Study Hall is now in session! This long running comedy show mixes real lectures with improv comedy to create a show that is both entertaining and educational! Guests from all walks of life will lecture on a topic they are familiar with after which our cast of amazing improvisers will use what they learned (or didn’t learn) to create hilarious scenes right before your eyes! Features Jesse Pires (Lightbox Film Center), Melinda Lewis (Drexel University), and Ali Richardson (Philadelphia Teaching Artist). Part of the 2022 Philly Fringe Festival!

Jesse Pires (he/him) is Director of Lightbox Film Center at University of the Arts. His work delves into a wide range of moving image histories and connects them to the present moment.

Melinda Lewis (she/her) is the associate director of marketing and media for Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University. There, she edits, podcasts, and teaches courses centered on popular culture.

Ali Richardson (he/him) was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, and came to Philadelphia in 2002. Since then, he has shared his musical talents and teaching with thousands of students. From 2004-2012, Ali was co-founder and lead facilitator of the CODA Program, where he developed Hip Hop Jazz Musicology, and in collaboration with others, was able to share his vision through visiting school classrooms, summer camps, and workshops for young people as well as adults.

In addition to performing online and at various theaters in Philadelphia, Study Hall has been invited by many prestigious institutions for private performances. The Franklin Institute, The Academy of Natural Sciences, Drexel University, Thomas Jefferson University, the Museum of the American Revolution, to name a few. If you’re interested in having Study Hall perform at your museum / school / company reach out to hello@xroadscomedy.com

For ages 18+

This show is presented as part of Crossroads Comedy Festival. Crossroads Comedy Theater is a roaming home for comedy shows, classes, and podcasts. Whether you like to sit back and watch improv, sketch comedy, stand-up, storytelling, or any other type of comedy or are interested in learning how to do those things—they got your back! Sep 14–18 at Theatre Exile (1340 S. 13th St). Learn more at xroadscomedy.com.

Content Considerations

This performance contains brief suggested language. The comedy portions of this show are completely improvised. It is difficult to say what any given show will include when it comes to language used, but most shows do not venture beyond a hard PG-13 rating.

Health & Safety

Proof of vaccination is required to attend this event, and masks must be worn for the duration of the performance. Audience members will be asked to show proof of vaccination before entering the venue. Both digital and physical proof of vaccination are accepted. Please plan accordingly.

Credits

STUDY HALL CAST: Rob Alesiani, Fred Brown, Erin Cartlidge, Sarah Clemency, Keane Cobb, Caitlin Corkery, Dan Corkery, Frank Farrell, Marcely Jean-Pierre, Tia Kemp, James Knight, Stacie Lyons, Lora Magaldi, Brendan Manklang Kingston, Melinda Messina, Joe Moore, Rob O’Neill, Rachel Semigran, Jacob Todd, Aaron Unice, and Michael Yudell. DIRECTED BY: Mike Marbach

Study Hall was originally created for the 2013 Fringe Festival by improv team Asteroid!. Study Hall logo created by Karen Coleman-Hinners. Study Hall intro video created by Dan Corkery.

About the Artist

Crossroads Comedy Theater is a roaming home for comedy shows, podcasts, and classes that take places on stage, online, and on-air. At just over a year old, Crossroads has already been featured in various festivals, has had classes highlighted in the media including the Philadelphia Inquirer, and has hired to work with various organizations on improv trainings and private shows in the Philadelphia area and beyond. Our shows are at a crossroads of different forms of entertainment mixing hilarious improvised scenes with lectures, news, movies, and more and feature performers from all over the Philly area. Podcasts cover a range of pop-culture topics, so you’re sure to find something you enjoy. Crossroads comedy classes in improv, sketch comedy writing, and stand-up give people skills that go beyond the stage and page. Whether you want to get involved or just sit back and listen or watch, we got your back!