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

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

Superhero Improv was so much fun and a great way to interact with fellow C2E2 goers without any awkwardness.

Adanna Byrd Headshot

Adanna Byrd

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

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

Garrett’s improv class has “improv”ed my skill set and made life better! Signing up—I just wanted to improve the skill of speaking on my feet. And yet this class has been so much MORE! Not only do you learn to think and speak on your feet but you also learn object work to enhance communication, and active listening which in turn helps build relationships and leadership skills. And did I mention we laughed in class—A LOT—even out to the parking lot. Every night I drove away from class, my face would hurt from all the laughs and thinking about all the fun we had. Outside of class, I began seeing the new skills at play and a lightness of laughter and intention show up in other areas of my life. No need to go to Second City—Garrett’s an awesome improv instructor! He’s not only Second City trained but closer to home! He provides a safe space to learn, grow in different skill sets, and laugh. He also creates a culture that inspires, empowers, and encourages each of his students in their journey. I believe anyone can improve with Improv. I challenge you—don’t hold back—this class will change and “improv”e your life!

Laurie Rusnak Headshot

Laurie Rusnak

In business, there are so many areas in which people try and improve various skills to advance their careers. I believe the single most important category, that will dictate your trajectory regardless of your field, is your ability to deal with people and situations! With Garrett Gray’s Improv Workshops you will learn to think on your feet, adapt to change quickly, add a little humor to the situation and resolve conflict! Attend his Workshops and get ready to move your workspace to the big corner office!

Shawn McPartland Headshot

Shawn McPartland

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

Why do improv? Because improv is a chance to be free and do whatever you feel — be funny, be serious, be a grump. Whatever you choose, IT DOESN’T MATTER! I was hesitant at first, but week-by-week with Garrett’s coaching, my teammates and I came to trust each other as we improvised scenes. When I learned to trust and not hold back, I got to experience true freedom and make some friends along the way. AND THAT’S WHAT MATTERS!

Student Main Stage Improv

Dara Burris

I loved the way the audience was incorporated in the Main Stage Improv show. It felt like I was “in” on all the fun!

Zina Watkins Headshot

Zina Watkins

I had the privilege to participate in Garrett Gray’s online interactive fundamentals improv class. Structured as a zoom class, it had tremendous value as a learning experience, which is difficult to attain while not in person. Garrett created a safe environment lending itself to positive feedback and encouraging his students to take creative risks. His knowledge and professionalism were evident in teaching the fundamental techniques and core curriculum of improv. I totally enjoyed the class and walked away with a renewed sense of comedic performance. It was laugh out loud funny!

Cassie Moore Headshot

Cassie Moore

These Improv workshops are great for all levels of improv experience. Garrett does a great job of creating a fun and safe environment for learning. He gave us smaller improv games to practice and teach us technique. It was a great experience for me, and it helped to build my confidence and my ability to adapt to a scene on the fly.

Andrea Regan Headshot

Andrea Taylor

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!

Phil-Vuollet-head-shot-

Phil Vuollet

If you want to have fun and try something new you must take Garrett’s Improv Fundamentals Class. He offers a positive, inclusive class environment. His passion for teaching and developing everyone’s strengths is truly an art. The class is structured with a weekly syllabus and suggestions for homework. All together, Improv fundamentals was an unforgettable experience.

Kristen Nunez Headshot

Kristen Nuñez

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

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

Our whole family had a great time at the Main Stage Improv show! Even our teenage son was into it and shouting answers and suggestions! It’s hard to pick a favorite skit as the whole night was great, but I still chuckle when I think about the hitchhikers and a three toed sloth.

Tara Kozlowski Headshot

Tara Kozlowski

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

Iman Salami Headshot

Iman Salami

Garrett’s improv party games provide high energy fun and allow friends and new acquaintances to learn about each other and from each other in a supportive setting. Garrett’s positive approach to teaching improv makes his “Improv at your Doorstep” events a solid choice when looking for team building options and collaboration training.

Martha Sojka Headshot

Martha Sojka

I am a drama coach at Camanche Middle School in Camanche, Iowa. Garrett came to our school to run 2 improv workshops in August of 2021. He taught a middle school and a high school group. The kids that got to participate in his camp learned so much about creativity and team work when it comes to acting. He really helped them be better at their craft and we took the games and used them all year.

Michele Eissens Headshot

Michele Eissens

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

If you are unsure on taking an Improv class–Don’t be. Take Main Stage Improv’s Fundamentals of Improv class! It has helped me tremendously with my stage fright. The class is fantastic and you will learn a lot. The instructor Garrett makes it easy, fun and comfortable to be on the stage. It is also a great way to meet new people and have a bunch of laughs. 

Student Main stage Improv

Kris Reid

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!

Brenden-Cummings-Headshot

Brenden Cummings

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

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

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

Garrett is full of improv mastery and is bar none one of the best communicators in Chi-town! Garrett led a group of my guests in improv games at a party at my house. He brought his signature charisma, creativity, and care to my event. Garrett left people feeling engaged, challenged, and inspired while at the same time having fun!

You’ll not only have a great improv experience with Garrett but also build relationships, foster growth in your own skill set, and at the same time have a lotta laughs! I highly recommend the G man for your event!

Laurie Rusnak Headshot

Laurie Rusnak

Garrett Gray’s 7-week Improv Fundamentals Class was incredible. Garrett’s teaching style is fun, constructive, and always supportive.  His positivity is infectious. Your confidence grows with each class – from the activities and games that are designed to build on what you learn from week to week, to Garrett’s words of support during class, pointing out things you did well or were funny between classes, and to the amazing group of classmates who support each other and have a ton of fun with each week. I strongly recommend this class for anyone interested in challenging themselves and having a ton of laughs while they do it!

Mike Banker

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

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!

Katie Jandeska Headshot

Katie Jandeska

I have reached out to Garrett more times than I can count to give his popular Improv workshops to everyday people. The goals in doing these workshops are to get people out of their shells, have fun, and make new friends. His workshops are so entertaining and fun, that word of mouth gets out and I need to book him twice. Second City and SNL don’t have anything on Garrett. When I think of Improv, I think Garrett.

Thad Gray Headshot

Thad Gray

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

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

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

Great show! Awesome crew! High energy and different styles of comedy made my cheeks hurt.

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Kari Sipinen

I had an amazing time at Garrett’s 1-hour Improv workshop at the District 54 Toastmasters Winter TLI in February 2024 . The energy in the room was high, and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. The games forced me to be creative on the spot. My memory was also exercised. I would attend another workshop or class in a heartbeat!

Solomon Asine