrina on Instagram at @avery_sabrina_sketch. This week, here in Philly, on Thursday, October 9, and Saturday, October 11, we’ll be recording two live episodes of My First Sketch with some of the rising sketch comedians here in Philly. Those live episodes will be at Sawubona, BYOB, and free to come hang out. Then, on October 18, Philly Sketchfest Presents Uncle Crumbum’s Tales from the Crumb at the MacGuffin Stage in the Adrienne with two shows at 7 and 830pm. Check out phillysketchfest.com/calendar for more details and ticket links.

This week, Josh talks to Kyle Romero about high school drama competitions, college theater degrees, and adult improv classes. Kyle will be performing Kyle Romero is Your Dad at Denver Sketch Festival on Friday, October 10 in the 10pm block along with Summer Dad from Toronto. Get your tickets and all the rest of the info at risecomedy.com. You can follow Kyle on Instagram at @itskyleromero. This week, here in Philly, on Thursday, October 9, and Saturday, October 11, we’ll be recording two live episodes of My First Sketch with some of the rising sketch comedians here in Philly. Those live episodes will be at Sawubona, BYOB, and free to come hang out. Then, on October 18, Philly Sketchfest Presents Uncle Crumbum’s Tales from the Crumb at the MacGuffin Stage in the Adrienne with two shows at 7 and 830pm. Check out phillysketchfest.com/calendar for more details and ticket links.

This week, Josh talks to Connor Schuck (Big Ol Mess) about Delaware, Eat Your Beats, and comedy in Denver. If you’re in Denver, head to Denver Sketch Festival October 9-11. You can see Big Ol Mess perform in the last show of the festival along with Ghost Girl from New York on October 11 at 10pm. risecomedy.com for all the info. Follow Big Ol Mess on Instagram at @bigolmesscomedy. If you’re in Philly, on Thursday, October 9, and Saturday, October 11, we’ll be recording two live episodes of My First Sketch with some of the rising sketch comedians here in Philly. Those live episodes will be at Sawubona, and free to come hang out.

This week, Josh talks to Irem Boz about Kablam, the Onion, and the creation of Septar. Septar is performing here in Philly on Friday, October 3 with their new show, Are We Having Fund Yet? Two shows at the Skinner Studio at Plays and Players. 7pm and 9pm. You can find those tickets at Eventbrite. And then, they’re heading to Denver and performing at Denver Sketch Festival with Cam Wyllie, on Friday, October 10.  Follow Septar on Instagram at @septar_sketch. come to our sketch comedy open mic, Sketchubator, at Sawubona on October 2 at 730, and then two live My First Sketch podcast records on October 9 and 11. Then, on October 18, Philly Sketchfest Presents Uncle Crumbum at the MacGuffin Stage in the Adrienne with two shows. Check out phillysketchfest.com/calendar for more details and ticket links.

This week, Josh talks to Dan Burger (@the_dan_burger) about 7th Heaven (which Josh misheard as Seth and Tevin), starting over in Colorado, joining Big Ol Mess, and starting over in Los Angeles. Dan will be performing with Big Ol Mess at Denver Sketch Fest on Saturday, October 11 at 10pm along with Ghost Girl, from New York. Head to risecomedy.com for tickets and more information. Follow Big Ol Mess on Instagram at @bigolmesscomedy.

This week, Josh talks to Maureen McQuilkin about The Brendan Leonard Show, a monkey conductor, and being a part of the first new sketch team in Philly after the pandemic. Septar is heading to Sketchfest Seattle on Saturday, September 13 in the 7pm block along with Brandy Alexander. sketchfest.org for more details on that. When they return to Philly, they’ll be putting up their new show, Are We Having Fund Yet? at Plays and Players Theater on October 3 with two shows at 7pm and 9pm. Follow Septar on Instagram at @septar_sketch.

This week, Josh talks to Chrissy Bisbee (Soy Pony) about scarecrows, setting a deadline, and acting for the screen. You can follow Soy Pony on Instagram at @soy_pony_sketch. Soy Pony is now performing at Philly Sketchfest on Saturday, June 14 in the 7pm block along with Jazz Baby, Live! Tickets are available at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com. There are still 8 live shows this weekend. Buy the night pass to see all of Friday and Saturday’s shows. A weekend pass for all three nights of next weekend’s live shows; and just tickets for individual shows a la carte. They’re all available at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com. In addition to the live shows, there is another workshop. On June 14, Murphy McHugh of Brick Penguin will be doing a workshop on stage directing and stagecraft. Brick Penguin has probably performed at Philly Sketchfest more than almost anyone, and he knows what he’s talking about. The workshop is at Sawubona at 3pm on Saturday, June 14. The workshops will be over with plenty of time to grab a quick bite and head to MacGuffin for the 7pm show. For more details, head to phillysketchfest.com.

