My First Sketch: Recent Episodes
My First Sketch
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 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 Sainte-Catherine 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.
This week, Josh talks to Mike Spiegelman (@spiegelmania, The Great Difficulties) about public access tv, the beginnings of SF Sketchfest, and laundry baskets. Mike’s podcast, LWAFLMOYT, is available wherever you find podcasts. The Great Difficulties will be performing at SF Sketchfest along with Please Leave the Bronx on Sunday, February 5 at 8pm PST at PianoFight. Tickets and more info can be found at sfsketchfest.com. Two Sketchubators coming up: one on Zoom on January 27 at 10pm EST and one, live and in person at Tattooed Mom, on February 19 at 2pm EST. You can find more information at sketchubator.com.
This week, Josh talks to Seann Cantatore about the intersection of music and comedy. Seann Cantatore will be performing at Philly Sketchfest on Friday, October 21 in the 10pm block. Tickets available at phillysketchfest.com. On Saturday, October 22, she heads to Washington DC to perform at the DC Arts Center with Rails Comedy. Then October 28 and 29, she heads to Greenville, SC at the Alchemy Theater. Follow Seann on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube at @seanncantatore. Philly Sketchfest is coming back with two nights of live shows on October 21 and 22. Friday at the Playground at the Adrienne, Saturday at the Skinner Studio at Plays and Players. A virtual film festival on Facebook on Sunday, October 23. All the info is at phillysketchfest.com.
This week, Josh talks to Amanda Xeller about character work, directing, and villains. Amanda will be performing at Philly Sketchfest on Friday, October 21 in the 7pm block along with Crying Alone in the Shower. For tickets, head to phillysketchfest.com. Follow her on Instagram at @wildladypegpegpeg; on Twitter at @AmandaXeller. In addition to her appearing at Sketchfest: she’ll be back in New York, where she is directing Rococo at the Magnet on Thursday, October 20 at 9pm, directing Boogie Manja’s Pointless Appliance at the PIT Loft on Saturday, October 22 at 7pm, and performing on Character Night at the Magnet on Sunday, October 23 at 730pm.
This week, Josh talks to Mike Bock (@bockmj) about the Simpsons, the postCovid comedy scene, and choose your own adventure. You can see Mike Bock and Friends perform at Bad Medicine Presents Sketch Night along with Trash Bang from Richmond VA at the DC Improv in Washington DC on Saturday, June 18. Two shows 7 and 930. Tickets are available at dcimprov.com. The next Comedy Potluck is taking place July 16 at the Artemis. Search Comedy Potluck on Facebook for more on that. Then, Mike Bock and Friends are performing at Wednesday Night Comedy on July 27 at the DC Arts Center. You can get tickets on Eventbrite. Head to mikebockcomedy.com. Sketchubator, the sketch comedy open mic, is going to break out into the real world. June 26 at 6pm, we’ll be heading to Tattooed Mom, 530 South St here in Philadelphia. All the info can be found at sketchubator.com. It is a 21+ event.
This week, Josh talks to Maricris Rivera (of Tita Collective from Toronto, Ontario, Canada) about musicals. We talk a lot about musicals. But then comedy. Maricris and the rest of Tita Collective are heading to Montreal Sketchfest (montrealsketchfest.com) to perform new material on May 13 and the Tita Jokes show on May 15. Then, heading to Peterborough on May 20 to perform on the While We Can Comedy Tour with Anesti Danelis. Head to titacollective.com for information on all those shows and more. Follow tita.collective on Instagram and find them on Facebook at facebook.com/titacollective. Sketchubator, an online sketch comedy open mic, returns to Zoom on June 3 at 10pm in the east. Check out sketchubator.com for more info.
This week, Josh talks to Jack Creaghan (Cheap Wine based in Toronto) about the differences of Toronto and New York, getting a bit of momentum right before a pandemic hits, and working with both a sibling and a fiancee. You can follow Cheap Wine on Instagram at @itscheapwine and on Facebook at facebook.com/itscheapwine. Cheap Wine is performing at Montreal Sketchfest’s Opening Night along with Milwaukee, Bring Your Own Juice, Third Husbands, and Dreamboat. Thursday, May 5 at 8pm at Theatre Sainte-Catherine. Tickets are available at montrealsketchfest.com.
This week, Josh talks to Anika Hurdal (Bring Your Own Juice from Montreal) about the love and embarrassment of improv, first year students writing sketches, and meeting Meryl Streep’s daughter. Bring Your Own Juice will perform at Montreal Sketchfest’s Opening Night with Third Husbands, Cheap Wine, Dreamboat, and Milwaukee on Thursday, May 5 at 8pm at Theatre Sainte-Catherine. Tickets and all the other information are available at montrealsketchfest.com. You can find more about Bring Your Own Juice at facebook.com/bringyourownjuice.
This week, Josh talks to Alia Rasul (Tita Collective)about Barrel Man, Kung Pow Enter the Fist, and doing the hard work to push for inclusion. Tita Collective is heading to Ottawa this weekend April 29 & 30, to perform their show, Tita Jokes, at Ottawa Fringe’s undercurrents festival. Then, Tita Collective goes to Montreal Sketchfest to perform new material on May 13 and the Tita Jokes show on May 15. Then, heading to Peterborough on May 20 to perform on the While We Can Comedy Tour with Anesti Danelis. Head to titacollective.com for more information on all those shows. Follow @tita.collective on Instagram and find them on Facebook at facebook.com/titacollective.
This week, Josh talks to Marc Hallworth about engineering, Heritage Park, and Vest of Friends. See Vest of Friends at Montreal Sketchfest on Thursday, May 12 at 8pm with Emery Fine and Yes, Chef. Learn more at montrealsketchfest.com. Like Vest of Friends on Facebook at facebook.com/vestoffriends. Come to Sketchubator on Zoom on April 29. Check out sketchubator.com.
This week, Josh talks to J.P. McElyea about Bad Medicine, Something Rotten, and Rowan Atkinson. Follow Bad Medicine on Instagram at @badmedicinedc. Check out their website at badmedicinecomedy.com. And subscribe to their podcast, Sketch Nerds, wherever you get your podcasts. Bad Medicine is hosting Sketch Nerds, featuring Philly’ High Dramma and DC’s Brick Penguin on Saturday, April 9 at the DC Improv. Two shows: 730pm and 945pm. Tickets and more details available at dcimprov.com
This week, Josh talks to Jason Singer (High Dramma) about thinking acting was an easy A, thinking surreally and not writing, and thinking teamwork. You can like Jason’s troupe, High Dramma, on Facebook at facebook.com/highdramma and check out their video work at youtube.com/highdramma. That’s 2 M’s in dramma. High Dramma will be performing in Washington DC at Bad Medicine Presents on April 9 along with Brick Penguin for two shows at the DC Improv. Tickets are available at dcimprov.com. Sketchubator is April 1 at 10pm EDT. It’s a sketch comedy open mic live on Zoom. If you have a sketch you want to try out, feel free to reach out to me at josh@myfirstsketch.com and check sketchubator.com for more details.
This week, Josh talks to Chelsea Larkin (@chelslark66 on TikTok) about Li’l Rasgals, wetting the bed to watch SNL, and Drake at the DeGrassi prom. Chelsea Larkin is making her solo sketch debut with The Chels Stands Alone on Friday, March 25 in the 830 block. For tickets, go to torontosketchfest.com. You can follow her on Instagram at @chelslark and on TikTok at @chelslark66. I’ll be hosting Sketch Train, Toronto Sketchfest’s late night online open mic, on Saturday, March 26 after the rest of the programming ends, probably around 11pm. Then, the following week, I’ll be back hosting Sketchubator, Philly Sketchfest’s late night online open, on Friday, April 1 at 10pm. Learn more about that at sketchubator.com.
This week, Josh talks to Veronica Dang (@modelmajority) about Lucille Ball, an overwhelming response when you want to start a sketch team, and doing background for SNL. Follow Model Majority on all social platforms at @modelmajority and go to modelmajority.com. See Model Majority during Toronto Sketchfest’s Screen Time Edition on Thursday 3/24 at 7pm. Veronica will be participating in the Comedy Road Trip panel Saturday afternoon, March 26, at 3pm. Go to torontosketchfest.com for more on those. Model Majority will be performing live and in person in Chicago, IL, on Friday, March 25, at 11pm at the Annoyance Theater. If you’re in the Second City, check out worldcomedyexpo.com for more on that festival. I’ll be hosting Sketch Train during Toronto Sketchfest on Saturday, March 26, probably around 11pm after the shows for the night. Then Sketchubator returns Friday, April 1, at 10pm. Head to sketchubator.com for more.
This week, Josh talks to Emily Richardson (@emrich44 on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok) about gaining the confidence to audition for sketch comedy, writing about celebrity news, and getting reposted by Lil Nas X to go viral. You can see Emily’s work during Toronto Sketchfest’s Screen Time Edition on Mar 26 at 8:30 pm. She will also be participating in a panel called TikTok MasterClass for Comedians on Mar 24 at 11am. All the information for those can be found at torontosketchfest.com. Follow Emily on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok at @emrich44. And Emily writes for dlisted.com where you can read her take on celebrity news. Sketchubator returns to Zoom on April 1.
This week, Josh talks to Rena Taylor (@reenerdog on Instagram) about Joy Provision, the disappointment of theater school, and sad little yankee comedians. Follow Joy Provision on Instagram at @joy.provision. Rena hosts a weekly standup show at Wenona Craft Beer Lodge in Toronto called Wenona Ride’r Die every Thursday night. Tickets are available at eventbrite.ca. Toronto Sketchfest is returning to the digital stage from March 23-27. Tickets and more information can be found at torontosketchfest.com. Sketchubator returns to Zoom on April 1 at 10pm. Check out sketchubator.com.
