Stage773 Presents

The Nation’s Largest Sketch Comedy Festival January 5-15, 2012

Executive Producer...... Brian Posen Director of Operations...... Jill Valentine Technical Director...... Brian Peterlin Public Relations...... SHOUT Marketing and Media Relations Jill Evans La Penna James Juliano Associate Producer...... Tim Soszko Children’s Programming...... Jolene Fehler Jill Olson Stage Managers...... Brian Peterlin Emily Claibourne Vicki Kunz Cody Spellman House Managers...... Billy Sullivan Tim Soszko Kelly Bolton Sam Wells Talent-Sitter & Bouncer...... Danni Parpan Marketing and Advertising Coordinators...... Jack Short Jon RodriQuez Website/Designer...... Brian Peterlin Sam Wells

The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival 1 FEATURING

35th and Addison Feminine Gentlemen Puterbaugh Sisters 9PE Comedy Fool For Thought Quixotic Acid Reflux Comedy FUCT Rabbit Rabbit Troup GayCo Productions RAM Chicago Alliance Sketch Group, Geek Show Red Denim Moustache The Get Well Soon Reformed Whores An Ironic Sorrow Girls Gone M.A.D. Riot Act, The Astronaut Theatre Gretchen and Regina Robot vs. Dinosaur Awesomonster Gulp! Ruby Weapon…Goes to Awkward Silence Happily Ever Laughter – Hell Backrow, The Vassar College Salsation Theatre BARRETTA HeavyWait Company Barry Hite: So Very Hey Pearl Sausage Important Hi Betty! Scuzznick Productions Be Good boys Honorary Degree Sean Miller Explosion, Blacktacular! Ik/ok The Business, The Inside Joke Films Second City This Week Butch LaRue Jack Tripper Sherry: Secret of the Cake-n-Hatred Jeffrey-Jeffries Ooze Camp Woods Jeremy ShockT’s Captain Smiles’ Nursing Jessica Size Eight Home Jin & Joshi Slow Children at Play Carl’s Backyard Johnson Box Stir Friday Night Cell Camp Just the Tip Stuntmen, The Charles Kerpatty! Stupid Time Machine Charlies, The Kids, The Sweat Clinic, The Late Live Show, The Sweathearts Comic Thread, The Lola Balatro Team Submarine Cool Table, The Long Pork Think Tank Creepy Hug Madre Mia Three Dollar Bill Comedy Cupid Players, The MAN1MAN2 Tim & Micah project, The Davenports, The Mountain Dawn Upset Triangle Deadpan Powerpoint Nerdologues, The Urlakis and Cusick Delirious Confetti No Offense Vampeero Disappointed Men Nose Complaint Variety Stampede!, The Donkey Crunch Off Off Broadzway Warm Milk Don’t We Boys, The Oh! Theodora Wig Bullies Double Blind Date One Man Show WILDCARD Drew’s Tumbler Other Other Guys, The Wishbone Theatre Electric Fantasy Pangea 3000 Collective Era, The Peter n Chris Xanadudes, The Everything Is Just Fine! Phat Beethoven Existential Crises Pretty/Windy Exquisite Corpse Pub Theater Company Fantasy Grandma Pump Trolley Comedy Feeko Brothers, The Punch In The Box

KIDS AND TEEN FESTIVAL GROUPS

Blah Blah Sisterhood Just Bust A Move Code Red Vines Kerpatty S-Cubed Story Town The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival 3 PROFILES PROFILES

35th and Addison is an Awesomonster is a Be Good Boys and energetic performances with homemade improv and sketch team Chicago-based sketch Be Good Boys are Mike props, sets, puppets, and costumes to create a comprised of Iowa born comedy troupe Brunlieb and Andrew live experience that is sometimes smart, Michael Larimer and committed to original Tisher. Eric Eyerman sometimes stupid, and always fun. Southern California work with an emphasis is their director. Mike native Jessie Stegner. on audience and Andrew became Captain Smiles’ They have performed in engagement. The friends attending Nursing Home Captain venues all around Game Show of HELL sports seven sin-inspired college in Santa Fe, Smiles Nursing Home Chicago including Second City’s Skybox theatre games like Crap-Grab (for Greed), If Van-Gogh roommates afterward in Chicago, and currently Theatre Company is a with their well received sketch show “Is This Drew a Mango (for Envy) and Condom they are co-starring in this show. What is the chuckle factory for Your First Dead Husband?”. Under the direction Commando (for Lust), tons of prizes, celebrity next step? people of all ages, of Jeff Poole, Larimer and Stegner focus their commercials and $100 for champions! except for children and scripted material on characters and situations Blacktacular! some adults. The trio of that are honest and true to life while still being Awkward Silence is Blacktacular! is Eli Golden, Drew Kearse, and Maria unexpectedly silly. back for its 7th year at musical sketch about Wojciechowski, is energetic and sexy. With Sketchfest. Now with the travails of black sketches and songs about love, loss, and el 9PE Comedy A 9PE even more Ferrero people - mainly black stations, captain smiles will win your heart if show is a comedy pep Rocher! Awkward actors, but we don’t you just open up and let love in! rally featuring original Silence uses a blend of discriminate. Equal sketches and audience- music, media, and parts “Hollywood Carl’s Backyard Carl’s interactive games and performance in their Shuffle” and “Forbidden Backyard is a four-man bits! shows which are sometimes semi- Broadway,” Blacktacular! explores (and skewers) sketch group from autobiographical. all things colored. Yep...colored. Chicago that uses Acid Reflux Comedy group-based scenes Troupe Acid Reflux has Backrow, The In “Still Business, The and a variety of presented original Hungry,” their The Business synthesizes comedic styles to sketch comedy to the eleventh show for the the minds of eight create a unified piece. Fox Valley area and festival, the Backrow is people into sketch They have performed at the iO Theatre, the Chicago suburbs for out to uncover old comedy. They zero in on Gorilla Tango Theatre and the Upstairs Gallery, five years. Known for its grudges, settle some scores, and probably text heightening concepts, among other places, and would love to bring sharp, daring humor you a cryptic apology later. Featuring all new ideas, and givens while their stuff to the Chicago Sketchfest! that pushes the boundaries of popular material, come see the reliably funny Chicago stretching them to new conventions, Acid Reflux has been called “one sketch veterans find a few reasons to put on planes of absurdity. Cell Camp Integrating the of the best bets in entertainment” by The Kane pants each morning. audience, multimedia and County Chronicle, and “Smart, fun, edgy, and Butch LaRue is like a memorable characters, hilarious” from WBIG 1280am. BARRETTA refreshing shot of Cell Camp presents a Carisa and Kevin are the Jameson. It makes your diverse comedy Alliance Sketch best at making the night fun and experience with a flair for Group, The Chicago’s worst decisions. With memorable, but shoot the awkward and absurd. premier gay/straight that in mind, they are too much of it, and SNL alum Garrett Morris sketch group, the proud to present their you’ll wake up next to a called the group “brilliant”, Alliance’s mission is to brand new sketch show dirty spinster with camel toe. In its 3rd year at while Time Out Chicago dubbed them “totally bring together gay and at Stage773 in their Sketchfest, Chicago Sun-Times, Red Eye tactless” as well as one of the “best and straight comedians to brand new Cabaret. It’s Chicago, and Metromix recommended, Butch’s brightest” at the 2009 Chicago Sketch Comedy produce queer- dinner theater - As long as you consider Skittles comedy is snappy and short, distilling scenes to Festival. This year they present scenes from Cell oriented comedy for the masses. “Dinner” and sketches written while on a sugar their funniest moments and trimming the fat, Camp After Dark, their latest show inspired by high “Theater”. Come and make the best worst like filling a cupcake wrapper with icing, and late-night Cinemax movies. An Ironic Sorrow decision of your life... And yes, there will be Skittles. skipping the cake part. Excerpts from An Ironic Charles A cerebral and Sorrow, or, Life in Your Barry Hite: So Very Cake-n-Hatred is a fast imaginative sketch duo Twenties a 2011 Second Important. In So Very paced high energy group from Seattle, Charles is City Directing Program Important, Barry Hite and that walks the tightrope of intelligent without Showcase. his friends Jeff and Joey reality and absurdity. sacrificing accessibility, show us what happens Compiled of members seamlessly combining when shallow people try from across the country, no highbrow and lowbrow to turn a crusade into a subject is foreign or taboo. sensibilities into a Astronaut Theatre good time and vice versa. We’ll eat our cake lustfully brand of humor they Hailing originally from all SVI is a comedy show and hate ourselves later. call unibrow. Outside the group, Chuck has four corners of the written by 1 guy (Barry Hite), performed by 3 worked as a contributing writer for The Onion, country, the members of fellows (Barry Hite, Joey Romaine, Jeff Murdoch) Camp Woods and Charlie served as editor-in-chief of Stanford Astronaut Theatre met in and directed by a fourth gentleman (Matt Formed in 2009, Camp University’s humor magazine The Chaparral. Boston, and decided Hovde). This show has what it takes to make a Woods has performed “”One of the most inspired and inspiring chunks immediately that they DIFFERENCE! Here we go! in Philadelphia, New of comedy produced all year.”” -The Stranger should, together, act more British. So, in an attempt York, Chicago, Boston, “”Best Solo or Duo,”” 2011 LA Comedy Festival” to do just that, they moved to the Britishest city in and Chapel Hill, NC. The Illinois, Chicago. We do sketch comedy as funny as group blends we can. Thank you for your time. surrealism, sharp wit, 4 The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival 5 PROFILES ( c o n t.) PROFILES ( c o n t.)

