What started as an idea to fill a recently vacated production slot back in January of 2008 has turned into a sure-fire hit improv-aganza and now THE ORIGINAL IMPROV GLADIATORS is back with their 39th season!  Over 200 teams and 1000 improvisers have competed in this cross between American Gladiators, American Idol, and Who’s Line is it Anyway?  Judged by theater professionals from all over Chicagoland and pitted against the home team, “The Improv Gladiators”, you never know what to expect other than an exciting and entertaining night of competition, chaos, and comedy.  

 

In round one, teams perform 8 minutes of long-form improv.  They then are evaluated and scored by judges from theater and improv companies all over Chicago including iO, The Annoyance, and Second City as well as special celebrity guest judges.  Audience response will also count for a percentage of scoring. In round two, teams will clash with the house pros—The Improv Gladiators—who will dive into the fray with a furious frenzy of improv skills to block the teams from scoring points in your favorite short-form games such as Party Quirks and Questions.

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Our Friday Teams are:

Heya Toots!

Shark Love Mango

Your Favorite Cousin

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Our Staursay Teams are:

Super Scaries: The Improvised Horror Musical

Big Dawgs

Sidekick

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Watch them rack up the points Feb 6th through 21st and see our top two teams from each night compete in our Semi-Finals on Friday, Feb 27th. The top two teams from the Semi-Finals will face off in one final battle at our Finals on Saturday, Feb 28th!

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