Playing at iO:
“This is the most important group work since they built the pyramids” - Bill Murray
Considered to be the Mecca of improvisation, the iO Theater boasts an Improv Training Center that has helped train and develop the talents of an entire generation of America’s best and brightest comedic entertainers for over 30 years. Want more? Our Writing Program and battery of electives will help you develop whatever comedy skills you need!
ONLINE CLASSES & WEBINARS
IMPROV
IMPROV TO SKETCH
iO AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Training America’s Best Comedic Entertainers for over 30 years
Widely considered to be the premier venue for long-form improvisational performances and classes, the iO Theater (formerly known as the ImprovOlympic Theater) was founded in 1981 by Charna Halpern and the late great improvisational teacher and director, Del Close.
Chicago's Favorite Comedy Spot
The iO Theater is the home of long-form improvisation and Chicago's Best Improv Comedy.
Located in Chicago's Lincoln Park Neighborhood, the iO Theater features 4 theaters (with shows 7 nights a week), 2 bars, a kitchen, beer garden, and Event space with over 33,000 square feet of space.
WHEN IT COMES TO COMEDY, WE'RE ALL BUSINESS.
Do you want entertainment for your conference, meeting or celebration? Let iO put together a hilarious improv show to bring down the house or have us write customized material to make light of issues related to your company or business field. If you can dream it up, we can handle it. If you can’t, then we’ll take care of that too.
Our writers have gone on to work at such shows as Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, 30 Rock and MADtv, and countless other shows. So rest assured knowing you’re in good hands.
