Local News Round-up

- Producer Bob Sumner is auditioning comedians for the next season of "Def Comedy Jam" and they'll be in Philadelphia at the Laff House on May 28th and June 4th. Curious comics should contact the Laff House for more details.

- Levy's Comedy Club in Levittown will begin hosting an weekly open mic on Wednesdays starting April 30th. Not much in the way of details yet, maybe you should give them a call?

- In February, Helium hosted the Purina Pet Comedy Challenge. Entrants had to do "pet-inspired" comedy. Cheesy, yes, but the winners received cash prizes and a chance to compete in the finals in St. Louis in May. From the Philadelphia competition, Chris Coccia took first and Steve Gerben (recent stand-up winner of Helium's college competition) took second. They are on their way to St. Louis (not currently, we'd imagine they will leave a little before the competition date of May 3rd, but that isn't confirmed). There are two more additional slots in the finals that are left up to the public to vote for at the website above. From Philadelphia, Alex House (currently ranked #1) and Laurence Mullaney (ranked #8) are eligible.

- On April 28th from 5-10PM, the Philly Improv Theater will hold open auditions for PHIT improv house teams. They'll take place at the Arden Theatre and is open to anyone no matter what your level of experience. More details at the website above.