Welcome to Chicago! The greatest city in the world! A place where The Blues and Jazz have found a second home, where the pizza and sandwiches are as robust as the winters, and a rich comedy scene unrivaled by any other U.S. city.
The story of how improv comedy found its ideal environment to grow and evolve is a story of mutual admiration between a vibrant, international city and a new style of stage performance that just needed a place to find its legs. As the quintessential Midwestern melting pot, Chicago is well located to draw talent from all over the country and the world, making the conditions ideal for this love story to evolve.
Here, creative people searching for a space to nurture their artistry with like minded folks found their Graceland in the basements of two-flats and independent theaters that dot the landscape of America’s “Second City”. Let’s explore how this incubator of creativity has grown some of the world’s most talented performers, producers, writers, directors and entertainers and what that relationship looks like today.
The Roots of Improv in Chicago
Few cities in modern history have had the same opportunity to reinvent itself on such a massive scale as Chicago. Following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Chicago ushered in a new era of architectural design and city planning, which included a dedication to constructing theaters, playhouses, and other institutions where to pursue artistic endeavors.
This experimental and politically charged theater movement continued through the early 20th century where the practice of the Italian performance style of Commedia dell’arte found its way into Chicago’s creative bloodstream. This improvisational practice as well as the vibrant theater scene has endured throughout the decades and today there are over 200 theaters throughout the city where people meet to pursue their passions in the arts and entertainment.
The Compass Players: The Birth of Modern Improv
Image: Paul Sills of The Compass Players at the University Of Chicago
The University of Chicago in the 1950s served as the epicenter of the creation of modern improv. It was in these hallowed halls where theatrical stalwarts like Viola Spolin, the godmother of improv, cultivated a culture of improvisational performance which evolved into the first true improv comedy troupe in modern times known as The Compass Players.
The Compass Players brought a groundbreaking approach to unscripted performances where the chaos was contained by the progression of vignettes to create a natural break in the action, but with clear throughlines from each vignette to the next. The lessons learned in this improv comedy troupe helped to form improv as we know it today. Innovators like Paul Sills, Viola Spolin’s son, went on to found the legendary improv comedy institution The Second City, where countless comedians and entertainers found their start.
Other legendary Chicago improv pioneers who helped pave the way for the success of this performative art are the great Elaine May and comedy writer, director and producer Mike Nichols.
The Rise of The Second City
Perhaps the most renowned of all of the improv comedy theaters was established in 1959 as an offshoot of The Compass Players. Of course, we’re talking about The Second City. The unique approach to comedic improvisation and sketch comedy at The Second City is often imitated, but never duplicated. However, the lessons learned there have been molded into the modern improv techniques taught at The HOME Comedy Theater and theaters throughout the world.
Image: The Second City – Chicago
It was right there at the corner of Wells street and North avenue in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood where a litany of world-famous comedians, actors, directors, and writers found their comedic footing.
Second City’s Influence on Comedy Legends
While it’s nearly impossible to list all of the notable alumni who grew their careers from The Second City… here are some of the biggest names. John Belushi, Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Steve Carell all found their voice during their respective stints in Chicago where they connected with like-minded comedians and actors and eventually took their talents to the masses by way of stage and screen. The improv comedy theaters and troupes in Chicago continue to train and launch top-tier comedians through this talent pipeline today.
For the past 50+ years, The Second City has played a critical role in shaping performers for popular movies and TV shows like Saturday Night Live.
Chicago’s Expanding Improv Scene
Following the success of The Second City, students and teachers alike branched off to start other theaters and troupes throughout the city. While some of these theaters, founded in earnest, have come and gone, a few have endured to become the backbone of the cities current improv scene.
iO Theater (Formerly ImprovOlympic)
No dive into the Chicago improv would be complete without mention of the incomparable Del Close and Charna Halpern, the godfather and godmother of modern improv comedy. Together, along with David Shepard, these two founded the iO Theater in Chicago and continued the lessons and teachings of The Second City in this new, innovative space.
Other Chicago Improv Institutions
Along with The Second City and iO Theater, The Annoyance made its mark in Chicago improv history with its more edgy, boundary-pushing approach to improv led by its legendary founder, Mick Napier.
Over the years, other Chicago improv theaters were created, like The Playground Theater, Comedy Sportz, CIC, and LSI to name a few, that helped strengthen and grow the Chicago improv community by offering different styles, techniques, or simply another place to play, watch, and continue to foster creativity in the space.
Chicago Improv’s Global Impact
The reach of Chicago’s improv scene is felt throughout theaters and entertainment houses worldwide.
Pipeline to Hollywood & SNL
It’s become known that if you want to make it to the level of exposure offered by a show like Saturday Night Live, you will need to cut your teeth in the Chicago improv comedy scene. This is where you have the greatest chance of being discovered by Hollywood scouts, and it’s also where you’ll find out what type of entertainment career you may want to make in improv or elsewhere.
Each decade since the 1970s has produced a cavalcade of comedic talent flowing directly from Chicago. Household names like Bill Murray, Steve Carell, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler all graced the hallowed stages of Chicago’s improv institutions before they met us on the big, and small screen.
The Expansion of Improv Training Worldwide
Like the 90’s Chicago Bulls and Barack Obama, the reach of Chicago improv has permeated around the world.
Chicago-based improv methods are on display in the workshops and class rooms of improv theaters around the globe from Germany to Taiwan and everywhere in between. Core principles such as “Yes, And“, active listening, and group collaboration, which help performers build spontaneous, engaging scenes, are cornerstones of the Chicago method. Aside from these interpersonal benefits, the practice of improv itself offers many therapeutic benefits as well. Improv school The Free Association in London, has adopted Chicago’s long-form improv techniques, particularly Del Close’s Harold format, which is now a staple in their advanced improv training.
Experiencing Improv Comedy in Chicago Today
Today, Chicago remains the center of improv comedy for the world. While there are several places to learn and enjoy improv comedy throughout the city, the fresh and unique take on teaching this art is best experienced at The HOME Comedy Theater.
Partake In Chicago’s Improv Scene
Whether you’re a complete novice to improv, or a business professional interested in expanding your personal skill set, taking improv classes in Chicago has great value. Sign up for an improv workshop or take a comedy writing class taught by one of our world-class instructors who bring decades of experience. If you aren’t ready for a class, partake in open mics, auditions, and networking opportunities in the Chicago comedy community to find what motivates you!
Come To Love Chicago Improv
The HOME Comedy Theater stands on the shoulders of Chicago’s comedy powerhouses to bring a fresh and fun take on how improv comedy is taught, interpreted, learned, and enjoyed by the people and visitors to the comedy hub of the western hemisphere that is the city of Chicago.
Whether in a comedy theater, a drama school, or a corporate boardroom, Chicago’s improv legacy continues to shape how people engage with spontaneous performance and collaborative storytelling everywhere.