This week, Josh talks to Justin Williford (@and_another_thing_sketch) about growing up in Arkansas, finding a comedy oasis in Harrisburg, and starting sketch comedy after years in improv. And Another Thing is coming to Philly Sketchfest on Friday, June 13 at the MacGuffin Stage in the 10pm block along with Brick Penguin from Washington DC. Tickets are available at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com. There are still 8 live shows this weekend. Buy the night pass to see all of Friday and Saturday’s shows. A weekend pass for all three nights of next weekend’s live shows; and just tickets for individual shows a la carte. They’re all available at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com. In addition to the live shows, there is another workshop. On June 14, Murphy McHugh of Brick Penguin will be doing a workshop on stage directing and stagecraft. Brick Penguin has probably performed at Philly Sketchfest more than almost anyone, and he knows what he’s talking about. The workshop is at Sawubona at 3pm on Saturday, June 14. The workshops will be over with plenty of time to grab a quick bite and head to MacGuffin for the 7pm show. For more details, head to phillysketchfest.com.

This week, Josh talks to Andi Rogers Patton about creative duos, collaborating long distance, and the fear of a novelty song. You can follow Chronically [Ch]ill on Instagram at @chronicallychillcomedy. Chronically [Ch]ill is coming to Philly Sketchfest along with Motel Party. They’ll be performing on Thursday, June 12, at 730 along with Philly’s own Motel Party at Sawubona. Tickets are available at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com. Buy the night pass for this weekend’s shows. A weekend pass for all three nights of next weekend’s live shows; and just tickets for individual shows a la carte. They’re all available at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com. In addition to the live shows, there are also two workshops. On June 7, The Chris and Paul Show will do their workshop on using physicality for storytelling, and on June 14, Murphy McHugh of Brick Penguin will be doing a workshop on stage directing and stagecraft. Both of the workshops are at Sawubona at 3pm on their respective Saturdays. The workshops will be over with plenty of time to grab a quick bite and head to MacGuffin for the 7pm show. For more details, head to phillysketchfest.com.

This week, Josh talks to Eoin Wenger (New York City’s EZ Pass) about touring in a band, open mics down the street, and joining the sketch world. You can follow EZ Pass on Instagram at @ezpasscomedy. If you’re in New York, EZ Pass is performing at the PIT Loft on June 4 at 7:30 PM. Then, EZ Pass is coming to Philly Sketchfest on Saturday, June 7 in the 10pm block along with Chaps from Washington DC and Disco Horses also from New York. Tickets for the festival can be found at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com. Philly Sketchfest 2025 starts June 4 with the Sketch Comedy Film Festival at PhilaMOCA. Then over the next two weekends, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays: 16 live shows featuring 35 acts. Tickets and passes are all available at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com. In addition to the live show, there are also two workshops. On June 7, The Chris and Paul Show will do their workshop on using physicality for storytelling, and on June 14, Murphy McHugh of Brick Penguin will be doing a workshop on sketch directing and stagecraft. Both of the workshops are at Sawubona at 3pm on their respective Saturdays. The workshops will be over with plenty of time to grab a quick bite and head to MacGuffin for the 7pm show. For more details, head to phillysketchfest.com.

This week, Josh talks to Katherine Coleman (@katherineisfunny) about Taylor Swift, boys’ names, Roll Tide and War Eagle, and calling me out for saying wooder. Swiftie 101 comes to Philly Sketchfest 2025 on Thursday, June 5 at 730 along with Gooses. Back in New York, Swiftie 101 returns to the PIT on June 17 at 8pm. Starting June 4 with the Sketch Comedy Film Festival at PhilaMOCA. Then over the next two weekends, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays: 16 live shows featuring 35 acts. You can get a festival pass to see everything; a weekend pass for three nights of live shows; a night pass for all 3 shows on a Friday or Saturday; and just tickets for individual shows a la carte. They’re all available at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com.

