Helium Comedy Club Provides Philadelphians with a Good Laugh

Located at 20th and Sansom Streets, close to Rittenhouse Square and several downtown hotels, and a reasonable walking distance from Philadelphia's most popular attractions, Helium Comedy Club is a Philadelphia institution that has gained a reputation as an excellent venue for both regionally- and nationally-known funny men and women.

Each Wednesday through Saturday, the Helium Comedy Club offers a three act show that will delight visitors who enjoy the realm of stand-up comedy. The shows at this popular club include an opener, a feature, and a headliner. Headliners are often well-known names in the world of comedy, including individuals who have appeared on Comedy Central or the popular television reality series, "Last Comic Standing.'' Openers and feature performers tend to be local comedians trying to make their mark on the business. Each show lasts about 90-100 minutes and is geared toward adults 21 years of age and older, though 18 to 20 year olds are permitted to enter with a parent or guardian.

The Helium Comedy Club venue seats 240 patrons and is full on most nights, especially weekends. Despite the seating capacity, the theater is intimate and most seats are located no more than 60 feet from the stage. The seats are set in a tiered manner so that views from anywhere in the theater are premium. Admission to the theater includes the opportunity to purchase a variety of tasty hors d'oeuvres, salads, sandwiches, mini pizzas, and scrumptious desserts while enjoying the show. Helium Comedy Club imposes a two item minimum for each guest who is seated in the showroom.

Helium Comedy Club touts itself as an excellent place to hold a variety of special events and parties including business meetings and seminars (daytime only), birthday parties, bachelor or bachelorette parties, fundraisers, corporate roasts, bar and bat mitzvahs, graduation parties, retirement bashes, and corporate holiday events. Group parties can also be held during a regularly-scheduled comedy show on Wednesday through Saturday night, but reservations should be made well in advance, especially for Friday or Saturday night events when the club is busiest. Special event catering menus are available for banquet-type functions with a minimum of 10 people. Banquet menus generally include a choice of two entrees, vegetable, potato, salad, and fresh-baked rolls.

Helium Comedy Club presents an annual Comedy Boot Camp for teens each summer. The camp last for two weeks and coaches high school-aged teens on the intricacies of delivering comedy and making a name for themselves in the comedy business. In addition, the Club also has a similar program for adults trying to enter the world of comedy. Dubbed the Comedy Academy, this is an ongoing monthly workshop that focuses on helping budding comics develop a 5- minute stand-up set. Other topics covered at the academy include breaking into the comedy circuit in Los Angeles and NYC and tips on how to get an agent.

Helium Comedy Club also holds an occasional contest for up-and-coming comics. Prices include cash and a chance to perform at the club.