Improv group ComedySportz Chicago moves to new location in Piper’s Alley

ComedySportz Chicago – a 35-year-old improv comedy institution – announces a new move to Piper’s Alley in Chicago’s iconic Old Town neighborhood. CSz Theater Chicago will perform a short residency over the 4th of July weekend. The CSz Theater will occupy both the Blackout Cabaret and Judy’s Beat Lounge throughout the run. The CSz Theater will reopen with regular League Night programming Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Blackout Cabaret, the ComedySportz main stage Fridays at 8 p.m. at Blackout Cabaret and Saturdays at 6 p.m. at Judy’s Beat Lounge, and the all-new show of his hit musical improvisation, Trapped in a Musical will perform Saturdays at 9:30 p.m. at Blackout Cabaret, located on the 2nd floor of Piper’s Alley, 230 W. North Ave. Chicago, IL 60614.

After approximately six months at the Den Theater in Bucktown, CSz Theater Chicago is thrilled to move to such an iconic Chicago location. During the pandemic, ComedySportz was forced to close its location at 929 W. Belmont and turned to Twitch to continue its hilarious brand of interactive comedy, which is still ongoing. “We’ve certainly had a turbulent few years, between our old home being shut down by the pandemic, our run to The Den, and now landing in Piper’s Alley,” said Jason Geis, Artistic Director of ComedySportz Chicago. “We were so grateful for our audience’s willingness to travel with us from 929 W Belmont to Twitch, then to The Den, and now to Piper’s Alley.” said Renee Ross, executive director of ComedySportz Chicago. “If it weren’t for such loyal fans, we really wouldn’t be where we are today after the past two years. We’ve evolved as a company and continue to have those chances to reinvent business, both for us and for our audience,” says Ross.

“We are very excited to bring a full and diverse lineup to Piper’s Alley, and not only spotlight our ComedySportz match on the main stage, but also our brand new musical show, Trapped in a Musical, AND our two live shows. training in League Night,” Geis said. League Night features one of four Rec League teams, made up of new improvisers, and the Minor League, which is an elite group of players training for the main stage. ComedySportz is an improv comedy show played like a sports game, NOT a sports comedy. Two teams take to the stage in a comedic battle with scenes, songs and games and the audience votes for their favorite team. A referee keeps the laughs, the audience entertained and the chaos to a minimum. The show is open to all ages and prides itself on being an inclusive, non-judgmental environment for everyone to laugh the same way. Trapped in a Musical is CSz Theatre’s newest show and is a 60 minute improvised musical performance. The audience helps choose the main character and gives him the setting – trapping him in a musical! Featuring some of Chicago’s finest musical improvisers. Tickets for our in-person shows will be $15 for League Night and $25 for ComedySportz and Trapped in a Musical.

ComedySportz and Piper’s Alley take the threat of COVID-19 very seriously and have a building policy in place that requires all performers and staff to provide proof of a full cycle of vaccinations. This policy also applies to guests, all guests will be required to present proof of vaccination upon arrival. The full policy is available here: https://www.secondcity.com/network/the-second-citys-covid-19-commitment/

ComedySportz Chicago will continue to offer its live virtual content online through CSZN, the theater’s online comedy network on Twitch (twitch.tv/csznchicago), with a full slate of shows airing Wednesdays and Thursdays.

THE DETAILS:

League Night @ Piper’s Alley Blackout Cabaret

Thursdays 7 p.m. – Recreational League + Minor League – $15

Duration: 90 minutes

Rated: E for everyone (not recommended for children under 8)

ComedySportz Chicago @ Piper’s Alley Blackout Cabaret

Friday 8 p.m. ComedySportz Mainstage – $25

Duration: 90 minutes

Rated: E for everyone (not recommended for children under 8)

ComedySportz Chicago @ Piper’s Alley Judy’s Beat Lounge

Saturday 6 p.m. – ComedySportz Mainstage – $25

Duration: 90 minutes

Rated: E for everyone (not recommended for children under 8)

Trapped in a Musical @ Piper’s Alley Blackout Cabaret

Saturday 9:30 p.m. – $25

Duration: 60 minutes

Rated: PG-13

About CSz Chicago: ComedySportz is the longest running (1987) game-based improv show in the comedy capital of the world, perfect for all ages, offering comedy for everyone! ComedySportz’s interactive format is hosted by a referee overseeing a hilarious battle of wits between the home team, the Blue Downtown Chicago Bosses and the “visiting” Red team, marked by live keyboard music and live music. popular between the scenes! Using suggestions from the public and willing volunteers, our professional players create short games, scenes and songs on the spot, and the winner is determined by the Applause-o-Meter and your laughter.

Check out a preview of the show below!

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