Improv Entertainment Options

Main Stage Improv performs a unique laugh out loud show of improv games in the style of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” This interactive non-stop high energy show is driven by the suggestions of YOU-the audience! 

Main Stage Improv

Main Stage Improv with seven cast member headshots on a black background

Improv Workshops

Group photo of Garrett with teen Improv Group

Improve your quick thinking and have a blast with Main Stage Productions Improv Workshops, tailored to enhance your social fearlessness. Providing 1-hour and 2-hour sessions, Main Stage uses proven techniques from The Second City, Comedy Sportz, and Laugh Out Loud Theater to guide you through six interactive exercises. You’ll learn the fundamentals of improv, active listening, and confident speaking while also having fun and making new friends. Ideal for both individuals and teams, these workshops are a convenient way to elevate your improv skills.

Looking for a convenient local adult Improv class? Main Stage Productions offers a 8-week course designed to teach you the essentials and culminate in your own improv show. The course includes 7 two-hour classes, a 2-hour rehearsal, and a 1-hour graduation performance. You’ll learn basic improv principles, object work, character development, active listening, and team support. 

Registration for courses now open!

Improv Courses

Five people playing Improv game with arms locked. Garrett Gray instructing on the left

Improv At Your Doorstep

Main Stage Improv Workshop group photo

Hosting a private event at your company or a get-together at your house? Main Stage will come to your address to lead you and your guests in 1 hour of improv games and get everyone laughing, having fun, and breaking the ice! You and the guests will not only be the stars of the improv but also the hit of the event!

Some Testimonials From Others

I had an extraordinary experience in Garrett Gray’s IMPROV class. I took his 7-week course because I had to do more public speaking in my work. The training and coaching I received from Garrett went far beyond my expectations. It DID help me in my work, but in addition, the IMPROV experience had a huge impact on how I observe the intricacies of life now. I became more aware of body language, listening to others, timing, and above all… HUMOR! We-students always left our IMPROV class smiling, laughing, and feeling happy. Hey, this could be the solution to World Peace! I highly recommend taking any class that Garrett Gray teaches. It is rare to have a great teacher…Garrett Gray is one!

Michelle Alfano

Best improv show I’ve ever seen! The cast is hilarious and extremely talented! I laughed non-stop throughout the entire show!

Mark Avignone Headshot

Mark Avignone

Main Stage Improv was a great show! Hysterical!! We were highly entertained and it kept us laughing from beginning to end! I highly recommend checking it out!

Debbie Moran Headshot

Debbie Moran

Garrett’s improv course is the best around! So much fun! And, unlike many other introductory improv courses that focus on the very basics, Garrett will teach you the true fundamentals of performing improv. It’s taught in a very easy-to-learn manner, yet the course felt like an advanced improv class.

Mark Avignone Headshot

Mark Avignone

What are you afraid of?! What’s the worst thing that could happen?! That’s right, NOTHING! And the BEST things that WILL happen? You will grow. You will learn. You will be super proud of yourself! You will make new friends and gather new stories to tell. And, your current friends will be really impressed! TAKE THE LEAP! Try Main Stage Improv classes! I DID!” ” 

Lynn Comstock

Garrett and the Main Stage crew maximize LOL moments with their creative brainpower. I haven’t laughed this hard since…ever! My face feels permanently frozen into a smile thanks to this improv show!

Marisa DeLaRosa Sanchez Headshot

Marisa DeLaRosa Sanchez

We love a good laugh, and had plenty during the Main Stage Improv show!

Donna Furmanek and Phyllis Stungis Headshot

Donna Furmanek and Phyllis Stungis

The Improv in the park was a really great experience! I went into it having done ZERO improv before. I had never even seen an Improv show. But Garrett was able engage us, lead us and teach us how to do improv on the spot. On top of learning improv skills, I was able meet new people and get to know others better who I really didn’t know prior to this event.

Denny Chuong Headshot

Denny Chuong

Garrett instructed a group of us in many improv games at Centennial Park in Naperville. The games Garrett chose were fun, included everyone and had EVERYONE laughing. I definitely recommend Garrett’s “Improv at Your Doorstep” for anyone who wants to have a great time! It was so fun I can’t wait for the next one!

John Paul Balderas Headshot

John Paul Balderas

The best classes in life aren’t the ones that instill the most factual knowledge. You will learn new things in Garrett’s class. But, more importantly, his improv class will help shape you. Whether it’s the positivity he brings or the affirmations you receive from your team for your effort, his class makes you a better human. 

