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

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

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

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

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

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Iman Salami

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

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Kari Sipinen

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

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

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

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

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

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Ihechi Uzoije

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Garrett Gray of Main Stage Improv. I attended both Improv in the Park and his Main Stage Improv show and what I like the most is his creativity when it comes to the improv games and the patience he has to teach those who are new to improv. My favorite improv games are 1, 3, 5 word , the scene game between 2 people, and the Yes And game.

Daniel Perez Headshot

Daniel Perez

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

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

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.

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Thad Gray

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 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

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

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

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’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

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

Noel Ganay Headshot

Noel Ganay