Improv was born on Chicago’s South Side.

In 1955, the Compass Players opened a makeshift theater at the back of a bar on East 55th Street. One night, the group was performing for a capacity crowd. The bartender, Fred Wranovics, pulled director Paul Sills aside and asked him to extend the show so he could sell another round of drinks. Without any additional scripted material prepared, Sills decided to present a third act that was developed “on-the-spot” based on audience suggestions. 

Needless to say, it was a huge success. Soon, the Compass Players ditched scripted material altogether in favor of improvised performances that became known for pointed social satire and political commentary. By 1958, the group splintered.  Company members Mike Nichols, Elaine May and Shelly Berman went to New York where they quickly gained national acclaim.  Director Paul Sills moved north and co-founded The Second City.

In the subsequent 60+ years, Chicago has become known as “Improv Mecca.” Local improv theaters have produced some of the country’s most legendary performers including: John Belushi, Bill Murray, Chris Farley, Jordan Peele, Tina Fey, Jason Sudeikis, and Stephen Colbert. Visitors to Chicago clamor to see the “next big thing” before they are whisked off to television and film work.

The Revival was inspired by the history of improv in Chicago which – next to jazz music – has been called “America’s other great contribution to the arts.” And, in 2015, The Revival returned improvisation to Chicago’s Historic South Side. Since then, The Revival has built a thriving, multi-purpose, performing arts company that offers live performances, classes, and workshops to visitors from across the state, country, and beyond!

Welcome to The Revival!  Unapologetically unscripted.