One of Chicago’s most powerful assets is the the number and variety of performance opportunities it provides. Bar prov can get a bad rap and can, at times, deserve it. But in the “City of Process” this rung of the ladder is an essential and wonderful part of an improviser’s growth. If you aren’t taking advantage of the free and fun feedback a Bar Prov show can provide, then you are missing out!
The most difficult thing about Bar Prov is knowing how to find it. Few Bar Prov spots have websites or clear booking structures. The below is intended to assist those who run these shows as much as it is to help you be in them.
Enjoy!
Tues: Good Times at Horseshoe
Wednesday: Old West Family Photo at Underground Lounge
Where: 952 West Newport Ave
When: Sundays at 8p
Cost: Free
The Space: Is Underground Lounge divey? Undoubtably. But its also a cheap place to grab a drink and its not lousy with TV’s. You can count on the audience being there for improv and paying attention. Something works right, they have been doing Sunday Nights for 3 years!
Conditions: Come for the whole show and buy a drink or two you cheap bastard!
Booking a slot: Usually books 2 -4 weeks ahead of time. Underground accepts all types of comedy and improv.
Contact: Javier Fernandez – jaffs50 at yahoo.com
Where: 952 West Newport Ave
When: Wednesdays 8p
Cost: Free
The Space: On Wednesdays Underground Lounge’s show is run by a house team (as it were): Old West Family Photo. They announce shows and open slots on CIN and on their Facebook Page. The space itself looks totally and completely different than it does on Sundays. Seriously. They remodel, every week. Check it out. You an see a video of the space and Old West…here.
Booking a slot: They book as far ahead of time as possible. Which means they are always looking for someone to take a slot somewhere down the road. Old West… accepts all types of comedy and improv.
Contact: Email: oldwestfamilyphoto at Gmail.com
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