Yet another reason to love Philadelphia - the theater! Had the chance to see Dear Evan Hansen today…read moreand Goodness run don't walk! Incredible performances by a truly gifted cast!

This was my first time visiting Arden theater. The show was Rent and it was fantastic. Nine actors…read morewere making their theater debut. The set was impressive and the camera work with the character, Mark, was impressive. Not a bad seat in the house and they had beverages and snacks on sale in the lobby. They open doors 30 minutes before a show and be prepared to wait in line for the restroom at intermission. I'll definitely be back for more performances. Additionally, there's a parking lot less than a block away you can book in advance on apps like Spot Hero for less than $20.

On a whim I booked tickets to see "Today is my Birthday" on preview for $20. I generally am down…read morefor a theater performance but I had never been here, or even heard of it. Now that Theatre Exile is on my radar, I definitely want to come back. Small shows can end up being gems and this was one of them. The show itself was geared towards late 20's but I think anyone can enjoy it. Told through a series of phone conversations, it was an interesting play. The theater itself was easy to find. They had strict COVID restrictions that included showing your vax card and requiring to wear your mask. I think people who enjoy theater don't have a problem with this kind of request but if it does bother you, go elsewhere. The riser seating section is not very big so it's a pretty intimate setting. They had all gender bathrooms that were clean. Very close to the BSL so easily accessible to most people in the city. I can't wait for another excuse to come see a show here.

I can't say this enough for Philadelphia Theatre: Prepare to be surprised by the performances and…read morethe venues. Theatre Exile put up a great production of "Glengary Glen Ross" in Spring 2007 and the space was another hidden treasure. The cast was filled with tenured actors that gave unique performances that came together in a singular production. It was my first show with this production company and if it was at all representative of their other shows, you'll definately see me going back to see more productions in the future. The mission of this company is to "produce risky and challenging plays that contain a sense of true Philadelphian grittiness and passion" by staging both new and established works. In addition, their focus is on letting tenured and up and coming artists work their craft while trying to find themselves as theatre artists. After speaking with someone on the phone over at the Theatre Exile box office, it was confirmed that they have and will probably continue to use the theater at the Christ Church Neighborhood House at 20 N. American Street. Ready for another suprise venue like Latvian Society theater (see my review for Pig Iron Theatre Company)? Well, on the THIRD floor of this church, there is a former basketball court that has been transformed into a black box theater. Imagine, the half court line is the edge of the stage. One half of the space is a platform with folding chairs as seats (nearly 100 or maybe more), and the other half is all space for the actors to play. It was rather stunning as the bare wood frame for the building is exposed and painted black. So, now for the things to watch for: This theater is NOT handicap accesible. No elevator and a lot of walking (check to see if everyone in your party is capable of walking up several flights of stairs). Bathrooms for men are located in the basement meaning that you'll be going down four floors. Late seating is often not possible as the stage is only 5 feet away from the front row. This company is one of the major players in the Philadelphia area. Make sure you make it to a show if you're in the area. Tickets are normally priced between $15-$40 and there are discounts available for students/seniors as well as Philly FunSaver discounts.

For Valentine's Day this year I treated my girlfriend to dance lessons here, courtesy of Groupon…read more 12 dance lessons for $50? Yes please! First of all I'm not a dancer, nor do I like to dance. My girlfriend loved the gift. We just had our 2nd lesson this past Friday and I've enjoyed it immensely so far. The instructor (whose name is escaping me right now) is extremely personable and friendly. His style to teach a group of 30 people in the studio impresses me! You rotate partners and really get a feel for perfecting all those steps! 10 more lessons to go! Also, street parking around this area I've found extremely easy, but the studio points out you can park at the Acme a couple blocks away if you can't find any!

Its been a wonderful experience! I've been going to CHI every week for a year and a half. Excellent…read morestudio space! Gorgeous, clean and welcoming.

My 7yr old daughter loves to sing and dance so I thought what better way than to introduce her to…read moretheater. She loves all of those Disney shows and even act out scenes for me to watch. Sweet....Arden theater had "green eggs and ham" 1 day workshop to help the kids learn about character building, rhythm, and dance. I was worried that she would be shy, but it seems all the kids just jumped right in. They learned a musical number "green eggs and ham" (with piano). It really helped that the teachers were very patient and just as excited as the kids. During the workshop, the parents were not allowed to stay in the room to observe, only to return during the last 15 mins for a show by the kids ( what they learned). I had about 2 hours to kill so walked all around old city and went to a few nice boutique. Next time I will plan on a nice lunch....wish I thought of that sooner but I took too long to decide and ran out of time. I would definitely recommend this acting workshop and I will sign her up again. It's just a few hours and you can get some time to yourself.

Arden Theatre's New Family Arts Center is a beautiful, sun lit space where all the magin happens …read more Childrens classes in Theatre, Summer Camp & Vacation Drama camps,.& rehearsals for their upcoming season . We attended the grand opening today, with age specific activities including singing, movement, and improvisation .

