We've seen Improvised Shakespeare probably 10 times. There is NO BETTER SHOW in CHICAGO. We have brought friends and family to the show and they are always amazed! DON'T MISS THIS SHOW! read more

Wowowowowow. I am so impressed. Since going to Drunk Shakespeare in New York, I've been wanting to find something that is similar here in Chicago that will make me laugh just as much. Improv Shakespeare was far different from the Drunken Shakespeare, but it was just as funny and entertaining. Before I went, I was under the impression that they pick a random Shakespeare play and improv it. This is not the case! They actually get one of the audience members to shout out a random "title" and they create an entire play based off of that title. They talk using Shakespearean style English, so it might be a little difficult to understand at first but after a few minutes, your ears start to get accustomed to this style of talking. I love that they throw more modern elements in their play as well as it allows the audience to relate better. The actors are also incredible. I've never actually been to an improv show before but this one blew me away. Definitely set the improv standard pretty high. They way they interact with one another and play off each others lines is absolutely amazing. I was super impressed by the way they used the stage, and each actor that was on stage at any given point was never just sitting around- they all participated to captivate the audience, even if they did not have any speaking roles at the time. The seating area in the iO theater is very tight so get there early to get a good seat! It turned me off a little at first but once the show started, all was forgotten. They have seats in the front where there is no food/drink service, and also seats in the back with tables where you can order things. They also have a full bar outside the theaters right when you walk in so you can get drinks before the show and during the intermission, as well as a beer garden outside. Bottom line is, GO TO THIS SHOW. You won't regret it. read more

Excellent show! What better way to spend a Friday night than laughing? Laughter is the way to my heart, so planning a trip to the Improvised Shakespeare Company at iO was the perfect way to get my attention. I was wary of this show, though, as I do not know that many detailed works of Shakespeare. "Out vile jelly", "out damned spot!" I know a few of the quotes and premises. Sure, there are barbs to the bard's work, but knowing Shakespeare is not at all a prerequisite for finding this show hilarious. Grab a drink at the bar, and grab a seat- our show was sold out, so don't be late! The two act improvised show had me laughing non-stop. Highly recommended as a night out activity in Chicago, or when it travels to your town. read more

This Improv Company is AMAZING! So freakin' hilarious!!! I had the privilege of catching them on tour in Long Beach, CA and I loved every minute. Bf & I had no idea what to expect since we accidentally got group tickets with his co-workers for another show & they bundled these tickets with our other ones. We had really low expectations because we both aren't huge Shakespeare or improv fans. Boy, were we wrong! The premise: they ask the audience to come up with a title (ours was "the man in red tights" -- not very creative IMO, I wanted something crazy & weird!) and they make up the entire play in the style of Shakespeare based around that title as they go along. I can't even begin to comprehend how this group does it. They are so witty and talented. At times, I did have a little bit of trouble following the storyline because each actor plays multiple characters throughout the entire show, but the jokes were always spot on. When I finally get a chance to make a trip out to Chicago in the distant future, this show is definitely on the top of my list to experience again! read more

I can't believe that I had never heard of this place until really recently. Better than second city! It was hilarious. A full Elizabethan play preformed in two acts based on an audience suggestion. For $20 this is the best entertainment deal in Chicago. Shows are every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. If you live here or are visiting this should be on you must do list. Do plan to arrive early as it is general admission. Just as good, free street parking nearby! read more

If there is one thing you should do in Chicago (one improv show to pick!!), it is to see the Improvised Shakespeare Company. I saw them at 10:30 on a Saturday night at IO. To be honest, I didn't know what to expect at first. My sister had informed me that this was her favorite show in Chicago, having been here for 4 years for college, but I was not sold. I was not a huge fan of Shakespeare and I didn't have much faith in improv either. At the beginning, I had a hard time understanding what they were saying but I got the hang of it after a couple of minutes. The show is completely improv, based on a phrase or idea that is suggested by the audience at the beginning. The cast takes the phrase and interpret it in their own way and then proceed to act it out. It's hard to explain the magic of the show without experiencing it for yourself. In Shakespearean English with Shakespearean themes, it's definitely an immersive experience. I love that no two shows are ever the same and it's hard not to be impressed by the cleverness and the wit of the cast, being able to rhyme and make up a story on the spot! read more