Student Main Stage Improv

Nicholas Tholen

The 2020 ‘Fundamentals and Characters in Improv’ course, taught by Garrett Gray was one of the best things I’ve ever done. Humor is tough, but Garrett makes it easy, and I am little bit funnier because of him. It taught me to how to safely run with scissors.

Fouzia Khan Headshot

Fouzia Khan

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d take an improv class, let alone perform on stage! My dad and I used to love watching Whose Line Is It Anyway? back in the day, marveling at how quick-witted and talented those performers were.

Then along came Garrett and His Main Stage Improv Fundamentals of Improv Class. I decided to give his class a try after hearing how improv can improve both personal and professional skills. And it’s true! But what I didn’t expect was the overwhelming positive feedback and support. Sure, I anticipated encouragement from Garrett—and he delivered that in spades—but the Improv Family I found in this group? Absolute gold.

Garrett’s teaching style is fun, approachable, and packed with constant feedback and encouragement. It made learning and growing so much easier and more rewarding.

I can’t wait to take the next-level class and keep building my improv skills. But even more importantly, I’m excited to continue growing with my amazing new Improv Family. Come join us!!

Student head shot Main Stage Improv

Judie Beshansky

The Main Stage Improv show at the Bit Theater was absolutely awesome! I was so impressed by the way the cast connected with the audience and made us all laugh throughout the whole show! Congratulations on such great team work on stage!

Cesar Rodriguez Headshot

Cesar Rodriguez

The cast is amazing! I give it 5-stars!

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Noel Ganay

Garrett’s Improv Workshop at our 2024 ND Loyal Spring Retreat at the University of Notre Dame was an incredible experience! His engaging style and carefully chosen improv games really brought our group together. I learned the importance of active listening and collaboration while having an absolute blast. Highly recommended for team building and fun!

Wendy Garcia Sigala University of Notre Dame ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, ANNUAL GIVING PROGRAMS, DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT University of Notre Dame

Wendy Garcia Sigala

I highly recommend Main Stage Improv’s Adult Fundamentals Course! Garrett is a great instructor who helps you feel supported and confident in your improv abilities. Monday nights became my favorite night of the week as I looked forward to improvising and laughing with my team!

Student Main Stage Improv

Megan Cavanaugh

I signed up for Garrett’s improv class to get out of my comfort zone and to have some fun.  I laughed my way through each class and learned a lot.  Garrett was a patient teacher and team builder and provided constant feedback and encouragement.  He worked with each person’s strengths to put together a fun graduation show at the end. If you are wondering if you should sign up for one of Garrett’s classes, the answer is YES!

Kristine Wszolek

This adult improv class has brought out a different side of me I didn’t even know I had! I learned I’m kind of funny! Garrett is a master of bringing out the best in people, and getting to learn under him (and perform with him!) has been such an honor I won’t ever forget! His teaching style is ultra supportive, and even on bad days, going to this class made all the worries of the world melt away. This class is so inspiring and fun. Even when you feel like you can’t possibly be good at improv, Garrett is there to remind you that you can, will, AND kill it, too!

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Katie Jandeska

Garrett always puts together a creative improv set of entertaining exercises for his improv workshops for people from all walks of life to enjoy. Garrett’s a Pro!

Audy Krygeris Headshot

Audy Krygeris

Garrett Gray and his supreme sense of humor and people focused philosophy made everyone feel like a star of their own comedy show when playing his improv games. Garrett has an uncanny ability to connect instantly with people of diverse backgrounds and all ages. When you are looking for a charismatic improv master, who can motivate your team, family or friends to think on their feet while having fun, Garrett Gray is your guy!

Maymona Nageye Headshot

Maymona Nageye

Attended an improv workshop with Garrett in 2024!  So much fun!  His positive method of teaching and group exercises helped me to get past feelings of awkwardness and thinking outside of MY box, making for more effective (and entertaining) communication.

Rick Dobczyk

At first I was afraid, I was petrified but with Garrett holding the reins he made me believe I would survive. I hadn’t really thought of myself as a funny person, just funny looking and taking Garrett’s adult improv fundamentals class helped me realize I am both! To anyone looking to dip their toes in improv, have some great laughs or even see how you can grow in ways you didn’t think you had in you, I implore you to take Garrett’s class and see for yourself that all three of those possibilities can happen in a mere seven weeks! With how much fun he makes the entire experience, you will undoubtedly be clamoring for more or your next pizza is free!

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Brenden Cummings

Well the Main Stage Improv adult improv classes with Garrett are kind of like opening Pandora’s Box!!! We all have a side (or two) of sarcasm and comedy, and OMG Garrett is just the teacher to let you explore this side of yourself!!!