Charlies, The Creepy Hug Disappointed Men clubs, and stages from the South Side to the The Charlies are a band embraces you in ways Learn to embrace North Side of Chicago, as members of several of sketch comedians both familiar and disappointment on a popular sketch/improv troupes. Redd has trained at the UCB slightly wrong. Now in trip through space and trained with The Second City Chicago and Theatre in New York, it’s 6th year, the Chicago- time. Last time we met Improv Olympics Chicago. Slater has trained New York. They are based group has the best lawyers in the with the Instant Theatre Conservatory in named after every produced 13 original world, a creepy Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and Charlie who ever lived, sketch revues, using woodsman, experimental child psychologists, Improv Olympics Chicago. Most recently, both except the one you’re story, song, stares and obsessive parents, Vikings and other loveable were performers in the 2011 Chicago Sketch thinking of. If your name is Charlie, they’re prayers to help you through life’s awkward yet losers. This year, it’s all that x2. Comedy Festival. They also both participated in named after you too! But don’t sue them, necessary moments. Now who needs a hug? the spring ’11 comedy and music revue, because they don’t have any money. DonkeyCrunch brings “Insensitivity Training,” at Donny’s Skybox at Cupid Players, The All their cracked out The Second City—Slater as a performer and Clinic, The musical sketch comedy. perspective to the Redd as a writer. Today, along with their 2-man The Clinic presents The group was formed sketch arena swinging act, they have a cast to bring all their ideas to comedy—pure and simple. in 1999. wildly from placid and life. This is your Electric Fantasy! Our current work looks at “Must See”-Time Out plain scenes to wacked how distracted our society “Critics Pick”-The out loopiness. Drawing from the dark side of Era, The The Era is a is by modern conveniences Chicago Reader “A creativity, DonkeyCrunch likes to make the sketch comedy and and social netwo..rk…. Rarity in the Chicago Sketch Scene”-Windy audience wonder what it was they just saw improv duo starring sorry, I just got an email, City Times “Full of wit & zest.”-Chicago Tribune which will lead to conversation and hopefully Dara Katz and Sarah can we finish this later? Voted “Best Sketch Troupe”-Chicago Reader enlightenment. What? Who knows? Ashley! They met each other six years ago, as Comic Thread, The Davenports, The Meet Don’t We Boys, The freshman at the Recently returned from The Davenports, Lincoln Imagine The Hardy University of Michigan. Neither thought the winning BEST GROUP Nebraska’s billionaire first Boys hosting SNL. other was funny or cool. But now? They’re BFF. at the 2011 LA Comedy family of dance. Led by Danger veterans Joe That means best friends forever. And forever is a Festival (also patriarch Dan Davenport, “Foot-in-the-Grave” painfully long time. nominated for BEST watch as he guides his Anderson, Dave WRITING), The Comic family through blackmail, “Bloody Mess” Lyzenga, Everything Is Just Fine! Thread (TCT) has been touring these United stolen kisses and dirty and Matt “I’m Scared” Brilliant musical stupidity States at various festivals including the Austin deals done all over the Sterenberg will be performing sketch comedy the at it’s best!!! Out of Bounds and Milwaukee Comedy Fests. world. The Davenports promise to bitch-slap only way they know how: with a foot in the grave. After sold-out appearances at the 2010 & 2011 your face with laughter! Chicago Sketchfests, TCT is proud and excited Double Blind Date to be back at the best (no shit) sketch comedy Deadpan Powerpoint Double Blind Date is an festival in the world. One of Chicago’s most One of the most eclectic mix of performers seasoned troupes, TCT prides itself on unique accurately-named acts from house teams at and interesting characters, has fun with lots of in comedy, Deadpan Second City, iO, and the Existential Crises costumes and sound effects, and sports a team Powerpoint features Playground. This four When Existential Crises of writers who have been collaborating since suits, slides, and useless member group brings aren’t hanging around 1993 on screen and 1998 on stage. “Hilarious information presented their unique styles their storage facility (an and well-produced” (Associated Content), “This with an utter lack of emotion. Laugh and/or together to show off old airplane hangar is The Comic Thread and these guys know what learn. Either or both are acceptable. grounded scenes, absurd scenes, and stuffed to the seams they’re doing.” (Express Milwaukee), “Chicago’s everything in between. They are excited to with thousands upon finest sketch troupe.” (Cinema Without Borders, Delirious Confetti share their show with you. thousands of premium LA). ”A jaw-droppingly unprofessional morass consist of seven sketch grade A sketches) they can be found on tour. of subjects that are basically unmentionable in actors/improvisers that Drew’s Tumbler From Old El Paso to Albuquerque, they bring a family newspaper.” (Pioneer Press). all met when training Drew’s Tumbler (Megan the medicine of laughter to the masses. in the Second City Green, Meghan Cool Table, The Training Center. Each Hillmeyer, & Amanda Exquisite Corpse is a The Cool Table feels has continued on with Engborg) has been once-a-month party super about this show training at various theaters around the city of performing together with comedy and that (at the time of Chicago but still has been with Delirious since 2004. Graduates music that is filmed writing this blurb Confetti for over a year now. They are currently of Second City and iO, their shows often begin and edited in the style hasn’t been written in the works on their second sketch show going on rollerskates, celebrate the absurd, mock of a television/web yet) we are gonna give up at the end of November. musical theater, and end in violent death. Check series at Stage 773. At you guys tonight! We don’t see each other a lot, out their “Drew’s Tumbler” Facebook page for the heart of each Exquisite Corpse is an original, what with half of us living in L.A. and the other videos and show info. brand new sketch comedy show - written, half here in Chicago... So, this is more for us than performed, and directed by some of Chicago’s you, but we feel super about you being here. Electric Fantasy The most talented young comedians and Electric Fantasy performers. claymoreproductions.com/about- comedy duo formed in exquisite-corpse early 2011 but Redd and Slater have been performing together in workshops, comedy 6 The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival 7 PROFILES ( c o n t.) PROFILES ( c o n t.) Fantasy Grandma is Honorary Degree The Myrtle J. & Jane B. We GayCo pushes the boundaries of LGBTQLMNOP GULP! GULP! has been members of Honorary are your Grandmas. comedy by exploring the modern homosexual supplying humor and Degree have been Please come visit us experience and brazenly gay-marrying the entertainment to writing and because we miss you. absurd with the sweet. They also look stunning Chicago locals since performing sketch in a wrap dress and never leave home without a 2010. GULP! is an comedy shows clutch purse. eclectic ray of energy, together for the last 7 each member has their years, including Feeko Brothers, The Geek Show In the old own special talents that make them enjoyable appearances at New York Sketchfest, DC The Feeko Brothers are days, a geek show was a to watch. GULP! is at the bottom of your cereal Comedy Fest, San Francisco Sketchfest, and a comedy duo from carnival act where a box, come get us. Chicago Sketchfest. But don’t worry, they’re not Philadelphia, PA that single oaf (the geek) old and gross yet. In the last year, they have was formed by stood in the center ring Happily Ever performed in runs at Donny’s Skybox, The Pub Christian Alsis and Billy to commit a bizarre, Laughter-Vassar Theater, and iO Chicago. Honorary Degree will Bob Thompson as an horrific act that was College Happily Ever make you laugh because frankly, you are easy excuse to hug each found disdainful but Laughter or HEL, is a to please... loser. other in front of other people. ultimately entertaining sketch comedy group by the masses, such as chasing live chickens, from Vassar College in ik/ok The group that Feminine Gentlemen and then biting their heads off. This Geek Show Poughkeepsie, New brought you The Mr. Liz McArthur simply chases and bites the heads off of the York. Composed of Corporate Show, a biting and Mr. Jill Valentine various idiocies in our modern lives. Freshman through Seniors, HEL dabbles in the look at the corporate are shining their quirky and hilarious. Using our liberal arts comedy world exposed, is shoes, waxing their Get Well Soon Once education, we perform a wide variety of satire back, and ready to hit you mustaches and putting upon a time, two and commentary...because seriously, what else in the face with comedy. a sock where it should blondes discovered are we going to do? With their unique be for the world their mutual love of physicalities, keen eye premier of Feminine Gentlemen. Why not buy improv and brunch. Liz Heavy Wait Forged out and wealth of experience they weave together them a drink and expect nothing. They’ll take a Bell and Lisa Lohman, as of the bowels of bar the real and absurd into a puzzle of human Vodka & Diet Coke. directed by Beth chatter and emerged existence and leave you saying, “What?!” Melewski, present Get from the depths of Fool For Thought Well Soon. Part memoir, GollyWood, Persimony Inside Joke Films IJF is Showcasing a radical part satire, part satirical memoir, Get Well Soon (whistle at this part) the young, curly-haired soundtrack, original score explores what happens when two Barbie- Whispers, turned Heavyweight Champion of combo of Jonathan and several thrilling loving feminists bake cupcakes, have a slumber the Car, turned Heavyweight. turned Heavy Braylock and Ramy theatrical stage fights, party, and fall in love with their psychiatrists. Weight turned Heavy Wait is a non sequitor Youssef. The African/ PLANET KARATE: A Butt- vague absurd description that will hyperbole of Arab American duo Kicking Play!! takes you Girls Gone M.A.D. action your personification of an emotion! combines clever on an exciting adventure Once upon a time in a humor, physical comedy and the occasional rap through a world full of land far away, lived 3 Hey Pearl is Tyler song to create a high-energy show. Video spinning discovery and neck-cracking plot little girls, 2 straight, 1 Thompson and Andi sketches at insidejokefilms.com twists that you probably have never ever seen on gay. One used to dream Sharavsky, two girls stage ever before ever! Planet Karate is going to of not having knock- with boy’s names who Jack Tripper Jack Tripper rock your world like a crane kick to the head melon! knees, while the other write and perform is a show about the Yes, It’s going to be as awesome as it sounds. of having great big double D’s. The third always sketches, character relationship between the wished that she were black, and the red- monologues, song, and performers as characters, FUCT continues with headed boy is kept in a trunk out back. So go dance. They’re an and the audience as the same energy as its grab a beer, be merry, be glad, sit back and unlikely pair: Andi was Bat Mitzvahed, and Tyler characters. The show is original, illegal black- enjoy girls gone M.A.D.! is from Texas, but these two ragtag dreamers crafted as such to make box performances, found their way to each other after realizing the audience consider striving to create a late Gretchen and Regina they both had an obsessive childhood love for what they’ve done, and night show that feels “This is the kind of folk Nick at Nite and overly supportive relatives who why they’ve done it. Our second goal is never like a party. A show act you wish you could think they’re talented enough to be famous. address the audience as ourselves, or that will make you laugh, or groan, or scream. A see during your lunch They often like to satirize how ridiculous it is to themselves. Everyone is a character, in some show that follows the unique formula of mixing break at Potbelly, be a lady. They start with intriguing, awkward, or fashion. comedy with games, stunts, music and instead of the usual absolutely frightening characters or social audience participation. A show that will always Patchouli knockoffs interactions, and build their scene work from there. Jeffrey-Jeffries Jeffrey ask: Are You Ready To Get FUCT?!? awkwardly strumming Marley jams while you Jeffries is actually munch your skinny Wreck on wheat. Their Hi Betty! This group of Jeffrey Rukes and Jared GayCo Productions names aren’t Gretchen and Regina but Emily ladies (and the term is Jeffries. They create GayCo Productions is Claiborne and Hillary Williams. Claiborne plays used VERY loosely) is sketch so smart it’s Chicago’s premiere gay guitar and sings while Williams drinks and not afraid to let it all dumb, but sometimes and lesbian sketch sings. The collaboration is a rather silly, hang out or over their they overshoot and comedy group, formed charming parody of Lillith Fair fare, and the belts. They speak for accidentally look smart again. The dumbest out of Second City in banter and chemistry suggests an apolitical insecure, food addicted, thing they do is only perform their sketch 1996. Creating comedy Smothers Brothers” -Brian Costello (The Reader) body obsessed women everywhere! where gay is the given and not the punchline,