This week, Josh talks to Russ Bizaro about humor magazines, not being loud enough, and a brief detour about the history of sketch in Philly. Septar will be performing at Theme Park: Looking Ahead on Thursday, May 29, at 730. And then, at Philly Sketchfest along with Mean Sparkle on Friday, June 13 at 7pm at the MacGuffin Stage. Follow Septar on Instagram at @septar_sketch. Philly Sketchfest 2025 starts June 4 with the Sketch Comedy Film Festival at PhilaMOCA. Then over the next two weekends, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays: 16 live shows featuring 35 acts. You can get a festival pass to see everything; a weekend pass for three nights of live shows; a night pass for all 3 shows on a Friday or Saturday; and just tickets for individual shows a la carte. Tickets and passes are available at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com.

This week, Josh talks to Allison Villaseñor (@avillasenora) about meeting your comedy partner in the real world, studying at the Atlantic Theater Company, and not totally being a Swiftie. If you’re in New York City, you can see Allison in Clownclave (a clown show with a papal twist) on May 24 at 930 at the Pinebox Rockshop. Both Hands returns to the PIT on June 4 at 730. And Swiftie 101 returns to the PIT on June 17 at 8pm. Allison is coming to Philly Sketchfest with Swiftie 101 on Thursday, June 5 at Plays & Players at 730 along with Gooses; with Jackie & Allison Into the Multiverse on Friday, June 13 at the MacGuffin Stage at 830 along with Vivek Srikanthan; and with Both Hands on Saturday, June 14 at the MacGuffin Stage at 830 along with High Dramma. Before Philly Sketchfest, get a preview with Theme Park: Looking Ahead at Plays & Players on Thursday, May 29, at 730pm. So many Philly sketch comedians in one place. Tickets for all Philly Sketchfest shows are available at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com.

This week, Josh talks to Katie Congrove of Big Ol’ Mess (@bigolmesscomedy) about editing yearbooks, building trust with the audience, and being dumb. Big Ol’ Mess are heading to Austin Sketchfest on May 25. Then, they return to Denver May 30 at the Denver Press Club and May 31 at Rise Comedy. The following week, they come to Philly Sketchfest June 6, performing at 8:30 along with Brandy Alexander. Tickets for that are available at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com. Submissions are now open for Denver Sketch Fest. The festival will take place October 9-11. Go to risecomedy.com for more info.

This week, Josh talks to Jackie Skinner about clown, idiots, and creating a comedy show with an old work friend. Jackie and Allison into the Multiverse is coming to Philly Sketchfest on Friday, June 13 at 830pm at the MacGuffin Stage at the Adrienne Theater along with Vivek Srikanthan. Tickets are available at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com. Before they come to Philly, Jackie and Allison are performing two more shows at Boston Fringe, Friday, May 9 at 915 and Sunday, May 11 at 7:05. Follow Jackie and Allison on Instagram at @_jackieandallison (that’s Allison with 2 L’s) and you can follow Jackie at @jackiebskinner.

This week, Josh talks to Greg Baker (@heypartypersons) about college sketch, moving to LA, and moving to Maine during the pandemic. Hey Party People are performing at Philly Sketchfest on Friday, June 7 in the 7pm block along with The Incredible Shrinking Matt & Jacquie. Tickets are sold out, which is very exciting, but I truly can’t help you get in. Then, back in Portland, ME, Hey Party People will be presenting No Jerks Allowed on Thursday, June 13 at The Hill Arts and Friday, June 14 at Craft Brew Underground. Follow Hey Party People on Instagram at @heypartypersons. Nine shows round out the closing weekend of Philly Sketchfest. For all the info, head to phillysketchfest.com.

This week, Josh talks to Paul Valenti (@chrisandpaulshow) about old comedy, the Edinburgh Fringe, and Bring the Funny. The Chris and Paul Show is coming to Philly Sketchfest, first teaching a workshop on physical comedy on June 8 at 2pm at the MacGuffin Stage and then performing along with Bomb Bomb Bombshells at 830 that evening. You can register for the workshop and buy tickets to the show at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com. If you are legally not allowed to leave New York City, The Chris and Paul Show is performing at The PIT in New York on Saturday, June 1 at 730pm. Tickets are available at thepit-nyc.com. You can follow The Chris and Paul Show at @chrisandpaulshow. But if you’re anywhere near Philadelphia, come to Philly Sketchfest. Three shows on May 31 and June 1. The Sketch Comedy Film Festival on June 5. Two shows celebrating the first year of Cutthroat Sketch on June 6. Three shows that are already sold out on June 7 and three more shows to close it off on June 8. All the information at phillysketchfest.com and tickets available at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com.

