I like the playground because its a stomping ground for young new improvisers to get their ideas out and try new things. Each night has a different set of shows, and the theatre is always trying to find new talent and showcase them. One group that has made an impression on me is Delirious Confetti (Sunday nights at the Free For All) Mostly a male group, the group has always had a high consistent rate of good laughs and improv. They are all normal people coming from different parts of the country and they really make comedy look flawless and easy. I think the Playground is a Chicago best kept secret that needs to be spread. It's BYOB and cheap, so really if you need a place to drink and see comedy, this is the place. read more

Went with a large group last night for a birthday. It was a fun idea for not much money and BYOB is always nice. The place is your typical, low-budget improv dirty dark room but who cares? I wasn't there for the ambience. It is in a really convenient location, close to the el and bus lines. I'm lazy so location often dictates whether I go places. The show consisted of three groups, each performing for about 30 minutes. The performers were a grab bag of 20 and 30-somethings and a few 40 year old-ish folks sprinkled in. In each of the three groups there were one or two people who carried the rest. Some didn't seem to have a funny bone in their body but the crowd was kept laughing by a few solid comedians. One really odd thing that ought to be mentioned: why bother to ask the crowd for a suggestion before each skit if you totally ignore it? Each of the three groups asked the audience to shout out something, in true improv fashion. And each group then launched into a pre-planned skit that had nothing to do with the shouted phrase. It's like they were just doing it for posterity, or read that improv skits are supposed to start that way. read more

If you're in the cast, or you have a friend in the cast, you might find a sliver of enjoyment here. Improv isn't my favorite because it can be hit or miss, but they had a lot of good reviews so we figured we'd give it a try. Playground didn't even swing, the only way to describe it is awful. Went this weekend for their Bob's Burgers show, and the fun started when we checked in. We bought tickets in advance, and when checking in our names weren't on their list of 12 that had paid. As my girlfriend showed her our ticket confirmation, the girl as the desk snapped, setting the tone for what would be a regrettable evening. This was about a 1 hour, sketched out show, so you think they would have run through it and added some humor. Not so much. It was a packed house, and half of the audience did laugh, but this was clearly the friends, family and students section. About 20 minutes of the show was dedicated to blatantly asking for tips and passing around tip buckets (yes, buckets is plural, they were pushing hard). That left 40 minutes to try to sneak in some humor and I can't recall anything fun or redeeming about the show. And I'm a guy that can find humor in just about anything. I did laugh at one point, thinking about how we actually paid money for this. I don't know if the positive reviews are from cast, family or friends, or if the show these people saw was really that much better. But this show was that bad that I'm not willing to risk another try. read more

Small theater for watching professional comedy hopefuls practice their improv. I enjoy it, even if I'm not drinking (it's BYOB). Skill levels vary, depending upon the night, but many of the improv groups have been together for a few years and have terrific timing - it takes a lot ot make me laugh hard, but a few groups managed it. Shows are usually $10 per person, and parking is nearly nonexistent, so take the CTA. read more

Came for their Free For All Show on Sunday. It was a decent show. It's BYOB. The content was very funny. A nice sunday evening activity if you are in the area. The show ran for an hour. read more

The Playground Theater - The stage is a nice size - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Alright, so when you open a comedy club with a BYOB policy, why in god's name are you SHHHHHing people when they're clearly embracing the jovial atmosphere on a Friday night? WTF? The first act sucked, the host was a tool, and the only funny act was two young girls that did a great job of not taking the whole thing too seriously. Probably won't go back...in fact, I totally won't go back read more

This was my first time seeing improv and a jolly time was had. We didn't have time to grab some booze before the show, but some girl next to us was nice enough to share. That alone makes for a good night. We saw 3 groups preform and they seemed to work well together. The girl who was emceeing the production did an excellent job, she ended up being one of the players in the final team. I wouldn't mind coming again, but next time I will remember to grab some booze beforehand. read more

We were here at the end of January,the show was only five dollars and it was hilarious. We had just come from Second City which was funny but Playground was even better. This was my first night experiencing improv and I am hooked. The actors came up with fantastic stories with single words like marshmallows and if I'm ever in Chicago again I will definitely be making a second visit. read more

Loved this place last Sunday night. For a free improv comedy show, you can't get any better than this. Laughed so hard my face hurt. Plus the fact that you can BYO pretty much anything (booze, food, etc), this place makes the ultimate budget friendly night. At the end of the show, they do ask that you support the comedians by making a donation, so give what you can and enjoy the show! Highly recommended. First come, first serve seating, so get there early (there's three rows of theater style seats, then banquet chairs for the late comers). They're pretty much all good seats, so definitely give it a try! Tip: go to CVS to pick up some booze/snacks before you get there. Cesar's is also close by if you want to load up on margaritas before hand. read more

Chicago's best kept secret for up and coming comedy! Very supportive community.