8 The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival 9 PROFILES ( c o n t.) PROFILES ( c o n t.) shows once before retiring them. This year, the Pink Line Comedy Festival in Chicago, and the Madre Mia Shedding duo has written a show called “Son is the Father Women in Comedy Festival in Boston, MA. With new light on the Nose Complaint of the Man” just for this festival and will never training from The Second City, iO Chicago, and complexities of Think you have a best perform it again. See it now or never see it. The Annoyance Theatre under their belts, you’re womanhood, Ramon friend? You don’t. Why? sure to experience big, hard... laughs! Charriez and Michael Because Nick and Dave Jeremy is the product Villareal present a series are already best friends of miscommunication, Kids, The The Kids, of live vignettes that and they cornered mistaken identity, and coming off of their first therapeutically bridge the the market. Jealous? games. We like to write appearance at gap between Good! Why don’t you cry about it to your best sketches, make things Sketchfest in 2011, misunderstood Latina mothers and their friend? Oh wait, you can’t idiot! We just told you up, and think about could not be more children. Nose Complaint cornered the market. Are you Ron Santo. thrilled for the actually crying? Fine, we’ll at least make you possibility of MAN1 MAN2 Watch feel like our best friend at our 3rd consecutive Jessica is four people performing again this year. Whether it’s these two idiots do a Chicago Sketchfest. exploring the tiny sociopathic toddlers, getting lost after coming bunch of different connections made down from a high at a Phish show, or coming characters that would Off Off Broadzway from scene to scene, out as a straight man to your gay parents, The normally worry DUDES WITH BOOBS. second to second. Kids cover it all!!!! spectators, requiring All lady burlesque Schooled in Theatre, them to cross the parody sketch comedy. Dance, Film, Late Live Show, The street. But since you Original song/dance/ Communications, Economics, Electrical The Late Live Show is a nice people paid money to see this show, you swearing/bitches. Now Engineering and Public Policy, Jessica fresh, silly, and sketch- don’t have to be afraid anymore. Sit back, relax, let’s class this up a bit. experiment with variations in pace, rhythm and oriented take on the and enjoy this two-person half way house of Voted Runner Up 2012 tempo and attempt to connect with the classic late-night talk buffoonery. Thank you in advance for not Best Sketch Comedy audience through rich characters, patient scene show format. Amidst throwing stuff at them/us. Group in Chicago by the Chicago Reader. The work and an acute sense of play, leading to the wall-to-wall group that beat us already performed so really shows that are engaging and, above all else, fun. comedy, you can expect to see all the familiar Mountain Dawn is you’re getting a close number 2. Oh, and these elements: a monologue, sketches, an interview, comprised of five dudes don’t show their boobs so relax. Free Jin & Joshi Jin & Joshi and music! And having been abruptly cancelled women with one boners!!! is an Asian sketch by their previous venue, this is one show you purpose: destroying sensation consisting of don’t want to miss! your laugh-hole. Oh Theodora Jin Kim and Sayjal Experienced, nimble Oh Theodora is Joshi. With over 20 Lola Balatro and ball-hungry these committed to creating years of sketch and Forged in the still- ladies have performed fun, both for themselves improv experience smoldering ashes of and taught for Second City, i.O. and theatre and the audience. Oh between them they turn-of-the-90s cock festivals all over the country! Mountain Dawn is: Theodora performs silly, have decided to inflict their brand of reverent, rock and grunge, Lola Kat Barker, Marla Caceres, Colleen Doyle, Nancy premise-driven scenes, yes, reverent comedy on the good people of Balatro has begun its Friedrich and Kristen Studard often with surprising Chicago. Also they both love oysters. riveting ascent up the outcomes. They enjoy sacred mountain of rocklore. With a genre- Nerdologues, The The playing with format and heightening their Johnson Box bending amalgam of instant classics, this Nerdologues combine sketches to self-aware levels of absurdity. A Long Time ago, 5 Chicago-based trio effortlessly blends the true tales of geekery incredibly funny, unabashed sincerity of angst-driven post-punk with nerd themed One Man Show “One intelligent, sexy with the unapologetic swagger of classic rock. sketch comedy. They Man Show” is a sketch individuals formed an like to ask the important comedy show that alliance of incredible Long Pork We came questions, like: “Why responds to all the hilarity. They made it together and asked don’t the doors on the one-man-shows that their goal, NAY, their two questions: “What Death Star fail open?” aren’t. Unlike most MISSION to bring humor to the internets. Their have we always wanted That’s an egregious engineering error. one-man shows, “One dream..was JOHNSON BOX. Johnson Box is to do onstage?” and, Man Show” is literally in the hands of one man, Ryan Peternell, Leslie Peternell, Rich Aquilera, “What would we want No Offense Vassar Piero Procaccini, who acts as his own director, Shawn Easter, and Cari Maher. to see?” The result is College’s first and producer, technical director, and, of course, http://www.youtube.com/TheJohnsonBox our own hyper-reality that bleeds Saturday oldest sketch comedy performer. He does his own lights and sound morning cartoons. From werewolves, to meatloaf, group, was founded in and even takes tickets at the door. Just the Tip Chicago’s to robots, to demented dentists, Long Pork is a 1988 by a group of female foursome, Just the sketch group that is a roaring ode to fun. students seeking an Other Other Guys, The Tip (Jessica Antes, Meg outlet for writing and The Other Other Guys Grunewald, Julia Lippert, performing comedy have appeared on & Bess McGeorge), brings while wearing fake facial hair. We write, perform, Comedy Central’s hilarious and crowd and produce 4 full-length sketch and video Tosh.0, performed at pleasing characters, shows per year. We still love a good stick-on the Upright Citizens situations, song, and mustache. Brigade theater for dance based on their Sketchfest New York City, and currently perform unique experiences and satirical point of view. in The Other Other Show on the first Friday of These ladies have been seen in The Chicago every month at the iO Chicago theater. They Sketch Comedy Festival 2010 and 2011, The Big usually find a way to make a mess. Little Comedy Festival (Grand Rapids, MI), The 10 The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival 11 PROFILES ( c o n t.) PROFILES ( c o n t.)

