WELCOME TO iO THEATER
Founded in 1981, iO is the home of longform improvisation. Longform Improv is a 1/2 hour completely improvised piece created by an ensemble based off of one suggestion taken from the audience (short-form improv is what you might see on "Whose Line is it Anyway" or at ComedySportz). We take strangers and turn them into teams in 5 Levels. Through play and support we have more fun than anyone else putting art where there was none before. We start with the basics in Level 1 and end with original form creation. Individuals will leave with an appreciation of their own superpowers and how to use them on a team.
Did you know that this art form was created by women to help immigrant children process trauma… to help them fearlessly form an ensemble so that they could share and be respected and respect others in turn. Once theater was dropped on the non-competitive games they were playing, those children were enabled to fearlessly make art about the world they lived in. The sons of these women are the founders of Chicago’s famous style of improv. Process over product, truth = comedy, and that everyone is an expert in something. However, from Short Form to Long Form and everything in between, the artists making that art are what is truly special. Ensemble is the focus of our training and the by-product of that training is a more confident individual and a fearless team.
We have created a cutting edge curriculum in line with our mission of fostering a diverse, fair, welcoming, and creatively energized community.
THE IMPROV PROGRAM
Level 1 has an Ensemble focus where Teamwork & Group Mind are the goal. Stage-craft, Stage Picture, Organic Games & Openings will also pop up.
Level 2 is about developing individual Point Of View, learning tools for good scenes. Editing, Character, Environment, Acting and most of all appreciation for your own improv tool belt as well developing appreciation for those of others.
Level 3 hones in on Scene Work. In this level we will dig deep, putting characters into relationships, playing games, and discover other scenic beats.
In Long Form Level 4, we posit that group mind is a decision and appreciation for existing forms lets us better create new one.
Level 5 is Advanced Longform. The best forms are created by ensembles to show off their particular skills. Ensembles will learn how to create original forms.
There is one performance/demonstration at the end of level's 1-4. There is an 8 week run of shows after level 5.
After completing the Program, students can choose to enter The House Team System where Longform Ensembles will be Showcasing Original Forms.
Our Company values the following:
Creative Diversity
Collaboration
Accessibility
Equity
Transparency
Respect
Artistic Incubation and Innovation
Our Training Center encourages you to:
Play to height of your intelligence
Have an awareness of privileges
Be an ally
Make space
Make art
Have fun
Contact: classes@ioimprov.com
for more information on classes, teachers, and payment plans!