|
Feature Stories
America's Next Top Intern
This is the second year that ComedySportz has worked with the University of Dreams. The University of Dreams is a program that helps students find internships in their field in a major US city.
|
On August 7, 2007, ComedySportz partnered with the University of Dreams to hold the first annual “America’s Next Top Intern Challenge." The ComedySportz interns were given a fake budget of $1,000 to use to create a marketing campaign that would sell out the grand opening of the new ComedySportz Theatre. |
 
Intern Dreamers: David, Ashley, Jenny and Bree |
|
For this challenge, each intern completed a written and verbal presentation using the skills and knowledge they have gained over summer. The presentations were given to a panel of judges and were graded on idea, presentation, and ease of execution. The winning intern would have their idea executed for the grand opening of the ComedySportz Theatre.
Each presentation was unique, highlighting each intern’s areas of expertise and interests. All four presentations were given expertly as each intern had clearly put the time and effort into the friendly competition. The title of "America’s Next Top Intern" went to Bree S., who built her marketing campaign around a raffle for a grand prize and also included door prizes for everyone in attendance.
ComedySportz will continue this wonderful event each year as well as their partnership with the University of Dreams. Lindsey Kane, Director of University of Dreams Chicago, added, “ComedySportz really went of their way to make our interns have an amazing intern experience.”
back to top
Sky Guy Trains at ComedySportz
Where do you go to make crowds of people laugh? Steve Goldsher, VP of Operations for the WNBA Chicago Sky called The ComedySportz Training Center!
|
“Sky Guy plays a big role in entertaining our crowds during the games,” said Steve. “We sent him to ComedySportz so he would learn physicality, be able to think quick on his feet, and be able to react to the crowds,” added Steve. "The ComedySportz Training Center was the perfect place for our mascot to sharpen his improv skills." |
Sky Guy and ComedySportz Ace Rich Prouty. |
|
back to top
Laughter at Your Wedding Reception
ComedySportz frequently performs at wedding receptions. A customized comedy show is perfect for couples seeking a unique way to celebrate their love and entertain friends and family. Take it from one of our biggest fans, Ben Kunz, who invited The ComedySportz Touring Company to perform at the Ben and Kate Kunz wedding reception.
|
"Laughter brought us together. The first time I met Kate, she was hilarious. We realized that humor could be the theme of our entire wedding. Kate and I needed to find entertainment that would be enjoyable for everyone, but still fit in our budget. ComedySportz was the perfect choice." |
Ben and Kate had a theme of "humor" at their wedding. |
|
"Near the end of their performance, ComedySportz re-enacted our engagement story (before our reception, we had provided them with a few details about how we met). It was incredible to see half of our guests practically have to pick themselves up off the floor from laughing so hard! Since the reception, we have heard nothing but positive feedback."
Adds Ben, "ComedySportz works hard to ensure your wedding reception is truly a special day for your friends and family. My advice is to plan for the show near the end of the reception, because cutting a cake can hardly top ComedySportz!"
back to top
Couple Re-Affirm Wedding Vows at ComedySportz Chicago
Keeping within the unpredictable nature of improvised comedy, ComedySportz played host to a very special event on May 20th. Audience member Victor Camacho took the stage in front of his unsuspecting family to play in an improv game entitled "Object Freeze." Having made arrangements with the ComedySportz ensemble before the show, the performers brought his unsuspecting wife, Sue, out of the crowd to serve as the "object." Instead of the scene flowing as usual, Victor got down on one knee to re-pledge his undying love for his wife and to ask her to marry him again.
|
"The reason that I chose ComedySportz was that I wanted to be able to have my kids be a part of the occasion. The fact that my fifteen year old son was able to be there made the decision for me. My wife Sue enjoys comedy, anything from movies to standup. I figured a venue like ComedySportz would allow me to have some participation in a skit where she would not see it coming...and it worked!?" |
Victor on his knee during the show. |
|
Audience participation has always played an integral part of the ComedySportz experience and serves as a unique point of difference from other Chicago improv theatres. Managing Director Greg Werstler, who witnessed the proposal, agrees. "Although every night the audience is part of the show, that night the audience was the show." Werstler adds, "Every show is an event. We work hard to make your night with us one to remember."
back to top
ComedySportz '06 Summer Intensive
Program Sizzles
On June 28th, a group of High School and College Students debuted on the ComedySportz stage to delighted instructors, family and friends. This very special performance was the culmination of the new Summer Intensive Program designed to quickly and effectively build the foundation for short form improvised comedy for young and aspiring improvisers.
|
Over the course of five days they received intensive training with two of our veteran ensemble members Joey Bland, high school training specialist Gillian Bellinger, and our Musical Director Jeff Bouthiette. Kate Schwarz a first time improviser comments on the faculty, "It was excellent! I learned so much from our teachers, Joey and Gillian. Now I have the confidence to get up and try new things with my improv group at my high school. I thank ComedySportz for this wonderful experience." |
Students pose with their graduation diplomas. |
|
University of Illinois student Maggie Gottlieb, an experienced improviser, was able to learn much from the program. "I think it teaches a lot of good founding principles for improv, overall acting, and even public speaking. Everyone got to know and like each other very well spending so much time together over the course of the program, and I'm still in touch with several students in my class."
Whether the students were beginners or experienced improvisers, ComedySportz was able to successfully teach these students the elements of improv comedy while at the same time making it a very fun and enjoyable event for all. "It is so terrific when you see such amazing results in such a short amount of time. You could really see their confidence level rise as performers and in themselves as individuals," says Matt Elwell Director of the Training Center. While the ComedySportz Summer Intensive course runs only once a year, the regular schedule of classes begins every 8 weeks.
back to top
| 