Best way to spend $20 in the city of Chicago! This city is known for its comedy, and you'll hear a few suggestions of where to go for a laugh. I've been to plenty of comedy shows in Chicago, and while they are all great, the Improvised Shakespeare Company takes the cake. I've now been 3 times, going for my 4th time next weekend, and it will never get old. These men are so unbelievably talented, no words can describe. Run, don't walk, to the Shakespeare show at IO! read more

Impossible not to love. No witnesses to this one-of-a-kind highlarity cannot not laugh their arses off. This is a form of themed "Whose Line Is It Anyway" with an equal level of instant wit and spontaneity that is funnier when you're sitting a few feet in front of you as it unfolds than watching it on tv. These guys are busy all the time with tours and projects but mark my words that they will be nationally recognized in short, due order. It's impossible for them not to be recognized. They're bubbling up. They're oozing out of the soiled minds of those they've contaminated. They get into your head . . . in a good way I think, but when I am trying to rhyme my Starbucks order the next morning with a shitty English accent then maybe I'm realizing it might be in a bad way. The theatre is great. Plenty of booze and it's not outrageously priced. It's not cheap either but we got a wine and a good sized ginger ale for ten bucks, so that's not as bad as some while not as good as others, my refrigerator for example. The seats are a little tight but it's ok when everyone is belly laughing. Nobody notices jostling when everyone is extremely delighted with what is going on, kind of a socio/humoristic rule of thumb. I highly highly super-highly recommend this place and these guys. Go here. Have fun. Laugh both buttocks off. Go home. I said it here. So have a lot of other people. Stop thinking. Just do it. read more

Improvised Shakespeare Company - Stage - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We were advised by a friend that if you saw only one improv show in Chiago, this was _THE_ show to see. That was pretty high praise, and we were not disappointed. They had us in stitches the entire time. We loved that they basically created an entire 90 minute show out of a single phrase shouted out by a drunk audience member! Even more impressive was the introduction, which was not only improvised, but best I could tell, delivered with iambic pentameter as well. (a requirement that they did not hold up for the entire show) We ended up getting there early enough to get seats in the very front row, next to the stage. Like other improv shows in Chicago, the seating was really cramped. However, the show was so damned funny I wasn't that bothered by it (and wouldn't remove a star for it). Definitely worthwhile to see this show! read more

This show is laugh out hilarious.. It was so good that my brother and I argued afterward if they can even be doing this with no prior information. They seemed to deliver the script, story and language so effectively. I know second city gets top billing as far as improv shows go in this town but if you have already seen it or don't care for it, then put this on your must-do list. read more

Improvised Shakespeare Company - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Thank you Yelp for helping me discover the laugh-til-I-might-wet-my-pants Improv Shakespeare Company!! We came with a group of 3 girls and had a BLAST. One of the girls repeatedly hand-fanned herself to cool down from laughing so hard. =D The act started off with input from the audience to form a title to inspire the night's show. The group of actors are all men who... are probably way too comfortable with each other than is within the range of normal limits. But of course, this was to the audience's benefit because they played off of each other incredibly fluidly! I typically hate bathroom humor, but any that they had were done so wittily that even a puritan like me thoroughly enjoyed it! Price is right too!! $16 plus $2.50 service fee got me loads of entertainment. I'd definitely come back the next time I'm in Chicago. read more

I've been watching (and performing) improv comedy for years. These guys are amazing. This would be a very good improv show WITHOUT the Shakespearean dialogue -- the ability for an ensemble to tell a cohesive 90-minute improvised story is an exceptional one. The fact that they can effortlessly layer in Victorian vernacular makes it jaw-droppingly amazing. Their ability to listen well to each other, make the most of every comedic opportunity, and remember even the most minute of details makes this one of the very best shows you'll find anywhere. Not just best improv shows or best comedy shows. Best shows. Period. read more

Hilarious! Just got home from watching these guys at an 8pm show and it was an hour and a half of "slap your neighbor on the shoulder and double over laughing" kind of funny. What a talented group. It was a packed house, and I even heard the people sitting behind us say afterwards that they wanted to stay for the 10pm show! That's success. Just a word of caution though: Not for the faint of heart, as things can get R-rated, so bring your friends and not your parents. :) read more

Very funny, even for those who aren't familiar with Shakespeare. Actually, you need very little knowledge of his works in order to see Improvised Shakespeare Company do their thing. Show was sold out, so definitely get tickets in advance. read more

