The Revival
Unapologetically unscripted. Info Here: https://linktr.ee/therevivaltheater In 1955, the Compass Players opened a makeshift theater at this location.
Improvisational comedy was invented on the northeast corner of 55th Street and University Avenue. Initially, the group presented short, scripted “plays” that were devised by improvisational games in rehearsal. Admission was free. The group only made money from sales at the bar. One night, the theater was performing for a capacity crowd. The bartender, Fred Wranovics, pulled director Paul Sills asi
07/24/2024
See for yourself tomorrow (Thursday) at 8:30 PM at The Revival.
Get tickets here: links.the-revival.com/duos
Tonight at 9:00pm! Simply the best improv show in the city. Get tix now!
Link to tickets: links.the-revival.com/chicagostyle
07/16/2024
This Thursday at 8:30 PM, comedy legends Rich Talarico and Ed Furman join us for Duos, a celebration of the best two-person improv teams!
Rich Talarico:
Peabody Award-winning writer for Key & Peele, MADtv, SNL, Mean Girls, and Get Out. Rich performs improv and stand-up across the U.S.
Ed Furman:
Co-author of Rod Blagojevich Superstar! and Co-ed Prison S***s. Former Second City Mainstage performer and best-selling author of Cube Monkeys.
Don’t miss this chance to see Rich and Ed in action! Link to tickets: links.the-revival.com/duos
07/10/2024
Join us this Thursday at 8:30 PM for DUOS! Featuring the incredible Susan Messing:
“Improviser of the Year” – Chicago Improv Festival
“Best Improviser” – Chicago Reader
“Funniest Woman in Chicago” – Chicago Magazine
Link to tickets: links.the-revival.com/duos
07/09/2024
This Thursday at 8:30 PM, join us as Susan Messing and Rachael Mason take the stage for a disturbingly delightful show you won’t want to miss. Together, they guarantee a show that’s unabashed, unapologetic, and unforgettable. Don’t miss out on this incredible night of comedy!
Link to tickets: links.the-revival.com/duos
07/06/2024
Exciting News! "BLANK! The Musical" just received a fantastic review from the Chicago Reader! We're so proud of our cast and crew and grateful to our amazing audience. Check out the full review below and don't miss out—grab your tickets here and join us!
Review: links.the-revival.com/reader
Tickets: links.the-revival.com/BLANK
Thanks to everyone who attended Opening (and Closing) Night of “Storage Whores!” Join us next weekend for another performance of “BLANK! The Musical”
Grab your friends, bring your smartphone and help us create this fully improvised, Broadway-style musical!
Link to tickets: links.the-revival.com/BLANK
07/01/2024
Don’t Miss These “One-Off” Performances Thursdays in July at 8:30 PM!
The best comedies are Buddy Comedies…Abbott and Costello; Key and Peele; Beavis and Butthead. This month, The Revival is featuring some of the best improv pairings to ever grace the stage. DUOS features notable performers from SNL, MADtv, Conan O’Brien and more.
Get tickets here: links.the-revival.com/duos
06/29/2024
"BLANK! The Musical" premieres tonight at 7 PM! In this unique show, you, the audience, will choose the title, write the lyrics, and select the chord progressions. Watch our talented performers bring your ideas to life in a completely improvised musical. Every performance is a thrilling new adventure! Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience.
Link to tickets: links.the-revival.com/BLANK
06/14/2024
Last call for Improv 101 - Foundations starting this Sunday!
Learn the basics of improv in a fun, supportive environment. No experience needed!
Sign up link: links.the-revival.com/adultclasses
06/12/2024
Don't miss the final performance of UNSEND tomorrow night at 7:00 PM! Join David Pasquesi, Sue Gillan, and Mike Brunlieb for a razor-sharp master class of long-form improvisation. This is your last chance to witness improvised comedy at its finest. Grab your tickets now! Link: links.the-revival.com/unsend
06/05/2024
Exciting Announcement: BLANK! The Musical opens June 29!
After a successful Off Broadway run, BLANK! The Musical comes to Chicago for the very first time! At BLANK! The Musical, you create your ideal Broadway production. Gather your friends, grab your smartphone, and share your ideas. Choose the title, write lyrics, select chord progressions, and then enjoy the live performance!
