Guide to Chicago's Comedy Theaters

So maybe you've heard Chicago is known for Comedy, or someone said that you just have to catch a Second City show while you're in town. But where are these great comedy theaters? What shows should you see? Are they near public transportation?

I'm here to put your comedy woes at ease with this easy guide to Chicago's best comedy theaters! If you've read one of my previous posts you know I'm crazy about comedy, improv specifically, and have been trying to see as many shows as possible this summer. Over the past few months I've collected my fair share of favorites and recommendations that I can't wait to share with you!

iO

What: http://ioimprov.com/chicago/

Where: 3541 N. Clark St, Take the Red line to Addison

Why: Has great shows, up to 6 a night, each day of the week. Offers long-form (scene based, not games) Improv and Sketch. 

*Intern Pick: See Revolver, Friday @10:30pm, or Felt (puppets doing improv!) Wednesday @8pm followed by Dummy @10:30pm - though, as my personal favorite theater, you couldn't go wrong any day of the week!

The Second City

What: http://www.secondcity.com

Where: 1616 N. Wells St, Take the Brown line to Sedgwick

Why: One of the oldest, highly recognized comedy theaters in Chicago and the U.S. Offers improv, sketch, and musical comedy.

*Intern Pick: See The Second City's Improv All-Stars, Mondays @8:30pm

ComedySportz

What: http://www.comedysportzchicago.com/

Where: 929 W. Belmont Ave, Take Red line to Belmont

Why: Great for families or if you prefer good, clean, laughs. Offers Improv, sketch and standup.

Annoyance Theater

What: http://annoyanceproductions.com/

Where: 4830 North Broadway, Take the Red line to Lawrence

Why: Offers a wide range of comedy from improv, sketch, musical comedy and plays. 

*Intern Pick: See Messing with a Friend, Thursdays @10:30pm

The Playground Theater

What: http://www.the-playground.com/

Where: 3209 N. Halsted St, Take the Red line to Belmont

Why: A very small, very fun theater! Enjoy an intimate comedy experience, at this BYOB theater. Offers Improv and Sketch.

*Intern Pick: See Big Yellow Bus, Thursday @8pm

Written by Intern Jess Scherer

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

Itinerary Ideas: Under 21 Fun

Under 21? Here are some options for a night out in Chicago:

Hookah Bar:
Samah (18+)
3330 North Clark Street, CTA Brown/Red/Purple Line to Belmont
Enjoy the magical decor and a cozy lounge environment at this Lakeview Hookah Bar. Call for reservations (773-248-4606) if you plan to go with a group.
Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-3am, Sun 5pm-12am

An All-American Baseball Game:Chicago has two Major League Baseball teams; the Cubs, representing the North Side, and the White Sox, representing the South Side.
· Cubs at Wrigley Field (all ages), 1060 West Addison Street, CTA Red Line (towards Howard) à Addison
· White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field, 333 W 35th Street, CTA Red Line (towards 95th/Dan Ryan) à Sox/35th
Visit the teams’ websites to see game dates/prices. Cheaper tickets can sometimes be found on StubHub or Craigslist.
www.cubs.com and www. whitesox.mlb.com
www.stubhub.com/chicago-cubs-tickets/
www.stubhub.com/chicago-white-sox-tickets/

Live Music:
Uncommon Ground (18+)
3800 N. Clark, CTA Red Line (towards Howard) à Addison
A relaxing coffeehouse with great live acoustic acts almost every night of the week. Most music starts around 8pm. Call for reservations if you would like to enjoy a meal during the performance. Call (773-929-3680‎) or check out their website for performance details.
www.uncommonground.com
Hours: Mon-Thurs, Sun 9am-12am, Fri-Sat 9am-2am

Concert Venue:
Metro (all ages, 18+)
3730 N. Clark, CTA Red Line à Addison
All early shows (6pm) are all ages, later shows (9pm) are usually 18+ to enter. Concerts range from Indie bands to punk rock to hip hop and more! Visit their website for concert listings.
www.metrochicago.com

Billiards:
Chris’s Billiards (18+)
4637 Milwaukee Avenue, CTA Blue Line (towards O’Hare) à Jefferson Park Transit Center
Play some pool, grab a bite to eat and spend some time at this local hangout. Chris’s have a vintage pool hall feel and over 40 tables. Parts of the movie “The Color of Money” was filmed here too! Call (773-286-4714‎) to ask if there is a waiting list for tables.
Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-2am

Comedy Clubs:
Experiencing this historic comedy club should definitely be on your list of things to do in Chicago. Check out these great venues:
· Second City, 1616 North Wells Street, CTA Brown Line à Sedgwick, (312) 337-3992‎, www.secondcity.com. All ages (minors must be accompanied by an adult).
· Improv Olympic, 3541 North Clark Street, CTA Red Line à Addison, (773) 880-0199. You must be at least 21 years old to attend mainstage shows. Shows in the Del Close Theater and The Loft are all ages.
· ComedySportz, 929 W. Belmont, CTA Red/Purple/Brown Line à Belmont, (773) 549-8080, www.comedysportz.com/ All ages.

Be sure to bring your ID and passport! Even 18+ venues require official identification for entry.

