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

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

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!

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Ashley South

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

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Adanna Byrd

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!

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Cassie Moore

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

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Zina Watkins

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

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

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

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!

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Mike Scampini

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

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Iman Salami

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

Improv for me was a bucket list item which I always wanted to do but never signed up for it. I found Garrett’s Main Stage Improv through my toastmasters class and I signed up for it. From the heart palpitating first class to an awesome graduation show, the journey has been fabulous. I could see changes in my professional life, I am able to articulate my conversations better than before without using filler words or struggling to put my thoughts into words. On my personal front, the improv classes were a blast. I enjoyed every minute of it and although it is no longer a bucket item for me, however, I am going to pursue this further and learn more from Garrett. This has been a transformation journey which has given a boost to my confidence and Garrett is an awesome coach and mentor who has elevated each one of us to a new level.
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Pranav Kumar

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’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.

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Mark Avignone

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

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Noel Ganay

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.

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Denny Chuong

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

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

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

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

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!

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Judy Wilk

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 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 have wanted to take a class like this for a long time. After seeing Garrett and his group perform, I signed up right away for his 7-week Improv Fundamentals class in Orland Park when I saw he was teaching. Honestly, I was nervous in the lead up to the class, but Garrett did such a great job of breaking the ice and making us comfortable to learn. Our group laughs so much during class and we have really bonded. If you have ever considered trying improv or want to learn to be an active listener and get out of your shell, I HIGHLY recommend taking Garrett’s course! You won’t regret it!

Israel Smith

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

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

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

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!

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Maymona Nageye

I enrolled in Garrett’s 6-week improv course and I was pleasantly surprised by the incredible journey it took me on. The course content and structure not only met but far exceeded what I could have imagined. Each week brought a new dimension to my learning of the tools of improv! What truly set this course apart was the instructor, Garrett Gray, who shared his own insights and experiences from performing Improv onstage with various troupes. His authenticity and willingness to relate his personal knowledge and experiences made the learning process incredibly helpful and inspiring. He shared useful tips of the trade that help mold a group of improvisers into an improv TEAM! If you’re seeking a transformative Improv course to jump start your improv journey look no further than Garrett’s 6 week improv fundamental course! It will positively impact your life!

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Vineet Anand

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!

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Malavika McGrail

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

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Heather Paugh

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!!!

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Cathy Cummings

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

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

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.

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Kristen Nuñez