BY JASON ROBERT CHIN

Chicago continually boasts that it’s the "birthplace of modern Improv civilization" or the "Mecca of Improv culture." Certainly, no one can argue that Chicago–launching pad to such Improv legends as Viola Spolin, Paul Sills, Del Close and David Shepard–cultivates a great deal of the nation’s most sought after improvisers. With such illustrious roots, it is no wonder that Chicago has its own festival celebrating this art form. The Chicago Improv Festival (CIF) is fast becoming, if not already, the leader of the national improvisation festival circuit. By virtue of being located in this city, the home of the three leading improv-based theatres–Second City (SC), Annoyance Theatre and ImprovOlympic–it has access to the nation’s best and brightest players. The festival is the High Holy Days for improvisers.

"This festival celebrates our humanity," says festival co-founder and producer, Jonathan Pitts. "Chicago is the birthplace of improvisation. The mecca. There ought to be this annual festival celebrating Chicago and improvisation. Now, with everybody’s help, for three years in a row, there is."

Due to its rapid growth and popularity, CIF will be moving its mainstage to the Athenaeum Theatre, a 350-seat theatre in west Lincoln Park. The Annoyance Theatre will feature the CIF Showcase, and Improv 'Til Dawn will be at ComedySportz Theatre on Halsted. The festival–Apr. 25 through Apr. 30–promises to be bigger and funnier than ever, featuring over 65 ensembles from 15 cities and four countries.

A few of this year’s participants include:
Second City, Annoyance Theatre, ImprovOlympic, The Groundlings, The Noble Fool Theatre Company and The Impromtones. Opening the festival will be "Saturday Night Live’s" Rachael Dratch and Tina Fey in their critically acclaimed two-woman show, Dratch & Fey. Other festival highlights include performances by the Upright Citizens Brigade as well as a closing night performance by SC alum, Dan Castellaneta (voice of Homer Simpson).

While last year’s festival paid homage to the late director and improv guru Del Close, this year CIF will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Second City. Performances by alumni from both the Chicago and Toronto theatres will be held on Friday, April 28. There will also be special performances by recent SC alumni Fey, Scott Adsit ("Mr. Show") and SC founding members, Mina Kolb and Avery Schreiber.

CIF is also offering a series of workshops conducted by a few of Chicago’s finest improv instructors. Martin DeMaat, Charna Halpern, Mick Napier, Bob Dassie, Susan Messing will be on hand to teach some 160 students from across the country, as well as Toronto, Vancouver and Shang Hai, China. Workshop highlights include a Master Class conducted by Schreiber and a special Question & Answer session with Fey.

As for the overall significance of the festival, Frances Callier–CIF co-founder and producer– said, "On a personal level, I love improv and that’s why the festival is important. On a grand scale, I would like the industry to always look to Chicago first when considering casting for comedic talent. It is my dream that CIF can provide a platform that can assist talented people on their journeys to success. I also want to introduce more audience members to the art form I enjoy so much."

For further detail regarding CIF’s performance and workshop schedules, please visit the official website at www.CIF.com.

More Information on the Chicago Improv Festival

Home

CIF Preview: Third Time is a Charm

Improv Till Dawn: Was it good for you?

11 Questions with Callier & Pitts

Long Form vs. Short Form

Upright Citizens Brigade

Charna Halpern

Annoyance is Out, But Not Down for the Count