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

REVIEW: Dating: Adults Embracing Failure @ The Royal George Theatre

posted on by Cameron Scheetz posted in Chatter, Reviews | Comments Off on REVIEW: Dating: Adults Embracing Failure @ The Royal George Theatre

The Trials & Errors of Romance.

Dating: Adults Embracing FailureWe place a lot of value on romantic relationships, so it always hurts to have them crumble. The simple truth is: not all couples are going to last. Though the thought may be disheartening, Dating: Adults Embracing Failure highlights the moments of hilarity and happiness in all relationships and proves that success is impossible without a little trial and error along the way. Read More

NEWS: Give Me 500 @ The Playground in August

posted on by Kiley Peters posted in Chatter, News/Updates | Comments Off on NEWS: Give Me 500 @ The Playground in August

Solo Sketch Tourney

Give Me 500The Playground Theater brings you Give Me 500, a weekend long celebration of solo sketch comedy. This event will be held Friday and Saturday, August 1st and 2nd. Cash prizes and the honor of being the inaugural Give Me 500 Champion will be doled out at the conclusion of the event.

Read More

REVIEW: The Improv Retreat

posted on by Dan DeSalva posted in Chatter, News/Updates | Comments Off on REVIEW: The Improv Retreat

First Annual Improv Retreat = Success

The Improv RetreatThe first annual Improv Retreat was about a month ago. It was incredible. To assist others in making their decision to attend next year, I’ve put together a brief rundown of what you could expect. One thing’s for sure: it’s a good time.

Read More

NEWS: New Stand-up Festival Hitting Chicago in July

posted on by Kiley Peters posted in Chatter, News/Updates | Comments Off on NEWS: New Stand-up Festival Hitting Chicago in July

Stand-up Round Up

Comedy ExpositionHeads up Chicago, July 11-13th The Comedy Exposition of 2014 will be spreading throughout Lakeview, Wicker Park and Logan Square. Chicago-based stand-ups Katie McVay, Stephanie Hasz, Zach Peterson and Goodrich Gevaart along with comedy producer and freelance writer Matt Byrne have pulled together a stand-up showcase to fill the void of Just For Laughs. Read More

REVIEW: Opportunity Rocks @ The Public House Theatre

posted on by Kiley Peters posted in Chatter, Reviews | Comments Off on REVIEW: Opportunity Rocks @ The Public House Theatre

Don’t Miss Yours

Opportunity RocksOpportunity Rocks is a satirical look on the backhanded stereotypes that fuel America and its promises of “opportunity.” Greg Ott and Bryan Duff have skillfully crafted a smart, informative and introspective show that I recommend for anyone interested in a thoughtful challenge and earned laugh.

Read More