We visited the Improv Playhouse as a part of Mom's Night Out. Most of us had no clue what to expect and were surprised to arrive for our showtime and realize we were the only 5 people who would be in the audience. We all had a good laugh about this (both the performers and our group) and our group quietly hoped that the performance would actually be funny as there wasn't a huge crowd to buffer with. All of that to say, we were absolutely delighted by the show. The group of performers that evening were wonderful and truly funny. You could see their connection, adaptability and ability to think on their feet. It truly was an enjoyable experience at the Improv and we were happy to have gone. They have snacks and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) available for purchase (cash only) which was a nice offering as well. read more

Total scam! Not as advertised! Not worth the money! Child was very disappointed! It is NOT about kids, education, or theater! ALL IT IS ABOUT PROFIT. They put 50 kids in a gym with counselors that are not of legal age themselves (14 year old children). No structure! Chaos! Selling junk food to kids. My daughter was there the first day and it will be her last time at Improv Playhouse. Our 12 year old daughter wanted to take an acting summer camp. We called Improv Playhouse, a lady explained that our daughter should register for a version of the camp called showstopper, which is intended for 4th-9th grade instead of broadway bound which is intended for 1st-3rd grade. The lady suggested that we read more about their programs. We went on the website and found the Improve Playhouse channel on YouTube. We watched the video Improv Moana Camp (Link provided), which featured a group of about fifteen 4th-9th grade children taking acting classes and putting on a Moana Production. We read the mission statement. My daughter liked it, and said that is what she wanted. The camp was $755 for 10 days (two weeks), ran at the middle school. We thought we did our homework. We were expecting 4th-9th graders, groups of about 15-20 children, and acting activities. On the first day of camp, as we are walking in, all kids walking in are kindergarten through third grade. My daughter got nervous and said all kids are little. I told her that they probably have multiple camps running. Greeting the children were very young counselors. Most counselors were 14 year olds from the same middle school. They brought all the kids into a gym where they remained the entire day (9:00 am - 3:00 pm). There were about 50 children. They did not separate the children by age, there were no acting classes/activities, kids were not even taken to the cafeteria to eat lunch, but had to eat lunch on a dusty gym floor. There were no chairs, kids had to sit on the floor the entire day. They were selling junk food and candy to children at lunch. When my wife picked up my daughter, she was very disappointed and said It was very chaotic, unstructured, and a waste of time. She said it felt like the park district camp and is not what she was expecting and what we saw on the improv playhouse channel. Right away my wife asked if we can cancel the rest of the camp and asked to talk to someone in charge. Counselors went to get someone. When my wife explained that the camp was not what my daughter expected and we would like to cancel it, Mr. James said we can but we need to email the office. My wife emailed the office right away (administrative manager, Rachel Kwiecinski), but Mrs. Kwiecinski replied that there will not be refunds given. My wife called her and explained what was going on and asked her to refund the money, but to be prorated. Mrs. Kwiecinski said she will have to talk to the bookkeeping and will try to get a prorated refund. A couple of minutes later, the Creative Director of Youth Programming, Miss O'Leary called and said that there are no refunds. My wife asked her again very nicely to double check, and that it was not what was advertised and it was not for the age group that I paid for. Later that evening, the owner David Stewar emailed my wife saying they are an accredited organization and refunds will not be given, he also accused my wife of being disrespectful. My wife was very respectful to everyone she talked to, did not raise her voice or said anything disrespectful. My wife did not even ask for the full refund, which we should totally get because it was not what was advertised. In addition, he said that the video was from a local community house even though it was on their channel and suggested by their staff. According to his email "That video was from a small Highland Park workshop held years ago at a local community house, an entirely different format, group size, and production model. Our current camp format is a full-scale 10-day performance experience." Honestly, I am not totally sure what the difference is. read more

I visited Improv Playhouse for their first Friday of the month standup comedy show on 02/07/20. I hadn't been to a comedy show since moving to the area about 6 years ago so I was pretty excited. There was another HUGE Meetup group showing their support, so the house was packed. The five of us managed to sit together though (I arrived 20 minutes before the show). The metal folding chairs aren't really what I'm used to, and the guy next to me was sitting spread eagle so I was extremely scrunched and uncomfortable the entire time. There's one tiny bathroom to the right of the stage with some pretty fun graffiti. It's BYOB, and your own cup for a $5 corking fee, but they did have some beverages and snacks for sale (think after school vendo land snacks). With the exception of one "act", we all had a good laugh and quite enjoyed ourselves. Fun, cozy little joint that I will definitely visit again for one of their Saturday shows. Pro-tIp: bring cash to tip the comedians!! read more