This week, Josh talks to Evan Forde Barden (Young Douglas) about comedy in Covid, college improv, Fire Marshall Bill, and the comedy scene restarting in New York. Follow Young Douglas on Instagram at @youngdouglascomedy. See Acorns at the Squirrel Theater at Caveat every Monday at 730pm. Check out thesquirrelnyc.com for more on those shows. Sketchubator returns to Zoom August 27 at 10pm EDT. Check out sketchubator.com for more.
This week, Josh talks to Bob Beshere (Trouble with Shapes) about watching Empty Nest, becoming a nerdcore rapper, and evolving as a comedy writer. Check out Trouble with Shapes on Instagram at @tws_comedy and live and in person at the Idiot Box (idiotboxers.com) in Greensboro, NC, on July 17. The next Sketchubator will be July 9: find out more at sketchubator.com. Sketch Buffet is coming to Crossroads Comedy at Theatre Exile on July 16. Visit xroadscomedy.com for ticket info.
This week, Josh talks to Emmy Serviss about Suzzy, comedy in Boston, and she introduces to a tv sketch show Josh had never heard of before. You can find Suzzy on Facebook at @suzzyboston. Suzzy is performing in a virtual show with the Jean Paul Bros this Saturday, July 11th at 8pm. Find out more information at theriottheater.com. Don’t forget about Sketchubator, this Friday, July 10 at 10pm eastern on Zoom. Check out myfirstsketch.com or phillysketchfest.com for more information.
This week, Josh talks to Dylan Sharp (Dang Dumb) about comedy in Edmonton, the future, and how improv helps him in the real world. You can like Dang Dumb on Facebook at facebook.com/dangdumb and on Instagram at @dangdumbcomedy. The next Sketchubator, our online sketch comedy open mic, will take place on Friday, June 26 at 10pm eastern. All the information can be found at myfirstsketch.com and phillysketchfest.com. If you’ve never joined us before, you’ve missed out on sketches about Jurassic Park, Garth Brooks, neti pots, and rock star heaven. Just to name a few.
I had intended to take a pause, like so many other podcasts, to allow for different voices and the bigger issues to be heard. Then, I remembered a chat I had with Briyana Clarel about their work with The Starfruit Project. Let's revisit a bit of that chat and learn more about The Starfruit Project. And remember: Black Lives Matter.
This week, Josh talks to Kelly Turner about Dang Dumb, improv to sketch, and comedy in Edmonton. You can like Dang Dumb on Facebook at facebook.com/dangdumb and on Instagram at @dangdumbcomedy. Don’t forget about Sketchubator, the sketch comedy incubator we’ve been hosting on Zoom every other week. The next one is May 29th at 10pm eastern/7pm pacific. For more information, including the Zoom ID, check myfirstsketch.com and phillysketchfest.com.
This week, Josh talks to Craig Scorgie (@thewowcomedy) about starting a sketch troupe in high school, learning how to write on the fly, and taking the step into producing shows. You can follow Craig’s sketch group, The Wow, all over social media at @thewowcomedy. I’ve also posted two of the shows we talked about during the episode in the blog section of myfirstsketch.com. So you can see Good Game Watches Homeward Bound and Craig Scorgie is a Growing Boy in one place. Don’t forget about Sketchubator, the sketch comedy incubator we’ve been hosting on Zoom every two weeks. The next one is May 29th at 10pm eastern/7pm pacific. For more information, including the Zoom ID, check myfirstsketch.com and phillysketchfest.com.
This week, Josh talks to Jacquie Baker about The Flat Earth, The Incredible Shrinking Matt and Jacquie, and a whole bunch more. Check out some of my favorite sketches and videos from Jacquie’s comedy life at myfirstsketch.com/blog. You can like the choir Jacquie sings with at facebook.com/AnnaCrusisChoir. For more information about Sketchubator, our sketch comedy incubator, head to myfirstsketch.com/sketchubator.
This week, Josh talks to John D. Babcock (Sketchworks in Atlanta, GA) about college sketch comedy, working in a remote writer’s room, and getting sued by a big Broadway show. Give Sketchworks a like on Facebook at facebook.com/sketchworkscomedy, where they’re posting a bunch of sketches from their history. And then sketchworkscomedy.com for all the information about classes and shows if you’re in the Atlanta area. Also, Philly Sketchfest and My First Sketch will be presenting Sketchubator: A Sketch Comedy Incubator while we’re unable to have live shows. The first one will take place on May 1st at 10pm. All the details will be posted on phillysketchfest.com and myfirstsketch.com as well as the social media platforms.
This week, guest host Julia Hudson talks to normal host Josh Higham in this "lost episode" about ripping off SNL, learning about comedy in his hometown, and the key of context. Continue listening to My First Sketch, and stay safe out there. I can't wait until we can laugh together again.
This week, Josh talks to Fred Chong Rutherford (Gary from HR, Milwaukee) about children’s programming, puppetry, and Oreos. Gary from HR and Milwaukee are both heading to Toronto Sketchfest this weekend, and both teams will be performing on Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14, at the Theater Center. And it’s scheduled that one team performs in the 8pm block and the other team performs in the 10pm block. So go to one, grab a Steam Whistle or a County Cider, and then go to other. Tickets are available at tosketchfest.com. Follow Gary from HR and Milwaukee on Instagram at @garyfromhr and @milwaukeesketchcomedy respectively.
This week, Josh talks to Erica Gellert about Low Rise Queens, The Sketchersons, and so much more. Erica will be performing a number of times over the next couple weeks. During Toronto Sketchfest, Low Rise Queens will be performing on both Thursday, March 5 and 12 at Comedy Bar, and Erica will be performing her solo act on Friday, March 6 and Wednesday, March 11. Check out tosketchfest.com for tickets and more information. In addition, Sunday Night Live will be happening as it normally does at Comedy Bar on Sundays. Check out comedybar.ca for more on that show.
This week, Josh talks to AJ Schraeder about performing as a solo act, a duo act, and in a larger group. We also talk Muppets, college tours, and working with someone remotely. AJ will be performing as Thunderstood at Toronto Sketchfest on March 5 and 6. For more information on those shows, head to tosketchfest.com. Then, after AJ returns to North Carolina, he will be performing twice at the North Carolina Comedy Festival on March 21. Mon Frere will be performing with Bad Medicine and High Dramma in 8pm block and then Wikimedians will be performing with Mom’s Adhesive and Turkey Leg in the 935pm block. For more information on the North Carolina Comedy Festival, check out nccomedyfestival.com. AJ and his brother Al also maintain a blog about sketch comedy at unstoppablefailure.com.
This week, Josh talks to Meg Mackay (@megmackaycomedy) about starting in Halifax, beginning a career as a TV writer, and driving on ice roads. Like her on Facebook at facebook.com/megmackaycomedy. If you’re going to Toronto Sketchfest, you can see Meg on Sunday, March 8 as part of Flying Solo: An International Women’s Day Spectacular and then a longer set on Saturday, March 14. For all the information on those shows, head to tosketchfest.com.
This week, Josh talks to Sarah Nowak (@snowak) about traveling to Toronto from Buffalo for comedy classes, being a New Face at Just for Laughs Montreal, and a little bit about monster erotica. See Sarah with National Scandal at Cram-n It on February 20 at the PIT Underground Stage at 8:30. You can also see Sarah doing improv with The Baldwins at the PIT Underground every Saturday. Subscribe and listen to Sarah’s podcast with Josh Krebs, Eroticasaurus, wherever you get your podcasts.
This week, Josh talks to Briyana Clarel (Mural Outrage) about being cast as a tree, jumping right into the sketch scene, and their work with The Starfruit Project. Briyana is directing Philly Improv Theater’s Valentines Day-themed show Smitten: February 13, 14, and 15. All shows take place at 9pm. Then, Mural Outrage starts their next run at the Philly Improv Theater the following week with a show called Nightsweat: two weeks, Thursdays and Fridays, February 20, 21, 27, 28 with all shows starting at 9pm. Check phitcomedy.com for more information, including tickets. Also, check out thestarfruitproject.com.
This week, Josh talks to Patrick J. Reilly (@notpatreilly) about Mel Brooks and Martin Short, musical theater, and David Foster Wallace. Check out Jellicle Pats, Patrick’s birthday show about Cats, at the PIT in NYC on Thursday, February 6th. On Saturday, February 22, Infinite Sketch returns to the PIT. For ticket info on both those shows, go to thepit-nyc.com. Check out Patrick’s comic memoirs for free at noisetrade.com.
This week, Josh talks to Kevin Froleiks (@kevinfroleiks) about starting a comedy troupe in college, getting on a UCB Maude team, and becoming the second-best duo in New York. Kevin’s Maude team at UCB, House of Birds, will be performing next on Monday, February 3rd and every first Monday at 7:30pm at Upright Citizens Brigade Theater. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram at @HOBUCB. His sketch duo with Patrick J. Reilly, appropriately called Kevin & Pat, will be heading to the Bird City Comedy Festival in Phoenix this March.
This week, Josh talks to Mike Robertson (Marv n’ Berry) about high school improv, filmmaking, and a diversion on Forrest Gump. Mike and the rest of Marv n' Berry are heading to SF Sketchfest to perform two shows at Pianofight on January 23, 7pm and 9pm. Head to sfsketchfest.com for ticket information. Go to marvnberry.com and follow them on all the social media channels.
This week, Josh talks to Paul Triggianni (Secret Pants) about Weird Al, the danger of comparing yourself to others, and the beginning of Secret Pants. Secret Pants will be presenting 2 Tired 2 Christmas, their annual holiday extravaganza, at Johnny Brenda’s on Monday, December 23, starting at 8pm. The show will be emceed by Chip Chantry with performances by Randi Warhol; The Legendary Wid; House of Solitude; Eat Your Beats with Alejandro Morales and Alyssa al-Dookhi; Kait Thompson and Jessica Ross; Mike Marbach reading Twas the Night Before Christmas; and probably more. Doors at 7, show’s at 8pm. Tickets are $10 and available at johnnybrendas.com. You should go.