Chicago in the Summer Top Ten List

Kayak the Chicago River-The Chicago river, which is probably best known for being dyed green every Saint Patrick’s Day, is a great way to see the city while getting a nice work-out. Kayak tours on the river will take you through the heart of downtown in what has become known as Skyscraper Canyon. On both sides of the river you will be surrounded by amazing architecture which provides for great picture taking opportunities and a unique way to see Chicago. Alternatively, if for some reason you are unable to do the kayak tour, you can jump on a Water taxi and for just $2 take the trip from Sears Tower to Michigan Avenue. For more information visit the website links below:

http://chicagoriverpaddle.com/chicago.html
http://www.shorelinewatertaxi.com/commuterrates.php

Visit a Comedy Club-If you have heard of Chris Farley, Mike Myers, Dan Akroyd, Steve Carell, or Stephen Colbert, then you surely realize that Chicagoans are a funny bunch. Many of the most prominence comedic personalities have had their start in Chicago, which is why a visit to a Chicago comedy club is a must. You will find the “Second City” comedy troupe theater in Chicago’s Old Town Neighborhood as one of the premier destinations for funny people all across the nation. “Second City” which has been around for nearly 50 years draws large groups of visitors and is known for producing many cast members of “Saturday Night Live.” Near North and Wells you will also find Zanies, a small comedy club that features both well-known and up and coming comics. I love going to Zanies because such an intimate atmosphere allows you to chat with the performers after the show. The seating is on a first come, first serve basis, so make sure to arrive early. Tickets to Zanies are $22 plus a purchase of two item minimum is required, expect to spend about $35-$40 in total. Also note that this venue is open for those over 21. Best way to get to either Zanies or Second City, is from the Sedgwick stop on the Brown line, or Clark and Division stop on the Red Line (about half a mile walk away). For more information visit:

http://chicago.zanies.com/
http://www.secondcity.com/

Free Concert in Millennium Park- While talking to numerous visitors to Chicago, I found one commonality, everyone seems to love Millennium Park. As the name denotes, the park was built to celebrate the arrival of the second millennium, and has quickly turned into one of the biggest tourist attractions in Chicago. Throughout the summer, the park is a great place to take a stroll, admire the modern art, and also to listen to music at the Pritzker Pavilion. While sitting on the lawn, grab some food and a blanket and picnic out while listening to a free concert, which takes place weekly. Millennium Park offers an ideal opportunity for visitors to relax and enjoy themselves away from the hustle and bustle of the “Loop”. For a list of events in Millennium Park visit http://www.millenniumpark.org/parkevents/

Michigan Avenue Shopping-When foreigners come to the United States, often shopping is at the top of the to-do list. Michigan Avenue provides a great opportunity to do just that. With both high-end and mid-level stores, everyone is sure to find a suitable shopping experience. Just because, the stores are located in the middle of the city, does not mean you cannot find a bargain. If shopping is not of much interest to you, taking the stroll from the Tribune Tower to the John Hancock building will provide an excellent opportunity for people watching and enjoying local street performances. If you feel energetic continue your walk up to the Gold Coast and explore some local boutiques and fine restaurants. Grab a cup of coffee or an ice cream at the intersection of Rush and State and watch all the fancy cars go by.

Although Chicago has many more things to do and see, I wanted to provide you a list of my favorites which are by no means all-encompassing. Some of you might also be interested in events such as Taste of Chicago and the Air and Water Show, or a visit to Navy Pier, all of which I have left out. Although these events can be unique, more often than not they are extremely crowded and attended by suburbanites and other visitors to the city, rather than Chicagoans. Whatever activities you decide to undertake, I truly hope you enjoy your stay in Chicago.

-Peter Razumovskiy, volunteer

Chuckles at Comedy Sportz

A group of ten hostellers left the building Thursday night with high hopes and hungry stomachs. We set off to Comedy Sportz for a night of free pizza and a free comedy show! As we walked into the theatre we were greeted very warmly and handed our tickets. Comedy Sportz Staff did not miss a beat and were instantly greeting us and making sure the group was comfortable. 

Volunteers and travelers were treated to pizza catered by Marcello’s. A free drink was also included from the bar in the trendy lobby of Comedy Sportz. The group sat down at tables immediately next to the stage, and after an hour of socializing the doors opened and seating began for the show. 



For 90 minutes, the crowd participated in a phenomenal show. Constantly engaging and moving forward, the improv performers amazed the crowd with their quick and consistent wit. There were two improv teams that were competing for the most laughs and a referee who helped officiate the show. We as audience participants took on the role of judges. The more we laughed, the more points the team got. 



Contrary to many improv shows, Comedy Sportz was an incredibly clean and family friendly show. If performers crossed a line, the referee stepped in and called a “foul.” If this occurred, the performer would be forced to wear a brown bag over their head for the remainder of the scene. However, the show never got remotely close to this point. 



The improv performers played several different “games” or types of improv. Replaying a scene in different roles and rhyme rapping are just two examples of these sidesplitting games. Watch out! They used a lot of crowd participation and volunteers, so be ready to put your good humor to use as well! 



Overall, the show was stupendous and consistently comical. At the end of the night audience members left the theatre in a lighter mood and with the expectation of returning again soon! 



We will definitely be frequenting the Comedy Sportz Theatre again! So join us on our next trip to the hilarious and engaging show! Thank you so much Comedy Sportz! 


-Erika Ter Louw - HI intern