This week, Josh talks to Chris Iannucci (@thebrandyalexandershow) about starting out in Rhode Island before heading to Chicago, the online pandemic game show, and adapting to the venue. Brandy Alexander is coming to Philly Sketchfest on Friday, May 31 in the 7pm along with local favorites, Septar. Tickets are available at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com. Back in Chicago, Brandy Alexander hosts The Brandy Alexander Show at My Buddy’s, and you can find out more information when you follow them on Instagram and Facebook at @thebrandyalexandershow. Come to the opening weekend of Philly Sketchfest at the MacGuffin Stage in the Adrienne Theater. Three shows a night on May 31 and June 1. More information at phillysketchfest.com. Tickets for individual shows are $15 and the Night Passes are $30, and those are available at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com. 

This week, Josh talks to Evan Starr about Major Undecided at Tufts, pausing comedy after college, and the pandemic leading the way to Field Trip. Field Trip is performing at Philly Sketchfest on Friday, May 31 in the 830 block along with AJ Schraeder. Tickets are available at phillysketchfest.simpletix.com. Then, back in the Boston area, Field Trip will be performing their next full hour-long set on July 13 in Somerville. Full details for that show haven’t been announced yet, so follow them on Instagram at @fieldtripsketch. Philly Sketchfest is happening May 31-June 8. Head to phillysketchfest.com for all the information. 

This week, Josh talks to Jesse McIntosh (@publicbreakup) about comedy short films, independent comedy in Los Angeles, and so much more. Jesse and the rest of Public Breakup will host Sketch Cagematch on May 29 at 7pm at the UCB Annex. Here in Philly, they’ll be performing at Philly Sketchfest along with Philly favorites, High Dramma, on Saturday, June 1, in the 7pm block. You can find more information at phillysketchfest.com. Follow Public Breakup on Instagram and TikTok at @publicbreakup, and you can subscribe to their Youtube channel.

This week, Josh talks to Seyoung Kim (@partytrick_sketch) about standup in college, sketch comedy after the pandemic, and so much more. Party Trick is performing at LiveWire, the monthly show for the sketch house teams at the Magnet Theater in New York City on Tuesday, May 21 at 9pm along with Malarkey. Tickets and more information at magnettheater.com. Then, they’re heading to Austin, Texas for Austin Sketchfest on Saturday May, 25 in the 8:30 block along with Roca. More info at atxsketchfest.com. Then, Party Trick is coming to Philly Sketchfest to perform along with Grace & the Gang from Washington DC and Stay Funny. Stay Scared. from Brooklyn on Saturday, June 8 in the 10pm block. Check out phillysketchfest.com for more on that show and the rest of the festival.

This week, Josh talks to Beth Ann Powers (@railscomedy) about starting a theater troupe in Minnesota, teaching theater in the DMV, and joining Rails. You can also find Rails all over social media at @railscomedy. To highlight a couple shows: Etch A Sketch on Wednesday, May 15 and The Character Show on Wednesday, May 29, both at DC Arts Center. Tickets and more info about all of Rails’ shows and classes can be found at railscomedy.com. Rails is heading to Austin Sketchfest on Saturday, May 25 in the 10pm block along with Jon Blair and Group Chat. atxsketchfest.com for more on that. Then, Rails comes to Philly Sketchfest on Saturday, June 8, with a show at 6:30 also featuring Cam Wyllie and Mean Wendy Band. phillysketchfest.com for tickets and more info. 

This week, Josh talks to Nick Ryan (@funinmoderation) about indie sketch in NYC, being in the background of SNL, and so much more. A lot of chances to see Nick and the rest of Fun in Moderation. You can catch Fun in Moderation at Caveat Sketch Sampler on May 10 at 9:30 at Caveat in New York City; at Austin Sketchfest on May 23 at the Coldtowne Theater; and at Philly Sketchfest, sharing the bill with Brick Penguin from Washington. Saturday, June 1 in the 10pm block. Tickets and more infomation at phillysketchfest.com. Fun in Moderation will premiere their new show with all new material at Caveat on Friday, June 28. caveat.nyc for more on that show. Head to funinmoderation.com. Follow them on Instagram and TikTok at @funinmoderation. 

