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The Home of Longform Improv

Since 1981, iO Theater has inspired and trained generations of America’s greatest comedic talents.

 
 

Chicago's Best Improv

Shows seven nights a week featuring Chicago's premier comedic talent. The best longform improv in the world.

 
 

Take An Improv Class

Learn more about why tens of thousands of performers have chosen to learn at iO!

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Featured Shows

We love all of our shows equally but here’s some we think you’ll really like. To see a list of all upcoming shows, click the View All Show button down below.

Improvised Shakespeare Company

Critically-acclaimed improvised comedy featuring the language and themes of William Shakespeare. Come witness the shows critics have called “staggeringly brilliant.” Every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM!

Whirled News Tonight

An entire show based off of your favorite news headlines from this week. Twenty years running! Every Saturday at 7:30 PM.

Improvised Jane Austen

A comedic tale told through the style and language of the beloved 19th century author. Improvised Jane Austen is Chicago Reader Recommended, a PerformInk Critics’ Pick, and was featured in WTTW, Time Out, WGN, and, most recently, CBS News Chicago. Every Saturday at 7:30 PM!

It Seems Today: An Improvised Episode of Family Guy

The hit New York show returns to Chicago for 2 nights at the iO Theater. Witness this comedic duo create an entirely improvised episode of Family Guy before your eyes complete with characters, cutaway scenes, and celebrity impressions. Janury 30th and 31st!

Phony Award Winning Musical
 An improvised musical in the styling of “Wicked!” Every Thursday at 7:30 PM.
Deep Schwa

A chaotically creative look at The Harold, iO’s iconic format, from Chicago’s longest-running Harold team! Every Sunday at 8:00 PM.

Blast!

A rotating cast of Chicago’s best female improvisers. Get ready to have a Blast! Every Thursday at 9:00 PM.

Devil’s Daughter

An award winning Harold Team known for their artistic style and solo scenes. Every Friday at 7:30 PM!

Food & Drink

Grab a bite before, during or after the show

Bar and Kitchen open at 4:30 pm
Wed-Sun
Open at 11:30am on Sat and Sun

No tickets required, all ages welcome

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The skills we use to train talent on our stages are the same skills applied in collaborative settings across the entertainment and corporate world, in writer’s rooms, board rooms and beyond.

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