Hidden agenda
On the agenda: St. Vitus Theatre Company improv workshops at Christ the King Parish Center, 9247 S. Hoyne Ave., 773-750-3857
Check it out if you … are looking for a low-pressure way to get some practice talking in front of groups, always thought improv games looked like a blast, want to give performing a try without making a big commitment.
The deets: At 2 p.m. Saturdays, you can take a $10 workshop featuring games designed by the people who helped develop Chicago-style improv in the 1950s. Taught by St. Vitus Theatre member Tony Papaleo, classes are meant to help participants learn how to listen and communicate with others through cooperative exercises, rather than focusing on individual performances. There are no auditions, and drop-ins are welcome. A typical lesson features 10 to 12 people, and a 12-week session culminates with an optional show at a local coffeehouse.
The payoff: Remembering how fun it is to play pretend.
SAT
Improvised Simpsons
Wicker Park
A long-form improv show features characters from “The Simpsons” TV show in new locations and situations based on audience suggestions. 11:30 p.m. Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-598-4549. $10.
Armenian Winter Fest
Galewood
The inaugural indoor festival features Armenian food vendors and live music from The Hye-Vibes. 3 p.m. St. Gregory Armenian Church, 6700 W. Diversey Ave. 773-637-1711. Free.
Carnival of Carnality
West Town
A bash features live music from The Tiny Deaths and performances from escape artist Mystopher, Happy the Human Pincushion and a poi dancer. 11 p.m. Betty’s Blue Star Lounge, 1600 W. Grand Ave. 312-243-1699. $10.
REDEYE/MMX PICK
Green City Market
Lincoln Park
The market moves inside for the winter months (Jan. 16-April 24). Shop for smaller amounts of fresh produce and also pantry items, such as artisanal cheeses, meats, fish and poultry, apples, root vegetables, baked goods, sauces, fresh pasta and more, from about 25-35 vendors. 8 a.m. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive. 773-880-1266. Free.
National Wet Paint Exhibition
Bridgeport
A showcase of paintings by 52 emerging artists from throughout the U.S. Noon. Zhou B. Art Center, 1029 W. 35th St. 773-523-0200. Free.
Drinking & Writing Volume III:To Cure a Hangover
Andersonville
Swig while getting schooled on how writers have dealt with the aftereffects of alcohol. 4 p.m. Hopleaf Bar, 5148 N. Clark St. 773-334-9851. $15.
ALL WKND
REDEYE/MMX PICK
Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival
Lakeview
Need a good laugh? See more than 100 groups perform 150 shows on three stages during the ninth annual festival of funny, featuring groups from Chicago and around the world. Visit chicagosketchfest.com for a complete schedule. Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. 773-327-5252. $12.50 per show or $150 for all-festival pass.
Italics Film Series
Gold Coast
Rare 35mm films highlight social and political transformation in Italy. The series complements the museum’s current exhibit, “Italics: Italian Art between Tradition and Revolution 1968-2008.” Refreshments are available for purchase. Some films include subtitles. “Illustrious Corpses” (1 p.m.) and “Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion” (3 p.m.), Saturday and Sunday. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. 312-397-4010. $8.
THE GAMER
Who’s playing at home
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Northwestern vs. Purdue
4:30 p.m. Saturday, Welsh-Ryan Arena, Evanston
AHL
Wolves vs. Peoria
3 p.m. Sunday, Allstate Arena, Rosemont