Pangea 3000 Pump Trolley Comedy RAM Chicago Fart humor. From the rugged Inadequate? Loser? Fat? Ruby Weapon. . .Goes Canadian wilderness Sometimes you probably to Hell It is the year comes Pump Trolley feel like you’re just not 2028 and Ruby Comedy, a collective of good enough. Well, RAM Weapon is dead. Now eight writer-performers Chicago is here to assure they must escape the who like to get together and make fresh kinds you that you’re not. Now bowels of hell. And if of funny. Smart and absurd, Vancouver’s in their fourth year at they can’t, they’ll Peter n Chris favourite sketch group will surprise you. Bear Sketchfest, RAM Chicago probably try to find some hot ladies. (Vancouver, BC) jokes abound. won’t improve your self-esteem, but they will Comedy duo Peter ‘n tenderly pat you on your back with sketch Salsation Theatre Chris are skilled Punch In The Box is comedy. “Shame,” an irreverent and absurd new Company The primary practitioners in the fine Second City alumnae show, tackles the insecurities and shortcomings purposes of Salsation art of physical comedy; Ashley Botting, Karen that paralyze, terrify and empower us all. Theatre Company, NFP breaking open comic Parker, and Leslie Seiler. Written and performed by Kate Cohen (Second is the presentation and conventions and They’re an all-girl sketch City Theatricals, ComedySportz), Michael Girts creation of comedic finding ingenious ways troupe with a lot of (Rod Blagojevich Superstar, Second City’s Fair and other theatrical of pushing comedy theatre to its limits. They’ve heart and a ton of balls. and Unbalanced), Robert Reid (Second City works which consider the role of Latinos in won numerous awards including; Best of Fest- Communications) and Matt Mages (iO American society and related topics; and to Vancouver Fringe, Critic’s Pick- Toronto Fringe, Puterbaugh Sisters performer, Second City faculty member). inspire and educate Latinos and non-Latinos in and a Just For Laughs Best Comedy are actual Puterbaughs Directed by Lillian Frances (Owner/Artistic the use of theatrical and other performing arts Nomination-Montreal Fringe and actual sisters. they Director of Laugh Out Loud Theater -- where as a medium for self-expression. combine various this exceptionally talented cast also works). Phat Beethoven Phat artistic mediums and Sausage is the kind of Beethoven is four best styles of entertainment Red Denim Moustache show that parents don’t friends who write to display their own is a Chicago based want to see with their through improvisation brand of comedy, in other words, “Experimental sketch comedy group. kids and kids don’t want to blend their dark Ridiculousness.” They started as children All members met at to see with their parents. sensibility with their performing comedy for their family at their Second City and are Blending everything from brotherly rapport, grandmothers’ house wearing their wigs. Since excited to grow silent sketches to pop- creating a show that is honest even at its most then they have acquired their own. If you moustaches all over the culture satire, to R-rated absurd. haven’t lived your dreams yet today this show world. scenes, all mixed in with of sisters and improvised weirdness is the show some absolutely humiliating and fresh jabs at Pretty/Windy for you. Reformed Whores themselves. Sausage is a 40 minute wild ride Pretty/Windy is a new What do you get when on a sick and twisted roller-coaster that will company loosely Quixotic Quixotic is a you combine an leave you smiling and wanting a shower the based in the Lakeview gay themed sketch accordion, a ukulele, and next morning. neighborhood of comedy company with two southern belles Chicago, who aim to a multi-orientation who’ve washed away Scuzznick bring their brand of perspective. True to their sins but forgot to Productions “The real, literate comedy to everybody, everywhere. our namesake, our rinse out their mouths? founding members of Formed in 2010, the company is driven to quixotical take on The musical/comedy Scuzznick Productions create theatre and comedy in ways that blend comedy is impractically duo Reformed Whores! These funny ladies sing (Sean Conway, George and transcend forms. We have performed romantic, often silly, and always eccentrically about everything from venereal disease to drunk Miller, Michelle Pestlin, two original sketch comedy shows in 2011 - unpredictable. Playing mostly for bar crowds, dialing with sweet harmonies and old-fashion Richie White, Sarah Nothing Personal and Your Funeral - both at Quixotic has perfected the ability to grab the flair. www.reformedwhores.com Wurz) have been writing sketch comedy Studio Be, Chicago. audiences’ attention through well crafted low together for the last two years in Chicago, brow, while driving home our strongly relevant Robot vs. Dinosaur including sold out shows at The Second City Pub Theater Company themes through smart sexy comedy. In “Pretty From A and the Greenhouse Theater. Individually, is home to the smash Distance,” RvD diverts Scuzznick actors (Casey Whitaker, Rachel La hit “Bye Bye Liver: The Rabbit Rabbit Ribald your attention from Force, Hillary Marren, Justin Schumann, Brett Chicago Drinking Play”, raconteurs “Rabbit thinking about death McGovern, and Billy Ritter) and writers can also now in its fifth year. In Rabbit” reap Reader- as it asks the big be seen performing improv and stand up at addition to Chicago, we recommended reverie questions and provides The Second City, iO, The Annoyance, Zanies, and currently have Bye Bye ‘round rowdy little answers about our place in the universe. other comedy venues around the city. “Baggage Liver shows in ridiculousness; Topics up for discussion: “What’s the deal with Claimed” is a transportation-based sketch show Milwaukee, St Louis, rapturous revival all them stars?” “Can you hear laughter in that premiered at Donny’s Skybox this Twin Cities, Toronto and Philadelphia. Aside raucously regales regulars, rookies, rest. Regard: space?” and “Is that a universe in your pocket summer.” from Bye Bye Liver, The Pub Theater Company Racy rhetoric, R-rated remarks, Randy or . . .” Most importantly, there are no references produces many original sketch shows revelations. Raillery replete! Revelers? Recluses? to Uranus in this show and you are guaranteed Sean Miller Explosion, throughout the year including Beotches and Right on!...Rats. to leave the theater chanting “Not insignificant, The The Sean Miller West (and North) Story. but insignif-I-CAN!” Explosion returns for its improbable SEVENTH straight year at Chicago Sketchfest! Watch as a happy-go-lucky sketch comedy group is suddenly challenged by a new 12 The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival 13 PROFILES ( c o n t.) PROFILES ( c o n t.) Slow Children at Play Sweat After appearing of the fact that their shows are the most sketch comedy nemesis: The Kids