The Last LAF

All Good Things Must Come to an End This is the most difficult post I've had to write and coincidentally, it will also be my last. Today marks a day I was never convinced would come. Today, LAFS is two years old. It has been an incredible two years, absolutely incredible filled with more excitement, laughter, awe and humility than I could have ever dreamed. However, today is bittersweet, because today is Read More

INTERVIEW: Charna Halpern

The Mother of Improv Comedy I first fell in love with improv at iO's Clark Street location. iO changed my life, but my story is not unlike many others. Charna created a world at iO that many call "home" and it has become the center of their universe. Charna Halpern is one of the most influential people in improv, has paved the path for hundreds of comedians over the last few Read More

INTERVIEW: Matt Besser

Focus on the Game. Matt Besser is one of the founding members of Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB). UCB started as a Chicago-based improv team composed of Besser, Ian Roberts, Matt Walsh and Amy Poehler and has transformed into a well-known comedy establishment in New York City and Los Angeles. These folks not only formed UCB but Besser, Roberts, Walsh and friends regularly perform together as ASSSSCAT. ASSSSCAT will be performing, with a Read More

INTERVIEW: Dan Bakkedahl

Just make a choice. Dan Bakkedahl has made his mark on Chicago's comedy scene. Coming up in the late 90s and early 2000s, Dan spent a lot of time at iO and Second City. Since his departure, you may have seen him on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Community, Veep, Legit or a number of other television appearances. He was also in The Heat with Sandra Bullock and Melissa Read More

INTERVIEW: Carisa Barreca

Do everything, because you’re going to need all of it. I am declaring Carisa Barreca Second City's sweetheart. One of the most beautiful, talented, kind and humble ladies I have ever met, Carisa has a heart of gold and nothing but good intentions. With a lifetime of performance background, she can do just about anything you throw at her. I was so lucky to be able to sit down with Read More

INTERVIEW: Scott Adsit and John Lutz

Hitting Your Mark in Hollywood Thanks to Aren Zolninger from Chicago Improv Productions, I was able to sneak in a few minutes to interview Scott Adsit and John Lutz before they took the stage for their "Super Secret" midnight show at Stage 773. As we were waiting for the show ahead of us to clear out, Scott, John and I stepped into a back hallway with CIP staff and a Read More

INTERVIEW: Tim Baltz

If you’re not listening, you’re going to miss the joke. After months of trying to nail down both of our schedules after Tim left Second City's Mainstage, I was finally able to meet up with him to talk life and comedy. I had the pleasure of meeting Tim last Fall at Jimmy Carrane's Improv Nerd and for obvious reasons, I was dead set on interviewing him. Tim is extremely passionate Read More

INTERVIEW: Ted Tremper

Just love what you love and let that be the work that you do. It was a true pleasure interviewing Ted, as I have an incredible amount of respect for him as a person, performer and filmmaker. He's so talented and is such a genuinely kind human being. We met at iO on a late November morning and, truth be told, divulged a great deal of personal details, some of which Read More

INTERVIEW: TJ Jagodowski

I am truly the luckiest person I know. TJ Jagodowski is not only one of the most brilliant improvisers I have ever seen, he's also one of the nicest guys I've ever met. I've bumped into TJ a number of times around iO, but it wasn't until the end of October where I had the pleasure of taking a class taught by him. This man is a poet and every Read More

INTERVIEW: Jet Eveleth

Dream big and then do it. I met Jet at her apartment where she lives with her improviser beau, Brett Elam and his sister Erica. We chatted about where her name came from, some of life’s big questions, drinking sake before bed to live longer and then she told me the details of the secret she’s been keeping from everyone for the last two years… Alright Jet, the first thing I Read More

UPDATE: Welcome Brynne Ramella

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Social Media Guru

Brynne Ramella_LAFSPlease join us in welcoming Brynne Ramella to the LAFS team as the Social Media Coordinator! Brynne will be helping to manage LAFS’ social media accounts along with assisting in posting news and updates about the Chicago comedy community. Brynne is an essential addition to the LAFS team as we continue to grow and produce more and more content. Read More

NEWS: Thirsty Auditions Coming Up

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THIRSTY FOR MORE?

ThirstyHeads up folks, Thirsty: The Premiere Improv Drinking Party is holding auditions for full-time cast members for its seventh season at the Apollo Studio Theater. Guys, it’s drinking and improv, what’s not to like? Read More

VIDEO: Inside Yanky Candle

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Yanky Your Candle

Yanky CandleI’ve never really been into candles, but “Inside Yanky Candle” may have just changed that. Written by comedy duo Ayala Skopp and Drew Anderson, the video lets us into the minds of those who give candles their quirky and nonsensical names. Check it out, but be warned: you will never be able to look at a Yankee Candle without giggling ever again. Read More

KAYPE PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS LAFS RIOT

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LAFS TO TAKE OVER PUBLIC HOUSE

LAFS RIOT LogoFor the very first time, LAFS is hosting a one-night only comedy event – a theatre takeover, if you will. Thursday, October 2nd LAFS will morph into LAFS RIOT hosting twelve sketch and improv performances, in four shows at The Public House Theatre. LAFS RIOT will also be partnering with Gilda’s Club Chicago and that’s just the beginning…

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INTERVIEW: Matt Bryne & The Comedy Exposition

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The Comedy Expo Hits Tonight

The Comedy ExpositionWith the absence of Just For Laughs in Chicago, this city was left with a gapping wide hole for standups. But fear not, The Comedy Exposition starts tonight and lasts throughout this weekend. I spoke with Matt Byrne, one of the producers of the festival, to get a few more details.

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