This week, Josh talks to Max Wolfson (The Midnight Gardeners League) about how comedy evolves, starting standup with his fraternity brothers, and not fully trusting the highs and lows. Max and the rest of The Midnight Gardeners League will be performing THOT Leaders at the DC Improv on Sunday, December 8 at 7pm. Find more information at midnightgardenersleague.com. You can follow them on Instagram at @midnightgardeners, on Twitter at @12amgardeners, and on Facebook at midnightgardenersleague.
This week, Josh talks to Andrew Hall about starting comedy in the Carolinas, regrettable jokes, and the Midnight Gardeners League. Andrew and the rest of The Midnight Gardeners League will be performing THOT Leaders at the DC Improv on Sunday, December 8 at 7pm. Find more information at midnightgardenersleague.com. You can follow them on Instagram at @midnightgardeners, on Twitter at @12amgardeners, and on Facebook at midnightgardenersleague.
This week, Josh talks to Pete Musto (The Midnight Gardeners League) about the ex-pat art community in South Korea, the joys of being silly, and doomsday preppers and flat earthers. The Midnight Gardeners League will be performing THOT Leaders at the DC Improv on Sunday, December 8 at 7pm. Find more information at midnightgardenersleague.com. You can follow them on Instagram at @midnightgardeners, on Twitter at @12amgardeners, and on Facebook at facebook.com/midnightgardenersleague.
This week, Josh talks to Josh Krebs (National Scandal) about joining an already established National Scandal, eight years of improv, and the goodness of Raul Julia. Josh and the rest of National Scandal will be performing the final show of their monthly run at The People’s Improv Theater in New York on Thursday, November 14 at 7:30pm on the Underground Stage. Tickets for that show can be found at thepit-nyc.com. And for more on National Scandal, head to nationalscandalcomedy.com, like them on Facebook at facebook.com/nationalscandal, and follow them on twitter at @NationalScandal, and on Instagram at @National_Scandal.
This week, Josh talks to Jen Bloodsworth (National Scandal) about writing for WWE, switching to comedy, and having to refresh her creativity. Jen and the rest of National Scandal will be performing the final show of their monthly run at The People’s Improv Theater in New York on Thursday, November 14 at 7:30pm on the Underground Stage. As well, Xtremely Serious Wrestling will be at the PIT Loft on Friday, November 15 at 11pm. Tickets for both of those shows can be found at thepit-nyc.com. And for more on National Scandal, head to nationalscandalcomedy.com, like them on Facebook at facebook.com/nationalscandal, and follow them on twitter at @NationalScandal, and on Instagram at @National_Scandal.
This week, Josh talks to Andra Moldav (Femmebot PhD) about going up in Romania, contraband VCRs, and beef with the Barenaked Ladies. Femmebot PhD are coming east to perform at NYC Sketchfest on Friday, October 25 at 7 pm at the PIT Loft. Back in Los Angeles, they’ll return to their regular home at the Pack Theater on Sunday, November 3 at 8pm. Check out packtheater.com for more information. Check out femmebotphd.com and follow them all over social media at @femmebotphd.
This week, Josh talks to Lauren Vernea (The Black Pantherettes) about theater in Chicago, sketch comedy in New York, and so much more. The Black Pantherettes are heading to Los Angeles to perform at the LA Diversity in Comedy Festival on Saturday, October 19 at 6pm and then coming home to New York City to perform at NYC Sketchfest at The PIT on Saturday, October 26 at 3pm. For more information on all of that, head to theblackpantherettes.com.
This week, Josh talks to Maggie Maxwell (Kids These Days) about choosing UCB over grad school, a comedy class during Hurricane Sandy, and making Jeff Foxworthy laugh on Bring the Funny. You can find Maggie on Instagram at @maggiemxwell and on the internet at maggiemaxwell.me. Kids These Days will be performing at NYC Sketchfest at the Striker Stage on Saturday, October 26, at 10pm. Head to thepit-nyc.com for more information. You can follow Kids These Days on Instagram at @kidsthesedayscomedy and on Facebook at facebook.com/kidsthesedayscomedy.
This week, Josh pays tribute to Goat Rodeo, the PHIT house team that is retiring this week. See Stages of Grief, the final Goat Rodeo sketch comedy show, October 4 and 5 at Philly Improv Theater. phitcomedy.com for ticket information.
This week, Josh talks to Steve Norris Jr. (Where the Trees Are and Baby Science) about a religious theater company, taking care of each other, and starting a team after Improv 201. Baby Science, the new PHIT house team for which Steve is the head writer, premieres this week with shows on Thursday, October 3 at 7:30 and Friday, October 4 at 10:30. And then the following week October 10 at 7:30 and October 11 at 10:30. Head to phitcomedy.com for ticket information. Follow Baby Science on Instagram at @babyscience_sketch and on Facebook at facebook.com/babysciencesketch. For more on Where the Trees Are, go to facebook.com/wherethetreesare.
This week, Josh talks to Patrick Maxwell (Mural Outrage and The Pat & Andy Show) about the differences between Philly and NYC comedy education, putting in the work, and the glory of a deadline. You can see Patrick as Mural Outrage presents Pants for the Nurse’s Office, at the Philly Improv Theater this weekend September 27 and 28 at 10pm. Tickets can be found at phitcomedy.com. you can follow Patrick at @pmaxwell3 and Mural Outrage at @MuralOutrage on Instagram. You can also see Patrick perform his solo character show during NYC Sketchfest at the People’s Improv Theater in NYC the final weekend of October. For more information, go to thepit-nyc.com.
This week, Josh talks to Alyson Dicey (Girl Brain) about experiential theater, recurring characters, and Shakespeare dream roles. Girl Brain are heading to Orlando, Florida this weekend to perform at CFL Sketch Fest Saturday, September 21 in the 5pm. For tickets and more information, head to cflsketch.com. Girl Brain is performing at the Citadel Theater on November 8 and 9 and will be joining the Theatre Network’s Roxy Performance Series in Edmonton, starting with shows in December. Follow Girl Brain on Instagram at @girlbrainyeg and on Facebook at facebook.com/girlbrain. Also, check out Thou Art Here at thouartheretheatre.com.
This week, Josh talks to Kelly Rands (The Humor Mill in Orlando, Florida) about working in the box office at Second City, starting a sketch comedy troupe in a tourist destination, and a bit of Disney World. The Humor Mill is hosting CFL Sketch Fest this Saturday, September 21, and performing in the 8pm block. For all the information about shows and workshops, head to thehumormillorlando.com and cflsketch.com. Follow The Humor Mill on Instagram at @thehumormillorlando. Follow the festival on Twitter at @CFLFest and on instagram at @CFLSketchfest.
This week, Josh talks to Isaiah Headen (Washington DC’s Bad Medicine) about not wanting to perform, Saturday morning cartoons, and comedy in Washington DC. Bad Medicine is performing at Sketchfest Seattle on Saturday, September 14 in the 830 block along with The Responsible Adults. Bad Medicine also produces the podcast, Sketch Nerds, which you can find wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Bad Medicine all over social media at @badmedicinedc, and visit their website at badmedicinecomedy.com.
This week, Josh talks to Elle Monteith (Justus Ladies) about Home Improvement, The Far Side, and breaking out of your shell. Justus Ladies will perform at Sketchfest Seattle on Thursday, September 12 in the 830pm block along with Bathwater. Tickets and more information for that show can be found at sketchfest.org. You can like Justus Ladies on Facebook at facebook.com/justus-ladies. You can also found them online at seattlejustusladies.com.
This week, Josh talks to Sarah McKinley (Tragic Girl) about joy vs worth, a Superman musical, and owning a theater. Sarah can be seen next as Tragic Girl will be performed at Sketchfest Seattle on Friday, September 6th in the 830 block along with The Salty Bees from Atlanta, Georgia. Sketchfest Seattle takes places at Unexpected Productions and more information can be found at sketchfest.org.Also, check out thepocket.org for more about The Pocket Theater, which seems like the cool place for comedy in Seattle.
This week, Josh talks to Mandy Canales about dramaturgy, CheerSpeare, and British comedy at a super young age. For more of Mandy’s work, head to mandycanales.com. You can see Mandy performing CheerSpeare during Sketchfest Seattle on Thursday, September 5 in the 830 block along with Human Tubes. Tickets and more information can be found at sketchfest.org.
This week, Josh talks to Cassia Ward (“Responsible” “Adults”) about Avenue Q, going from 20 to 4, and gender in theater. The “Responsible” “Adults” will perform at Sketchfest Seattle on September 14 at 830 along with our friends Bad Medicine. You can follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/theresponsibleadults, on Instagram at @theresponsibleadults, and on Twitter at @socalledadults.
This week, Josh talks to Ben Koch about picking one New York theater over the others, moving from North Carolina to New York, and seasons at the Magnet. Milwaukee is heading to Portland Sketchfest on Saturday, July 13 at 9pm. Head to sirentheater.com for more information on Portland Sketchfest. Then, Milwaukee will return home for their season finale on Monday, July 15, 730pm at Magnet Theater. magnettheater.com for more on that show.
This week, Josh talks to Mark Guinn (Savage) about the pitfalls of nostalgia, focusing on improv for years, and taking classes with three different theaters in New York. Savage is coming to Philly Sketchfest Friday, May 31, in the 7pm block with Milwaukee (from New York) and Rosemary’s Other Baby (from Chicago). You can find Mark’s podcast New York Pacific wherever you get your podcasts. And his other sketch team, Be Kind Rewind, returns to the Armory in New York City on Wednesday, June 12.