I went here one Friday Night with my boyfriend and we had a blast. It's cheap (10 bucks a head), funny and BYOB. The theater is small and we sat in the front row but it wasn't uncomfortable at all. I suggest trying this out - round up some frineds and six-packs at Binny's and you're good to go! read more

Fun, cheap, and best of all BYOB! I went to 2 shows in the same week actually. The first time was by accident; I thought I had been to this place before and got there with my date and realized it was a completely different comedy spot that I had been to. It turned out to be really funny though. If you sit too close to the stage, you might end up being the butt of a joke, but that's improv for ya. Anyway, they had a free show the following weekend, which was hilarious. Usually tix are only $10. It's a good deal and a nice change to the regular night out. read more

So much fun and affordable. I swear I almost fell out of my chair laughing. In 2 days, I've already recommended this place like 10 times!

There's a really good show every Sunday at 7:30pm called the Free For All. Yeah, it's really free, and it's BYOB. I really liked the first group Delirious Confetti, and just loved the 2nd one (something with a 'K' or 'C'-Koleen? Kleeno?). There weren't a lot of people, which surprised me, because it's been excellent every time I've seen it. I will definitely be back. read more

We love performing here and we love seeing shows here! Very cozy and intimate yet plenty of seating to get a good crowd amped up.

The best thing about this is the different shows - been there to see my friend's improv shows a couple times, love the small intimacy of it and brought a couple bottles of wine (great BYOB location) read more

Great place to take in an improv show. Check out the Fling the next time they take the stage!

Can't beat $5 ticket + byob nights. The theatre is small and intimate. They had 3 performances and all were pretty funny, some performances had some dry moments though. The last bit was a competition between 4 comedians who had 5 minutes each to make the audience laugh which was definitely a success. I'm not sure how much was actually improv but regardless, we had a good time. read more

I saw the TomKat play and I'd give the show 5 stars. (As of me typing this it is only on Wednesdays, GO SEE IT, its great!) This is a tiny theater with 3 rows of seats and lots of great things happening inside. If you sit in the front row, you could reach out your arm and touch the comedians/actors, but don't do that -- it's rude. The theater itself loses a star because the bathrooms are practically on the stage. read more

This place is fun, its cheap and they have some good shows. I went to see the burlesque show, which was entertaining. The had a magician and a comic perform as well and that was honestly the best part of the show. Its also BYOB which is always good. read more

I am there every Sunday night, and so should you. Friggin' AWESOME! It's only 5 bucks, and three teams perform. They're all hilarious.

An intimate little theater that really makes you feel part of the show. It was a great showcase of some local talent at a reasonable price. Plus, they let (and encourage) you to bring your own alcohol. read more

Great little theater. Its relatively cheap and the BYOB is a great thing. You never really know what you're going to get but all-in-all it'll be a good time. Its fun to see all different types of performers from novice on up. read more

We went there Sun night for the 'free for all' It was three acts of stand-up or something like that.... The first was hairclub for men.. It was so so so bad. Out of the 10 people in the audience, not a one smiled... The next was named something dirty... I love vulgar, but this was bad taste. Just using the same old P*nis word over and over. My god, it was painful to watch and listen to. Halfway during the 2nd act we HAD to leave.... I have seen bad comedy before, but this was just bad. Worst part there was no age limit, and there were a couple of early teens in the front row. I am not a prude, but it was beyond disgusting... I dont know if it is because it was a sunday and this was the free show, but if I would have had to pay I would have asked for a refund.. Sorry guys, but it really was bad and off-color.... read more

Fun, Cheap, and BYOB... I always have a good time when I come here. I especially love the team KARATE VAN, they are so funny! Every time I have seen them I have laughed my face off. Also, OUT OF CHARACTER is always great, too. I highly recommend this to anyone seeking a good laugh. read more

