Chicago's Best Improv

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

The Home of Longform Improv

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

Premier Event Venue

Plan your next conference, celebration, or team-building event at the historic iO Theater. It's the perfect one-stop shop and a welcome break from your typical stuffy hotel conference room.

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Take An Improv Class

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

Harold Night

Come see iO's signature longform style of improv, The Harold, performed nightly by one of our house teams.

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Upcoming Shows

Thu, Oct 30:

Fri, Oct 31:

Sat, Nov 1:

Sun, Nov 2:

Mon, Nov 3:

7:00 PM The Armando Diaz Experience

Tue, Nov 4:

Wed, Nov 5:

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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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Stand-Up Science with Shane Mauss

Comedian Shane Mauss makes science and stand-up accessible and entertaining through intelligent, thought-provoking conversations for lifelong learners who crave a more elevated comedy experience.

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Phony Award Winning Musical

An improvised musical in the styling of “Wicked!” Every Thursday at 7:30 PM.

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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.

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Blast!

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

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Devil’s Daughter

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

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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.

What we offer