The Chicago Improv Den

This review is for the bar area only. I’m not a fan of live theater, I just don’t care for it.
The bar here, though, is great and has a lot of character.

I love the Chicago Improv Den! I am currently a student there and find that it is a really safe space, full of talented people that are focused more on ensemble rather than faking their way up some hierarchy system (common at a few other theaters in this city.)
This theater explores personal growth, and gives you opportunities to perform on a weekly basis – something that most theaters do not do at all.
You get to perform at iO, but only after paying $ 1000’s of dollars and then being thrown into a cutthroat environment where a lot of people are only focused on making a house team rather than actually creating art and caring about one another.
Then Dens class sizes are small, which is fantastic. Several other theaters in town cram as many people as possible into class, which causes a lot of not on your feet time. By having smaller classes, we are constantly on our feet, and we are DOING more than sitting around and waiting to execute an exercise.
The shows here are fantastic, and you really get to see the newer teams grow if you are attending consistently. Dina also does a wonderful job of getting veteran closers each night – so you get to see a variety of styles of play as well as experience levels.
This program is very new and I am super excited to see what it blossoms into!
Pros:
— Small classes
— Weekly performance opportunities
— Ensemble based rather than money/​competition based
— Workshops
— Free entry to shows
— Discounts around town
— Fantastic teachers with with same goals
— Teachers that actually show up to shows and watch you play
Go! Now! Shows are free with improv ID’s and $ 5 without :)

What a good time!!! The talent and tutelage of Dina Facklis makes this theater a must-​see Chicago event. We went as a small group and had dinner in the hood, then drinks at The Chicago Improv Den’s bar, then roared with laughter during the first improv group, and then roared even harder for the closing group. Everything about The Chicago Improv Den feels just right. Intimate and unexpected laughs await. SUPER inexpensive way to spend a Saturday night. As the saying goes… «Run, don’t walk to The Den Theater».

I’ve been a student and audience member at three other major improv/​comedy theatres, and though they all have their merits, the Improv Den is my favourite place to see and learn improv in Chicago.
For improv students, this is an amazing place to train. Dina Facklis (founder) really cares about your progress and that her methods are working for you. You never feel like you’re in a factory or that the Den’s main objective is to get your money. One of the best parts of the program (and there are a lot of great parts) is that a large component is focused on ensemble and performance. Doing weekly shows and watching your peers grow and excel is incredibly enriching and inspiring.
Dina also books crazy amazing acts as headliners for all of these shows, and they’re often less renowned, unsung heroes of the improv scene, so you feel like you’re discovering something really special. Honestly, some of the funniest and most breathtaking improv I’ve ever seen has been done by the headliners at these shows. You don’t want to miss it.

I’ve seen Improv shows — both big & small — at several Chicago locations, and this theater definitely provided the most bang for my buck. For only $ 5, we got to see three excellent improv groups — PLUS one well-​known guest act. As far as I know, that’s the best value you can get, and it’s great to see this all happening in Wicker Park.
The Den Theater in general is a gem of the neighborhood, always supporting dramatic community theater. It was such a treat & a surprise to see such a wonderful group of talent — at such an affordable price — at the same theater. It will be interesting to see how the Improv show progresses, but in the meantime we’ll definitely be back!

My husband and I traveled to Chicago from Dallas and decided to check out some comedy. We went to the Chicago Improv Den for a show and couldn’t believe how much we enjoyed ourselves. Very warm surroundings and the bar is so cute, and very affordable for the city (we also had dinner at Francesca Forno down the street. YUMMY)

If you’re looking for a fun, cheap night out in Wicker, The Den is a great option. With a cozy atmosphere and some seriously hilarious entertainment, it will be the best $ 5 you spend all week.

LOVE THIS PLACE!
Everyone is super friendly and incredibly supportive! The improv shows are wonderful and the improv training classes and workshops really provide a ton one on one feedback.

This is the best new improv comedy theater in Chicago and as far as I know — the only one in Wicker Park. Dina Facklis (Director), books some of the best improvisers in town to close for their Tuesday and Saturday night shows. It is always guaranteed to be a hilarious show and the intimate environment of the Den theater creates a great atmosphere and sense of community.
For performers, their training program is unlike anything else currently in Chicago. The classes are taught by some of the best improv teachers in town and students get to perform every week, opening for great acts in front of a real audience. As a current student, I can say that my improv has gotten exponentially better since starting this program only a few months ago.
If you are looking for something fun to do in wicker park on a Tuesday or Saturday, you won’t be disappointed. Great bar, fun people, and guaranteed to make you laugh all for a very affordable price.
Also, If you are a performer looking to take your improv to the next level, this is the place for you. A supportive community of improvisers with great instructors who will push you to expand your range and discover the true meaning of ensemble.

Whether you’re a fan of watching or doing improv this is certainly the place to be. I have been both, and have been impressed by CID as both an audience member and as a student.
And if you’ve never seen improv at all, come out: the shows are cheap, there is a loft-​style feel to the theater aka it’s stunning, a bar with fun cocktails and cheap beer, and welcoming faces.
For students: If you already have a few improv levels under your belt, this is an amazing program. You’ll have the chance to be taught by working performers, and experienced instructors who really know how to push you to meet your potential. And small class sizes!!! Also, what other training center lets you have a weekly show to test out your performance chops? AND ON TOP OF THAT HAVE KILLER HEADLINERS CLOSE OUT THE NIGHT?! Nowhere, that’s where. Only here.
Alright, do yourself a favor and come out already.

This place is a hidden GEM in Wicker Park. The shows are hilarious, the space is huge and the alcohol is CHEAP!