Framed as something of an ode to the city’s fabled improv comedy scene (from which SNL just plucked three more performers, Tim Robinson, Aidy Bryant, and Cecily Strong), the Four-star Comedy Fest makes its debut Saturday at the east end of Navy Pier, with an afternoon of workshops, an evening of performances, and a live podcast taping for good measure. Organized by Chicago School of Comedy cofounders Ben Capraro and Jimmy Carrane, the festival offers 12 free—I repeat, free—workshops (50 minutes each, 1-4 PM) led by teachers from well-known institutions like Annoyance Theatre, ComedySportz, and iO. The latter is offering a class on long-form improv called “Yes, and . . . and More!” And the Actors Training Center is doing three “Improv for Kids/Teens” sessions geared for third graders on up.
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Sat 10/6, 1-11 PM, various locations at the east end of Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand, 800-745-3000, navypier.com, performances $39-$99, workshops and podcast taping, free.
