The idea behind the Home Comedy Theater was conceived during the pandemic of 2020 that shut down most of the world and forced the closing of thousands of small businesses, including countless live performance venues around the world.
One of those venues, The iO Theater (formerly known as ImprovOlympic), used to be the artistic home for over 30 years to a small group of veteran teachers and performers that were determined early on not to let the pandemic also rob them of their passion to continue teaching and performing the art form they were so fond of.
They started by offering online classes and performances, and when it finally started to look like businesses would be coming back, they took a stab at purchasing the brand of the theater they called home for many years and re-start the business with a re-focused vision and emphasis on the art of long-form improv.
Although they came close, a deal could not be made, making them feel like they lost their home twice. Soon after that, a good friend offered some words of encouragement: “Your Home is gone, but You are not.” He then offered to help them find a new venue where they could continue to teach and perform the art of improvisation.
A slow and patient search then began for a space that could fit their vision: A new go-to place for comedy in Chicago with a strong dedication to the teaching and performance of ‘long-form’ improvisation staffed and led by some of the most talented and influential teachers and performers in the field of improvisation of the past three decades.
After almost 3 years of patiently looking at spaces, in July of 2023 we signed a lease on a perfect space in the heart of Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood that was then aptly named, “The Home Theater”.
The artistic approach to a new theater was originally conceived by Cesar Jaime, who then approached fellow veteran improvisors and teachers, Liz Allen, Peter Gwinn, Susan Messing, and the late great Noah Gregoropoulos, for artistic and curriculum advice.
Sadly, Noah passed away before Cesar found a place that would be perfect for a new artistic home. Noah’s love and care for the art of improvisation continues to be an inspiration to us all.
