Nov 21, 2009 at 10:30 AM CST (10:00 AM DOORS) Storytown - iO's Improvised Fairy Tale at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $5.00

Welcome to Storytown. Population ? fun.

Storytown is an interactive arts experience that combines improvisation, music, and storytelling into an unforgettable make-believe theater event.

The audience is a pivotal part of the fun, as each story is woven together based on the suggestions from them. From the start children are involved by choosing the costumes for our characters and drawing the backdrop for our stage. As our story unfolds, graphic artists construct props, build backdrops, modify costumes, and otherwise improvise an environment as silly and unique as the story as it unfolds before the audience. An improvisational pianist provides music to score the songs created on the spot.

Kids actively participate in throwing twist and turns in the plot, becoming characters in the story, and assisting the players whenever possible.

Saturdays at 10:30am

iO Theater

3541 N Clark Street

Chicago, IL 60657

$5

Nov 21, 2009 at 8:00 PM CST (7:15 PM DOORS) Whirled News Tonight at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $14.00

?Newspeak? is the first production for the Whirled News Tonight team and strives to not only provide a satirical turn on current events, but to provide another, human, point of view of those stories.

When the audience arrives they will be brought to a table with several local and national publications where they can cut out any articles they are interested in and tack them onto several bulletin boards onstage. The cast will randomly choose articles on which to base their improvisation.

Saturdays @ 08:00 PM in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $14

Nov 21, 2009 at 8:00 PM CST (7:15 PM DOORS) The Harold Show with The iO Musical featuring The Deltones at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $14.00

The Harold

Created by Del Close and Charna Halpern, The Harold begins with an audience suggestion. A team of improvisers fully explore the suggestion through scenes and games, creaing disparate stories, characters and themes the eventually weave together seamlessly, like the instruments of a jazz band.

The Deltones

One of iO's premiere ensembles performing a completely improvised musical. The cast includes members of other hit iO shows and teams including The Reckoning, Bullet Lounge, Improvised Shakespeare, Carl and the Passions and many more!

Saturdays @ 8:00 PM in the Cabaret - tickets are $14

Nov 21, 2009 at 10:30 PM CST (10:00 PM DOORS) The Harold Show at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $14.00

The Harold

Created by Del Close and Charna Halpern, The Harold begins with an audience suggestion. A team of improvisers fully explore the suggestion through scenes and games, creaing disparate stories, characters and themes the eventually weave together seamlessly, like the instruments of a jazz band.

Sundays, Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 8 PM - tickets are $12

Fridays & Saturdays @ 8 PM & 10:30 PM - tickets are $14

all shows are in the Cabaret, and an additional Harold appears with Felt in the Del Close Theater, Wednesdays at 8pm for $5.

Nov 21, 2009 at 10:30 PM CST (10:00 PM DOORS) The Cupid Players present Cupid Has a Heart On at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $18.00

The Cupid Players are Chicago?s all-musical sketch comedy group; their intelligent and satirical scenes are always accompanied by songs that are sure to puncture your aorta. They have performed from coast to coast and were just voted Critics Pick in the Chicago Reader! Come and see what Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune calls ?both refreshing and a memorably enjoyable 70 minutes.?

"Must See" - Time Out Chicago

"Critic's Choice" - Chicago Reader

"A show worth catching. The work is far better than some far more expensive relationship-musicals in town. 'Cupid' is full of wit & zest." - Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

"A rarity in the Chicago sketch scene." - Windy City Times

"...sharply original...will make you laugh." - New City

"You are still laughing three days later." - Chicago Arts and Entertainment

Saturdays @ 10:30 PM in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $18

Nov 21, 2009 at 11:59 PM CST Challenger and BlackOut at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $5.00

Challenger

iO veterans bring a high-energy, kick-ass brand of explosive comedy to this late-night show.

BlackOut

The all African-American cast of BlackOut thought they knew a thing or two about Civil Rights?BUT THEY WERE WRONG.iO Chicago spits in the face of the unspoken racial barriers with this show. BlackOut, gets intergrated, when a white(or anything not black) improv/entertainment big dog guest performs with the crew for what promises to be a night to be misunderstood by the close minded(did we just get real?).

