Discover Chicago’s Thriving Comedy Scene
From John Belushi and Bill Murray to Stephen Colbert and Tina Fey, Chicago has been the launching pad for numerous comedians. Indeed, spending time in this Midwestern city has become a crucial step for aspiring comics on their journey to stardom. So, how did this unassuming town evolve into a powerhouse of comedy?
Back to the Beginning: The Early Days of Chicago Comedy
The journey began in 1955 with a group of young Hyde Park actors forming the Compass Players, who embraced improvisation over scripted performances. This innovative spirit laid the foundation for a rich comedic tradition. In 1959, after the Players disbanded, three members—Paul Sills, Bernard Sahlins, and Howard Alk—established a legendary troupe known as The Second City.
Since then, The Second City’s revues have delivered incisive commentaries on life, politics, and society through the lens of sharp wit. The company is celebrated for its blend of improv that keeps audiences rolling in laughter. Over nearly 60 years, The Second City has housed numerous comedic talents and continues to attract crowds to its Mainstage and intimate performances.
iO Theater: A Hub for Long-Form Improvisation
An essential player in the local scene is the iO Theater, founded by Del Close, who also played a pivotal role in mentoring many stars of The Second City. Established in 1981, iO Theater is renowned for its commitment to long-form improvisation. A popular highlight is the resident Improvised Shakespeare Company, which creates a hilarious two-act narrative starting from just one audience suggestion.
Modern Laughs: Chicago’s New Comedy Venues
Families looking for clean comedy will appreciate CSz, which hosts ComedySportz, an interactive, family-friendly improv experience where two teams compete through various games in a 90-minute show. On the flip side, the edgy Annoyance Theatre made its mark in the late ’80s with its audacious musical Coed Prison Sluts.
While Chicago is often synonymous with improv and sketch comedy, it also boasts a strong stand-up tradition. One notable venue is the Lincoln Lodge, which mixes stand-up showcases with lively man-on-the-street segments. Additionally, every Tuesday, the Beat Kitchen serves as a home for Chicago Underground Comedy, offering a platform for emerging talents who could one day become the next big names in comedy.
Eclectic Comedy Experiences
Some of the most interesting comedy experiences in Chicago defy categorization. The experimental theater group, Neo-Futurists, captivates audiences with their piece titled The Infinite Wrench, consisting of 30 plays performed in just 60 minutes. Meanwhile, NPR’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me invites witty pundits to humorously dissect the week’s news, offering audiences a chance to witness a live taping on Thursday nights at the Chase Bank Auditorium. Alternatively, Paper Machete presents a unique “live magazine” format that combines stand-up comedy, essays, music, and drama each week at the historic Green Mill.
A Festival of Punchlines
For serious comedy enthusiasts, Chicago is home to a variety of comedy festivals throughout the year. Notable among them is Stage 773, which hosts the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, the Chicago Nerd Comedy Fest, and the Chicago Women’s Funny Festival.
Sponsorship from The Onion lends prestige to the 26th Annual Comedy Festival, featuring established names such as Patton Oswalt and Nathan Fielder. The pinnacle of comedy events is undoubtedly the biennial Chicago Improv Festival, uniting a wide range of performers—from fresh college improvisers to seasoned pros— for an entire week of laughter that pays tribute to the Compass Players’ legacy.
