The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival is the largest event of its kind in the nation, cementing the city’s reputation as the mecca of the improv and sketch world. The sixth annual edition, presented by Lukaba Productions, features more than 100 ensembles from Chicago and across North America, selected on the basis of stylistic, thematic, racial, and gender diversity as well as quality.
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SketchFest runs January 4 through 14 at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont, filling its three auditoriums with back-to-back sets by four to six acts per night. Founding producer Brian Posen, who teaches at the Second City Training Center and Columbia College, says Thursdays feature “seasoned local groups,” Fridays and Saturdays “the best sketch comedy groups from Chicago and across the continent,” and Sundays “up-and-coming groups.”
Next Thursday’s bill includes the Galileo Players (8 PM), whose revues are grounded in science and philosophy; Improvidate (9:30 PM), which complements its routines about dating with opportunities for the audience to mingle; a double bill of comedy-rock bands Your Little Ponies and the Mike and Duane Show (9:30 PM); and a set by top improv directors Don Hall and Joe Janes (9:30 PM).
