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

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

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!

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Audy Krygeris

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

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

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 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

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

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Noel Ganay

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

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Iman Salami

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

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.

Fouzia Khan Headshot

Fouzia Khan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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Steve Vaccaro

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

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 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

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!

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Kristian Kind

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

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!

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Debbie Moran

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.

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Martha Sojka

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’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

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

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

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 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

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!

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Phil Vuollet

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 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!

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Laurie Rusnak

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