After a long days work I go here and feel super energized afterwards. I can't tell you how much I laugh--classes here rock. The improv games and forms you learn are so much fun!! Plus you get to meet people you'd otherwise never get to meet. Also it feels like the classes are not only entertaining but also challenging in a really good way. It's like personal growth in a super warm and fuzzy package. The adage no pain no gain don't apply here as the teachers make it a fun place to explore and come our of your shell all while having a great time. It's really awesome that we have access to such high caliber classes without having to go into the city. I have had classes with Chris, David, and my current instructor is Jayson. All have been a blast. I can't stop taking classes here- never disappointed!!! read more

We have been here many times and love it every time! They have an improv show that's family friendly and then an adults only later in the evening on the weekends. We have been to both. Super friendly and super funny cast and staff. Very budget friendly so you can take the whole family! Please go check them out. You will be happy you did! read more

My boyfriend and I went with two other friends to see the group Battlefield Smurf. We had attended the "mature show" which it was not, or at least not what we've been used to at other clubs. There was maybe 2-3 dirty jokes told in the entire 1.25 hour performance. The rest was a bunch of jokes about Canada and were probably 6 scenes solely dedicated to Canada jabs. The group was meh. The times our group participated/bantered with each other got the most laughs out of the show. They also had a large span of scenes where they didn't ask for any audience participation, which was strange. Will have to go back because with the nature of improv not all shows are perfect. read more

I love that it's BYOB! I visited for my first time this past Saturday evening at 9pm and i had a great time. It was not my first improv show, but it was one of my favorites. read more

this place is awesome!! The cast members are a great time and the show is very funny! I like their interaction with the with the crowd. I definitely recommend checking out a show here if you get the chance, and then head down the street to one of many great restaurants in Libertyville :) read more

My wife, Anne, and I recently saw the Improv's fabulous radio production of Dracula. It was a fantastic show with wonderful sound effects and terrific performances. Very entertaining...and spooky. Something out of the ordinary! Plus, I highly recommend an evening at the Playhouse to see creative improv shows and clever comedians. Fun time! read more

A theater gem in the midst of Lake County. My wife and I and friends went to a Saturday night show (1hr) after dinner - the perfect way to cap (or start!) a night with something more interesting, creative and fun beyond the typical dinner and drinks or a movie. We look forward to testing additional shows. Not only that, but you can even take Improv classes at adult, student or children level - I'm in one now and our class calls it, accurately, "adult recess". Definitely mix up your Friday or Saturday night and try them out - you may even have so much fun you'll decide to take a class :) read more

Great little place with a personal involvement in the improv! Loved it! You can BYOB and is best with a group of friends that live audience participation. read more

My wife and I saw a live "radio performance" of It's A Wonderful Life. I did not really know what to expect with this sort of performance. Granted my expectations were low, but I was pleasantly surprised. The case was very talented and put on an authentic old style radio performance. I was thoroughly entertained and impressed. I will definitely be going back! read more

We went for a first time last Saturday. Everybody loves it: my 13-year teenager, my nerdy husband, and an outgoing I. This is a great stress reliever and fun. There is a lot of personal involvement. My son loved it so much, that we are plan to go more often. Thank you! read more

It's a very small place. No tables to put your drinks. The performers were good; I went to a Saturday night 9 PM show. It was one hour long - went by quick. read more

A comedic Gem near Gurnee Mills You drive on Milwaukee Avenue up to Libertyville.. kitty corner from an old type movie theater is the Improv playhouse. The house group is young and hungry and will do anything for a laugh.. within reason. There were all types of restaurants down the street from this tucked in theatre. (right behind the Libertyville Metra Train Station) I can not wait for a follow up to the funny spitfire of humor. read more

Who knew live entertainment was happening every weekend in downtown Libertyville? I love this place, and the shows are different every time.

I was very dissatisfied and disappointed with the lack of professionalism of this company during and after our event. The entertainment was fine. The process of working with those involved was not. Think twice about using this company for your parties. It is just not worth it. read more

entertainment was good but they have to do something about the set up, kind of uncomfortable