I'm simply in awe of talent of this group. How they do what they, on the spot, I will never understand -- but I sure as well enjoy being a witness to their brilliance!! It's definitely Shakespearean...and definitely Improv. I don't think there's anything left to want. The grip in your chest and cheeks as you watch the drama and laughs unfold will undoubtedly prove it. Thank you for a fantastic evening. Highly recommended!!! read more

The Improvised Shakespeare Company never disappoints. Not only do they never disappoint, they never leave you feeling like that was "just ok", or that was "just sort of awesome". I have seen them a couple of times when they have come to NYC and it is some of the most quick-witted amazingly hilarious improv that I have ever seen. For anyone who might be thinking...oooh I'm not that into Shakespeare will I really enjoy this? YES YES! YOU WILL DEFINITELY ENJOY THIS!! You might even find yourself subconsciously picking up a copy of A Midsummer Nights Dream, just to fill the void when they're gone. read more

How often do you get to see the one and only performance of a fabulous play? (Need I mention the script is nonexistent?) Improvised Shakespeare Company is an example of the great improve theatre that Chicago is known for. I have gone several times and never regretted it! I always come in trying to think of a title for them to use and hope that they use mine. (I have been fortunate as to have had my titles used twice). I think people who want some seriously hilarious antics all in the style of "the immortal bard" should go and check this show out, many times! It is one of my favorite things in Chicago, and that's saying a lot! p.s. I say it's "not for kids" because there have been times when it has gotten a bit raunchy. read more

Everyone deserves a second chance, and improvised Shakespeare took that opportunity and ran with it. While my first experience with this show was less than I had hoped, last night's performance was quite possibly the best improv show I have ever seen. The actors were spot on all night, and even when they were stuck, they made the most of it and left the audience laughing hysterically. If this were just any ordinary improv, they would have hit the ball out of the park, but improvised Shakespeare takes it up a notch by maintaining Elizabethan language and common Shakespearean themes throughout their performance to leave the audience awestruck by their talent. A word to the faint at heart: the show will get raunchy and the humor will sparkle with well placed sexual innuendos. Probably not a performance to bring your grandfather to. Well done, improvised Shakespeare. You've made a fan out of me. read more

If you want to see tomorrow's comedy superstars today, there is no better place to look than the iO on Friday nights at 8 and 10. The concept seems simple enough: take a suggestion from the audience for the show's title, and then perform a two act, Shakespearean style play based on said title. The magic is in the execution... oftentimes, literally. The way these players weave a tale from thin air is nothing short of spectacular. The fact that they do it using the language, style and themes of their namesake bard is awe-inspiring. No worries, though, you don't have to be a Shakespeare aficionado, or even like him, for this show to entertain. Keep your eyes out for Blaine Swen, Ross Bryant and Greg Hess--three of the hardest working and side-splittingly funniest guys around. Do NOT miss this show! Words of caution: Show up early! Both shows are usually at capacity and often sell out. It's easy to reserve tickets in advance by calling the iO. Try to sit in the second or third row, center, for the best view. If you're in the front row, they will sometimes add seating in front of you to accommodate that night's crowd. read more

In town with my wife and two teenage daughters (one of whom suggested we go to this) and it was the best part of the trip by far! We laughed nonstop for 2 hours. The actors were amazing and the waitresses and staff were all hard-working, friendly, and helpful. And for $20 it was so worth it! But the way the actors took the audience suggestion (The Taming of the Internet) and ran with it in true Shakespearean fashion, including some rhyming and some iambic pentameter, was simply fabulous. A must when in Chicago. read more

This troupe is incredible. The title shouted out from the audience was "The Groom and the Graveyard," and the improv play/musical they proceeded to put on was rife with classic Shakespearean themes, meter, puns, music, and hilarity. SO MUCH HILARITY. The talent in this group rivals stuff you've seen on "Who's Line," and I couldn't help drawing comparisons ESPECIALLY when they burst into an impromptu song-and-dance number. I have no idea how they do what they do, but I have seen a lot of improv and this is by far the most memorable. Improvised Shakespeare, please come on tour to NYC! read more