Saturdays @ Midnight in the Cabaret Theater - tickets are $5

Nov 21, 2009 at 11:59 PM CST (11:44 PM DOORS) The Improvised Star Trek at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $5.00

The Improvised Star Trek

Explore strange new characters. Seek out new laughs, new forms of improvized comedy. Boldly go where no Star Trek fans have gone before!

Based on an original title suggested by the audience, the cast creates a fully improvised ?episode? detailing the adventures of a lesser-known crew on a less ?enterprising? starship. Set in the world of Star Trek: The Next Generation, each hour could contain first contact with alien species, time travel, mind control, intergalactic intrigue, unexplained phenomena, the eminent destruction of the entire quadrant, or all of the above!

Starring: Griffen Eckstein, Sean Kelley, Shad Kunkle, Michael Maltz, Charlie McCrackin, Chris Rathjen, Matt Young, Irene Marquette, Joe Phillips

Saturdays @ Midnight in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $5

Nov 22, 2009 at 8:00 PM CST (7:15 PM DOORS) The Harold Show at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $12.00

The Harold

Created by Del Close and Charna Halpern, The Harold begins with an audience suggestion. A team of improvisers fully explore the suggestion through scenes and games, creating disparate stories, characters and themes that eventually weave together seamlessly, like the instruments of a jazz band.

Sundays & Thursdays @ 8 PM - tickets are $12

Fridays & Saturdays @ 8 PM & 10:30 PM - tickets are $14

All shows are in the Cabaret. Tickets for Wednesday's additional FREE Harold Show are available only at the door.

Nov 22, 2009 at 10:30 PM CST (10:00 PM DOORS) Middle Age Comeback and 3033 at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $5.00

Middle Age Comeback

Jim Carlson and Craig Uhlir have been working and playing together for over 12 years. Watch as they wind up the crank on the funny machine and let ?er rip. Tuck in your shirts folks, because they?re about to blow your nipples clean off. 30 minutes of fully improvised goodness. Middle Aged Comeback, they?re halfway between started and done.

3033

After nearly a decade of exploring the unknown together, these veteran improvisers re-unite to continue that journey.

Sundays @ 10:30 PM in The Cabaret Theater - tickets are $5

Nov 22, 2009 at 10:30 PM CST Almost Atlanta and Family Tree House Boat Accident at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $5.00

Almost Atlanta

Almost Atlanta is a mostly improvised show, inviting new guests of different art forms to be integrated into the improv and theme of each week's show! Depending on the week you may see: a short film, a violinist, a beat poet, a dancer, a visual artist, a classical singer and more...

Starring: TJ Jagodowski, Noah Gregoropoulos, Linda Orr, Ted Tremper, Annie Donley, Annie Calhoun (Assisted by Nick Johne and Adal Rifai)

Family Tree House Boat Accident

Each show, three iO vereran performers create a new improvised form inspired by the past week. Don?t miss this thrilling series of one-time-only events.

Family Tree House Boat Accident: An enjoyable ride from before to after.

Starring: Tim Baltz, Jordan Klepper, Seth Weitberg

Sundays @ 10:30 PM in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $5

Nov 23, 2009 at 8:30 PM CST (8:00 PM DOORS) The Armando Diaz Experience Theatrical Movement and Hootenanny at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $12.00

The Armando Diaz Experience, Theatrical Movement, and Hootenanny

"The Armando Diaz Experience" is long-form improvisation in which a monologist tells personal stories that provides the inspiration for the resulting scenes. The cast is a group of i.O.'s most accomplished performers and alumni, making this show a Monday-night smash for years! "The Armando Diaz Experience" is frequently joined by guests from "MADtv," "Saturday Night Live," "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," the Second City and more!

