Comedy: An Intern's Insight

Now about a month into my communications internship, I can truly say that interning at HI-Chicago is great experience. From the staff I work with, the travelers I meet and the amazing city I get to be a part of, I couldn’t want any more out of a summer experience. Living my whole life in Ohio, I have been asked a few times, much like the travelers staying here, “what brings you to Chicago?” Aside from the rich neighborhood culture, amazing architecture, flourishing nightlife, delicious food, lakefront beauty, and endless concerts, festivals, blues clubs, etc. (yes, I really could go on), there is one thing that keeps the masses flocking: Comedy.

(http://www.secondcity.com/performances/chicago/calendarandtickets/)

Known for producing such household names as Steve Carrell, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Chris Farley, Stephen Colbert, Bill Murray (again, yes, I really could go on), the Chicago comedy scene has been entertaining travelers and Chicagoans alike, as well as molding the next comedic masterminds for years. The opening of Second City in 1959 opened the door for itself and other theaters like iO to provide an outlet for this crazy world to flourish.

http://ioimprov.com/chicago/schedule/0/6/2012

It was three years ago on a sunny afternoon, my first, as a college undergraduate, free to roam the student-covered paths of The Ohio State University’s campus. Pamphlets were being shot into my hands left and right…for the Salsa Dancing Club, I was too uncoordinated…for the Wine Tasting Club, I, unfortunately, was not old enough…for the Barbeque club, I, what? You guys have a club for that? Yes. (also - really, really could keep going)…and then…auditions for the 8^th Floor Improv Comedy Group.

Was I funny? Would I embarrass myself? Should I just go back to my dorm? All of these thoughts raced through my head as I walked the two blocks to the audition. As I approached the escalator to the second floor that held my fears and anticipation I suddenly reached a level of calm with one thought: This was my clean slate. This was my chance to really be myself. If others accepted me for that then great, if not, then…well, I didn’t have to worry about that because I made the group!

It is that experience of putting myself out there, throwing caution to the wind in hopes of a great experience that attracts me to the hostelling lifestyle. Yes, it is a great, inexpensive way to see the world. But it is also a way to become a part of a community, for however long you may be in one place. It is a way to meet people who share similar wants and drives with so many different backgrounds and stories to share.

I am currently taking classes at iO and am trying to see as many improv and comedy shows as possible. I hope to bring you more information on Chicago’s great comedy theaters and their histories, classes/workshops and current shows during the rest of my time with HI-Chicago!

Written by Intern Jess Scherer