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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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

REVIEW: The Lockout: A Musical

posted on September 6, 2013 by Kiley Peters posted in Chatter, Reviews | Comments Off on REVIEW: The Lockout: A Musical

The Lockout Brings Their A-Game

P1150137Six Hours Short writing duo, Ben Fort and Jason Gallagher (of ESPN/TrueHoop BallerBall.com), have put together nothing short of a brilliant masterpiece with “The Lockout: A Musical.” I have never seen a more professional production in this city that wasn’t on a Second City stage or in a Broadway theatre. With over 30 crew members, 16 paid cast members, costumes, a complete set and a full-length recorded album, these guys pulled out all the stops. Read More

Six Chicago Improvisers To Watch Out For This Fall

posted on August 23, 2013 by Kiley Peters posted in Chatter, Reviews | Comments Off on Six Chicago Improvisers To Watch Out For This Fall

Hot, Raw Talent. Come and Get it.

Six Chicago Improvisers To Watch Out For This Fall

I have been in this community for almost two years. In that time, I’ve had the pleasure of learning and performing with and watching probably over 200 improvisers. A few weeks ago, I named “Nine Major Players in Chicago Comedy to Watch Out for in 2013” and I’m back again to bless the internet with some of the city’s best on the spot performers. As was the case with the last list, these are not the only players to watch out for this fall. In fact, there are too many talented locals to name and hilarious stage shows presented every night in this city. With that, I present to you six up and coming Chicago improvisers you don’t want to miss. (Originally appeared on ChooseChicago.com)

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