Chicago Improv Fest 2011 Begins

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 25, 2011 4:20PM

Chicago has long been regarded as an epicenter for improv comedy and, starting tonight, 95 ensembles from 32 cities and 8 countries will put their best audience suggestions forward with the start of Chicago Improv Festival 2011.

The schedule is brimming with performances, workshops, book signings and discussions, including one from noon-2:30 p.m. this Friday at the Playground (3209 N. Halsted) with former Chicagoista and notable tour guide Margaret Hicks. Margaret, who's no stranger to the improv community, will be discussing her new book Chicago Comedy: A Fairly Serious History with fellow improviser and author Jason Chinn.

throughout the week, popular local improv ensembles such as Improvised Jane Austen, 1,2,3 Fag and Comedy Queue will perform their signature improvs along with notable international acts as Berlin's Die Gorillas, Paris's Eux Compagnie d'Improvisation and Mexico City's ImproTop. The Die Gorillas/ImproTop double bill Thursday at iO Theater (3541 N. Clark, 8 p.m.) stands out as one of the hotter bills during the fest.

Chicago Improv Fest 2011, April 25-May 1. Various locations. For a full schedule and to purchase tickets click here.