This week, Josh talks to Rose Amer (Rosemary’s Other Baby) about The PIT and Second City, the feeling of competition in Chicago, and creating a Frankenstein sketch team. Rosemary’s Other Baby will be coming to Philly Sketchfest on Friday, May 31 in the 7pm block along with Milwaukee and Savage. Then, when they return to Chicago, Rosemary’s Other Baby is presenting a show called You May Also Like every Wednesday at the Under the Gun Theater. For more details, check out their Facebook page, facebook.com/rosemarysotherbabysketch.
This week, Josh talks to Jim Tatalias about The Simpsons, getting on stage in Philly, and starting over in DC. Brick Penguin is coming to Philly Sketchfest on Friday, May 31, at the Philly Improv Theater in the 10pm block along with Clip Show and The Wow. Brick Penguin has recently upped their YouTube game, and you can find those videos linked on their Facebook page at facebook.com/brickpenguin. On a personal note, come see Thought Bubble on Thursday, May 30 in the 830 block at Philly Improv Theater, and the Podcast Mixer on Saturday, June 1 at 2pm at Tattooed Mom.
This week, Josh talks to Kasey Kennedy (ComicKaze) about comedy in Norfolk, making videos as a teen, and finally taking the plunge and getting on stage. You can see Kasey and the rest of ComicKaze as they present Endgame: The Last Sketch Comedy Show Ever at the Push Comedy Theater in Norfolk, Virginia, on Friday, May 24, at 10pm. Then, ComicKaze is coming Philly Sketchfest on Thursday, May 30 in the 8:30 block along with Thought Bubble (hey! that’s me!) and Jack O’Keeffe’s Acting Reel Live! Check out ComicKaze on Facebook at facebook.com/comickaze69.
This week, Josh talks to Sam Rogal (@samrogal) about theater camp, failed house teams, and Mags Corner. Sam is performing at Philly Sketchfest in his show, A Walking Tour of Mags Corner, at Underground Arts on Sunday, June 2nd in the 6:00pm block along with All Nite Deli and Steve Swan vs. Joe Moore. His sketch team, Nitro Girls, are heading to Austin Sketch Fest on Thursday May 23rd in addition to performing every Friday at 7pm at the Magnet Theater in New York City. You can also check him out doing improv in the Friday Night Show every Friday at 830 at the Magnet.
This week, Josh talks to Jennifer Ashleigh Lloyd about the Second City Conservatory, being an extra in an Adam Sandler movie, and comedy in Toronto. Not Oasis is coming to Philly Sketchfest. They’re performing Saturday, June 1 at the Ruba Club in the 8:30 block along with Tiny Arson and the Original Arugula Boys. You can like Not Oasis on Facebook at facebook.com/notoasis and follow them on Twitter and Instagram at @not_oasis.
This week, Josh talks to Ellie Heath (@ellieheath) about Sweater Zeppelins and Girl Brain (@girlbrainyeg) and… well, we get pretty deep about the potential to alienate an audience. In Edmonton, Girl Brain will be appearing at the Grindstone Comedy Festival on May 9 as part of Sketchnado and then May 12 as an opener for Stand Up Comedian, Mike Delamont. Then, they’ll host their monthly show on May 17 and 18 at the Grindstone Theater with a Mother's Day theme! Then, they’ll come to Philly Sketchfest on Sunday, June 2 at Underground Arts.
This week, Josh talks to Kate Shine about about creating characters, adapting in sketch comedy, and performing at the Magnet Theater. You can see Kate at Philly Sketchfest twice on May 31: first with Milwaukee at 7pm and second as a solo show at 9pm. Milwaukee! will also be heading to the 6th Borough Comedy Festival in June and Portland Sketch Fest in July.
This week, Josh talks to Virginia Dickens (@VIRGINIADICKENS) about the fear of being the weak link, the greatest class trip in the history of class trips, and the trap satire can create in the current comedy world. Milwaukee is coming to Philly Sketchfest, Friday May 31st. You can also see Virginia’s show, Unverified: A Sketch Show without A Character Limit, at the Magnet Theater on Monday, April 29. Then, you can see Milwaukee at the Magnet Theater on May 20. More information can be found at magnettheater.com.
This week, Josh talks to Gianmarco Soresi (@unclefunction) about going too method at times in his acting training, discovering where the line is, and trusting your troupe mates. Uncle Function continues their residency at the People’s Improv Theater in New York City this Thursday, April 18 at the Striker stage. 123 E 24th Street. Show starts at 8pm and tickets and more information can be found at thepit-nyc.com.
This week, Josh talks to Chris Cafero (Uncle Function) about finally getting on Law and Order, free theater and rehearsal space on Broadway, and interactive theater. See Uncle Function at Toronto Sketchfest on March 15 and 16: go to torontosketchfest.com for more info on those shows. Uncle Function will then return to their monthly residency at the PIT on April 18.
This week, Josh talks to Heather Gallant (@herbeaver) about training at Second City Toronto, the comedy scene in Toronto, and Josh’s continued obsession with The Industry and Red Green Show. You can see Herbeaver at Bust Party at Comedy bar on February 21 and at Toronto Sketchfest on March 8 and March 10. Like Herbeaver on Facebook at facebook.com/herbeavertoronto.
This week, Josh talks to Caley Suliak (@girlbrainyeg on Instagram) about Gilda Radner, the theater, and he mispronounces an old Greek name and feel really weird and self-conscious about it. Like Girl Brain on Facebook at facebook.com/girlbrain. They have shows in Edmonton before they head to Toronto Sketchfest on March 8 and 9. Go to girlbrainyeg.com to learn more. Then head to phillysketchfest.com for everything you need to know about this year’s Philly Sketchfest.
This week, Josh talks to Robyn Slack (@success_5000) about local radio, the traps of musical comedy, and Josh doesn’t realize that Edmonton is bigger than he thought it was. See Success 5000 as they celebrate their new album at the Grindstone Theater in Edmonton on February 7. Download or stream “It’ll Be Okay” wherever you get your music. Then, Success 5000 and The Debutantes will head to Toronto Sketchfest between March 14-16. More information on those shows can be found at torontosketchfest.com.
This week, Josh talks to Morris Kraicer about Baltimore, engineering, college improv, and so much more. See his group, Richard Dreyfuss, at Baltimore Improv Group on Thursday, January 31 at 830pm. Like the troupe on Facebook at facebook.com/richarddreyfusssketch. Head to phillysketchfest.com for more information on this year’s festival.
This week, Josh talks to Julia Schroeder (@jschroeder04 on Twitter) about transitioning from athlete to comedian, not being the funny one in the family, and sharing the obsession of a favorite movie. You can see Julia with her improv team, The Cast, on January 26 and her sketch team, Perfect Storm, on January 28 and February 4. All of those shows are at the Magnet Theater in New York City. Follow her show The Parent Trap: Lord of the Twins Trilogy on Facebook at facebook.com/parenttraptrilogy. Learn more about this year’s Philly Sketchfest at phillysketchfest.com.
This week, Josh talks to Nicole Pascaretta about beginning in Detroit and her roots in comedy there, creating a show out of a shared love for a Lindsay Lohan movie, and moving to New York to start again. Nicole will perform The Parent Trap: The Lord of the Twins (facebook.com/parenttraptrilogy) in New York City at the Magnet Theater on January 3 at 8:30pm. Tickets are available at magnettheater.com. And Philly Sketchfest is happening! May 29-June 2 throughout the city of Philadelphia! Submissions are open: Head to myfirstsketch.com/apply to submit your team.
This week, Josh talks to Susannah Holub (Cups and a Half) about Christopher Guest movies, changing voices of cartoon characters, and I break some news about Ned Flanders and Edna Krabappel to her. See Susannah and the rest of Cups and a Half as one of the featured acts during the Secret Pants annual holiday spectacular called Secret Pants Presents Knights in Santa’s Service at Johnny Brenda’s on Friday, December 21. The show starts at 9pm. Tickets are available at ticketfly.com. Along with Cups and Half, you’ll see Alison Zeidman, Geoff Jackson, Darryl Charles, Randi Warhol, Rebekah Rickards, Lulu the Hula Hoop Queen, and the return of Rowan and Hastings.
This week, Josh talks to Brian from Secret Pants about his earliest comedy memories, his favorite SNL cast member, and why he does comedy. See Brian and the rest of Secret Pants host their annual holiday spectacular called Knights in Santa’s Service at Johnny Brenda’s in Philadelphia on December 21 at 9pm. Announced acts include: Cups and a Half, Darryl Charles, Alison Zeidman, Geoff Jackson, Randi Warhol, Rebekah Rickards, and the return of Rowan and Hastings. Tickets available at ticketfly.com.
This week, Josh talks to David Feinberg about seeing La Cage aux Folles while in kindergarten, Temple Smash, and creating characters. See David with Whiplash before they wrap up their run on Wednesdays at Philly Improv Theater. He will also be performing at Monologues at PHIT on Thursday, December 13 at 730. Follow All Nite Deli on Instagram at allnitedeli.comedy for their new shows in the new year. Go see Secret Pants presents Knights in Santa’s Service at Johnny Brenda’s on December 21 at 9pm.
This week, Josh talks to Chara Bauer (@Richie_Dreyfuss) about the differences in acting for sketch comedy versus theater and more. See Richard Dreyfuss at BIG on Wednesday, November 28 in Richard Dreyfuss Auditions for Olga at 8:30pm. Go to bigimprov.org for more information. Then, Richard Dreyfuss will perform at The Premium Hour at Charm City Comedy Project, starting at 8pm. That show will also feature The Big Freakin’ Quiz of 2018, hosted by yours truly. Go to charmcitycomedyproject.com for more information.
This week, Josh talks to Aidan Van Alstyne (@WritersOTheDorm) about majoring in comedy, political satire, and subreddits. Writers of the Dorm performs at ImprovBoston on November 29 during SketchHaus. They will be supported by me, presenting The Big Freakin’ Quiz of 2018. So come to ImprovBoston November 29 at 9pm. More info can be found at improvboston.com. Follow Hyena Comedy at @hyena_comedy. You can also see me hosting another version of The Big Freakin’ Quiz of 2018 in Baltimore at Charm City Comedy Project on November 30.