Mondays @ 8:30 PM in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $12

Nov 24, 2009 at 8:00 PM CST (7:15 PM DOORS) Michael Pizza plus B-Sides and Deep Cuts at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $12.00

Michael Pizza

Four idiot friends who love to show their chest hair, pee with the door open and talk while they should be paying attention to their coach. Oh, and they also believe in the art of improv and love to heighten each other?s ideas into a cohesive piece of work. Fresh off their championship win at iO?s 2009 $800 Cage Match, Michael Pizza focuses on creating a unique and interesting show that incorporates all of iO?s teachings. Fast or slow, Michael Pizza is always supportive, committed and ready to follow the fun.

Starring: Eric Christensen, Ben Kass, Josh Logan, Brett Elam

B-Sides and Deep Cuts

You may be familiar with the work of Bill Arnett: the improviser (The Armando Diaz Show, 3033). Or Bill Arnett: the sketch writer/performer (Maximum Party Zone). You may not be familiar with Bill Arnett: the short film maker. His new show, B-Sides and Deep Cuts, is a collection of short, hilarious videos presented in an inventive format. The movies tackle issues like abortion (always funny), very old relatives (sometimes funny/sometimes not), and how to fly a 767 (never funny until now!). Bill Arnett's unique style and perspective will entertain.

Tuesdays @ 08:00 PM in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $12

Nov 24, 2009 at 8:00 PM CST (7:15 PM DOORS) To What End? and Cook County Social Club at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $12.00

To What End?

Thin, beautiful slices of life, seared in the heat of the moment and stewed in their own juices until fall-off-the-bone tender, served in a rich, dark sauce infused with possibilities. Guanteed to satisfy all improvised comedy cravings, it's sweet and salty with a hint of bitterness and plenty of tang.

Cook County Social Club

This veteran foursome has been dominating the Chicago improv scene with a brand of bold, high energy improv that is guaranteed to blow you away. Varying speeds like an elite racing car this finely tuned machine seems to raise the bar just about every time they take the stage.

Tuesdays @ 08:00 PM in the Cabaret Theater - tickets are $12

Nov 24, 2009 at 10:00 PM CST (9:45 PM DOORS) 21st Century Men and Black Ted Williams and Ginger Snaps at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $5.00

21st Century Men

George McAuliffe, Farrell Walsh, Rob White perform their decidedly dark brand of improvisational comedy. All members of the iO house team Revolver, the trio has performed in theaters around Chicago since 2006.

Black Ted Williams

Barry Hite and Kevin Sciretta present two-man improvisation, inspired by their fascination with and appreciation for all things grand and tragic.

Ginger Snaps

Shunned by the world at large, these two gingers (Brendan Jennings and Emily Wilson) have no choice but to make you laugh.

Tuesdays @ 10:00 PM in the Cabaret Theater - tickets are $5

Nov 24, 2009 at 10:30 PM CST (10:00 PM DOORS) iO presents The Reckoning at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $5.00

One of iO?s greatest teams performs a completely unique show every single week.

Tuesdays they let loose, experimenting with forms and styles. Past Tuesday shows have included stage versions of films and stand-up sets by each player.

Tuesdays @ 10:30 PM in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $5

Nov 25, 2009 at 8:00 PM CST (7:15 PM DOORS) Felt at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $5.00

Felt adds a touch of fun to the traditional improv show mainly because it?s cast is not human. The cast of Felt is made up of 9 unique puppets that do their best to perform some of the most well-known forms created or inspired by the iO Theater over the years. This show may not be suitable for children.

Appearing with an iO Harold Team.

"It's as if the cast of Crank Yankers decided to hang up the phone and present an adult-themed show." - Time Out Chicago

"...few things are funnier than puppets behaving badly." - Chicago Tribune

""Best Bet" It takes 'Tickle Me Elmo' to a whole new level." - Metromix

""Critic's Choice" Felt is improv cut from new cloth." - Chicago Reader

Wednesdays @ 8:00 PM in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $5

Nov 25, 2009 at 10:30 PM CST (10:00 PM DOORS) Close Quarters at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $5.00

Close Quarters

A new ensemble stands on the shoulders of giants. Close Quarters explores space, time, and character through a form originally conceived by an incredible cast and its director, Noah Gregoropoulos.

Directed by Alex Fendrich.