This week, Josh talks to Jana Gillis about NL Sketchfest, moving from Newfoundland to Toronto and back, and so much more. NL Sketchfest runs at the Hub in Saint John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador from April 3 through April 7. Follow them on Instagram at @nlsketchfest. Jana will be performing at NL Sketchfest in Saint John’s on Sunday, April 7 in the 7pm block along with Four Idiots. Here in Philly, Cutthroat Sketch returns to Sawubona Thursday, April 4, with the theme Ring by Spring. Tickets are $12 and available at cutthroatsketch.com/tickets. Philly Sketchfest returns in all its glory, May 31 through June 8.

This week, Josh talks to Grace Fennell (Grace and the Gang) about cease and desists, wanting to be the star, and more. Grace and the Gang is performing at DC Sketchfest Thursday, March 21 at 7:30 at the DC Improv along with Pressed from Chicago and Maple Daddies from Seattle. Tickets are sold out. Here in Philly, Philly Sketchfest Presents, on Friday, March 22 at 8pm with Forevermore from Baltimore and Bring Your Own Bob from New York. $17 with no fees at sketchballphilly.com/tickets, or $20 at the door.

This week, Josh talks to Kristi Schaffner about dancing in Oklahoma, becoming a pirate, and Forevermore. Forevermore is performing at DC Sketchfest Wednesday, March 20, at the DC Arts Center in the 7:30 block along with Bring Your Own Bob. But then Forevermore and Bring Your Own Bob are coming here to Philly on Friday, March 22. Philly Sketchfest Presents. 8pm at the Skinner Studio at Plays and Players. Tickets are available at sketchballphilly.com/tickets. $17 with no fees. $20 at the door. You can follow Forevermore on Instagram at @forevermoresketchcomedy. Philly Sketchfest is just over two months away, May 31-June 8. You can submit your live act at phillysketchfest.com/submit2024 and your short film at phillysketchfest.com/film2024.

This week, Josh talks to Yena Frick about Maddy Night Live, Galentine’s Day, and the comedy scene in Baltimore. You can see Yena’s group, Forevermore Sketch, at DC Sketchfest on Wednesday, March 20, in the 7:30 block along with Bring Your Own Bob at the DC Arts Center. And if you live in Philly, Forevermore and Bring Your Own Bob will both be coming to Skinner Studio at Plays and Players on Friday, March 22 at 8pm for Philly Sketchfest Presents. phillysketchfest.com for tickets for that show. $17 in advance, $20 at the door. Follow Forevermore Sketch on Instagram at @forevermoresketchcomedy. Philly Sketchfest 2024 will take place with live shows happening from May 31 to June 8. Submissions to perform live are open at phillysketchfest.com/submit2024. And you can submit your short films for the film festival, which will take place on June 5, at phillysketchfest.com/film2024. If you wanted to volunteer or join staff, head to phillysketchfest.com/volunteer for all the info.

This week, Josh talks to TNutt (@inactionnetwork) about moving to Philly, being an extrovert, and coming back after the pandemic. February 28, Sketch Ball featuring InAction Network and Jai Nim doing some musical comedy to open up. 730pm at Plays and Players Skinner Studio on the third floor. $15 tickets available at sketchballphilly.com/tickets You can follow InAction Network on Instagram at @inactionnetwork. The March edition of Cutthroat Sketch entitled Spring returns to Sawubona on March 7 at 730. cutthroatsketch.com/tickets. Philly Sketchfest returns May 31-June 8. If you want to submit your live act, head to phillysketchfest.com/submit2024. If you have a short film you’d like to submit to the film festival on June 5, phillysketchfest.com/film2024.

This week, Josh talks to Ben Maher about starting Philly Sketchfest, a life behind the scenes in comedy, and so much more. Philly Sketchfest 2024 is coming, May 31-June 8. Submissions open on February 1 at phillysketchfest.com. Come to Cutthroat Sketch: Heart at Sawubona on February 1 at 730pm. Tickets available at cutthroatsketch.com/tickets. Sketch Ball returns February 28 at Plays and Players Skinner Studio. Tickets available at sketchballphilly.com. 