This week, Josh talks to Dubray Kinney (@RichieDreyfuss) about sketch comedy in college, the comedy scene in Baltimore, and not watching SNL. See Kinney and the rest of Richard Dreyfuss perform at BIG on November 28 and Charm City Comedy Project on November 30. See Josh host Big Freakin’ Quiz at ImprovBoston on November 29 and Charm City Comedy Project on November 30. Follow @myfirstsketch on Twitter and @phillysketchfest on Instagram.
This week, Josh talks to Julie Rigano (Sansom Street Hell House) about a farce set in San Francisco, a future love story, and a family storytelling act. Sansom Street Hell House continues at Philly Improv Theater Oct 25-27, and Oct 31at 9pm. Tickets and more information can be found at phitcomedy.com. If you want to see Josh doing something on stage, head to Sketchworks at Philly Improv Theater on Oct 26 at 11pm.
This week, Josh talks to James Knight about puppets, photography, and the writers’ room. See James and the rest of American Express in Real America at the Philly Fringe Festival. American Express presents Family Business returns to the PHIT stage on September 28 at 10pm. And Tiny Arson should be back later this year.
This week, Josh talks to Chris Esperance about feeling late to the game, putting in the hours, and American Express. See Chris and the rest of American Express at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival as they present Real America at the Philly Improv Theater September 12-15. More information can be found at amexcomedy.com.
This week, Josh talks to Allen McRae (artistic director at The PIT) about NYC Sketchfest 2018, the differences between Boston and New York City, and mentoring new talent. You have until September 7 to submit your act to NYC Sketchfest 2018, presented by TruTV and The Village Voice. The festival takes place from October 18-21 at the People’s Improv Theater.
This week, Josh talks to Ash Weir of the Footlights (@footlightstour) about coming to America, the tradition of the Footlights, and panto. Follow the Footlights as they head on tour with shows in Vancouver, San Francisco, Sacramento, Austin, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and New York City. For more information, head to footlightsontour.co.uk.
This week, Josh talks to Jack Presby (All Nite Deli) about The Three Stooges, the goodness of community theater, and improv intersecting with standup. See the debut of All Nite Deli at Philly Improv Theater on August 24 and 25 at 9pm. You can also catch Jack in PHIT Family Time every Saturday at noon and With Mirth and Laughter every second and fourth Sunday. He’ll also be in Villain, an original play written by Marissa and Jon Edelman, September 12-15 during Philly Fringe Festival. All of those shows are at PHIT, so head to phitcomedy.com for more information.
This week, Josh talks to Sam Stralak about Marv n Berry, Rapid Fire Theater, and Josh’s weird obsession with The Red Green Show. See Marv n Berry present Everyone Panic, Please at the Grindstone Theater through August 26 as part of the Edmonton Fringe Festival. Find more information at marvnberry.com.
This week, Josh talks to Jayne Boccella-Perras about the new house team at Philly Improv Theater, Tiny Arson. See Tiny Arson as they finish their premiere on August 10 and August 11 at Philly Improv Theater at 9pm. Tickets are available at phitcomedy.com.
This week, Josh presents the audio from the Community in Comedy panel that took place during Philly Sketchfest. The podcast was moderated by Alyssa Truszkowski (Cups and a Half) and featured Jacquie Baker (The Incredible Shrinking Matt and Jacquie, The Flat Earth), Cameron Wyllie (The Original Arugula Boys, Turbo Gulp), Carson Pinch (The Original Arugula Boys, Turbo Gulp), Keane Cobb (American Express), James Knight (American Express, The N Crowd), and Taylor Plunkett-Clemens (The Hummingbards). Big thanks to Amalgam Comics and Coffeehouse for hosting this panel.
This week, Josh talks to Neal Medlyn aka Champagne Jerry about going to the Gathering of the Juggalos for research, creating Champagne Jerry, and more. Come see Champagne Jerry at Philly Sketchfest along with Amelita and Mean Wendy Band at the Ruba Club on Saturday, June 2, at 10pm. He then heads to Florida for four shows in Tampa, Orlando, Gainesville, and Jacksonville. You can find more information about the new album and the tour at champagnejerry.com.
This week, Josh talks to Chris Borger (Marv n’ Berry) about Seussicide, moving to Vancouver, and how we hope the Amish have their own comedy nights. See Marv n’ Berry at Philly Sketchfest on Friday, June 2 at 7pm with The Incredible Shrinking Matt and Jacquie and Patric Writes Sketches at the Playground at the Adrienne. Tickets can be found at myfirstsketch.com/tickets. If you live in Edmonton, see Marv n’ Berry at Improvaganza on June 17.
This week, Josh talks to Quinn Contini (Marv n’ Berry) about Abbott and Costello, opening a comedy theater in the mountains, and more. See Marv n’ Berry at Philly Sketchfest on Friday, June 2 at 7pm with The Incredible Shrinking Matt and Jacquie and Patric Writes Sketches at the Playground at the Adrienne. Tickets can be found at myfirstsketch.com/tickets. If you’re in Edmonton, see Marv n’ Berry at Improvaganza on June 17 and check out the Canmore International Improv Fest.
This week, Josh talks to Ganesh Nair and Jonathan Greaser (Clip Show) about Apu, Art Buchwald and Dave Barry, and so much more. See Clip Show perform at Philly Sketchfest on Sunday, June 3 at Underground Arts in the 7pm block along with The Flat Earth and Friends with Names. If you come to Philly Sketchfest this weekend, bring a canned good or two, and we’ll donate them to Philabundance.
This week, Josh talks to Nikki Hulowski (Marv n’ Berry) about improv tournaments in high school, being comfortable with the guys, and so much more. Marv n’ Berry comes to Philly Sketchfest on June 1 at 7pm at the Playground at the Adrienne along with Patric Writes Sketches and The Incredible Shrinking Matt and Jacquie. Tickets can be found at myfirstsketch.com/tickets. Marv n’ Berry returns to Edmonton for Improvaganza on June 17 at 7:30 at the Rapid Fire Theater.
This week, Josh talks to Jon Hudson (Big Britches) about being a British ex-pat, going to college in Montreal, and more. See Jon and the rest of Big Britches at Philly Sketchfest at Underground Arts on Sunday, June 3, at 830pm. For more information about Philly Sketchfest 10, go to twitter @phlsketchfest, instagram @phillysketchfest, and use the hashtag #phlsketchfest10.
This week, Josh talks to Colby Smith (Big Britches) about the Pittsburgh of the UK, dignity in improv, and so much more. Keep up with Big Britches on Facebook at facebook.com/bigbritchesnyc. Big Britches will perform at Philly Sketchfest on Sunday, June 3, at 830pm at Underground Arts. Colby hosts Young Person’s Radio on Sundays at 10am, which is available at radiofreebrooklyn.com. Follow Philly Sketchfest on Twitter (@phlsketchfest), Instagram (@phillysketchfest), and through the hashtag #phlsketchfest10.
This week, Josh talks to Amelita (@aaaamelita) about the extravagance of pop music, the terror of short form improv, and more. You can see Amelita at the Charm City Comedy Festival (May 3 at 7pm), PIT Loft with Xplod (May 4 at 6pm), The Sidewalk Cafe (May 4 at 9pm), and Magnet Theater with Fauna (every Tuesday) and then at Philly Sketchfest on June 2 at 10pm. See Josh host The Big Freakin’ Quiz of a Whole Bunch of Stuff at Charm City Comedy Festival (May 4 at 1130). Follow Philly Sketchfest on twitter @phlsketchfest and on Instagram @phillysketchfest.
This week, Josh talks to Betty Smithsonian about the Bechdel Test Fest, Jeff Buckley, and being a twin. The Bechdel Test Fest takes place March 2-4 at Bourbon and Branch, FringeArts, and Philly Improv Theater. Tickets and more information can be found at bechdelfest.com. Keep your eyes on phillysketchfest.com and social media for all updates on this year’s festival.
This week, Josh talks to Carolyn Beatty about retiring from musicals at 20, doing a tv show in college, and the balance of writing and performing. See Carolyn in Not Ironic at the One Player Show/Monologues show at PHIT Thursday, February 8 at 7pm. The Decoy returns to PHIT in March, and The 19th will perform at the Bechdel Test Fest (bechdelfest.com) on Saturday, March 3 at FringeArts.
This week, Josh talks to Drew Klemens (Jillroy, Philly Comedy Wrestling) about comedy and wrestling, the shift in persona, and being more humble. See Philly Comedy Wrestling at Philly Improv Theater on January 26 and 27 at 9pm. See Jillroy on Wednesdays through the end of February. Tickets and more information at phitcomedy.com. Go to phillysketchfest.com for more information on the 2018 Philly Sketchfest.
This week, Josh talks to Leticia Viloria (With Mirth and Laughter) about poetry, Tom Green, and more. See Leticia in With Mirth and Laughter at Philly Improv Theater on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month, including December 22 and December 29, at 7pm. Tickets available at phitcomedy.com. See Josh in Overbooked 2017: Night 1 on December 29 at 9pm at PHIT.
This week, Josh talks to Christine Honey about resting nice face, a little about Holden Caulfield, and more. See Christine and the rest of Cups and a Half at Good Good Comedy on Sunday, December 17 at 830pm as they present The Man, The Myth, The Legend. Head to goodgoodcomedy.com for more info. Check out the latest from The Worst Generation on Youtube.
This week, Josh talks to Brian Craig (Secret Pants and Sweetish) more about wearing masks, not wearing masks, not being complacent, and more. See Brian and the rest of Sweetish as they present their final shows, Sweetish: Fully Accredited, on November 17 and 18 at 9pm at Philly Improv Theater. Then, see Brian and the rest of Secret Pants at their annual holiday extravaganza, Christmas in July (But in December), at Johnny Brenda’s on December 22. See Josh host Big Freakin’ Quiz during Black Friday Comedy Marathon on November 25 at 228pm.