Starring: Barry Hite, Lisa Linke, George McAuliffe, Jason Chin, Farrell Walsh, Sarah Fineout, Ryan Dolan, Rob White

Wednesdays @ 10:30 PM in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $5

Nov 25, 2009 at 11:00 PM CST (10:15 PM DOORS) TJ and Dave at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $5.00

TJ and Dave

One of the most critically acclaimed improv shows in the country, Second City alumni TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi promise ?this is all made up? as they create a 45-minute showcase for elaborately imagined characters whose relationships reveal the wildly funny quirks of human nature. If you?ve never seen long-form improv before, this is an excellent place to start.

Starring: TJ Jagodowski, Dave Pasquesi

Wednesdays @ 11:00 PM in the Cabaret Theater - tickets are $5

Nov 27, 2009 at 8:00 PM CST (7:15 PM DOORS) Improvised Shakespeare Company at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $14.00

Based on one audience suggestion (a title for a play that has yet to be written) The Improvised Shakespeare Co. creates a fully improvised play in Elizabethan style. Each of the players has brushed up on his ?thee?s? and ?thou?s? to bring you an evening of off-the-cuff comedy using the language and themes of William Shakespeare. Any hour could be filled with power struggles, star-crossed lovers, sprites, kings, queens, princesses, sword-play, rhyming couplets, asides, insults, persons in disguise and all that we?ve come to expect from the pen of the Great Bard. The night could reveal a tragedy, comedy, or history. Nothing is planned-out. Each play is completely improvised, so each play is entirely new!

Fridays @ 08:00 PM in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $14

Nov 27, 2009 at 8:00 PM CST (7:15 PM DOORS) 1, 2, 3, Fag! at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $14.00

1, 2, 3, Fag!

Fresh off the stilettoed heels of a successful run in the gay comedy showcase Qweirdo, improv group ?1, 2, 3, Fag!? is thrilled to announce that they will be headlining a show at Chicago?s premiere long form venue, iO, starting July 31st for two months!

?1, 2, 3, Fag!? features Seth Dodson, John Hartman and Kellen Alexander, three of Chicago?s boldest and brightest improvisers performing in their own unique form. Time Out Chicago?s Jason Heidemann describes it as, ?? a fast-paced, frenetic four-scene framework (hence the name), they switch characters unexpectedly, play multiple roles within a scene and build toward an unexpected finale.?

Joining ?1, 2, 3 Fag!? every night will be a different iO Harold team.

Fridays @ 08:00 PM in the Cabaret Theater - tickets are $14

Nov 27, 2009 at 10:30 PM CST (10:00 PM DOORS) The Harold Show at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $14.00

The Harold

Created by Del Close and Charna Halpern, The Harold begins with an audience suggestion. A team of improvisers fully explore the suggestion through scenes and games, creaing disparate stories, characters and themes the eventually weave together seamlessly, like the instruments of a jazz band.

Sundays, Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 8 PM - tickets are $12

Fridays & Saturdays @ 8 PM & 10:30 PM - tickets are $14

all shows are in the Cabaret, and an additional Harold appears with Felt in the Del Close Theater, Wednesdays at 8pm for $5.

Nov 27, 2009 at 10:30 PM CST (9:45 PM DOORS) Improvised Shakespeare Company at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $14.00

Based on one audience suggestion (a title for a play that has yet to be written) The Improvised Shakespeare Co. creates a fully improvised play in Elizabethan style. Each of the players has brushed up on his ?thee?s? and ?thou?s? to bring you an evening of off-the-cuff comedy using the language and themes of William Shakespeare. Any hour could be filled with power struggles, star-crossed lovers, sprites, kings, queens, princesses, sword-play, rhyming couplets, asides, insults, persons in disguise and all that we?ve come to expect from the pen of the Great Bard. The night could reveal a tragedy, comedy, or history. Nothing is planned-out. Each play is completely improvised, so each play is entirely new!

Fridays @ 08:00 and 10:30 PM in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $14

Nov 27, 2009 at 11:59 PM CST (11:44 PM DOORS) The Improv Jam at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $3.00

The Jam

In this midnight laugh-fest, you the audience can come up on stage and play alongside some of iO?s best veterans! This show is a blast, whether you want to play or just sit back and enjoy the spectacle.

