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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Chicago Improv League: A Talent Treasure Chest

posted on May 8, 2013 by Kiley Peters posted in Chatter, Reviews | Comments Off on Chicago Improv League: A Talent Treasure Chest

Chicago’s Hidden Improv Gem

Besides DinosaursOn Sunday nights, ComedySportz has been hosting a selective gathering of improvisers that many are unaware of. Alumni of the Chicago Improv Tournament (CIT), an annual national collegiate-level improv tournament hosted by Chicago Improv Productions (CIP), have united, formed powerhouse improv teams and have been competing against one another for the past four months. All of this for the chance to win $500, two elite shows and the privilege to claim the throne of this inaugural alumni tournament. Read More

CIF Wrap Up and Thank You’s

posted on April 11, 2013 by Kiley Peters posted in Chatter, Reviews | Comments Off on CIF Wrap Up and Thank You’s

Incredible Week. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.

P1030350The 16th Annual Chicago Improv Festival was by far the largest to date, with 154 shows, over 165 improvisers on 94 teams from 10 different countries performing on 20 stages across Chicago. This truly was an incredible event and I’m so grateful that I was able to be a part of it. A huge thank you goes out to Jonathan Pitts and Aren Zolninger from Chicago Improv Productions for allowing me to be a part of this event. Read More

CIF Reviews and Recap: Part 2

posted on April 8, 2013 by Kiley Peters posted in Chatter, Reviews | Comments Off on CIF Reviews and Recap: Part 2

CIF Keeps Laughs Coming All Week Long

P1030365The second half of the Chicago Improv Festival was even bigger and better than the first. Thursday night I ventured over to Rob Belushi’s Comedy Bar in River North. I watched Mission IMPROVable perform a short form set and then I got to watch Jon Barinholtz & Friends. Jon played with Jamie Moyer, from Second City in Los Angeles, and Sam Weiner from The Onion. Read More

REVIEW: Jimmy Jet Johnnie with Scott Adsit @ Chicago Improv Festival

posted on April 8, 2013 by Kiley Peters posted in Chatter, Reviews | Comments Off on REVIEW: Jimmy Jet Johnnie with Scott Adsit @ Chicago Improv Festival

Fondling at It’s Funniest

Jimmy Jet JohnnieJimmy Carrane is known all over Chicago for his Improv Nerd live show/podcast. Jet Eveleth has been one of the most well-recognized females in improv and comedy in Chicago for years. John Hildreth has made a lasting impression on Second City and has been in the community for over a decade. It is blatantly obvious that these three have been playing together for a while and watching them improvise together is like watching an amusing clunky ballet…with words…and awkward moments of stunted rhythm. Now add Scott Adist, one of the most talented improvisers I’ve ever seen play, to the mix and you know you’re in for a good show. Read More

REVIEW: Mannerhouse Manor @ Chicago Improv Festival

posted on April 8, 2013 by Kiley Peters posted in Chatter, Reviews | Comments Off on REVIEW: Mannerhouse Manor @ Chicago Improv Festival

Manners Served Chicago on A Silver Platter

Mannerhouse ManorResiding in Los Angeles, Mannerhouse Manor graced Chicagoans with their presence last weekend at the Chicago Improv Festival. Dressed to the nines, this team wasn’t chancing anything with a first impression. Their commitment to character and the attention to detail was proof enough as to how serious they take this show and it was fun and refreshing to see an improv show approached with such a noble demeanor. Read More

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