This week, Josh talks to Chase Jeffels about learning clowning in Paris, rediscovering video work during the pandemic, and joining two sketch teams since then. Follow Chase’s sketch teams on Instagram at @west2westcomedy and @20dollarsandwich. You can follow Chase on Instagram at @chase.jeffels and on TikTok at @chasejeffels. West 2 West is heading to Montreal Sketchfest Wednesday, May 10, at 8pm at Theatre Sainte Catherine along with Jonah Border, Rails Comedy, and Gotham K. $20 Sandwich has a new show, Double Date Comedy Show, on May 23th at The Assembly Theatre in Toronto. Tickets are available through Eventbrite, and there’s a link on their Instagram page. Keep an eye on myfirstsketch.com and phillysketchfest.com for more about Sketch Ball and Cutthroat Comedy coming soon.

This week, Josh talks to John Taylor about teaching drama, Try-Racial, and Schoolin’ Around. John and the rest of Try-Racial are heading to Montreal Sketchfest, performing Friday, May 5 in the 10pm slot at Montreal Improv along with Sproink and Oink from Montreal and Cheap Wine from Toronto. Tickets and more information are available at montrealsketchfest.com. Try-Racial will also be performing at Toronto Fringe Festival, this July 5-16. Follow Try-Racial on instagram at @try_racial. Sketchubator returns live and in-person this Sunday, May 7, at 2pm at Tattooed Mom on South Street here in Philly. It’s a sketch comedy open mic, so bring your sketches, and we’ll do some readings. sketchubator.com for more info.

This week, Josh talks to Vivek Srikanthan (Try-Racial) about Second City, Schoolin’ Around, and so much more. Viv and the rest of Try-Racial are heading to Montreal Sketchfest, performing Friday, May 5 in the 10pm slot at Montreal Improv along with Sproink and Oink from Montreal and Cheap Wine from Toronto. Tickets and more information are available at montrealsketchfest.com. Try-Racial will also be performing at Toronto Fringe Festival, this July 5-16. Follow Try-Racial on instagram at @try_racial. Viv also co-runs writes a comedy zine, called Egg Magg - A Humorous Zine, with Nina Charest. Follow that on Instagram at @eggmaggazine. Maggazine has two G’s. Online Canzine takes place from May 5-11, where you can grab physical and digital copies of Egg Magg. Sketchubator, our sketch comedy open mic, live and in-person returns to Tattooed Mom this Sunday, May 7 at 2pm in the afternoon. All the information, including if you want to sign up beforehand, is available at sketchubator.com.

This week, Josh talks to Rachel Niswander (Rails Comedy) about college comedy, creating a sketch team to get out of trouble, and moving to New York. Rails Comedy will be hosting Sketch Comedy Spectacular this Saturday, April 29, at 8pm at the DC Arts Center, with sets from Bad Medicine and The Character Show. Tickets are available at railscomedy.com. Then, Rails Comedy is heading to Montreal Sketchfest, performing on May 10 at 8pm at Theatre SainteCatherine along with Jonah Border, West 2 West, and Gotham K. Head to montrealsketchfest.com for more info on that show. You can follow Rails Comedy all over the social media world at @railscomedy, and follow Rachel on Instagram at @rachel_n24. Sketchubator, our live sketch comedy open mic, will take place at Tattooed Mom on South Street here in Philly. Sunday, May 7, at 2pm. All the info, including if you want to sign up beforehand, is available at sketchubator.com.

This week, Josh talks to Bethany Stokes (@bethanysalright) about madrigal choirs, college a cappella, and competitive improv. Bad Medicine will be performing a set on Saturday, April 29, at Sketch Comedy Spectacular along with Rails Comedy and The Character Show. It’s an 8pm show at DC Arts Center. Tickets are available at railscomedy.com. Then, on Tuesday, May 2, at 7:30pm, Bad Medicine will be headlining their own regular show at the DC Improv. This one’s called “Bad Medicine: After Dark.” Tickets available at dcimprov.com. You can follow Bad Medicine all over the social media world at @badmedicinedc. And you can follow Bethany on Instagram and TikTok at @bethanysalright. Sketchubator, our live sketch comedy open mic, is happening at Tattooed Mom on South Street on Sunday, May 7, at 2pm. sketchubator.com has all the details on that one.