Fridays @ Midnight in the Cabaret Theater - tickets are $3

Nov 27, 2009 at 11:59 PM CST (11:44 PM DOORS) Bonér Petíte's Very Merry Christmas at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $5.00

Bonér Petíte's Very Merry Christmas

Bonér Petíte's Very Merry Christmas is an improv show that is inspired by the holiday season.

Please join the ladies of Bonér Petíte as they improvise their way through the holidays (Really though, is there any other way to get through the holidays?) No spirit left behind?everyone?s spirit will leave in the holiday spirit. Everyone.

Saturdays @ Midnight in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $5

Nov 28, 2009 at 10:30 AM CST (10:00 AM DOORS) Storytown - iO's Improvised Fairy Tale at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $5.00

Welcome to Storytown. Population ? fun.

Storytown is an interactive arts experience that combines improvisation, music, and storytelling into an unforgettable make-believe theater event.

The audience is a pivotal part of the fun, as each story is woven together based on the suggestions from them. From the start children are involved by choosing the costumes for our characters and drawing the backdrop for our stage. As our story unfolds, graphic artists construct props, build backdrops, modify costumes, and otherwise improvise an environment as silly and unique as the story as it unfolds before the audience. An improvisational pianist provides music to score the songs created on the spot.

Kids actively participate in throwing twist and turns in the plot, becoming characters in the story, and assisting the players whenever possible.

Saturdays at 10:30am

iO Theater

3541 N Clark Street

Chicago, IL 60657

$5

Nov 28, 2009 at 8:00 PM CST (7:15 PM DOORS) Whirled News Tonight at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $14.00

?Newspeak? is the first production for the Whirled News Tonight team and strives to not only provide a satirical turn on current events, but to provide another, human, point of view of those stories.

When the audience arrives they will be brought to a table with several local and national publications where they can cut out any articles they are interested in and tack them onto several bulletin boards onstage. The cast will randomly choose articles on which to base their improvisation.

Saturdays @ 08:00 PM in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $14

Nov 28, 2009 at 8:00 PM CST (7:15 PM DOORS) The Harold Show with The iO Musical featuring The Deltones at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $14.00

The Harold

Created by Del Close and Charna Halpern, The Harold begins with an audience suggestion. A team of improvisers fully explore the suggestion through scenes and games, creaing disparate stories, characters and themes the eventually weave together seamlessly, like the instruments of a jazz band.

The Deltones

One of iO's premiere ensembles performing a completely improvised musical. The cast includes members of other hit iO shows and teams including The Reckoning, Bullet Lounge, Improvised Shakespeare, Carl and the Passions and many more!

Saturdays @ 8:00 PM in the Cabaret - tickets are $14

Nov 28, 2009 at 10:30 PM CST (10:00 PM DOORS) The Harold Show at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $14.00

The Harold

Created by Del Close and Charna Halpern, The Harold begins with an audience suggestion. A team of improvisers fully explore the suggestion through scenes and games, creaing disparate stories, characters and themes the eventually weave together seamlessly, like the instruments of a jazz band.

Sundays, Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 8 PM - tickets are $12

Fridays & Saturdays @ 8 PM & 10:30 PM - tickets are $14

all shows are in the Cabaret, and an additional Harold appears with Felt in the Del Close Theater, Wednesdays at 8pm for $5.

Nov 28, 2009 at 10:30 PM CST (10:00 PM DOORS) The Cupid Players present Cupid Has a Heart On at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $18.00

The Cupid Players are Chicago?s all-musical sketch comedy group; their intelligent and satirical scenes are always accompanied by songs that are sure to puncture your aorta. They have performed from coast to coast and were just voted Critics Pick in the Chicago Reader! Come and see what Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune calls ?both refreshing and a memorably enjoyable 70 minutes.?