They had me at BYOB (and free on sundays). My husband, friend, and I were yelping around for a good comedy place close to us. playground theater popped up and I noticed it was BYOB, and to sweeten the deal it was free on sundays! the place was quite small but it wasn't too crowded. it had three acts back to back lasting around an hour and a half all together. I have to say it was an interesting (and cheap) way to end our night. street parking was easily available as well. the acts were unique and interesting and were able to hold my attention. There were also some lol funny moments which I didn't expect. We will be back again! read more

Chicago's The Playground hosts: Free improvisation Tuesdays for only $5! Near the BEST entertainment money can buy you on a Tuesday, let alone five monies, and by far the GREATEST improv you will see for your dollar. Here's a taste Quotes 4-15-09: You've got a LOT in YOU'RE blood. I saw the sweeeetest lil' bunny, hopped right up to me and I thought "Hello Jesus." - You don't need more baby powder! You're pale enough as is. - Come on. Pale is the new Chineeese! ------------- That's old, man! You old man. CONtrol yourself! We are trying to have an adult conversation here... gees! I knew we should have sent you to "cat school." Ring! Ring! Dudy calls, dudy head. ----- Did you put your grandfathers body in your mouth? - If you dont cook that pecan pie, it will just KILL your mother! - Pffft. So? She's been dead for 6 years. read more

this is a great little theater! they have improv, sketch and miscellaneous comedy shows every night of the week, for between $5 and $15 - BYOB. the space is small and the shows are simple, but the atmosphere is friendly and they're always good for a cheap laugh. read more

One caveat: go on the "Hill" night to see the most reliably funny standup and sketch. They feature the top acts that night. Otherwise you never know what you might sit through. read more

We went to the Sunday Free for all which is free and has three groups doing improv. It is also BYOB. It was a little like we were observing someone's party because everyone seemed to know everyone. But, the people were extremely friendly. The panty filers (one of the groups) was very, very funny. This was a fun and neat experience and I would do it again. read more

There are some great improv places in Chicago- and this is not one of them! Some of the individuals in the troupes were good, but as a whole it was a really awkward, unfunny show. The members of the troupes had no chemistry and seemed to not know the "rules" of improv. They kept yelling over one another and talking over each other- it was just really bad. The audience was entirely comprised of the players' family and friends. We went because the tickets were cheap ($5 for students and $10 for adults) but it wasn't worth it. The place is very small with one dingy bathroom. The BYOB atmosphere produced some very drunk audience members drinking 40s and interrupting the show. Who knows- maybe it depends on what night you come and what troupes you see, but our show on a Saturday was awful. Pay more and see a good show! read more

ive seen a lot of standup since my friends do that type of thing for a living. for every good comedian here, there are 4 bad ones. really amateur stuff read more

No stars! This show sucks so bad that we wanted a refund. Nothing funny about a bunch of guys climbing on each other and there was nothing funny about it. Would not recommend even if it was the last place on earth. Awful..... read more

i have been here once and the show was pretty bad. there were a few different groups performing and none were very funny. the place is byob which is probably the best part of the whole experience. i realize that there are different shows every night so i can't speak for any of the other shows. read more

This place is truly one of the hidden gems! Yes, the tickets for students are 5 and for regular 10 but this does not mean that they should not receive an outstanding review. We have been to this little theater about 10 times or so and we mostly loved it. No, of course you can't predict how the individual group will perform or whether they will have chemistry among themselves, but they do have 2 or 3 groups performing on the weekends, so if you don't like one group, wait for the other ones. Our all-time favorite group is KC Redheart!!! They do not use profanity, have amazing chemistry among themselves, and are hilarious - they don't just use words, they express with their facial movements, full span of arms and legs and use the entire space available which truly adds to the fantastic experience! We had family in town and we took all of them to see this group during their comedy marathon (too bad the Zamboni didn't win, we were rooting for that one). The theater is very "collegy" with small low-budget seats, stage and bathroom, but that is fantastic because you know that unique, fun, young college students & professionals perform there. This is not the place for the theater snobs - this is a place for laid back people who are ready for exciting improv performances by various groups! It's really the best quality and priced entertainment (90 minutes) in the entire city (and no one is forcing you to buy 2 items per each person, like those other ridiculous places)! You can bring your own drinks and have fun! We cannot rave enough about this tiny but magnanimous entertainment experience! read more