Chicago is where many funny people got their feet wet, thanks to the huge improvisation community found here. Think of celebs like Bill Murray, Bonnie Hunt and Mike Myers; they were all schooled at area theaters. Lucky for us, local ha-ha houses continue to offer improv classes, which bring in both Hollywood hopefuls and business people looking to tap into newfound creativity. The following is a sampling of institutions known for their improv classes that let adults practice, perform and — most of all — play.
ANNOYANCE THEATRE, 3036 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-929-6200. Developing engaging scenes between classmates is the focus at Annoyance, a company long known for its avant-garde approach to theater. Director Mick Napier notes that the teachers lay down few rules, leaving students free to explore ideas. “We’ll give individual help to people,” adds Napier. “We’ll tell them what’s good and what’s lacking.” Annoyance’s three eight-week levels draw an adventuresome bunch. The next Level One program ($200) begins March 12.
COMEDYSPORTZ THEATRE, 2851 N. Halsted St.; 773-549-8080. This theater’s University program is a good foundation for business people seeking to enhance their communication skills or budding improvisers who want to sharpen their trade. The short-form improv, or “games,” taught here are similar to the antics seen on TV’s “Whose Line Is It Anyway.” “We provide training in the kind of improv that is used all over the world,” says director of outreach Matt Elwell. “We’re equipping people to find success outside of Chicago.” Four levels of classes are offered, along with electives that address specific techniques. The next eight-week introduction program ($200) begins March 10.
IMPROVOLYMPIC, 3541 N. Clark St.; 773-880-9993. This 20-year-old institution focuses on what training center director Liz Allen calls “emotionally driven, reality-based improvisation.” Students learn the art of “The Harold,” a type of long-form improvisation featuring a seamless series of scenes and group games based on a single audience suggestion. The five class levels focus on the power of ensemble work, and students may wind up on a performance team by teacher recommendation. Classes here are known to fill up fast. The next eight-week Level One session ($210) begins Thursday.
PLAYERS WORKSHOP, Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, 777 N. Green St.; 312-377-8757. Classes offered by Players Workshop, which was the training program of The Second City until 1992, don’t focus on how to be funny. “We teach creativity,” says managing director Steve Roath. “It’s a safe place where most beginners start.” Its first-year program, made up of seven terms, focuses on non-competitive scene work and team building. The more intensive second-year program gets students delving into on-camera work, musical improv and other career-building acting disciplines. Every month marks the start of a new first term ($210).
THE SECOND CITY, 1616 N. Wells St.; 312-664-3959. Classes take place at the theater’s new, 5,000-square-foot facility, on the top floor of Piper’s Alley. Its Beginning Program, featuring five eight-week sessions, draws a diverse crowd. Classic, quick-hit improv games are taught, along with more intense scene and character development work. “Most of all, you learn about how to communicate . . . you learn about life,” says training center director Rob Chambers. “It’s about how to think creatively and find creativity within yourself.” Second City also offers a writing program and a conservatory for more rigorous training. The next Level “A” session ($225) begins March 11.