"Must See" - Time Out Chicago

"Critic's Choice" - Chicago Reader

"A show worth catching. The work is far better than some far more expensive relationship-musicals in town. 'Cupid' is full of wit & zest." - Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

"A rarity in the Chicago sketch scene." - Windy City Times

"...sharply original...will make you laugh." - New City

"You are still laughing three days later." - Chicago Arts and Entertainment

Saturdays @ 10:30 PM in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $18

Nov 28, 2009 at 11:59 PM CST Challenger and BlackOut at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $5.00

Challenger

iO veterans bring a high-energy, kick-ass brand of explosive comedy to this late-night show.

BlackOut

The all African-American cast of BlackOut thought they knew a thing or two about Civil Rights?BUT THEY WERE WRONG.iO Chicago spits in the face of the unspoken racial barriers with this show. BlackOut, gets intergrated, when a white(or anything not black) improv/entertainment big dog guest performs with the crew for what promises to be a night to be misunderstood by the close minded(did we just get real?).

Saturdays @ Midnight in the Cabaret Theater - tickets are $5

Nov 28, 2009 at 11:59 PM CST (11:44 PM DOORS) The Improvised Star Trek at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $5.00

The Improvised Star Trek

Explore strange new characters. Seek out new laughs, new forms of improvized comedy. Boldly go where no Star Trek fans have gone before!

Based on an original title suggested by the audience, the cast creates a fully improvised ?episode? detailing the adventures of a lesser-known crew on a less ?enterprising? starship. Set in the world of Star Trek: The Next Generation, each hour could contain first contact with alien species, time travel, mind control, intergalactic intrigue, unexplained phenomena, the eminent destruction of the entire quadrant, or all of the above!

Starring: Griffen Eckstein, Sean Kelley, Shad Kunkle, Michael Maltz, Charlie McCrackin, Chris Rathjen, Matt Young, Irene Marquette, Joe Phillips

Saturdays @ Midnight in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $5

Nov 29, 2009 at 8:00 PM CST (7:15 PM DOORS) The Harold Show at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $12.00

The Harold

Created by Del Close and Charna Halpern, The Harold begins with an audience suggestion. A team of improvisers fully explore the suggestion through scenes and games, creating disparate stories, characters and themes that eventually weave together seamlessly, like the instruments of a jazz band.

Sundays & Thursdays @ 8 PM - tickets are $12

Fridays & Saturdays @ 8 PM & 10:30 PM - tickets are $14

All shows are in the Cabaret. Tickets for Wednesday's additional FREE Harold Show are available only at the door.

Nov 29, 2009 at 9:30 PM CST Almost Atlanta and Family Tree House Boat Accident at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $5.00

Almost Atlanta

Almost Atlanta is a mostly improvised show, inviting new guests of different art forms to be integrated into the improv and theme of each week's show! Depending on the week you may see: a short film, a violinist, a beat poet, a dancer, a visual artist, a classical singer and more...

Starring: TJ Jagodowski, Noah Gregoropoulos, Linda Orr, Ted Tremper, Annie Donley, Annie Calhoun (Assisted by Nick Johne and Adal Rifai)

Family Tree House Boat Accident

Each show, three iO vereran performers create a new improvised form inspired by the past week. Don?t miss this thrilling series of one-time-only events.

Family Tree House Boat Accident: An enjoyable ride from before to after.

Starring: Tim Baltz, Jordan Klepper, Seth Weitberg

Sundays @ 10:30 PM in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $5

Nov 29, 2009 at 10:30 PM CST (10:00 PM DOORS) Middle Age Comeback and 3033 at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $5.00

Middle Age Comeback

Jim Carlson and Craig Uhlir have been working and playing together for over 12 years. Watch as they wind up the crank on the funny machine and let ?er rip. Tuck in your shirts folks, because they?re about to blow your nipples clean off. 30 minutes of fully improvised goodness. Middle Aged Comeback, they?re halfway between started and done.

3033

After nearly a decade of exploring the unknown together, these veteran improvisers re-unite to continue that journey.

Sundays @ 10:30 PM in The Cabaret Theater - tickets are $5

Nov 29, 2009 at 11:00 PM CST Uncle's Brother at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $10.00

Uncle's Brother

Saturday Night Live alumnus Tim Meadows joins up with Second City Mainstage cast members and iO alumni Brad Morris and Joe Canale, to form one of the funniest trios you?ll ever see improvise. A must-see!