from Across is a sketch comedy in 2011 in Chicago and group comprised of San Francisco and original, and hilarious, welcome manipulation the Lake. Can they band together and defeat of my emotions. don’t miss it! -steve” their rivals in only 40 minutes? We’ll see. Those Boston University completing a 5 week, new guys are really funny. undergrads. “Slow Kids” sold out run in - as the group calls Portland, Sweat returns Upset Triangle Upset themselves - is to Chicago with a bald Triangle is a poorly Second City This Week drawn shark and a “Second City This Week” entering its 16th year. They have written and and brazen sketch comedy show. Sweat has performed their original material at countless waxed the props, sharpened the quips and 6-man comedy group is “SNL” meets “The based in Jersey City and Daily Show”, mixed with comedy shows, sketch festivals, dance stoked the fiery forges of raw molten funny marathons, a capella shows and, one time, a that burn hot in preparation for this uniquely New York City that classic sketch comedy performs absurd sketch shows like “The Carol street performance. sweat-laden experience. Sweat is Jason Rouse, Michael Fetters, Andrew Harris, Shelley comedy . They have Burnett Show” and been seen on Comedy “SCTV”. Every Saturday Stir Friday Night is a McLendon and Sean McGrath. 16-year-old ensemble Central, G4TV’s Attack Of The Show, Comcast night, some of Second On Demand, TBS.com, New York Television City Hollywood’s most talented actors and that boasts alumni Sweathearts such as Community’s We’re worriers. We’re Festival, Atom.com, Channel 101: NY, and writers come together with a Special Guest Star Channel Frederator. to create a new show, heavily influenced by the Danny Pudi, The happy. But we’re Walking Dead’s Steven worriers. week’s current events. . Past Guest Stars include Urlakis and Cusick Rebecca Mader (“Lost”), Maribeth Monroe Yuen, and Second City’s Mary Sohn. We are Asian. We do sketch comedy. Dave Urlakis and Sean (“Workaholics”), Parvesh Cheena Cusick present sketch (“Outsourced”), Kirsten Vangsness (“Criminal comedy for the crying Minds”) Jill-Michele Melean (“Reno-911”) and Stuntmen, The “The Stuntmen united in child in all of us. They Kurtwood Smith (“That 70s Show”). Second City are (will be...?) This Week - it’s all the news that’s fit to sketch! 2009 for a single purpose – to never Team Submarine formerly known as Peanut returning to the again perform in a Butter & Smelly, is a comedy duo comprised of Chicago Sketch Fest, having previously Sherra: Secret of the appeared at Stage 773, the Annoyance Theatre Ooze Sometimes you “talking heads” comedy Nate Fernald and Steve O’Brien (previously of sketch. We were weary comedy duos “The Nutty Buddies” and “Dingo and the Playground Theater. Unfortunately, can’t hide the snark that their show is brutally perfect for a first date, lives inside of you. of seeing scenes in & Dango,” respectively). Their shows are highly which two modern day influenced by the classic comedy three man entertaining a visting relative or just a night out Sherra has decided to on the town. let it all out in her first people sit and talk about events that occur act “Dookie & The Finger”, an early 90’s Team ever tell-all solo offstage. The Stuntmen deliver an eclectic array Submarine side project comprised of Nate of sketches inspired by the action film genre. Fernald, Steve O’Brien and Dookie Vampeero is a Chicago- performance. No, based musical sketch YOU’RE an ass hat. And yes, the action occurs onstage. We’re physical, frenetic, and we’re not afraid to take a Think Tank Imagine if comedy writing group few bumps and bruises for the cause. Rod Stewart knew all that has produced 3 Shock T’s The best part successful shows over of a rock show meets The Stuntmen’s shows are filled with car chases, your secrets. ninjas, time bombs, time travel, bank heists, Shhhhhhhh. He’s the last 2 years. Our the best part of a latest SketchFest show comedy show: Shock and unblockable kicks. Conspicuously absent? coming. Scenes in which two generic friends talk about (our second!) combines T’s is a three-person the best of our last 2 music act bursting with their day over a latte. The Stuntmen bring over 30 years of combined comedic performance shows in 2011 - “Holicidal Tendencies” and “3”. high-energy comedy. Vampeero uses a unique mix of original songs, With strong vocals and clever lyrics, audiences experience to deliver shows that demand the audience’s attention. Action movies are high Three Dollar Bill character sketches, blackouts, silent scenes and are always drawn in by the power of three choreography to take the audience on a dark voices and one guitar. stakes, over-the-top affairs with heroes and Comedy is a sketch and villains and conflict; add a humorous twist, and improv company out of journey to explore and uncover new ideas and perspectives related to the themes of its show. Size Eight Chicago- voila! The Stuntmen. This message will self- Indianapolis, Indiana. based Size Eight sits destruct in 3…2…1…” The company was founded in 2009 by a Variety Stampede!, defiantly (and daintily) The The Ready for the at the intersection of Stupid Time Machine group of improvisers From the ragged coast of from ComedySportz Indianapolis who had a world’s greatest identity and popular sunshine-funtime, culture to craft New Orleans, comes craving to write and perform original sketch Stupid Time Machine – a comedy geared for adults. Since that time, 3DB song, dance and charmingly comedy extravaganza? inappropriate social scrappy irreverent group has written 8 full length live comedy revues that whose members have have included over 500 sketches, performed in Well, you’re in luck because The Variety satire with an urgent sense of theatricality. Kerri Stampede is coming to Chicago, and that and Megan have startled and tickled audiences been hailed by nytheater. several comedy festivals, and have written com as “individually original shows for events and companies. means everything from magic to stand-up and from Milwaukee to Santa Monica to your singing to clowning. It’s a subversive take on fancypants Apple computer machine. Here’s hilarious and a collective force to be reckoned with.” Recommended by the Tim & Micah project, The the happy-visaged variety shows of the ‘70s - what people are saying: “I can’t believe you like Donny & Marie with a modern day twist. used appetizers.” “Consistently entertaining.” Wall Street Journal as a must-see group, Stupid “dear chris, i’ve heard no Time Machine gets 90% of their sketch ideas by end to the rumors about “You guys are really funny. Are you promoting Warm Milk is a this?” sneaking into the dreams of children. this show. an animal menagerie, all terrain Chicago sketch group vehicles, and even a who have been writing human fireworks and performing display(?) all that on top together for the past

