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 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

Improv at Your Doorstep was a great idea for our Christmas get-together. Garrett’s Improv games brought the different groups at our party together for a fun and interactive evening. Thanks Garrett!!

Steve Vacarro Headshot

Steve Vaccaro

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 1 hour Superhero Improv workshop was the MOST fun I had at the 2022 Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) event!

Ihechi Uzoije Headshot

Ihechi Uzoije

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

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’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

After taking Main Stage Improv’s Adult Improv Fundamentals Course, I am so impressed with Garrett Gray’s amazing teaching qualities including: Preparation – each class began with a handout for the material we would cover along with occasionally homework assignments; Adaptability – even though we were sometimes faced with location challenges, Garrett managed to adapt and overcome the hurdles; Positive Encouragement – Garrett ended each class be having members express positive feedback observations to each other and he also provided weekly specific encouragement to each student individually. I urge anyone seeking to stretch themselves, and have tons of fun doing so, to take one of Garrett Gray’s Improv classes. You won’t regret it!

Bill McQuillan headshot

Bill McQuillan

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

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

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

Kari Sipinen Headshot

Kari Sipinen

Garrett’s online improv fundamentals course kept my improv skills sharp during the pandemic. No longer performing with my previous improv troupe, I was elated to take Garrett’s class because it helped me keep my reps up and keep my improv skills sharp!

Erin Hallstrom Headshot

Erin Hallstrom

I enrolled in Garrett’s Adult Improv Fundamentals Course with a bit a trepidation given my introverted nature.  After completing the Course and the final graduation show, I can now definitively say that it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.  Garrett is kind, funny and a truly gifted teacher who exudes such a genuine passion for helping people learn the skills of improv.  I had so much fun, met terrific people and learned so much about teamwork throughout the process- and laughed a ton!  If you want to learn from one of the best and have a wonderful experience at the same time, you must take one of Garrett’s improv courses.  You’ll be so happy that you did!

Main stage improv student

Frank Kladis

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

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’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

I took Garrett’s online improv course and it was a game-changer in improving my ability to think on my feet. His improv classes are not just entertaining; they’ve given me invaluable skills in communication, quick thinking, and adaptability. I’ve seen his impact on others too—transforming even the most reserved individuals into confident communicators!

Mike Scampini Headshot

Mike Scampini

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

Iman Salami Headshot

Iman Salami

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Main Stage Improv show was outstanding! The cast was so talented, and everyone had great chemistry! We laughed non-stop.

Danielle Myles Headshot

Danielle Myles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Noel Ganay Headshot

Noel Ganay

Wow! Main Stage Improv was really good with so many funny comedy bits! Bringing up the couple on stage that was my favorite! It was amazing to watch the cast exaggerate the couple’s story into a laugh filled adventure.

Sai Siddhartha Lingampelli Headshot

Sai Siddartha Lingampelli