Best Comedy Venues in Chicago: Get Your Laugh On

Best Comedy Venues in Chicago - There are many choices when it comes to seeing a comedy show in Chicago. The Chicago Improv scene is world famous for producing such talents as Chris Farley, Bill Murray, Dan Ackroyd, Tina Fey, and countless other improvisers and sketch comedians. If you're interested in catching a show, I suggest picking from one of the following theaters. This is but a sampling of the enormous amount of talent in Chicago - it's easy to find a great show almost any night, year round.

Second City

1608 N. Wells.

www.secondcity.com

Bar none, the Second City sketch program is the standard of the industry. You can find many up and coming comedians in the Second City programs. There are always top productions on the mainstage; these shows have stood the test of time and popularity. Prices range from $19 and up. Tickets can go fast for the best shows, so be prepared to either make reservations, or wait until the run has open seating.

Second City Donny's Skybox

1611 N. Wells

www.secondcity.com

Donny's Skybox is a smaller venue; you can witness the student productions and graduating classes as they perform. Prices are typically $5-$12. However, these are not the professionals, the skybox shows are put on by students. You can still see a brilliant performance, but the quality of the shows is often hit or miss. If you're looking to see a performer before they get famous, this is the place.

The iO

3541 N. Clark

www.iochicago.net

If you're looking for Improv, the iO (formerly known as the Improv Olympic, they changed their name due to copyright issues) is the standard of the industry. As the comedy scene can be incestuous, you will find comedians enrolled and performing in various capacities at the iO. Expect to see some of the most creative and mind-bending improv in the scene.

The best thing about the iO is that there is a high-quality show without fail every day of the week.

The top attraction at the iO is TJ and Dave. TJ and Dave are top-notch performers; ask anybody at the iO what show to see, they will most likely say "Don't miss the TJ and Dave show".

Whirled News Tonight at the iO is a satirical improve based on current events, this show features a newsy improve crew who make light of newsworthy issues using long-form improv.

Prices at the iO are about $5-$20 depending on the show. There are two stages, both stages have a bar. The lower stage has a more intimate setting, you can see more loose-form Improv in the lower-venue; produced shows are more likely to appear in the upper-level.

The Annoyance Theater

4830 N Broadway

www.annoyanceproductions.com

The Annoyance Theater is the third best-known comedy theater; they focus on improv in a unique style. The quality of the Annoyance shows is typically quite high - they attract some top talent in the Chicago area. Expect to leave with a stomach cramp from laughter.

The Neo-Futurists

5153 N Ashland

www.neofuturists.org

(773) 275-5255

For those who want a more artsy and intellectual theater experience, don't miss the Neo-futurists show "Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind". This theater is abstract and weird, but simuiltaneously provides unsettling and excellent comedy. Prices are $7-$13. You actually roll dice to see how much it will cost to get in the show!

Chemically Imbalanced Theater

1420 W Irving Park

www.cicomedy.com

Chemically-Imbalanced Theater showcases some of the other great comedy groups in Chicago, you can most-likely find a quality show at the CIT.

Gorilla Tango Theater

1919 N Milwaukee

www.gorillatango.com

Gorilla Tango theater is the best venue on the Westside of Chicago - you can see many excellent productions here, it's a small venue, so expect an intimate performance. Prices range from $12-$20 dollars.

ComedySportz

929 W Belmont

www.comedysportzchicago.com

ComedySportz focuses on short-form improv. These performances are typically short games, and audience interaction raises the level of humor to a high notch. The best show to see at ComedySportz is most likely Hot Karl; this show is adult-oriented, the performers curse and swear. It's dirty, don't bring your children. Prices are typically $12-$20 depending on show.

The Apollo Theater

2540 N Lincoln

www.apollochicago.com

The Apollo has some great shows, this venue provides a space for excellent comedy productions. Expect to see productions rather than loosely-formed improv groups. The most-widely known production at the Apollo is most likely "Baby Wants Candy", a rock musical improv comedy production. Prices are typically $5-$15.

The Playground Theater

3209 N Halsted

www.the-playground.com

The Playground is reknowned for experimental capacity. The sketch shows are put on by many of the best students in the area - these shows can be hit or miss, typically these are sketches that are being tested out. You will find a lot of camaraderie and friendship present at the Playground. Comedians here will express a bit more vulnerability in performance at the Playground - there's less pressure to succeed and more pressure to put on a tight performance. Prices are usually around $12 for an entire night of performances.

Sketchfest

Theater Building Chicago

1225 W Belmont

www.chicagosketchfest.net

Every year, there is a Chicago Sketchfest - this is a national celebration of sketch comedy featuring hundreds of comedy troupes over two weeks of performances. There are typically a few award-winning headliners at Sketchfest, for the price of a weekend pass, you can see tens of comedy groups performing. College comedy as well as national acts have been featured. Sketchfest only comes once a year, don't miss out, the performances here are legendary. Prices per show are typically around $10, with day passes and weekend passes for $30-$40.

Zanies

1548 N Wells

chicago.zanies.com

If you're looking for stand-up comedy, Zanies provides a venue for the top stand-up comedians in Chicago. Prices are typically around $20, expect to pay more for a popular comedian.

There are many other smaller venues to see comedy in Chicago, these are but a few of the best-known and best-loved theaters. Good improv comedy captures a fleeting moment, you can often see the same show twice with a brand new twist. Good sketch comedy focuses on writing and forging a unique scene on stage, you have to really witness the finalized production of a sketch to understand the depth of humor in the performance.