I gave the cast the name of the production, "Much Ado About Everything", and holy cow they were BRILLIANT!! I haven't laughed this much in a very long time and I'm so excited that I got a chance to see this performance. Make sure to arrive about 15-20 mins before the show starts or you'll be a lost puppy looking for a seat. Get a drink and enjoy! This company doesn't have a perfect 5 star record for nothin'! read more

Magnificent show! They had just the right mixture of plot and relationship. There were touching moments and exciting moments but all the moments were hilarious! This is a MUST SEE when in Chicago! read more

Omg I love love love this show! My awesome sister introduced my hubby, girlfriend, and myself to this amazing show! At first, I was extremely hesitant because it had the word "Shakespeare" in the name. I thought it was going to be really boring. Boy, was I wrong! I might even like this show more than second city improv!!!! It's cheaper than second city as well- $16! I've gone twice now and I loooooove watching the founder perform! He is soooo sharp and on point- he is definitely my favorite. I wish I lived closer to come every weekend!!!! I HIGHLY recommend!!!! read more

Oh my goodness you need to go to this show. I love Shakespeare plays, but this is just amazing. Genuinely one of the best improvs I've been to, and it was only $16 a ticket. Incredible deal. Get there early if you want to sit close to the stage, but really anywhere seemed like it would be a good seat. Next time I'm in Chicago I definitely want to see them again, and I am now subscribed in case they make it over to the bay area... read more

Improvised Shakespeare Company is downright mind blowing. I personally am not a fan of the rehearsed plays of Shakespeare but watching an improvised version of it gives me an insatiable hunger wanting more. Their vernacular and their usage of the bodies on stage are impeccable. It is not just 2 talking heads but a full on performance and experience that questions yourself whether something this good could actually be improvised on the spot. If this show were not sold out all the time I would live here on Fridays. read more

My husband and I were planning a trip to Chicago, and at the recommendation of a friend, we purchased tickets to this show. Boy! Are we are so glad we did! They were so funny and I laughed so hard that my cheeks hurt by the end of the evening. Seating is very cramped, but I am very willing to overlook that because of the enjoyment of the show. I am in such AWE of people who can think so fast on their feet by taking one small idea and turning it into a full-on show. Well done, troupe! Well done! read more

The show was so much more than I expected... the actors were clever and we were laughing the entire time. I plan on going back! Just one grievance.. seating is a little tight. read more

Totally absurd and hilarious. I laughed until I cried. In seriousness though, this company is immensely talented and creative. I definitey recommend this show to anyone who likes to laugh, though be aware that the biggest laughs came from some very raunchy jokes. Advice for first-timers: get there in time to grab a beer for the show and get a good seat (though there aren't any really bad ones), because it will be packed. read more

I have always been a fan of improv. I have somewhat been a fan of Shakespeare. However, by mixing these two things together, the Improvised Shakespeare Company makes an amazing orgy of in-your-face-i've-never-laughed-so-hard-while-sober awesomeness. Every actor I've seen is well trained and FUNNY. I mean, not just chuckle laugh, I mean guffaw. Men play women roles, true to Shakespearean form. While we are in a progressive city in a time where gender roles are pretty smashed-to-bits (you can be anything you want [maybe both?] and very few people will criticize you for it), it is still hilarious to see a grown man with a beard pretend to pull up "her" stocking so that a suitor's eyes can pop out of his head. Couplets are formed in the most awkward of ways ("Some of us are princes, some of us paupers. Some of us are Cindy's, some of us Laupers"). And the physicality of the show makes you want drunkenly walk down Clark Street trying to recreate the hilarity you just saw of two grown men doing an "acrobatics" show that consisted of them rolling around on the floor together and going "Opah!" Not every show will be a gut-busting success. In fact, a few times the ending have been rather sad. However, all-in-all, you always leave happy, quoting some absurd part ("If thou dost jump, thou must be SUPER CAREFUL.") and hungry for your next performance. The fact that there's a (not too expensive) bar attached if you so desire a drink pushes things over the edge, which is why I'm going to even out with a nice 5-out-of-5 stars. I saw my first ISC show about 2 years ago on a date after reading a review in the Reader, Red Eye, or something like that. Since that first show in July of '09, I have seen them about 20 times. You might think I'm exaggerating. I'm not. Every time I've got friends/relatives in town I take them to go see this. And when I'm just having a crap-tastic week, I hit the auto-dial button for iO on my phone and reserve a pair of tickets. When all is said and done, I can safely say that I absolutely love ISC. And I'm 99.99999% positive so will you.... err... thou. read more

I thought they were good but not great. Perhaps I prefer short-form, rather than long-form.