Starring: Joe Canale, Tim Meadows, Brad Morris

Sunday, November 29 @ 11:00 PM in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $10

Sunday, December 13 @ 11:00 PM in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $10

Nov 30, 2009 at 8:30 PM CST (8:00 PM DOORS) The Armando Diaz Experience Theatrical Movement and Hootenanny at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $12.00

The Armando Diaz Experience, Theatrical Movement, and Hootenanny

"The Armando Diaz Experience" is long-form improvisation in which a monologist tells personal stories that provides the inspiration for the resulting scenes. The cast is a group of i.O.'s most accomplished performers and alumni, making this show a Monday-night smash for years! "The Armando Diaz Experience" is frequently joined by guests from "MADtv," "Saturday Night Live," "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," the Second City and more!

Mondays @ 8:30 PM in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $12

Dec 1, 2009 at 8:00 PM CST (7:15 PM DOORS) To What End? and Cook County Social Club at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $12.00

To What End?

Thin, beautiful slices of life, seared in the heat of the moment and stewed in their own juices until fall-off-the-bone tender, served in a rich, dark sauce infused with possibilities. Guanteed to satisfy all improvised comedy cravings, it's sweet and salty with a hint of bitterness and plenty of tang.

Cook County Social Club

This veteran foursome has been dominating the Chicago improv scene with a brand of bold, high energy improv that is guaranteed to blow you away. Varying speeds like an elite racing car this finely tuned machine seems to raise the bar just about every time they take the stage.

Tuesdays @ 08:00 PM in the Cabaret Theater - tickets are $12

Dec 1, 2009 at 8:00 PM CST (7:15 PM DOORS) Michael Pizza plus B-Sides and Deep Cuts at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $12.00

Michael Pizza

Four idiot friends who love to show their chest hair, pee with the door open and talk while they should be paying attention to their coach. Oh, and they also believe in the art of improv and love to heighten each other?s ideas into a cohesive piece of work. Fresh off their championship win at iO?s 2009 $800 Cage Match, Michael Pizza focuses on creating a unique and interesting show that incorporates all of iO?s teachings. Fast or slow, Michael Pizza is always supportive, committed and ready to follow the fun.

Starring: Eric Christensen, Ben Kass, Josh Logan, Brett Elam

B-Sides and Deep Cuts

You may be familiar with the work of Bill Arnett: the improviser (The Armando Diaz Show, 3033). Or Bill Arnett: the sketch writer/performer (Maximum Party Zone). You may not be familiar with Bill Arnett: the short film maker. His new show, B-Sides and Deep Cuts, is a collection of short, hilarious videos presented in an inventive format. The movies tackle issues like abortion (always funny), very old relatives (sometimes funny/sometimes not), and how to fly a 767 (never funny until now!). Bill Arnett's unique style and perspective will entertain.

Tuesdays @ 08:00 PM in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $12

Dec 1, 2009 at 10:00 PM CST (9:45 PM DOORS) 21st Century Men and Black Ted Williams and Ginger Snaps at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $5.00

21st Century Men

George McAuliffe, Farrell Walsh, Rob White perform their decidedly dark brand of improvisational comedy. All members of the iO house team Revolver, the trio has performed in theaters around Chicago since 2006.

Black Ted Williams

Barry Hite and Kevin Sciretta present two-man improvisation, inspired by their fascination with and appreciation for all things grand and tragic.

Ginger Snaps

Shunned by the world at large, these two gingers (Brendan Jennings and Emily Wilson) have no choice but to make you laugh.

Tuesdays @ 10:00 PM in the Cabaret Theater - tickets are $5

Dec 1, 2009 at 10:30 PM CST (10:00 PM DOORS) iO presents The Reckoning at iO Theater - Chicago, IL $5.00

One of iO?s greatest teams performs a completely unique show every single week.

Tuesdays they let loose, experimenting with forms and styles. Past Tuesday shows have included stage versions of films and stand-up sets by each player.

Tuesdays @ 10:30 PM in the Del Close Theater - tickets are $5