This week, Josh talks to Elizabeth Leff about starting in New York City, continuing in DC, and finding a scene in New York state. Lots of Feelings will be performing along with Amanda Xeller at Bad Medicine Presents this Saturday, March 18, in the Lounge at the DC Improv in Washington DC, for two shows at 7 and 9:30. Tickets are available at dcimprov.com. Follow Lots of Feelings on Instagram at @lofsketch. And you can follow Elizabeth at @leffingoutloud. Sketchubator, our sketch comedy open mic, returns to Zoom on Friday, March 24 at 10pm in the East. The live, in-person Sketchubator returns to Tattooed Mom here in Philly on Sunday, May 7, at 2pm. sketchubator.com for all the details on those.

This week, Josh talks to Bobby Cohoat (Lots of Feeling, Washington DC) about moving from Chicago to DC, finding comedy there, and toy thrones. Lots of Feelings will be performing along with Amanda Xeller at Bad Medicine Presents this Saturday, March 18, at the DC Improv in the Lounge in Washington DC, for two shows at 7 and 9:30. Tickets are available at dcimprov.com. Follow Lots of Feelings on Instagram at @lofsketch.

This week, Josh talks to Fateema Al-Hamaydeh Miller (Don Valley Girls, Toronto, ON) about The Bob at Toronto University, clowning, and being ready to take a break. Fateema and the rest of Don Valley Girls will be performing twice at Toronto Sketchfest. First, as part of the Curator Program: with Manifest Destiny’s Child and Tita Collective, curated by Candace Scott-Moore. Friday, March 10, at 8pm at the Theatre Centre. Then, Friday 17, at 6pm with Maple Daddies from Seattle, Washington, at the Theatre Centre. Tickets are available at torontosketchfest.com. You can follow Don Valley Girls on Facebook and Instagram at donvalleygirlscomedy. Follow Khafeef Dam Productions at @khafeefdamproductions and Fateema at @fateemasaurus.

This week, Josh talks to Elizabeth Hicks (Mom’s Girls in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador) about new drama, comedy acting, and the guidance counselor with an Etsy shop. Elizabeth and the rest of Mom’s Girls will be heading to Toronto for Toronto Sketchfest for two shows. First, on Friday, March 10 at 7pm with Birdie, then Saturday, March 11 at 9pm with Boy Girl Party Live! Both of the shows are at Comedy Bar, and tickets are available at torontosketchfest.com. You can follow Elizabeth on Instagram at @elizabethhicks1 and Mom’s Girls on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @momsgirlscomedy. Elizabeth also features in JackTV, a series created by Andrew Tremblett and Stuart Simpson and directed by Mary Walsh. It is now available at YouTube.com/@JackTVComedy. The next Sketchubator on Zoom will take place Friday, March 25, at 10pm Eastern. And the next live Sketchubator will be at Tattooed Mom on Sunday, May 7 at 2pm. sketchubator.com for more.

This week, Josh talks to Anesti Danelis about Edinburgh Fringe, gaining confidence as a solo act, and pandemic electronic music. Anesti is performing multiple times at Toronto Sketchfest. Starting with the Opening Night Gala Thursday, March 9 at Theatre Centre, starting at 7pm; Saturday, March 11 at Comedy Bar at 7pm along with The Nitro Girls from New York City; and the Shot Live Special at Theatre Centre Tuesday, March 14, at 7pm along with Shohana Sharmin and Gillian Bartolucci. The Shot Live Special will actually stream live, so you can watch it from wherever you are. torontosketchfest.com for all the information on those shows. You can follow Anesti on Instagram and TikTok at @anestidanelis and learn more at anestidanelis.com. Stream (or download) his albums wherever you get your music.

This week, Josh talks to Allison Moira Kelly (Mom’s Girls from St. John’s, NL) about theater, the floordrobe, and the ridiculousness of the English language. Allison and the rest of Mom’s Girls will be heading to Toronto for Toronto Sketchfest for two shows. First, on Friday, March 10 at 7pm with Birdie, then Saturday, March 11 at 9pm with Boy Girl Party Live! Both of the shows are at Comedy Bar, and tickets are available at torontosketchfest.com. And I understand those tickets are selling well, so you might not want to wait. You can follow Allison on Instagram at @allisonmoira and Mom’s Girls on Instagram and TikTok at @momsgirlscomedy.

