Comicvsaudience.com is the definitive resource for stand-up, sketch and improv comedy in the Philadelphia area. What started in the fall of 2007 as a video blog has grown into a mult-media source for news, podcasts, photos, interviews, video and more about the Philly comedy scene.

The site was started and is maintained by Philadelphia resident and stand-up Dave Walk with contributions from other Philadelphia comedians (see Columnists page for more details).

To further introduce you to the website, I have compiled the following list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). These are real questions that I have received over the years.

General

Why is this website necessary?
In my opinion, the comedy scene in Philadelphia is ignored by the local media for the most part. Sure, there will be a short writeup in an alt-weekly when a national act comes to town, but the coverage is nowhere near as extensive as it is with the local music scene. This is unfortunate, because comedy is just as much of an art form as any other. In addition, it an uniquely interactive live performance form in which the audiences’ reaction determines the success of the performer’s art.

Many local comedians past and present have gone on to enjoy national success and the city should be proud of the way that it has molded the unique viewpoints of these comedians.

What’s up with the name? Isn’t it kind of antagonistic?
The name is admittedly a tongue-in-cheek way of looking at the live comedy experience. From my perspective, it seems that often the comedian and the audience are in a “battle.” If the audience allows the comedian to succeed, by giving positive feedback (ie., laughs and/or applause), the comedian wins and everyone else wins as well. But if the audience wins by way of rejecting the comedian’s performance, the comedian goes home to question what they have decided to do with their life.

I can’t read. Is there any other way that I can experience your website?
Sure! We regularly post videos made by local comedians as well as the occasional video that we have recorded, edited and uploaded of a live performance, interview, or original sketch.

Additionally, there is the regularly updated C vs. A Podcast which features audio interviews and all kinds of banter on a regular basis. Click here for the archive. If you prefer to listen live, you can do so every second and fourth Thursday from 7-8PM EST at G-Town Radio.com.

I would like to be a part of this website. Are you accepting new contributors?
We are ALWAYS looking for new voices and perspectives for this website. If you would like to create media in any way, whether it be with graphics, text, photos, video, web coding, etc., please get in touch with us at comicvsaudience@gmail.com. We are specifically in need of writers and photographers for live shows which we could probably get you free tickets for.

What is The Comic Vs. Audience Comedy Show?
The Comic Vs. Audience Comedy Show was a live stand-up show at the Shubin Theatre that ran from July of 2008 to August of 2009. Hosted by C vs.A founder Dave Walk and presented by the here.

Can I be your friend on the social networks?
Of course! We are on Twitter and Facebook amongst the others on the far right (check out the little buttons). We’re on Myspace too, but what’s the point, right?

Why do you have a donations page?
Because while this is free to the end user (and I’m not going to change that), there are costs associated. Almost all of the elements of the website are hosted on a server for you to view and download and we will have to continue to renew our domain names. Not to mention the time costs associated! So, your donation, whatever it may be, is greatly appreciated and will help this website grow (perhaps by the purchase of promotional supplies).

Are you accepting advertising?
At this time we are not proactively looking for advertisers, but if you are interested in advertising with us, send an e-mail to comicvsaudience@gmail.com.

Comedians

What is the database?
The Comic Vs. Audience Comedian Database strives to be an ever-growing list of current comedians in the city of Philadelphia. The goal is to compile a complete list of information that will be useful to bookers of comedy shows, media members, comedy fans and anyone else. Comedians submit the information themselves and publication on this website does or does not signify any sort of approval by this website of that comedian. Contact information provided by the comedian is predominantly displayed so that anyone make get in touch with the comic.

How does the calendar on the right sidebar work?
This calendar is a list of upcoming live comedy shows in the Philadelphia area. Like the database, this information is submitted by comedians. If you are the booker of a live show in the Philadelphia area including south New Jersey and Delaware, you can submit your show to the calendar here. In addition to the show info listed in the monthly calendar, your show will automatically be featured in the sidebar the week that it takes place.

I’m new to Philadelphia and want to get into the comedy scene. What should I do?
If you’d like to perform, a good place to start would be check out the open mic listings. It’s the best way to meet other comedians and possibly get other gigs. Another option may be to check out the forum to talk to fellow comedians and comedy fans.

I’m a local comedian and you should be talking about me!
Ok! Drop us a line at comicvsaudience@gmail.com