Comedy Sportz: A Unique Improvisational Theater

-By Jennifer Johnson

When you think of improvisational theater in Chicago, typically the first thing that comes to mind is Second City. But there are other forms of improv in Chicago, and one of those is Comedy Sportz.

"Today take over the city, and tomorrow take over the world, one joke at a time," says Randy Smock artistic director of Comedy Sportz.

Improvisational theater has been an essential part of the culture of Chicago. It was started by a small group of students from the University of Chicago during the 1950s. Now Chicago's improv scene is its own culture and is famous for producing many comedic actors, such as John Belushi, Chris Farley, Mike Myers and Bill Murray.

A man named Dick Chudnow started Comedy Sportz in Milwaukee, and it expanded to Chicago in 1987.

"It is something you can take anybody to," says Randy Smock. Comedy Sportz is located in the heart of Chicago's North Side, and offers good clean improvisational comedy.

Comedy Sportz comediens "competing."

"Some improv shows are off color and people are offended by them, and that is what is different about us. We offer a non-homogenized show where our actors play smarter and learn how to be funny," says Smock. "Our niche is family and there is no group that couldn't go."

Comedy Sportz is located on the city's North Side in Lakeview at 2851 North Halsted Street. There is an ongoing show named "Open Run" that plays every Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. This show is an all age show, where two teams compete under the discretion of a referee. The players interact with the audience and take suggestions, which they intertwine into their show. Then the teams are judged by the audience to decide the winner.

"Second City is sketch comedy although it started out as improv, where as Comedy Sportz has a product that is pure improvisational comedy, what the audience sees that night no audience will ever see again," says Matt Elwell, director of outreach and public relations.

The best part about Comedy Sportz is that no two shows are ever the same, because of the variety of suggestions from the audience. "The greatest thing about improv is that it happens that night and no one will ever see the same improv show twice," says Matt Elwell. It is best to make reservations for this show since they have a tendency to sell out. The box office phone number is: 773-549-8080 and tickets cost $17.

"I enjoyed the show because it was fun and exciting and I laughed hysterically," said Melissa Shaw, a patron of Comedy Sportz. "The players used their quick wit and fast paced minds to put on an amusing show," Shaw added.

The crew from Comedy Sportz never stops goofing around.

For the people who like more mature humor, Comedy Sportz has another running show called "The Hot Karl." This show is a no holds barred improvisational show that is best suited for an older audience. Although the humor may be somewhat offending, the show will still have the audience roaring with laughter. "The Hot Karl" plays on Saturday nights at midnight and tickets cost $10. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office by calling: 773-549-8080.

Comedy Sportz is a newly renovated theatre that seats up to 200 people. It is a non-smoking facility and does not serve alcohol. But if you're 21 or older, you can bring your own alcohol. There is even a small concession stand, which sells snacks.

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