14 The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival 15 PROFILES ( c o n t.) THE CHICAGO SKETCHFEST 2012 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE two years. Through music, dance, and a series sketch; so draw four with Rachel LaForce, Carmen of grotesque characters and outrageous props, Christopher, Greg Worsley and Casey Whitaker. Warm Milk shines a hilarious spotlight on small- time heroes and the seemingly mundane. Wishbone Theatre Thrust Pro Box Cab Collective is a supportive Wig Bullies is a new community of artists in Thursday 5th LGBT sketch comedy Chicago, IL. We are Barry Hite: So Very group that features dedicated to exploring 8:00 PM Puterbaugh Sisters The Nerdologues Just The Tip veteran writers, the un-tread path, the Important performers and strange and the directors from the unknown- the thrill of 9:00 PM The Stuntmen Disappointed Men RAM Chicago Get Well Soon Chicago theater and chance- through group Red Denim 10:00 PM WILDCARD MAN1 MAN2 Sweathearts improv scene and a quirky and multicultural collaborations, re-imaginings of existing works, Moustache take on modern gay life. A sister troupe to the and new plays. No matter the outcome, we seek long-time Latino sketch and improv outfit, the journey. The collective was founded in Salsation, Wig Bullies formed when a group of January 2009 by nine Clemson University writers, directors and performers came together alumni and one University of Virginia alumnus. Friday 6th to create a show that spoke to their uniquely Happily Ever 8:00 PM Reformed Whores Baretta Hey Pearl hilarious LGBT experiences. Our mission is to put Xanadudes, The Laughter butts in seats and wigs on heads. The Xanadudes is the Deadpan brainchild of Jay Bee 9:00 PM Sweat Upset Triangle The Feeko Brothers WILDCARD Hanna and Michael Powerpoint Two years ago a group Lara. The Xanadudes’ Pump Trolley of strangers in Chicago character-driven 10:00 PM The Cool Table Camp Woods Charles Comedy started an independent sketch comedy blends improv team coached effortlessly with original The Other Other Three Dollar Bill Feminine 11:00 PM Cell Camp by Micah Philbrook. songs and music. Their Guys Comedy Gentlemen They decided to call unique blend of sketch and music creates themselves WILDCARD the feeling of a classic showbiz review with a because they were a rag tag group of mavericks modern edge. Saturday 7th in all their respective classes and projects. Now they are best friends and have moved on to The Other Other 6:00 PM Honorary Degree Team Submarine One Man Show Guys The Tim&Micah 7:00 PM Robot Vs. Dinosaur GayCo Productions The Charlies Project Happily Ever 8:00 PM Reformed Whores The Cupid Players Urlakis and Cusick Laughter Deadpan 9:00 PM Sweat Upset Triangle The Feeko Brothers Powerpoint Pump Trolley 10:00 PM The Cool Table Camp Woods Charles Comedy Three Dollar Bill 11:00 PM *Creepy Hug* Off Off Broadzway Lola Balatro Comedy

