My First Sketch

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.