Cathy Cummings headshot

Cathy Cummings

Garrett’s Fundamentals of Improv class is a great place to grow as a person and have fun at the same time! It can be really challenging to open up in everyday life because of a fear of others judging us. There is no judgement here; Garrett’s class is very supportive. You don’t have to worry about looking like an idiot or a comedic bit falling flat, because you always have Garrett and your teammates there to help you out. The class builds your confidence both in improv and in your regular life. It also enhances your abilities to listen carefully, think on your feet, and take risks. And, just as importantly, it’s fun! There were many classes where I arrived from work in a bad mood and left in a great one.

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Matt Seeberg

Main Stage Improv was absolutely hilarious! I couldn’t stop laughing 😂

Iman Salami Headshot

Iman Salami

What a fun time we had at the extended family party. Garrett’s improv games had us laughing with tears running down our cheeks! It was so much fun for all of the age groups to “play” together.

And and Kim Gerk Headshot

Andy & Kim Gerk

I enjoyed the structure and instruction that Garrett provided with his improv games at the TEDx Naperville event in 2022. It was easy to join in and feel comfortable with something that might have been uncomfortable!

Ashley South Headshot

Ashley South

Taking an improv class felt like a leap of faith, especially since I had no prior performing experience, but Garrett made me feel welcome and appreciated from day 1. The skills I learned in class helped me feel confident not only in my stage presence and humor, but also in my ability to think on my feet in stressful situations. I would recommend this adult improv fundamentals class highly to all who are interested. You won’t be disappointed!

Malavika McGrail Headshot

Malavika McGrail

Led by the charismatic Garrett Gray, improv games were an absolute hit at our club’s holiday party last year in 2022! They enlivened the atmosphere and injected an incredible dose of laughter and camaraderie. With Garrett’s well-selected games, the group truly came together to unleash their creativity in hilarious and unexpected ways. The improv games added an unforgettable layer of entertainment to the celebration, making our holiday gathering a memorable and heartwarming event!

Kristian Kind Headshot

Kristian Kind

Garrett Gray is the ambassador of laughter! His mission of spreading joy, positivity, and laughter through Improv is changing the world one game at a time! His instructional approach is hands-on and supportive. As a student, you will experience Improv as a team by jumping in, building comedic muscle and confidence. Join his adult improv class and make an investment in yourself. You deserve to experience the transformative power of laughter!

Judy Wilk headshot

Judy Wilk

Looking for a fresh, fun, and exciting environment to get out of your comfort zone, laugh hysterically, and just be in the moment? Garrett’s Improv class is it! Not only do you learn about the fundamentals of Improv but you discover things that you never thought you could do or saw yourself doing. Garrett is an awesome teacher who motivates and encourages his students to go beyond what they “think” they can do. He walks along side of you on the journey making sure you come out on the other side. Whatever your reasons are for taking the class (each person is different) you’ll be glad you did! There’s nothing to it, but to do it. Just say, “Yes, And!” Take the leap. I’m glad I did.

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Keisha Haley

Garrett’s 7-week improv class in Orland Park has exceeded my expectations.  As a Toastmaster, I signed up thinking it would help elevate my public speaking skills and in just a few sessions I realized the training provides so much more.  I am learning how to be more present in the moment, how to actively listen, how to respond freely & authentically and how to make meaningful connections out of ordinary interactions.  The laughter filled environment created by Garrett and my fellow classmates allowed me to let go of my fear of failure and to simply have fun with the exercises.  Garrett’s teaching style is perfectly paired with improv too because he is enthusiastic, genuinely supportive and encouraging at both the individual level and to us as a team.  I highly recommend taking Garrett’s class to anyone looking for a unique opportunity for personal development.

Martha Sojka

Main Stage Improv’s 8-week Fundamentals of Improv class far exceeded my expectations! I’ve been thinking about taking an improv class for years and I’m so glad I finally did. I could not ask for a better instructor than Garrett. He makes the class an ideal space to let your inner child play, builds teamwork, and recognizes every student’s hidden talents. If you’re thinking about signing up, just go for it!

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Phil Vuollet

The Main Stage Improv show was funny, creative and my cheeks hurt from laughing! Looking forward to the next show.

Heather Paugh Headshot

Heather Paugh

Taking Garrett’s 7-week adult improv fundamentals class was an absolute delight. His wealth of knowledge in improv techniques combined with his positive and encouraging demeanor created an environment where creativity flourished. I felt empowered to step out of my comfort zone, embrace spontaneity, and build genuine connections with fellow classmates. Garrett’s guidance not only honed my improv skills but also instilled a newfound confidence in me both on and off the stage.

Dan Janousek