Just Do It

Philadelphia Improv Festival

by Aly Semigran

	print	email	reply	rss feed

Published: Nov 7, 2007

Thu.-Sat., Nov. 8-10, 7 p.m., $10, Mum Puppettheater, 115 Arch St., 215-925-7286, phif.org

One minute you could be watching a bank heist led by a pack of Crayola-wielding preschoolers, the next a chimp could be climbing Everest. Now in its third year, the Philadelphia Improv Festival is facilitating a weekend of wacky scenarios with both local and national troupes.

According to participating Philly improvers, the fest is crucial to the development of the local comedy scene. Rare Bird Show — a trio of three quick-on-their-feet comedians — met in 2003 and have been jabbing at the city's funny bone ever since. Member Matt Holme says the event "puts Philadelphia on the comedy map." Rick Horner of Zombie Shark, another local act, feels that the festival is unique because it's about celebrating improv as opposed to competing. "We're all here to make a better comedic community in Philadelphia. It's a huge commitment from a small group of people to keep this genre of comedy going strong in the city," he says. "Philly is one of the big kids on the comedy playground now."

All reader comments are subject to our Terms of Use. By clicking Post Comment, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and agree to these Terms.

Name	please enter your name
Email (will not be published)	please enter a valid email
Comment	please enter a comment
Enter the security code on the right in the textbox below.
Security Code	please enter the code
	Join the City Paper Mailing List

Múm's The Word
What We Heart
In The Event That...
Just Do It
Just Opened