Hey Philly reader Leonard P. requested that I do a segment on what he calls Philly’s “funniest street.” The 2000 block of Sansom Street in Rittenhouse has three comedy clubs: Helium Comedy Club, Philly Improv Theater and Comedy Sportz.
Helium Comedy Club brings stadium-sized talent to an intimate setting on a weekly basis. Earlier this month Atsuko Okatsuka, who recently landed her first HBO Max comedy special, performed a sold-out show at Helium.
Have you ever seen a show at Helium? (Brittany Valentine/City Cast Philly)
Helium also offers classes for comedy enthusiasts of all levels to learn the basics, hone their crafts, and experiment with acting and improv.
Philly Improv Theater (PHIT) produces over 1,000 performances every year from fully improvised comedies to sketch shows. Its regular performers also tour around North America, making stops at some of the most prominent comedy venues.
Philly Improv Theater is located inside of the Adrienne Theater on 2030 Sansom Street. (Brittany Valentine/City Cast Philly)
Like Helium, PHIT also offers classes and workshops for kids, teens, and adults. Alumni and performers seen on their stages have gone on to work at SNL, Key & Peele, Orange is the New Black, and more.
