The fifth edition of this annual celebration of the art of improvisational comedy brings together more than 1,000 performers from around the U.S. and abroad. (Chicago artists, of course, are heavily represented.) This year’s festival, the largest yet, is divided into several series–Mainstage, Showcase, Sketch, Solo, Duo, and Fringe–as well as an all-night improv session, an adult-oriented “Blue” show, a series of daytime Lunchbreak performances (presented in conjunction with the city’s cultural affairs department), and numerous special events, including forums and workshops. The fest is dedicated to the memories of two recently deceased performer-director-teachers, Byrne Piven and Avery Schreiber; they will receive posthumous lifetime achievement awards, as will two other deceased notables, the Second City’s Martin DeMaat and ImprovOlympic’s Del Close, and three people still living: Bernie Sahlins, Sheldon Patinkin, and Joyce Sloane, described as “the triumvirate responsible for putting the Second City on the map.” Other awards will be presented to Stephnie Weir (female improviser of the year), Colin Mochrie (male improviser of the year), the Upright Citizens Brigade (ensemble of the year), and Schadenfreude (CIF Festival Highlight Award).
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MONDAY, APRIL 1
TUESDAY, APRIL 2
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3
Byrne Piven Tribute
The festival hosts the premiere screening of an improvised movie directed by Jonathan Appel and featuring Adam McKay and Ian Roberts. ImprovOlympic, 10:30 PM. $5.