This week, Josh talks to Emily Milling (Big Chick Energy, based in Toronto) about suspicious view counts, pandemic projects, and job hopping. Emily and the rest of Big Chick Energy will be performing at The Sunday Funnies at The Rivoli on Sunday, February 26 at 7pm. Tickets are available on EventBrite. Big Chick Energy will be performing two shows at Toronto Sketchfest; first on Thursday March 9 with Chelsea Larkin at 8pm and Friday March 10 with Acuna Acuna at 7pm. Both shows are at the BMO Incubator at Theatre Centre. For more information, go to bigchickenergysketch.com. On April, they’ll be heading to Hamilton, Ontario at the Staircase Comedy Cabaret. Follow them on Instagram at @bigchickenergysketch. You can like Big Chick Energy on Facebook at facebook.com/bigchickenergysketch. They also have a YouTube channel at youtube.com/bigchickenergysketch. Emily’s album “Take Your Life More Seriously” is available on all the streaming platforms. Visit emilymilling.com and follow Emily on Instagram at @emily.milling.

This week, Josh talks to Gerald Yeung (Crunchy Tigers in Toronto) about gaining life experience, pro wrestling and comedy, and stereotypes. Gerald and the rest of Crunchy Tigers will host their monthly show (this one’s called Cheap Chocolate, Cheap Laughs) at The Social Capital Theater, Friday, February 24 at 8:30pm. Tickets are available at tinyurl.com/crunchy05. Later that evening, Gerald will be doing stand up at Gay AF at Comedy Bar. It’s a late night show. Then, during Toronto Sketchfest, Crunchy Tigers will perform Thursday, March 9 at 8pm at Comedy Bar along with Ladies and Gentlemen International. Tickets for that are available at torontosketchfest.com. Follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/crunchytigers and @crunchytigers on Instagram. For more on Gerald, check out evilascot.com. Sketchubator will return to Zoom Friday, March 24 at 10pm. sketchubator.com for more on that.

This week, Josh talks to Stef Curran (Mom’s Girls from St. Johns, NL) about gaining a voice in the room, dad rock, and how Newfoundland and Florida might not be so different. Mom’s Girls will be heading to Toronto for Toronto Sketchfest for two shows. First, on Friday, March 10 at 7pm with Birdie, then Saturday, March 11 at 9pm with Boy Girl Party Live! Both of the shows are at Comedy Bar, and tickets are available at torontosketchfest.com. You can follow Stef on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok at @rawstefc and Mom’s Girls at @momsgirlscomedy. Here in Philly, Sketchubator, our live and in person sketch comedy open mic, returns upstairs at Tattooed Mom, at 5th and South Street, this Sunday afternoon, February 19 at 2pm. Sketch comedy with its lowest stakes possible. We’ll read some sketches, have some drinks, and eat some sandwiches. Come join us. sketchubator.com for more info.

This week, Josh talks to Alicia Carrick (Big Chick Energy in Toronto) about the cult of comedy, starting with a troupe right before the shutdown, and the awfulness of Zoom comedy. Alicia and the rest of Big Chick Energy will be performing at The Sunday Funnies at The Rivoli on Sunday, February 26 at 7pm. Big Chick Energy will be performing two shows at Toronto Sketchfest (torontosketchfest.com): Thursday March 9 with Chelsea Larkin at 8pm and Friday March 10 with Acuna Acuna at 7pm. Both shows are at the BMO Incubator at Theatre Centre. For more information, go to bigchickenergysketch.com. Follow them on Instagram at @bigchickenergysketch. You can like Big Chick Energy on Facebook at facebook.com/bigchickenergysketch. They also have a YouTube channel at youtube.com/bigchickenergysketch. Don’t forget Sketchubator will be live and in person on Sunday, February 19, at 2pm at Tattooed Mom at 5th and South Street. We’ll be upstairs, so grab a drink and a snack and your sketches to read. sketchubator.com for all the info.

This week, Josh talks to Colin Mahan (The Great Difficulties) about Die Hard, impressions, and auditioning for SNL. Colin is doing a solo show called Colin Mahan: Himselves on Friday, February 3 at the PianoFight’s Second Stage along with Goldbaby from LA and Strong Male Leads from Austin, TX. The Great Difficulties, Colin’s duo with Mike Spiegelman, will be performing along with Please Leave the Bronx on Sunday, February 5 at 8pm at PianoFight. Info for both those shows can be found at sfsketchfest.com. If you live in the Philadelphia area, we’re doing a live Sketchubator at Tattooed Mom on Sunday, February 19 at 2pm. All the info on Sketchubator is at sketchubator.com.