Some of the best movement teachers in Philly can be found at the Whole Shebang, a little studio off…read morethe beaten path in South Philly. Class prices are pretty reasonable, and even more so if you've got student I.D. or a Philly Dance Pass. They've also got this great deal if you bring a new student with you, one of you comes for half price.

From the owner: We specialize in being a clean, beautiful, blank slate for artists, and we work hard to be…read moreresponsive to the needs of our renters. We put a lot of love and care into our space and find that it translates into making Shebang a great place to be.

My first theatrical experience upon moving to Philly was at the Suzanne Roberts seeing a world…read morepremiere musical with Philadelphia Theatre Co! In a mainstream theatrical landscape filled with jukebox musicals, revivals, and an overwhelming lack of originality, I can't tell you how meaningful it is that PTC consistently uplifts new voices in the medium. New theatre is alive and well in Philadelphia! The show and storytelling were not dramaturgically perfect, but as an audience member and artist, perfection for me always lays in the pursuit. The cast of artists PTC consistently assembles is top notch, and I can't wait to get out and see more of their season offerings. Thank you for bringing eclectic storytelling to our great city! If you're visiting or a local and PCT has something on you're even remotely interested in, get out there and support locally crafted theatre in a stunning and iconic venue.

Cheers to the Philadelphia Theater Company! I have been coming to the Suzanne Roberts Theater for a…read morefew years now and enjoyed so many great productions from Having Our Say and Rizzo to tonight's Everything is Wonderful. I especially love the Yelp Elite perk of being invited on opening night. This evening marked two firsts for me. In the past this was a Yelp Elite Event for squad members only. This time we were invited individually and allowed a plus one. And much to my surprise my guest and I got front row seats. They usually have a nice little cocktail hour after the show that mostly consists of beer, wine, crudites and cheese boards. I was impressed to find some serious hor d'oeuvres this time around. Macaroni and cheese balls, chicken sliders, skewered beef tenderloin. All it was delicious. Wonderful experience.

Book2Stage was truly an entertaining experience for all. It must be -Another Philly first! My Wife…read moreand I had no expectation-except Authors would read from their books. WHOA it was EPIC! What unfolded was truly an unforgettable night of literature, theatre, and community, in an entertaining production. It celebrated Philadelphia authors and actors in a new and inventive format. It created on stage scenes in an authentic, eclectic with a joyful dash-of slightly stylized eccentric flavor based on books written by four Philadelphia-based authors. -They read excerpts and Actors created scenario short skits bringing characters to life. Hey this was not just another MEET & GREET authors night!! Just Loved the seasoned host, Author of the book "Finding Polaris", transformational coach, podcast host and creator of Iron Advocate Mindset--Bob Levant. He kept audience members engaged throughout the show guiding us on a journey through stories and eras. Delightfully, there were a few pleasant unanticipated interruptions on stage from one book's endearing character, "Ruthie", whose unexpected character banter captured our hearts and minds and elicited some laughs and wide smiles (portrayed by author Lisa Grunberger)- just loved every minute of that!! A major shout out goes to multi-talented Michelle Marciano, as Director/Assistant Producer/Choreographer/and Actor, who brought the production to stage from the Book2Stage concept, a vision of authors Natalie Pantaleo and Michael Caudo. WOW keep them coming!!!!

From the owner: Book2Stage is a "novel" theater production featuring four Philly-based books brought to life on…read morestage by local actors, followed by a live Q&A and a meet and greet with the entire cast. It's uniquely entertaining with a little something for everyone. The show premieres two nights-- June 7-8, 2023, 6:30-9:30 at Theatre Exile at 1340 S. 13th Street in Philadelphia. Let us know your thoughts!

The shows are original and quite funny. There is singing and dancing. You get your moneys worth…read more There is also a bar beneath the theater where they serve before and after the show and during intermission.

Well, OK, but I did get the strong impression that we were the only party among attendees who were…read morenot friends or relatives of the staff. Too long and just not funny enough. Seriously, a skit making fun of the IRS? Is this 1985? Try harder please. You guys can do better, and you CAN do better. Just work harder at it. Earn your place in M & W history.

I love it here! Parking can be a bit difficult, but Paola makes the class so fun that hunting for a…read morespot is worth it. She is a big ball of energy and keeps the night going with all the laughs. Now onto the actual lessons - they are great. She really breaks things down, teaches you safety, and makes sure you look good when dancing. I'm currently only a beginner, but I know with this dance company's help, I'll be showing off before you know it!

Awesome classes that break down the movement so well. Tons of positive energy. Paola makes…read moreeveryone feel welcome. I totally agree with other reviewer that parking is tricky, so get there early; BUT TOTALLY worth it. Her Friday night events are really fun too (and NO issues with parking :) ). I love how she brings in guest instructors from other cities/studios too.