This week, Josh talks to Brian Craig (Secret Pants and Sweetish) about Marshall McLuhan, overhearing praise, being a control freak, and more. See Brian and the rest of Sweetish as they present their final shows, Sweetish: Fully Accredited, on November 17 and 18 at 9pm at Philly Improv Theater. See Josh host Big Freakin’ Quiz during Black Friday Comedy Marathon on November 25 at 228pm.
This week, Josh talks to Maura Pennington about studying Russian, the universality of wordplay, and Father of the Bride Part II. See Maura (and not just a video of her) as Sweetish performs their final shows, Sweetish: Fully Accredited, at Philly Improv Theater on Nov 17 and 18 at 9pm. Tickets are available at phitcomedy.com. See Josh host The Big Freakin’ Quiz of 2017 during Black Friday Comedy Marathon on Nov 25 at 225pm.
This week, Josh talks to Dave Metter (What’s Your Line?) about old game shows, spec scripts, and Muggsy Bogues. See Dave at the next What’s My Line at Good Good Comedy on November 11 at 7pm. Tickets are available at goodgoodcomedy.com. You can see me hosting Big Freakin’ Quiz during Black Friday Comedy Marathon at PHIT. Saturday, November 25 at 225pm.
This week, Josh talks to Brian Lambert and Benjamin Alff of Tactical Retreat about the secret language of fandom, the boredom that leads to creativity, and how in jokes can now go public. LIke Tactical Retreat on Facebook at facebook.com/weretacticalretreat. Follow them on Twitter @tacticalrtreat. And subscribe to their YouTube channel. See Josh during Black Friday Comedy Marathon as he hosts The Big Freakin’ Quiz with Josh Higham at Saturday, November 25.
This week, Josh talks to Ian Vaflor about their time together in Judo Range, thinking out of the box for a wrestling company, and wearing foam rubber for another wrestling company. See Kaiju Big Battel in Brooklyn on Oct 8 or Somerville, Ma on November 18. See Josh in Sink or Sketch at PHIT on Oct 5 at 9pm. And Dirtiest Sketch in Philadelphia takes place on October 20 at the Playground at the Adrienne.
This week, Josh talks to Megan Thibodeaux (Baby Steps, Dear Diary LOL) about her teenage diary, going to college together, and all kinds of theater things. See Dear Diary LOL September 21-23 at the The Maas Building (1325 N Randolph St). Also, you can sign up for the Dirtiest Sketch in Philadelphia, which will take place October 20 at 10pm at The Playground at the Adrienne.
This week, Josh talks to Rose Luardo (The New Dreamz) about the convergence of art and comedy. See Rose as The New Dreamz and The Incredible Shrinking Matt and Jacquie join forces to present 2 Incredible 2 Dreamz at Space 1026 at 1026 Arch Street with multiple shows between September 13-16. More information can be found at fringearts.com/event/2-incredible-dreamz. See me in Monologues at PHIT on September 14 at 930pm. Tickets for Philly Sketchfringe on September 15 are available at myfirstsketch.com/sketchfringe.
This week, Josh talks to Tara Demmy (Tribe of Fools, Mani Pedi) about studying in Italy, wanting to study in Bali, and what comedy can learn from theater and vice versa. For more information on Fishtown: A Hipster Noir, Tribe of Fools’ Fringe show, go to tribeoffools.org. Go to Philly Sketchfringe on September 15: three shows highlighting some of the best sketch comedy in Philadelphia. For tickets, head to myfirstsketch.com/sketchfringe.
This week, Josh talks to Steve Swan (@stevenhswan) about switching sketch teams, writing for three hours a day, and his yearlong project. See Dog Mountain end their run as a PHIT house team on Aug 24 and 25 with The Sardines and Aug 31 and Sep 1 with Baby Bison. All of those shows will take place at PHIT’s Mainstage at 830pm. Tickets are available at phitcomedy.com. Philly Sketchfest will present Philly Sketchfringe on September 15. Three packed shows at 7, 830, 1030pm at the ComedySportz Theater. Tickets are available at myfirstsketch.com/sketchfringe
This week, Josh got on the internet to talk to Cameron Wyllie about sketch comedy in Toronto, spicy wet Cam, and differences in audiences from various cities. Follow Cameron on Twitter (@cameronwyllie) and like O Dat Dum at facebook.com/odatdumb. Come to Philly Sketchfringe on September 15 at the Playground at the Adrienne to see three shows featuring some of the best sketch comedy Philly has to offer.
This week, Josh talks to Dan Vetrano (@dan_vetrano) about two sketch groups kinda feuding over a shared member, being Chris Kattan’s new best friend (at least in my mind), and coming out on a podcast. See Dan do an hour of stand-up at The Good Good Hour on August 13 at 830pm. Tickets are $5 and available at goodgoodcomedy.com/goodgoodhour. Don't forget Philly Sketchfringe on September 15. Three shows with tickets available at myfirstsketch.com/sketchfringe.
This week, Josh talks to Alexis Howland (Cups and a Half and Fezziwig) about driving five hours to go to a mall, balancing two groups, and enrolling in an improv class on an impulse. See Fezziwig at PHIT August 10, 11, 17, and 18. Alexis’s new PHIT improv team will debut September 6. Cups and a Half heads to the She Makes Me Laugh Femme Fest 2017 at the People’s Improv Theater on September 16. Check out Wild: A Clown Western during Philly Fringe Festival. Philly Sketchfringe takes place September 15 with three shows at the Playground at the Adrienne.
This week, Josh talked to The Incredible Shrinking Matt and Jacquie during Philly Podfest about being comfortable with reactions that aren’t laughter, making videos, and passing on what they’ve learned in comedy. See The Flat Earth July 27 and 28 and August 3 and 4 at PHIT. Then head to Good Good Comedy to catch Jacquie hosting One Minute Monologues on July 29 at 7pm and The Incredible Shrinking Matt and Jacquie with Hot Raw Fire on August 5 at 10pm.
This week, Josh talks to Alex Pearlman (@alexpearlman) about moving to New Mexico, being allowed to fail, and not getting a laugh for a year. Alex will be a panelist on What’s My Line at Good Good Comedy this Friday, July 21st at 7pm. Tickets are $5 and available at goodgoodcomedy.com. Alex can also be heard on the podcast Them Boys. Come see the live My First Sketch at Philly Pod Fest this Sunday at 430pm at PHIT’s Second Stage. Tickets are available at myfirstsketch.com/july23.
This week, Josh talks to Abigail Bruley (Down the Show) about Buster Keaton, recovering from a major car accident in Central America, and why Iowa shouldn’t be so picky. Follow Abigail’s all-female filmmaking group and their upcoming projects at facebook.com/femmeflash or on Instagram at @femme_flash_films. My First Sketch live with the Incredible Shrinking Matt and Jacquie on Jul 23rd at 430pm at Philly Improv Theater’s Second Stage. $5 tickets are available at myfirstsketch.com/july23.
This week, Josh talks to Max Sittenfield (The Worst Generation, Shark Tank: The Final Episode) about learning major life lessons while playing a dog, the bottled water industrial complex, and parodies outliving their sources. See Shark Tank: The Final Episode on July 7 and 8 at 7pm at Good Good Comedy. Go to goodgoodcomedy.com/sharktank for more info and tickets. Come to My First Sketch live during Philly Pod Fest on July 23 at 430pm at PHIT’s Second Stage with special guests The Incredible Shrinking Matt and Jacquie. Audio warning: the interview portion of this episode has some static issues; sincere apologies in advance.
This week, Josh talks to Mike Butler talk about MST3K, college improv, and going one for seven in auditions. See Mike and the rest of Adventure Friends along with Goat Rodeo at Philly Improv Theater on June 22 and 23. Both shows are at 830, and tickets are available at phitcomedy.com. My First Sketch Live during Philly Pod Fest featuring the Incredible Shrinking Matt and Jacquie on July 23 at 430pm at PHIT’s Second Stage. Tickets available at myfirstsketch.com/july23.
This week, Josh talks to Mike DiEva about their time together learning from Kevin Allison, their time together in Judo Range, and some other stuff. There will be a live My First Sketch during Philly Pod Fest at PHIT’s Second Stage on July 23 at 430pm. The guests will be The Incredible Shrinking Matt and Jacquie. Tickets available at myfirstsketch.com/july23.
This week, Josh talks to Marissa Edelman about working with her brother, growing up on Monty Python, and Blackadder Season 4, Episode 6. Marissa can be seen next as The Amazing Flying Edelmen present The Decline of Western Culture on June 10 at 7pm with Trigger Warning opening. Tickets available at goodgoodcomedy.com. Then, Gimmick Show returns to PHIT on June 17 at 1030pm. The Edelmen will also be performing at Couples Skate at PHIT on June 22 and 29, both of those at 9pm. Tickets for those three shows are available at phitcomedy.com. And My First Sketch with The Incredible Shrinking Matt and Jacquie at Philly Pod Fest on PHIT's Second Stage on July 23 at 430pm.
This week, Josh talks to Brian Durkin about podcasting as the goal, not being the next Craig Laban, and the Guess Who forums. Also, Josh admits he doesn’t get Mystery Science Theater 3000, but he loves Cutthroat Kitchen. Head to fullbellylaughs.com for more on the intersection of food and comedy, and go to a live Full Belly Laughs recording at Philly Improv Theater on June 8 at 730pm on the Second Stage.