Sunday 8th

Everything is Just 3:00 PM Existential Crisis 9PE Comedy Johnson Box Fine! Captain Smiles' Gretchen and 4:00 PM Nursing Home Butch LaRue Awesomonster Regina Theatre Co.

5:00 PM Astronaut Theatre Jeffrey-Jeffries Awkward Silence Jessica

The Sean Miller 6:00 PM The Davenports Vampeero Double Blind Date Explosion

7:00 PM The Kids ik/ok Exquisite Corpse Size Eight

8:00 PM The Business The Late Live Show Oh Theodora Wig Bullies

Schedule subject to change – for up-to-date information, see www.chicagosketchfest.com 16 The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival 17 THE CHICAGO SKETCHFEST 2012 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Thrust Pro Box Cab

Thursday 12th

Feminine The Xanadudes Carl's Backyard Geek Show 8:00 PM Gentlemen Pub Theater 9:00 PM Fool for Thought Nose Complaint Phat Beethoven Company Ruby Weapon… Pretty/Windy An Ironic Sorrow Warm Milk 10:00 PM Goes to Hell

Friday 13th

Stupid Time The Backrow Gulp! Fantsy Grandma 8:00 PM Machine

9:00 PM Heavy Wait Pangea 3000 Punch in the Box The Don't We Boys Slow Children at FUCT Peter n Chris Mountain Dawn 10:00 PM Play Second City This Long Pork Off Off Broadzway Inside Joke Films 11:00 PM Week

Saturday 14th

Salsation Theatre The Tim&Micah The Comid Thread The Era 6:00 PM Company Project

7:00 PM Stir Friday Night GayCo Productions No Offense Jin & Joshi Stupid Time CARE FOR YOURSELF. Kerpatty The Cupid Players Fantasy Grandma 8:00 PM Machne CONNECT WITH OTHERS. 9:00 PM Heavy Wait Pangea 3000 Punch in the Box The Don't We Boys Slow Children at FUCT Peter n Chris Inside Joke Films Become a member of Gilda’s Club Chicago and 10:00 PM Play connect with a community that understands what Second City This Think Tank Rabbit Rabbit Urlakis and Cusick 11:00 PM Week it means to be impacted by cancer. Walk through our red door today and

Sunday 15th you’ll find a range of FREE programs for patients, family and friends: 3:00 PM Electric Fantasy Sausage Drew's Tumbler 35th and Addison

Acid Reflux Comedy Wishbone Theatre The Alliance Sketch Gretchen and • Healthy living programs 4:00 PM Troupe Collective Group Regina • Support groups 5:00 PM Girls Gone Mad Delirious Confetti Hi Betty! Jack Tripper • Education Scuzznick • Social opportunities 6:00 PM Blacktacular! Quixotic Madre Mia Productions • Resource referrals Sherry: Secret of 7:00 PM Be Good Boys Donkey Crunch Jeremy • Kid support the Ooze The Variety 8:00 PM The Clinic Cake-n-Hatred Shock T's Stampede!

Schedule subject to change – for up-to-date information, see www.chicagosketchfest.com 18 The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival THE CHICAGO SKETCH COMEDY FESTIVAL - KIDS AND TEENS PROFILES

Blah Blah Sisterhood presents a diverse, quirky, and exciting show that highlights the wonder of the mundane things in life, as well as other under appreciated aspects of our human existence. Enjoy!

Just Bust A Move Have you ever wondered if you’re the only one with that wacky Uncle Dirk? Lizzy, Kirsten and Michelina are here to put those thoughts to reset with our new show “MY FAMILY’S INSANE”. There were no in-laws harmed in the making of this production

January 7th Code Red Vines Code Red Vines is Play On’s comedy team featuring kids Thrust Pro Box age 9-13. Sketches include “Super Helpful,” about a variety of less than helpful super heroes and “This is How Your Body Works,” a 3-D comical 1:00 PM Code Red Vines Blah Blah Sisterhood Just Bust A Move demonstration of anatomy. Play On is located in Evanston and Glenview, 2:00 PM Story Town Kerpatty S-Cubed Illinois, and was founded by Lisa Bany-Winters and Josh Andrews

Kerpatty Have you found yourself bored with your Legos? Your Shrinky Dinks? That one game of Candy Land that seems to go on forever? Do you need some fun in your life? Then this is the show for you! Come laugh with Kerpatty. You’ll leave saying, “well that’s something, I really did Laugh with Kerpatty”.

Storytown, iO Chicago’s resident children’s improv group, uses the basics of story telling and improvised comedy to create a show for our audiences aged 3-10 years old. Our talented group of players, musicians and artists paired with the imagination and participation of kids guarantees a great time had by children and parents alike.

S3 (cubed) stands for Super Sketch Suburbanites, and that is exactly what this group of talented York High School students is all about. Many of its members have performed at the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival since 2006, the Teen Comedy Festival and at other youth performance venues. Come play with us. Proud sponsor of Stage 773 and Chicago SketchFest

Please visit one of our 5 Chicago locations to meet all of your natural and organic shopping needs.

www.wholefoodsmarket.com

20 The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival 21 CHICAGO SKETCH COMEDY FESTIVAL HISTORY SPECIAL THANKS

October 2001 – Brian Posen had the idea for SketchFest to fill a seven-week rental The Entire Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival Staff and Volunteers commitment he’d made to Theatre Building Chicago. Danni Parpan Hilary Williams January 2002 – The first Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival began. It ran for seven Ed Toolis weeks and featured more than 30 Chicago sketch comedy groups. About 2000 patrons Alderman Waguespack and his staff attended. The League of Chicago Theatres Charna Halpern, iO January 2003 – The second SketchFest was shortened to 3 ½ weeks and featured 53 Kelly Leonard, Kerry Sheehan - The Second City performing groups from Chicago and across the country. SketchFest added a panel Paul Snepsts – The Toronto Sketchfest of sketch comedy experts and weekly forums for performers to exchange ideas and Alex Zalben - The New York Sketchfest information. Columbia College Chicago January 2004 – SketchFest expanded to take over all three spaces in Theatre Building Live Wire Chicago Chicago and put up 120 performances by 71 groups in just two weeks. Two new events Suzanne Bracken heightened the festivities – Sketchubator and OctaSketch. City of Chicago Ludicrous Theatre Co. January 2005 - SketchFest 2005 became international with the addition of funny The Stage 773 Board of Directors Canadians. As if performances by more than 83 groups weren’t enough, SketchFest added writing workshops featuring The Onion head writer Joe Garden and The Comic SPONSORED BY Toolbox author John Vorhaus. Chicago Sketchfest changed its official name to “The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival.” Some patrons had actually called the box office to see if it was a festival about drawing.

January 2006 - Five-year anniversary! 92 sketch comedy groups (that’s more than 700 artists) came together to perform, collaborate, share information and support one another, all under the umbrella of funny and love. A rock star event called MasterSketch was added.

January 2007 - The festival was one shy of 100 groups (800 funny people performing) and hit 10,000 patrons. OctaSketch entered its 4th year, and honored The Second City, iO, Annoyance and ComedySportz by having each supply a director who created under its specific style.

January 2008 – This time, SketchFest reached 100 groups. Like past years, the festival was honored to host a mess of new groups and welcomed back some of our old friends.

