Improv Class Instructors for Session 2 and More



CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP! Registration for our second session is open! This session is jam packed with new offerings to further your comedy training. Along with our core improv class levels, we are also offering our new musical improv classes taught by the talented Sarah Shockey. New workshop offerings have been added as well, […]
Musical Improv Level 1 and 2 open for Registration!


Musical Improv is the most fun improv to do. Yes? Yes. Let us show you: Musical Improv 1: In this introductory level, students of all experiences and backgrounds are invited to learn the foundational skills of musical improv. Topics will include building memorable choruses, syncing up with simple choreography, rhyming fluidly, finding emotional point of […]
Physical Storytelling with Broken Box Mime Theater at iO


Physical Storytelling with Broken Box Mime Theater Saturday, February 11 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Full of play and physical exploration, this two-hour workshop will illuminate the superpowers of mime as a storytelling medium…and tool for improvisors! Learn the principles of object-work, explore some useful physical vocabulary, and practice creating environments without a single word. […]
Susan Messing to teach Story Theater at iO!


Susan Messing is bringing Story Theater back to iO! Story Theatre workshop: Isn’t it fun to work together as a group? (don’t answer that.) Balancing elements of stage picture, symmetry, and the joy of whimsy and story, this workshop will make you an immediate rockstar, ready for anything. This goes by in a blink of […]
Can’t commit? Take a Weekly Drop In!


Did you know we have classes that you can attend as much or as little as you want? AND They’re cheap! Take our $20 weekly in-person or online drop ins! Online Improv Drop In: Mon 730-830pm CST In Person Writing Drop In: Wed 7-9pm CST In Person Improv Drop In: Sat 4-6pm CST Go to […]
A Brief History of Improv


By Rachael Mason We can assume there was comedy when the first person fell down. We can assume there was improv when the first lie was told. We can assume there was satire as soon as there were kings. Let’s take a shallow dip into the pool of the story of Chicago Improv. […]
iO Training Center 2023 Session 1 Instructors



Reserve your Spot in Class Today! LEVEL 1 Kayla Pulley Session starts January 3 | Tuesdays from 7-10 p.m. Kayla Pulley is a theater graduate of Columbia College Chicago. A Jill of all trades, she has performed theater, improv, stand-up, sketch comedy, and burlesque in various theaters across the US. In […]
An open letter to Mick and Jennifer from the iOtc


Dear Mick and Jen, Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You saved Chicago Improv. Thank you for reaching out to the new owners of iO to let them know about the little gem they bought. Thank you for making me your first hire because you knew this was my dream job. Thank you for assembling […]
iO Theater’s Award-winning Comedic Instructors and Faculty


Reimagined for the next generation of comedians, the new iO Theater has re-opened and launched its upcoming online and in-person classes with award-winning faculty and instructors that are known for their improv, latenite, scene work, and sketch comedy. No matter your experience, iO Theater welcomes anyone with a desire to make people laugh. iO Theater […]