As many of you know, Chicago is one of the great hubs for comedic talent anywhere. While it might seem like improv rules supreme, there is way more than that here.
Improv/Sketch:
- At iO (Improv Olympic), they have two theatres. In the Cabaret Theatre, every Wednesday, you can see a FREE improv performance at 8:00pm. All of the late night shows Sunday through Thursday are $5. In the Del Close Theatre, all Sunday shows, Tuesday & Wednesday shows at 10:30pm, and Friday and Saturday midnight shows are $5. Also, if you haven’t seen TJ and Dave on Wednesday night at 11pm, you really need to go immediately. It’s two amazing performers (TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi) for only $5. Also, ask the box office if they have any 2 for 1 coupons.
- Every night, except Fridays, after the scripted show is over, you can go to Second City and see the cast perform improv for free (space permitting). Also, if you want to see up and coming performers, every Monday night at Second City’s Donny’s Skybox theatre, improv shows are only $5. Also, look for half-price tickets for the at Goldstar (here and here) and HotTix.
- At the Annoyance Theatre, they have both scripted shows and improv. Tuesday nights they have two improv shows for $8 BUT if you come for the first show, they will let you stay for the late show for free. Also, Thursday nights is Messing with a Friend. Susan Messing is one of the best performers in Chicago (and elsewhere) and the show is only $5. Lastly, most of their shows are available for half-off at Goldstar and HotTix.
- At The Playground Theater, Sunday night shows are free, Monday & Tuesday shows are $5, and the late night Thursday show is $5.
Stand-up:
- Sign up for the newsletter for the Lakeshore Theater. The Lakeshore is almost exclusively standup and the week of performances they often give away tickets for some or all of the performances if you receive their newsletter.
- Zanies’ in Old Town is a traditional stand-up venue. Take the time to comb through their schedule because suprising people pop up from time to time. Plus, when they have a Rising Star Showcase on Mondays, find out who is going up and often the performers have free tickets. Plus, check Goldstar for half priced tickets.
- Chicago Underground Comedy at the Beat Kitchen has stand-ups every Tuesday including a regular stable of amazing performers and well-known comedians dropping in when they are in town. $5 every Tuesday night.
- The Lincoln Lodge has some of the best line-ups in the city with many headliners being the best in alternative comedy. Always a great show (and awesome food and huge beer mugs.)
- Any stand-up open mic in the city allows you to see up-and-coming comics and regional mainstays practice and hone their act, usually good specials, and they’re free. And, if you have the nerve, you can go up as well.
September 29, 2009, 10:49am Comments
