The Last LAF

All Good Things Must Come to an End This is the most difficult post I've had to write and coincidentally, it will also be my last. Today marks a day I was never convinced would come. Today, LAFS is two years old. It has been an incredible two years, absolutely incredible filled with more excitement, laughter, awe and humility than I could have ever dreamed. However, today is bittersweet, because today is Read More

INTERVIEW: Charna Halpern

The Mother of Improv Comedy I first fell in love with improv at iO's Clark Street location. iO changed my life, but my story is not unlike many others. Charna created a world at iO that many call "home" and it has become the center of their universe. Charna Halpern is one of the most influential people in improv, has paved the path for hundreds of comedians over the last few Read More

INTERVIEW: Matt Besser

Focus on the Game. Matt Besser is one of the founding members of Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB). UCB started as a Chicago-based improv team composed of Besser, Ian Roberts, Matt Walsh and Amy Poehler and has transformed into a well-known comedy establishment in New York City and Los Angeles. These folks not only formed UCB but Besser, Roberts, Walsh and friends regularly perform together as ASSSSCAT. ASSSSCAT will be performing, with a Read More

INTERVIEW: Dan Bakkedahl

Just make a choice. Dan Bakkedahl has made his mark on Chicago's comedy scene. Coming up in the late 90s and early 2000s, Dan spent a lot of time at iO and Second City. Since his departure, you may have seen him on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Community, Veep, Legit or a number of other television appearances. He was also in The Heat with Sandra Bullock and Melissa Read More

INTERVIEW: Carisa Barreca

Do everything, because you’re going to need all of it. I am declaring Carisa Barreca Second City's sweetheart. One of the most beautiful, talented, kind and humble ladies I have ever met, Carisa has a heart of gold and nothing but good intentions. With a lifetime of performance background, she can do just about anything you throw at her. I was so lucky to be able to sit down with Read More

INTERVIEW: Scott Adsit and John Lutz

Hitting Your Mark in Hollywood Thanks to Aren Zolninger from Chicago Improv Productions, I was able to sneak in a few minutes to interview Scott Adsit and John Lutz before they took the stage for their "Super Secret" midnight show at Stage 773. As we were waiting for the show ahead of us to clear out, Scott, John and I stepped into a back hallway with CIP staff and a Read More

INTERVIEW: Tim Baltz

If you’re not listening, you’re going to miss the joke. After months of trying to nail down both of our schedules after Tim left Second City's Mainstage, I was finally able to meet up with him to talk life and comedy. I had the pleasure of meeting Tim last Fall at Jimmy Carrane's Improv Nerd and for obvious reasons, I was dead set on interviewing him. Tim is extremely passionate Read More

INTERVIEW: Ted Tremper

Just love what you love and let that be the work that you do. It was a true pleasure interviewing Ted, as I have an incredible amount of respect for him as a person, performer and filmmaker. He's so talented and is such a genuinely kind human being. We met at iO on a late November morning and, truth be told, divulged a great deal of personal details, some of which Read More

INTERVIEW: TJ Jagodowski

I am truly the luckiest person I know. TJ Jagodowski is not only one of the most brilliant improvisers I have ever seen, he's also one of the nicest guys I've ever met. I've bumped into TJ a number of times around iO, but it wasn't until the end of October where I had the pleasure of taking a class taught by him. This man is a poet and every Read More

INTERVIEW: Jet Eveleth

Dream big and then do it. I met Jet at her apartment where she lives with her improviser beau, Brett Elam and his sister Erica. We chatted about where her name came from, some of life’s big questions, drinking sake before bed to live longer and then she told me the details of the secret she’s been keeping from everyone for the last two years… Alright Jet, the first thing I Read More
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NEWS: Help The Annoyance Build Their New Home

posted on October 23, 2013 by Kiley Peters posted in Chatter, News/Updates | Comments Off on NEWS: Help The Annoyance Build Their New Home

In Need of a Kickstart to Build New Home

The Annoyance TheatreThe Annoyance Theatre is a staple in the Chicago comedy community. They celebrated their 25 year anniversary this past summer and have contributed to the success of many of your favorite funny folks. Long story short, The Annoyance was all set up to make this new theatre on Belmont Avenue a reality and then some funding fell through. They are now up against a tight deadline to raise this money. Not meeting this dollar amount is not an option. The Second City CEO, Andrew Alexander has agreed to match all contributions  up to the $50,000 they are trying to raise with their Kickstarter campaign. Read more about The Annoyance and their mission on their Kickstarter page. Please contribute what you can. The Annoyance offers something to this comedy community that no other theatre does. Let’s help keep this ball rolling!

VIDEO: NYTVF Special Screening

posted on October 13, 2013 by Kiley Peters posted in Chatter, Features, Reviews, Video | Comments Off on VIDEO: NYTVF Special Screening

Chicago Comedy Takes NY By Storm

Date of the Month Club

The New York Television Festival (NYTVF) is taking place in New York City, October 21-26th and six of the 47 finalists that will be competing in this year’s Independent Pilot Competition (IPC) are from Chicago’s comedy community. The NYTVF is an organization that acts as a bridge, vetting out top pilot contenders and connecting them to networks, studios, digital media companies and brands and fostering relationships that could lead to major network deals, amongst many other opportunities.

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REVIEW: Lanyard Skynerd @ Martyrs

posted on October 11, 2013 by Kiley Peters posted in Chatter, Reviews | Comments Off on REVIEW: Lanyard Skynerd @ Martyrs

A Gritty Southern Rock Musical Parody

Lanyard SkynerdT.J. Shanoff is one half of the writing brilliance behind “Lanyard Skynerd” and he’ll be the first to tell you that this show isn’t for everyone. However, I would argue that there is something for everyone. If you are easily offended, you’d be better off at a more family-friendly show at ComedySportz. But, if you don’t mind a show where everyone gets offended, then saddle up cowboy and ride your pony into Martyr’s next Monday night and you will get exactly what you’re asking for.

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REVIEW: The Chicago Dating Scene @ The Public House Theatre

posted on October 10, 2013 by Kiley Peters posted in Chatter, Reviews | Comments Off on REVIEW: The Chicago Dating Scene @ The Public House Theatre

Filled with heart and laughter.

The Chicago Dating SceneThe Chicago Dating Scene is a sketch comedy show about dating in Chicago. Go figure. This show is based on the real life dating experiences of the cast. Some have been exaggerated and, unfortunately, some have not. The show switches off between group sketches and individual monologues and by the end of the show, each cast member has shared a true dating story. Some are sad. Some are happy. All of them are relatable.

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REVIEW: Almost a Genius

posted on September 17, 2013 by Kiley Peters posted in Chatter, Reviews | Comments Off on REVIEW: Almost a Genius

A Brilliantly Honest Show

Almost A GeniusMaria Wojciechowski’s “Almost A Genius” is the most brilliantly honest show I have ever seen. This show explores the tragedy of mood disorders and depression with dark comedic undertones. “Almost A Genius” is an extremely professional, thoughtful, creative, multi-media event that will leave your heart aching but filled with love and compassion all at the same time. Read More

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