January 2009 - Sub-zero weather and blizzards… still, 10,000 bodies came through our doors again! SketchFest became trans-Atlantic, hosting some lovely folks from Manchester, England. SketchFest became family friendly for a few hours, when we INVEST IN STAGE773! introduced a mini sketch festival for kids - an afternoon dedicated to Sketch BY kids, sketch FOR kids and sketch EDUCATING kids. Your support is critical to our future – and to the future of the many local artists who partner with us. The financial support of individuals, corporations and January 2010 – This is the year of, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. 119 sketch comedy foundations allows us to: troupes performed almost 150 shows in the two weekends, and SketchFest experienced record ticket sales. • offer subsidized theatre rental to our fellow Chicago performing arts groups, along with marketing, audience development, ticketing May 2010 – SketchFest parent company Lukaba Productions takes over management and technical assistance. of the Theatre Building Chicago venue where SketchFest has been for nine years! They changed the name of the company and the building to Stage773. • present high-quality programming at low ticket prices.

January 2011 – The 10th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival is bigger and • maintain and improve our facility, a highly-beloved venue for better than ever! Breaking records again! 129 groups performing 152 shows in 8 days! Chicago artists and audiences. Awesome! Please consider a gift to our Annual Fund, or January 2012 – The 11th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival is here! You are here! ask us about specific projects and funds that need support. We now have 138 groups and 163 shows. We are all happy! Call us at 773.929.7367 x 223 or visit Stage773.com to make a donation. 22 The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival 23 STAGE 773 STAFF

Brian Posen Emily Claibourne Artistic Director Resident Stage Manager/ Tech Assistant Jill Valentine Director of Operations Box Office and Front of House Nancy Farnand, Mandy Whitenack, Brian Peterlin Laura Wilson & David Yontz Director of Facilities Bar Staff Jack Short Amy Alfultis, Liz McArthur, Director of Tenant Services and Grant Ben Miller, Management Jacob Welch, Hilary Williams

ABOUT STAGE773 Melissa McNeal Intern Staff Director of Business Development Jonathan Goldthwaite, Tabitha Mission Valdes Mel Delbridge Stage773 acts to embody the vibrant spirit of Chicago off-loop theatre: Bookkeeper Stage 773 ushers provided by • We celebrate the creative process, supporting the work of actors, The Saints directors, writers, composers and designers. For more information on performances, • We nurture the artist, offering technical, organizational and emotional support. space rental and special events • We honor our audience, presenting accessible, affordable, visit www.stage773.com exceptional entertainment.

Vision

Stage773 operates a multi-theatre performing arts venue that serves our community through the arts – both Chicago artists and the public who visit us.

We strive to offer support to artists as they develop their voices and talents. We provide rehearsal and performance space, our knowledge and experience, and a nurturing environment to help actors, directors, designers, writers and other artists reach their potential.

We will remain true to our storefront roots, offering our audiences the best possible theatre experience at low ticket prices. Our patrons will be an extension of our family, receiving the same warm welcome and respect we offer our artists.

We will remember every day that art is transformative – whether we make someone laugh hysterically or consider the world in a new way, whether our work brings people to tears of empathy or joy – and that the artists and audiences who entrust themselves to us, for an evening or for years, create that shared experience.

STAGE 773 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Laura Michaud, Chair Brian Posen, Secretary Alex Meyer, Treasurer

Michael Gellman, Gayle Grindley, Charles H. Jesser, Steve Miller, Kristen Romans, Quinton Snodgrass, Jill Valentine, Brian Walter

Please consider a donation to Stage 773 programming, or “Buy a Seat” in our new “Pro Theater” . Please contact [email protected] for information on donations and sponsorships.

Stage 773 is partially supported by a CityArts Program-I grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, The Illinois Arts Council and The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation. 24 The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival 25 THANK YOU

Stage773 would not be able to do what we do without the support of these amazing people. By supporting us, they know they are supporting the hundreds of artists from dozens of companies who create great art on our stages each year. If you would like to join them in supporting Stage773’s programs and mission, please call us at 773.929.7367 x 112 or visit Stage773.com.

Anonymous Jeff Hedges Miles Posen Gina Alexander Todd Hicks Posen Family Foundation Jesse Aukeman Charles H. Jesser* Angelia Rabin Kim & Gerald Backe Tom Jones Terry Rinella Cathy Bajkowski Polina Inanova Tom and Linda Rinella Lisa Bany-Winters Alisa & Jeff Kannett Jessica Rogers Christopher Bell Joseph Keefe Phil Rozansky Kelly Belmont John Kelly Marlene Rubenstein* Wendy Beyer Karen Kliebhan Kimberly Rudakas Kathy Bliss Jean Klingenstein Jerry Schulman Blommaert Bros. Masonry, Adam Koscielski Marc and Maureen Inc. Spike Kuntez Shulman Kelly Bolton David Kushnir Kerry Sheehan Jack Bourgeois Sherra Lasley Kevin Sheehan Nancy Bush Peter Ross Leinweber George Seegebrecht Ryan Brewster David F. Manci Barbara Selvaggio Nancy Bush Amanda Martinez Aaron Shelley Christine Carsen Danny Martinez Nana Shineflug Central Lakeview Anne Martenson Katie Johnson Smith Merchants Terri Mascherin & Thomas Brenda Sollitt Amy Chasse Abendroth Deborah Soszko Becky Chandler Sylvia Mell Ranjit Souri Robert Conrardy James McHugh Leonard & Lynette Stack Tom Conroy Construction Co. Steven Stein Joe Crowe Riley McGirk Michael Tatar Sue and Clark Davoust Brendan & Kelli McKeough Adam Teasdale Chris & Michelle DeMent Kevin McKeough Matt Tiegler Dragan Djordjevic Maureen McKeough Jack Tippett Patrick Dwyer Eileen McKeough Ed Toolis Louisa Elder Jon McNeely Carolyn Ubraico Joseph Fisher Alex* & Lina Meyer Angie Udelhofen Jeff Fisher Laura* & Jim Michaud Jill Valentine & Brian Paul Fleishman Michael Michaud Peterlin Kim Freeark Steve Miller* Jim & Sue Valentine Constance Freedman Valerie Mills Kris Vire Connie Foster Barry Moltz James Volkober Linda Gartz Jim Mulvaney Adam Walsh Michael Gellman* & Brian-Alwyn Newland Teagan Walsh-Davis Deborah Smith Joyce Norman & Charlie Brian Walter* Sandy Gordon O’Connell Linda Weber Gayle Grindley* Northern Weathermakers Jeremy Wechsler Erika Grim Elizabeth O’Leary Diane Whitenack Melissa Gross Lissa and Keith Parr Craig Wilson Susan Harris Jeff Pattawi-Gamlin Judy and Louis Wolf Donald & Sharon Hartley Marva Peterlin Douglas & Lois Hartley Ronald Peterlin *Stage773 board member Byron Hatfield Cynthia Peterson Lisa Haufschild Brian Posen*

Also, a shout-out to our local partners: Cookies by Design, Cooper’s, Flat Top Grill, Schuba’s, Leona’s, Harmony Grill and Whole Foods Market – Lakeview. Special thanks to the Illinois Arts Council, Department of Cultural Affairs CityArts program and the Donnelly Foundation for grant support.

26 The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival