CIF Productions promotes the art of improvisational theatre through year-round educational programs, a performance festival and a collegiate competition.
The Chicago Improv Festival is now in the planning stages for its 15th year! Join us in April 2012 for a weeklong celebration of all forms of improvisational performance, from crowd-pleasing comedy to dark and edgy experimentations... and all stops in between! Every year, dozens of improv groups hit stages in 7 Chicago venues, each demonstrating their unique talent and group chemistry.
96 college teams from all over the USA compete to be crowned National Champions in February.
Over 140 youth and teens on 16 teams from 5 states (Arkansas, California, Illinois, Minnesota & Wisconsin) gather together at the Chicago Cultural Center to perform and take workshops in the annual Teen Comedy Fest. It's a day long celebration of kid/teen comedy.
Storybox Unscripted Theatre weaves improv's history with new, innovative techniques. It has elements of a Grecian Chorus, Commedia, and Spolin, using ensemble narrative, theatrical agreements, and complete support. It blends storytelling with movement and modern long-form transitions.
Educational Outreach prepares new generations of improv talent at the primary school level. The day begins with 5 CIF improvisers performing a 30 minute set for 12 teen improvisers, some of whom had traveled an hour to participate. The 5 CIF improvisers then split the teens into two teams and teach them in a 75 minute improv workshop. After a dinner break, the 5 CIF improvisers guide the two teen teams in a 30 minute improv performance.