Tis the greatest improv show on earth! Seriously amazing. These guys talk like Shakespeare and stay in the same themes as Shakespeare. Very clever and smart. Highly recommend to anyone living or visiting Chicago or anyone who gets to see the traveling show. I cannot give this show enough accolades. Bravo! My favorite is Steve Waltien too! ;) read more

This is a funny, intelligent, very clever way to spend the evening. The cast works so well together it's amazing. I haven't laughed so hard at a performance in years. read more

I highly recommend going to see the Improvised Shakespeare Company. This is a great show to take your visiting parents and friends, but it also great to take in alone too. Having gone to many improvised shows, I can clearly state that this is among the BEST in Chicago and possibly the World! Note of caution: Your Saturday morning breakfast conversation may become more enlighten as the previous night's shows ALWAYS is the main topic of conversation. You'll be saying things like, "I can't believe they did that. It was hysterical" and "My stomach and cheeks still hurt from laughing so hard." I honestly think the only way they could improve the improvised show would be to have them perform live, in front of a studio audience so those who cannot attend get to experience this amazing can't miss lifetime experience. TV execs - sign them up stat because we need something GREAT on TV! To date, I've seen the Improvised Shakespeare Company over 60 times and I'm still counting! read more

It's difficult to put into words how amazing this show is. The cast of 5 guys are hilarious, witty, and so quick on their feet. They rhyme, use puns, and crack jokes all in the style and themes of William Shakespeare! You don't need to know or understand Shakespeare to watch this show (thankfully lol)! They play off each other so well that I have to keep reminding myself it's improv and that they are making it up as they go. I saw the 10:30 show on a Saturday night and was lucky enough to sit in the middle of the front row to be up close to the action. The show has a brief intermission in the middle and lasted about 1.5-2 hours total. Highly recommend it! It's all improv so each show is brand new. They ask for a title recommendation from the audience at the beginning and then base their entire show on that title. When I went, the title was "the last beer". read more

I have seen this show 7 times. 5 out of the 7 times were really amazing, and the other 2 were just pretty good to bad. Why I Think You Should See This Show 1) Great deal - $16 for 90 minutes of hilarity. (It's better to call ahead to reserve tickets; they have been known to sell out Fridays and Saturdays.) 2) They are great at the long form improv that the iO is venerated for. 3) It makes you feel somewhat like a snotty cultured person when you tell someone you're going to see something related to Shakespeare, even though you actually don't need any Shakespearean knowledge at all to enjoy the show. 4) The energy of a full house is amazing. When they sell out, the show somehow seems to be exponentially better. 5) In the Shakespearean form, it's an all-male cast, so the men have to play female parts. Need I say more? There's just something viscerally funny about seeing men play women. Just go see the show! read more

A MUST DO in Chicago! I had heard about this show while looking up comedy shows for an out-of-town friend and I to attend. All the reviews say this show was some of the best improv you will ever see and sure enough, I was cracking up the entire time. The actors who perform are so incredibly talented and will keep you entertained for 1.5 hours straight. You will not be disappointed!!! read more

I saw them perform two shows at the Dallas Comedy Festival. I am 59 years old and this was the most amazing performance of anything I have ever seen in my life - including any theater, music concerts, movies, this beat any entertainment I have ever seen. I cannot wait for them to return so my wife and I can see them together. I would even drive to Austin to see them. read more

This show was HILARIOUS. My parents were visiting for the weekend and wanted a night out on the town. I needed a comedy show that wasn't too risque or vulgar and figured funny Shakespeare would be tame, but still funny, enough. My parents, my friend and I laughed through the entire show. It's amazing how they stay in the Shakespearian speech through the entire thing, while still maintaining a high level of hilarity. I highly, HIGHLY recommend this show for anyone looking for a night fully of belly-laughing. Get there early though--the place filled quickly. The drinks at the bar aren't too badly priced, either. I can't wait to go back. read more

Why did I wait so long to see this show?? WHY? It is so well done! The actors were just incredible! Funny, smart, and consistent. Each scene ended with a rhyming couplet. Can you believe that? I am just so impressed. My only complaint? it was pretty chilly in the theatre. So dress well. But obviously that didn't effect my laughter! read more