Philadelphia Comedy Academy

Not sure if you need an ascot to attend, but Helium is offering stand-up courses now under the name "the Philadelphia Comedy Academy." Classes run for a month and there's a graduation show at Helium, according to the school's web site.

The instructor is Brad Trackman, who's a respected touring headliner (particularly well know for being quick on his feet). If you're looking to put your toe in the comedy pool ... it's not a bad way to go, at all.

Tags: Comedy classes, Brad Trackman

How Green is My Valley

You probably already know this, but there's some kind of major comedy convergence in the Philadelphia area this week ... in addition to the usual club stuff, Ron White, Katt Williams and Steve Harvey are all playing local theaters. Yikes. You can get a good look at lots of upcoming theater shows at the calendar page.

Tags: Theater Shows

Open mic updates

If at all possible, I'd like to keep the open mic list up-to-date -- I'm almost positive there are a few outdated entries on there (already removed two of them).

Should you notice any glaring errors or omissions, e-mail them to chris@pastandup.com.

For the Theater Snobs

Every now and then I'll be updating a list of the big names coming to the area theaters ... you can see this posted over at the calendar page.

• Keswick Theater: D.L. Hughley (2/2), Craig Ferguson (2/8), Louis C.K. (4/26)
• Tower Theater: Lisa Lampanelli (3/8)
• Academy of Music: Chris Rock (2/27-28)
• Liacouras Center: Mike Epps (2/14), Steve Harvey (4/19)

Tags: open mics

Passing It On: DC Comedy Fest

Philly is just a short drive from DC, so here's the latest on the DC Comedy Fest:

VENUES!

As you probably know by now, dccomedyfest has shifted from spring to AUGUST 7-9 to take advantage of some tie-ins to the political conventions and to allow us to take advantage of some great new venues.

Those venue partners include: The Black Cat (host to "Comedians of Comedy" and other great comedy when not hosting it's normal alt-music acts) and THE DC IMPROV. More announcements soon but we're off to a great start!

SUBMISSIONS OPENING!

dccomedyfest submissions open FEBRUARY 1, 2008. Please visit our website www.dccomedyfest.com for information on how to submit your act. As always we're hosting stand-up, sketch, improv and short films. We hope to have an exciting announcement about short films partner by February, so check our website for more information.

AUDITION SHOW: THE TONIGHT SHOW ON BOARD!

While there are always a number of industry representatives at all of our shows, for the last three years we've been able to give stand ups the special opportunity to audition for specific late-night talk shows.

We're excited to annouce that this year's STAND-UP AUDITION SHOW will be held at the 250 seat DC IMPROV.

We're also thrilled to announce that Bob Read of THE TONIGHT SHOW has already signed-on to participate.

This year we will hold one audition show that will feature booking and casting directors for several shows in attendance. Check back here for additions to the industry that will participate in that show.

Tags: DC Comedy Fest