Get your tickets now for a night of unforgettable entertainment at BLANK! The Musical.
Get tickets here: links.the-revival.com/BLANK
06/05/2024
Thank you, University of Chicago Booth School of Business!
Learn more about our workshops here: links.the-revival.com/workshops
Learn more about the University of Chicago Booth School of Business here: links.the-revival.com/booth
05/31/2024
Join us at our open house! To RSVP, email [email protected].
We are looking forward to seeing our young improvisers soon! If you haven't already signed up, we have sessions running from mid-June through August. Don't miss out!
Camp info link in bio!
05/29/2024
Falcon Flex Day was a big hit!
Learn more about our workshops here: links.the-revival.com/workshops
Learn more about Daystar Academy here: www.daystaracademy.org
05/28/2024
We had a blast prepping these amazing Teens for college interviews!
Learn more about our workshops here: links.the-revival.com/workshops
Learn more about UChicago Civic Engagement and CC Readiness here: ccreadiness.uchicago.edu/
05/23/2024
We are looking forward to seeing our young improvisers soon! If you haven't already signed up, we have sessions running from mid-June through August. Don't miss out!
Join us at our open house! To RSVP, email [email protected].
Sign up here: links.the-revival.com/camp
05/22/2024
A huge shoutout to Jamie Nesbitt Golden of Block Club Chicago for the fantastic article about our new space! Jamie joined us for Drop-In Improv and Chicago Style, and we had an absolute blast!
Don't miss out on the fun! Learn more and sign up for Drop-In here: links.the-revival.com/dropin
Check out our amazing shows here: links.the-revival.com/performance
The Revival Comedy Shop Opens In New South Loop Digs Neighbors have lined up to check out the comedy venue's new home, much to the delight of owner John Stoops, who is continuing his mission to make comedy accessible to all.
05/22/2024
We were thrilled to kickoff a weekend of collaboration in Philadelphia with you!
Learn more about our workshops here: links.the-revival.com/workshops
Learn more about Faculty Advancement Network here: https://links.the-revival.com/FAC
We come to this place for magic...and reasonably priced entertainment.
Link to tickets: links.the-revival.com/performance
05/16/2024
Join us this weekend for a spectacular lineup of improv shows at The Revival! 🎟️ Grab your seats for an unforgettable evening of laughter and spontaneity. Here's our schedule:
Thursday:
7:00 PM: Quitting Contest
9:00 PM: Big Fans
Friday:
7:00 PM: Chicago Style
Saturday:
7:00 PM: Chicago Style
9:00 PM: Ready For Men
Link to tickets: links.the-revival.com/performance
05/16/2024
Calling all young creatives! Join us this summer at The Revival for an unforgettable Summer Camp experience! Ages 6-12 will thrive in our warm, joyful, and supportive environment, where every day is a celebration of creativity and fun!
Campers will enjoy a variety of engaging "on-your-feet" classes including improv, sketch comedy, music, and more, led by Chicago's top-notch instructors with extensive classroom and stage experience.
Don't miss this chance to jumpstart creativity, develop new skills, and make lasting memories! Sign up for Summer Camp at The Revival today!
Sign up here: links.the-revival.com/camp
05/13/2024
Summer Camp Spotlight! Meet Our Camp Director, Hannah Baker!
Ages 6-12 can expect a warm, joyful, and supportive environment at The Revival's Summer Camp! Our camp celebrates each day with a variety of fun, "on-your-feet" classes including improv, sketch comedy, music, and more.
Our instructors, led by the talented Hannah, are among the best in Chicago with a wealth of classroom and stage experience.
Summer Camp at The Revival offers a wonderful opportunity to jumpstart creativity, develop new skills, and have fun! Sign up now for an unforgettable summer experience!
Link: links.the-revival.com/camp
05/09/2024
🎉 Tonight's the night! Our inaugural shows kick off with a bang! 🎭 Join us for an unforgettable evening of improv excellence, laughter, and creativity. Don't miss out on the fun! Grab your tickets now—links.the-revival.com/shows
05/06/2024
Exciting News! The Revival just got featured in the Chicago Sun Times by Steve Heisler! We're thrilled to be recognized for our passion and creativity in bringing unforgettable moments to our audiences. A huge shoutout to everyone who's been part of this journey with us!
