In May of 2009, Joe Avella challenged himself to take the next step on his path as a filmmaker by writing, directing and shooting a full length film entitled “The Master of Inventions.” The film follows an ill-fated inventor trying to make good and was commenced with a very unique and difficult … [Read more...]
The Playground Theater recently hosted a 30-hour improv marathon to raise money for the Illinois Coalition of Reach Out and Read. KC Redheart, an incubator team at The Playground, performed the unthinkable: a new guest team with a new improv form, on the hour, every hour, for 30 hours. They came out … [Read more...]
Our "3 Questions" series continues with the screamingly successful improv team Michael Pizza. In the two years since Michael Pizza (otherwise known as Brett Elam, Eric Christensen, Ben Kass, and Josh Logan) have been together, they've been named "Best New Improv Group" by Chicago Magazine, won … [Read more...]
Our "3 Questions" series continues by probing the minds of Kellen Alexander, Seth Dodson, and John Hartman of the improv team 1 ,2, 3, Fag! We asked them the same 3 questions separately. Here's what they had to say: 1. What were the qualities of your teammates that drew you to this … [Read more...]
A great philosopher once said, “If you want to know something, ask a question.” We took that advice two steps further: we wanted to know a whole bunch, so we asked three questions. In fact, we asked the same three questions to several improv teams in Chicago, hoping to get a glimpse into the … [Read more...]
Sarah Rose Graber graduated from Northwestern University's Theatre program and received her acting certificate from The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. She has performed and directed in numerous theaters including Strawdog, Factory Theater, Noble Horse and Chemically Imbalanced Comedy. … [Read more...]
Craig Uhlir was the first improv teacher I had in Chicago, and I couldn’t have asked for a more positive welcome to the city. Not only does Craig teach at Second City and iO, but he performs every week with the improv teams Deep Schwa and Middle Age Comeback...in short, one talented mofo. My first … [Read more...]
Speaking from experience, I can say performing with Michael Girts is a real treat. The concept of ‘support’ in comedy is often preached by improv instructors, but Mike is a real practitioner of support, both onstage and off-stage. One of the nicest guys in the comedy community is also one of … [Read more...]
Seth Weitberg moved to Chicago three days after he graduated from Duke in 2003, and he hasn't stopped moving since. A talented writer, actor, comedian and improviser, Seth boldly goes wherever ambition and inspiration take him. I was lucky enough to snag 45 minutes of his day to have a wonderful … [Read more...]
Dave Pasquesi never expected to be an actor. After studying philosophy at Loyola, he expected to attend business or law school. He was indeed already accepted to Kellogg’s MBA program at Northwestern when he made the decision to follow his passion for improvisation and performing. “ I … [Read more...]
The lights go up and music blares as the improvisers run on to the stage clapping their hands and cheering for themselves. Within a few seconds, some performers drop their smiles and lower their energy, but Katy Colloton keeps a big smile on her face for the whole show. Humble and lovely, … [Read more...]
It was on his morning commute that Ted Tremper came across what would become the basis of the first episode of his web series “Breakups.” He saw an image of friend and improviser Katy Colloton and himself standing in the Trump Plaza overlooking the Chicago River. In the image they were both … [Read more...]
The Playground Theater recently hosted a 30-hour improv marathon to raise money for the Illinois Coalition of Reach Out and Read. KC Redheart, an incubator team at The Playground, performed the … [Read More...]
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