This week, Josh talks to Matt Jay about quitting Judo Range or being fired from Judo Range or getting ghosted by Judo Range. Josh couldn’t remember. But really, we also talk about being raised on television, how improv can be easier than sketch, and starting a YouTube channel. Watch Matt’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/cartoons101. See Josh perform at One Minute Monologues Saturday, May 27, at 7pm at Good Good Comedy. See a live My First Sketch during Philly PodFest on July 23 at 430pm with special guests, The Incredible Shrinking Matt & Jacquie.
This week, Josh talks to Andrea Duffy (Fezziwig, Sarah and Andrea Should Smile) talks about being on the radio, her therapist talking her into taking improv classes, and her grandmother’s hilarious funeral. See Andrea with Fezziwig on May 18 and 19 at 830pm at Philly Improv Theater or at the Sunday Improv Jam every Sunday at PHIT at 830pm or with Clamor of Harpies. Listen to Andrea on the Sarah and Andrea Should Smile podcast or every weekday from 9am to 2pm on More FM 101.1 in Philadelphia.
This week, Josh talks to Matt Aukamp about Two Mustaches, The Win Show, and Hey, We’re Cool, not to mention Josh’s continuing obsession with Lil Lord Fauntleroy. See How to Be Bad at D&D at the Philly Ren Faire at Fort Mifflin on May 13, 14, 20, and 21. Check out phillyrenfaire.com for more information. And Dungeon Palz returns to Good Good Comedy on May 31st. Tickets are available at goodgoodcomedy.com.
This week, Josh talks to Ian Fletcher (Jon and Ian Have Something to Tell You) about Temple Smash, Tony Shalhoub, and spiteful teachers. Jon and Ian Have Something to Tell You head to Montreal Sketchfest this Sunday, May 7, and Codename Bacchus will debut May 11, 12, 18, and 19 at Philly Improv Theater. Watch episodes of Temple Smash at vimeo.com/templesmash.
This week, Josh talked to Chris Sandiford (@ohchris) and Daniel Carin (@danielcarin) from the Montreal-based sketch duo, Ladies and Gentlemen, about American elections, the Red Green Show, and the fringe show that started it all. Go to myfirstsketch.com to get a link to their YouTube channel. This episode is live from Philly Sketchfest 2017.
This week, Josh talks to Joe Moore (Dog Mountain, Guilty Pleasures) about his hatred for his first sketch, taking the plunge in writing and performing, and a magical VHS tape that started it all. See Joe as Dog Mountain performs at Philly Sketchfest, Thursday, April 20, at 10pm along with Ladies and Gentlemen and a live My First Sketch. Guilty Pleasures, with Joe and Roger C. Snair, returns to the PHIT second stage on Friday, May 5, 9pm. Follow Joe on Twitter at @thejoemoore.
This week, Josh talks to Chris McGrail (Goat Rodeo) about starting as a standup, their time together in Judo Range, and Stuart Smalley. You can see Chris in Locked in Julia’s Basement at Philly Sketchfest on Thursday, April 20th at 7pm at the Playground at the Adrienne. Tickets for that show (and every other Philly Sketchfest show) are available at ticketfly.com. Don’t forget about the live My First Sketch, Thursday, April 20th at 10pm.
This week, Josh talks to Eric Singel (The Waitstaff) about theater, characters with a hint of blasphemy, and Josh makes an idiot of himself when he doesn’t know what song comes from what musical. Eric Singel will star in Joan Crawford in Her Own Words during the 2017 Fringe Festival. For more information on the Waitstaff, check out facebook.com/thewaitstaff or thewaitstaff.com. Head to phillysketchfest.com for details on all the shows during Philly Sketchfest, April 19-23.
This week, Josh celebrates one year of My First Sketch by talking to Kevin Allison (The State, Risk!) about Harassment Cafe, the belly of the whale, and comfort with your own voice. Follow Kevin on Twitter at @thekevinallison. Risk! returns to Philadelphia on July 15 at World Cafe Live. Tickets are available now. Philly Sketchfest starts on April 19 with the Sketch Comedy Film Festival at the PSF Roxy Theatre and four nights of sketch comedy following, including a live My First Sketch. Go to phillysketchfest.com for more information.
This week, Josh talks to Molly Silverman about Bye Bye Birdie, Down The Show, and The Flat Earth. See the Flat Earth presents Hot Live Snakes at Philly Improv Theater on March 30th and 31st with Jon and Ian Have Something to Tell You and April 6th and 7th with House of Solitude. All shows are at 830pm. Tickets are available at phitcomedy.com. Then, The Flat Earth perform during Philly Sketchfest on Saturday April 22nd at 10pm at the Ruba Club. Tickets at ticketfly.com
This week, Josh talks to Samantha Russell (Secret Pants, Youth Large) about Keep Your Pants On, Secret Pants, and actors slowly changing their costumes. Youth Large returns to Philly Improv Theater, sharing the bill with Dog Mountain on March 23 and 24 at 830pm. Tickets are available at phitcomedy.com. We’re a month away from Philly Sketchfest, and if you would like to volunteer for an evening, head to phillysketchfest.com to give your info.
This week, Josh talks to Quinton J. Alexander (Adventure Friends and Bully!) about learning about criminal activity from Betty Rubble, renaissance fairs, and a lot of auditioning. Check out Quinton in Bully! presents Two Person Circus at L’Etage on Thursday, March 16 at 8pm, featuring Alejandro Morales, The Amazing Flying Edelmen, Max and Maggy, and Renaissance Noir. Tickets are available at brownpapertickets.com.
This week, Josh talks to Alyssa Truszkowski (Cups and a Half) about something that apparently existed called Roundhouse, living in Delaware, and punching in the right direction. See Alyssa three times at Bechdel Test Fest: doing improv with Guilt Trip and sketch with Cups and a Half in the 3pm block and doing standup in the 8pm block. Go to bechdelfest.com for more information.
This week, Josh talks to Alyssa al-Dookhi (Yard Sale Comedy) about puns, moving from Kuwait to Michigan, and Bechdel Test Fest. You can see Alyssa in the 8pm block on Friday, March 3 at the Bechdel Fest. But also, check out Eat Your Beats March 10th at Good Good Comedy and Make Up or Break Up March 25th at Good Good Comedy. And for your stand up fix, Yard Sale Comedy at Bourbon and Branch monthly. We are looking for volunteers for Philly Sketchfest: check out phillysketchfest.com for more information.
This week, Josh talks to Chris McGee (KC Masterpiece) about being a douchebag, trying to be a better person, and reading Deepak Chopra. Chris McGee is one half of KC Masterpiece, which you can see Feb 23 and 24 at Philly Improv Theater (phitcomedy.com) at 830. Next week, go to Bechdel Test Fest (bechdelfest.com) at Christ Church Neighborhood House on March 3 and 4. Go to myfirstsketch.com and phillysketchfest.com for more information on the rapidly approaching Philly Sketchfest, April 20-23.
This week, Josh talks to Kris Hodge about watching Baywatch, being offensive, and committing to character. Hodge is one half of KC Masterpiece, which you can see Feb 23 and 24 at Philly Improv Theater at 830. Next week, go to Bechdel Test Fest (bechdelfest.com) at Christ Church Neighborhood House on March 3 and 4. Go to myfirstsketch.com and phillysketchfest.com for more information on the rapidly approaching Philly Sketchfest, April 20-23.
This week, Josh talks to Andrew Coppola about the disappointing Simpsons voices, not wanting to park in Rittenhouse, and veggie meatballs. See Andrew at Frog Night Feb 19th at Good Good and Pleasure Blimp with KC Masterpiece Feb 23rd and 24th at PHIT. Remember, Bechdel Test Fest at Christ Church Neighborhood House March 3rd and 4th and Philly Sketchfest April 20th-23rd.
This week, Josh talks to Peter Rambo (American Breakfast and Cheat Code) about Judo Breakfast at the American Range, people assuming he’s unhappy all the time, and Little Lord Fauntleroy. For more of Peter’s work, check out facebook.com/1LightShort or staydream.tv. Philly Sketchfest returns April 20-23. For more information, check out phillysketchfest.com.
This week, Josh talks to Sean Keegan-Landis (from Frog Night and formerly of American Breakfast and The Flat Earth) about doing something that scares him, growing up a comedy nerd, and teaching comedy. Check out Sean as he hosts Screenwriting 4 Dummies on Jan 11, co-hosts (with Tara Demmy) Frog Night on Jan 15, and teaches Sketch Comedy Level One on Jan 21. For more information on all of those, head to goodgoodcomedy.com. Head to myfirstsketch.com to see some of the things we’ve talked about in this episode.
This week, Josh talks to Joe Tuzzi (from Fjord and Two Late with Rob and Joe) about All That, teaching kids improv, and not worrying about failing onstage. The series finale of Two Late with Rob and Joe takes place Dec. 30 at 1030 at Philly Improv Theater. See Joe with Fjord on Saturday nights and the one-man sketch show, Tuzzi, on Jan. 19 and 20.
This week, Josh talks to Curt Riedy (@curtazone10) of High Dramma and Philly Sketchfest about Kevin Allison, punk bands and the Pippens, and getting into High Dramma. Finish your holiday week and start your new year when Philly Sketchfest returns with Sketch Hangover on January 1 at The Playground at the Adrienne. Also, check out Curt's blog: worstthingsiown.com
This week, Josh talks to Jack O’Keeffe (@JackOakLeaf), the current sketch producer at Philly Improv Theater, about campfire skits at Boy Scouts, the influence of VeggieTales, and transitioning from theater to comedy. Head to Philly Improv Theater Friday November 25 and Saturday November 26 for the Black Friday Comedy Marathon. Especially Saturday at 4am for Charlie Harley's Birthday Party and 12:40 to see The 48s, which is the group that formed when I did Up All Night a few months ago.
