The N Crowd from Philadelphia

POTTSTOWN PA – Improvisational comedy by “The N Crowd” provides a funny, fast-paced start to the new year’s programming at the Tri-County Performing Arts Center (Tri-PAC), 245 High Street, Pottstown beginning Jan. 7 (2012; Saturday), with an open house at the theater from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by the improv group’s show at 8.

• This event has been added to The Post calendar.

The N Crowd, which has played at Tri-PAC in past years, is a professional, short-form improvisational troupe that has been performing weekly in Philadelphia since 2005. Performers include Pottstown’s own BJ Ellis.

During each show, The N Crowd plays a series of games and scenes based on suggestions from its audience. “There are no scripts, no props, and nowhere to run!,” according to Tri-PAC spokeswoman Betsy Chapman.

The N Crowd was selected by Fox 29 television’s “Hot List” as the Best Comedy Club in Philadelphia in 2008, and it finished in second place in the same category in 2009. The troupe currently performs at the Actors Center in Philadelphia.

Tickets cost $17 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and $13 for children age 12 and younger. Parental guidance is suggested for this show. Tickets may be purchased online, here, or at the door the night of the show if available. Discounts are offered for groups of 10 or more.

Tri-PAC’s educational open house continues Jan. 8 (Sunday), also from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors there can register for group classes and private lessons for ages 3 through senior citizens. Group classes include acting, comedy improv, scene study, audition techniques, music, voice, storybook character play and age-based performance troupes. Private instruction includes acting, voice, piano, guitar, flute, music therapy, and monologue coaching.