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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All Garrett needed was a room full of party-goers and a little bit of space to quickly get the party started in our living room. Garrett is a passionate, amazing human being. He has excellent people skills and quickly finds what makes people laugh and connect with each other. Everyone (even the teenagers!) got involved and had a fun time!

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Liz McCrorey

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

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

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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!

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Shawn McPartland

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

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

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!

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John Paul Balderas

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.

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Tara Kozlowski

The Main Stage Improv group was sensational! I don’t recall a moment where I stopped laughing during their entire show. I can’t wait to watch them perform in their next show!

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Erin Hallstrom

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

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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.

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Sai Siddartha Lingampelli

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

Garrett initially introduced me to improv through Yes and And Toastmasters, and when I found out he was doing a 6 week Improv course, I jumped at the chance to learn even more! I highly recommend his Improv classes to the novice or the experienced Improv performer, because either way, you’re guaranteed to learn a lot, and have a blast!

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Dan Prochaska

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

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

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.
Pranav Kumar Headshot

Pranav Kumar

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

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

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Mark Avignone

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

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

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 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

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

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

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!

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Bill McQuillan

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!

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Laurie Rusnak

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

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Iman Salami

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.

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Fouzia Khan

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