This week, Josh talks to Don Montrey (ComedySportz Philadelphia) about insulting Ed Rendell from the stage, the draw of Philadelphia over New York, and dropping roots for comedy in Philadelphia. The Dirtiest Sketch in Philadelphia returns to the Philly Sketchfest stage on November 18 at 10pm at the Playground at the Adrienne. Tickets available at ticketfly.com. ComedySportz performed every Saturday at the Playground at the Adrienne. For more information, head to comedysportzphilly.com.
This week, Josh talks to Rich Lee (The Flat Earth) about the sketch that kept him off shows, the three M’s, and a bit of Fun with a Pickle. Rich Lee and the rest of The Flat Earth can be seen at Philly Improv Theater November 10, 11, 17, and 18 as they present The Greatest. All shows are at 9pm. Tickets available at phitcomedy.com. Philly Sketchfest Presents will host the annual Dirtiest Sketch in Philadelphia November 18 at 10pm. More information will be available at phillysketchfest.com
This week, Josh talks to Julia Hudson (Sweetish, Dog Mountain, and Barbara Bush) about the small town they come from, teasing the debut of the Storyteller character, and the meaning of the word prolific. See Julia next as Barbara Bush presents The Body Show at Good Good Theater on Nov 6 at 7 PM. For tickets, go to goodgoodcomedy.com.
Josh will be in The Theme Show: Election Special on Thursday, November 4, at 9PM. phitcomedy.com for more info and tickets.
This week, Josh talks to Gregg Gethard (@holdingcourtpod) about the Sixth Borough, creating characters, and getting banned from Helium. You can see Financial Guru Gregg Gethard at the Ha Ha Halloween Showcase on Wednesday, October 26 at the Punch Line Comedy Club at 8pm or at The Banter Show on Friday, October 28 at Good Good Comedy at 8pm. Go to myfirstsketch.com to see more from Gregg and sketches we mentioned.
This week, Josh talks to Sarah Clemency (Kathryn and Sarah) about Second City, musicals, and I Love Lucy. Kathryn and Sarah headlines Philly Sketchfest Presents this Friday 10/21 at 8:30pm featuring KC Masterpiece. (https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1342929) Stay for WGRA Radio Theater presents HG Wells'The War of the Worlds at 10pm. phillysketchfest.com
This week, Josh talks to Aubrie Williams about writing a show with Kevin Allison, seven generations of Mani Pedi, and the importance of playing. See Aubrie as Goat Rodeo performs at Philly Improv Theater October 13, 14, 20, and 21, all at 9PM. On Oct 21, Philly Sketchfest Presents returns as Kathryn and Sarah and KC Masterpiece perform at 8:30 PM and WGRA Radio Theater presents HG Wells’ The War of the Worlds at 10 PM. More information at phillysketchfest.com.
This week, Josh talks to Kathryn Amrhein from the musical comedy duo Kathryn and Sarah about Animaniacs, sneaking comedy as a kid, and Josh thinking she may be a sociopath (but not really). You can check out Kathryn and Sarah on facebook.com/kathrynandsarah. Kathryn and Sarah headlines Philly Sketchfest Presents on October 21 at 8:30 PM at the Playground at the Adrienne. Tickets will be available at phillysketchfest.com.
Today’s guest is Jon Plester, currently the director of The Worst Generation and one half of Jon and Ian Have Something to Tell You. His first sketch is called “Gang Fight” and features Trevor Miles as Tony, Courtney Painter as Limpy, Tom Hannigan as Bottles, Sheila Master as Fingers, and myself giving the visual information. This sketch was performed during Temple Smash, Season Five, and video of the sketch is up at myfirstsketch.com.
This week, Josh talks to Tom Hannigan (Tom Hannigan’s 25) about seeing Carlin on tv as a second grader, not liking Kids in the Hall at first, and attempting standup. Check out Tom Hannigan’s 25 on September 29 and 30 at 9pm at the Philly Improv Theater with Dog Mountain. If improv is your bag, check out Metropolis every Wednesday at PHIT.
This week, Josh talks to Trevor Miles (Dog Mountain) about Daring Daulton, playing cops, and dads and homeowners. Go see Dog Mountain on September 22, 23, 29, and 30 at 9pm at the Philly Improv Theater.
This week, Josh talks to Courtney Painter (Barbara Bush and Jourtney and Colie with Courtney and Jolie) about Amy Sedaris, children writing comedy, and going one billion. See Jourtney and Colie with Courtney and Jolie this week at PHIT: September 15 and 16 at 9 PM with Pleasure Blimp opening. Tickets available at phitcomedy.com and more information about Jourtney and Colie can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/jourtneyandcolie
This week, Josh talks to Patrick Szostak (The Worst Generation) about The Simpsons, not wanting to perform, and their time together working with Kevin Allison. Check out The Worst Generation on YouTube and follow them on Twitter and Instagram at @worstgensketch. As always, head to myfirstsketch.com and facebook.com/myfirstsketch for more information on future shows.
This week, Josh talks to Caitlin Weigel (House of Solitude and ManiPedi) about how spite is a great motivation, her time with Temple Smash, and comedy for adults. Keep up with House of Solitude here: https://www.facebook.com/houseofsolitudecomedy/ and ManiPedi here: https://www.facebook.com/ManiPediSketch/ Watch Caitlin's first sketch: https://vimeo.com/9921739 (at 22:20).
In this episode, Josh talks to Dan Corkery (House of Solitude and Goat Rodeo) about college television, Alley of Nightmares, and the start of House of Solitude. Keep up with House of Solitude here: https://www.facebook.com/houseofsolitudecomedy/ See Josh in Up All Night Friday, September 2 at 730 at the Philly Improv Theater.
This week, Josh talks to Annie Paradis (The Decoy) about Napoleon Dynamite, camp with indoor kids, poetry at Pratt, and a bit about circus. See Annie perform as the new PHIT sketch team, The Decoy, continues their debut on August 25 and 26. Go to phitcomedy.com for more info. And go to goodgoodcomedy.com for more information about The Slam and Annie’s Improv 101 class.
In the last episode, the audio on the interview with Vincent DiCostanzo was a little low and a little wonky. So I tinkered a little bit more and hope it sounds better (I think it does), so I'm reuploading the interview again, mostly because I loved talking to Vincent so much. You all missed a fantastic WGRA Radio Theatre show in Motive: Murder! Check out soundcloud.com/wgra-radio-theatre and shockbrickinc.com.
This week, Josh talks to Vincent DiCostanzo (who shares his sketch, "The Parking Lot") about his history in sketch comedy and a little about soccer. Vince also says the sweetest thing that will ever be said on this podcast. Go see WGRA Radio Theater presents Motive: Murder! on August 18th at 830 pm at the Plays and Players Theater. Go to goodgoodcomedy.com for ticket information. And then go to the LIVE My First Sketch podcast with Dan Corkery and Caitlin Weigel of House of Solitude on August 19th at 830 pm at the Playground at the Adrienne. Go to phillysketchfest.com for more details.
Josh talks to Dan McClory of Codename Athena about their time together on Iron Sketch, writing shorter pieces of work, and using improv when you hit the wall. Go to phitcomedy.com to learn more about the debut of Codename Athena. But first, see Josh perform in Sports Jawn: This is Sketchcenter on August 11 and 12 at PHIT.
Josh talks to Jimi Haak about moving from New York to Philly, public transportation, and the crossover between sports and comedy. Go see Sports Jawn: This is Sketchcenter August 11 and 12 at Philly Improv Theater. Tickets available at phitcomedy.com.
Josh talks to Julia Celley (of Locked in Julia’s Basement) about falcons, clowns, and John Bobbit wrestling. Go see Locked in Julia’s Basement from Good Good Comedy at Plays and Players Theater (1714 Delancey St) on July 25th at 830. Tickets are $5 and available at goodgoodcomedy.com/juliasbasement
Josh talks to Bill Reick (of it’s the new and Darius Rucker MD) about the Muppets, joy in comedy, and the high school class where he got to watch Mr. Show. See Let’s Talk: Under the Boardwalk from Good Good Comedy at the Plays and Players Theater (1714 Delancey St.) on July 26 at 530 pm. Tickets are $5 and available at goodgoodcomedy.com/slot3.
With Your Mom joining Patric Writes Sketches at Philly Sketchfest Presents this week (http://www.ticketfly.com/event/1244751), I'm reposting my conversation with Your Mom from Episode 1 ripped straight from the live pilot. If you haven't listened to it, it's new to you.
Josh talks to Patric Ciervo (from Patric Writes Sketches) about writing alone, casting a show, and going dark at times. See Patric Writes Sketches at Philly Sketchfest Presents Friday, July 15, at the Playground at the Adrienne.
Josh talks to Jolie Darrow, of so many ways to be funny, about the accessibility of live sketch comedy, the Honeymooners and Harpo Marx, and her father and the patriarchy.
Immediately after High Dramma performed at Philly Sketchfest Presents, Josh talked with Jackie Wolfson about High Dramma being together over eight years and being wrong when asked who you loved from SNL. For more on High Dramma, go to facebook.com/highdramma
Dru Kramsack (host of Monologues and member of It's the New) talks with Josh about Mark Twain, finding old letters, and creating character pieces. Go see It's the New June 30-July 1 and Monologues and Brought to You By on July 8, both at Philly Improv Theater. Facebook.com/myfirstsketch
Ross Weisman wrote "The Quest for the New iPod Ad" at 13 and has continued pursuing sketch comedy while studying at Temple University. We talk about Smash, MadTV, and YouTube videos at Jewish day school.
We hear an audio version of DC Fisher's "The Expert" and talk to him about his road to High Dramma, whom you can see June 17th at the Playground at the Adrienne at 8:30 with New Team Honeybear.
Josh talks to himself about his history as a comedy fan and a comedy writer. Nine minutes of just his voice is probably a few minutes too much. Music by NO/NO: go to nonoband.bandcamp.com
In the pilot episode of My First Sketch, Josh Higham explores the first attempt at sketch comedy by Pat O'Keeffe, Greta Wink, David Hill, and Your Mom