On September 24th, Fox 29 announced on its Website that The N Crowd has been named Philadelphia's top Comedy Group in the annual Fox 29 Host List Contest. Voting for this year's contest started in early July and ended on September 12th. Other notable nominations in this category included; Helium Comedy Club, Philadelphia Improv Theater, Comic Energy, and Comedysportz.

Named the 2006 1st runner up in Philly Style Magazine's Best of Philly's Comedy Troupes and Theatre Troupes category, The N Crowd has performed more than 200 times at venues throughout the greater Philadelphia region, including three Fringe Festivals and every Philadelphia Improv Festival. Early next month the Renaissance Academy in Phoenixville will be hosting The N Crowd for an improv workshop and a show for its theater students. The group will once again participate in the Philadelphia Improv Festival this November and will perform in Bethlehem on New Year's Eve as part of the town's first night celebration.

The winning of this contest was a pleasant surprise to Executive Director, B.J. Ellis. "We thought we had a decent shot at it this year, but I was really blown away by the massive support we got from our audiences. I am very thankful to all the supportive votes and reviews we received." Under the continued direction of Artistic Director Jessica Snow, Ellis says that audiences can expect a fast paced 90 minute show of completely unscripted scenes every week. No two weeks are ever the same and people are encouraged to say whatever they want when prompted for suggestions. "We need an audience to put on a show. Improv is like flying a kite. It is a lot more fun doing it when there is a strong wind. A great audience puts the wind in our sails, so to speak," Ellis says.

Listing Information
What: Improv Comedy: The N Crowd
When: Friday's at 8 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes before performance.
Where: The Actors Center, 257 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia PA 19106
Tickets: $10. Purchase at the door or online at www.phillyncrowd.com.