Chicago improv scene grows with new theaters in South Loop, Lake View The Revival is relocating from Hyde Park to South Wabash, and The Home Comedy Theater is providing an artistic residence for some iO and Second City veterans.
04/25/2024
🎭 Ready for another round of spontaneous laughs and creative brilliance? Drop in again for our exhilarating Improv session! Whether you're a seasoned performer or new to the scene, tomorrow's class promises to ignite your imagination and spark endless fun! 🌟 Don't miss out - reserve your spot now! Sign up here: links.the-revival.com/dropin
04/24/2024
🎭 Get ready for improvisation at its finest! Join us on Thursdays at 7:00 pm (5/9, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13) for UNSEND—featuring David Pasquesi (HBO's VEEP, TJ & Dave), alongside Chicago favorites Sue Gillan (NBC's Shrink, Second City) and Michael Brunlieb (HBO's South Side, Amazon's Utopia). Don't miss this master-class performance!
🌟 Flash Sale Alert! Get 25% Off - Use Code "Flash25" at checkout. Hurry, limited time offer!
Link to tickets: links.the-revival.com/unsend
04/23/2024
Join us on Saturdays at 9:00 pm (5/11, 5/18, 5/25, 6/1, 6/8, 6/15) for Ready for Men, a fully improvised play featuring veteran performers Caleb Fullen, Travis Koury, and Drew Tonkovich. Inspired by audience suggestions, the ensemble creates each character, scene, and plot twist spontaneously. With no script to rely on, every performance is a thrilling adventure into the unknown. Don't miss this unforgettable theatrical experience where the only limit is our collective imagination!
⚠️ Flash Sale Alert! Get 25% Off - Use Code "Flash25" at checkout. Hurry, limited time offer!
Link to tickets: links.the-revival.com/readyformen
04/22/2024
Don't miss Quitting Contest Thursdays at 7:00 pm (5/16, 6/20, 6/27)! This bona fide supergroup features the Mount Rushmore of Chicago improv including Jim Scheidhauer (NBC’s Shrink), Beau Golwitzer (The Reckoning), Allison Ringhand (3Peat; Showtime’s Work in Progress), Michael Brunlieb (HBO’s South Side, Amazon’s Utopia), and Sue Gillan (NBC’s Shrink, Second City). It's a rare opportunity to witness Best in Class comedy at its finest!
🚨 Flash Sale Alert! Get 25% Off - Use Code "Flash25" at checkout. Hurry, limited time offer!
Link to tickets: links.the-revival.com/quittingcontest
04/18/2024
🎭 Get ready to unleash your inner creative genius! 🚀 Join us TOMORROW for an electrifying Drop-In Improv class! Whether you're a seasoned improv master or brand new to the scene, this is your golden ticket to a night of laughter, learning, and epic connections! 🌟 Don't miss out - sign up now and let's kickstart the fun!
Sign up here: links.the-revival.com/dropin
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
The History of Imrov at The Revival
Improvisational comedy was invented on the northeast corner of 55th Street and University Avenue. In 1955, the Compass Players opened a makeshift theater at this location. Initially, the group presented short, scripted “plays” that were devised by improvisational games in rehearsal. Admission was free. The group only made money from sales at the bar.
One night, the theater was performing for a capacity crowd. The bartender, Fred Wranovics, pulled director Paul Sills aside and asked him to extend the show so he could sell another round of drinks. Without any additional scripted material prepared, Sills decided to present a third act comprised entirely of the same improvisational games that the company had been using in rehearsal. Needless to say, it was a huge success.
Soon, the Compass Players ditched scripted material altogether in favor of improvised performances that became known for pointed social satire and political commentary. By 1958, the group splintered. Company members Mike Nichols, Elaine May and Shelly Berman went to New York where they quickly gained national acclaim. Director Paul Sills moved north and co-founded The Second City.
In the subsequent 57 years, improvisational comedy has become a cornerstone of the global entertainment industry directly influencing theatre, film and television programming around the world. The Revival has returned improvisational comedy to its birthplace.
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906 S Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL
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