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 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!

Cassie Moore Headshot

Cassie Moore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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Cesar Rodriguez

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 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

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!

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Erin Hallstrom

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

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.

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Andrea Taylor

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

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.

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Daniel Perez

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

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Noel Ganay

What a fun time we had at the extended family party. Garrett’s improv games had us laughing with tears running down our cheeks! It was so much fun for all of the age groups to “play” together.

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Andy & Kim Gerk

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 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

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

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

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Iman Salami

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

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’s Fundamentals of Improv class is a great place to grow as a person and have fun at the same time! It can be really challenging to open up in everyday life because of a fear of others judging us. There is no judgement here; Garrett’s class is very supportive. You don’t have to worry about looking like an idiot or a comedic bit falling flat, because you always have Garrett and your teammates there to help you out. The class builds your confidence both in improv and in your regular life. It also enhances your abilities to listen carefully, think on your feet, and take risks. And, just as importantly, it’s fun! There were many classes where I arrived from work in a bad mood and left in a great one.

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Matt Seeberg

We love a good laugh, and had plenty during the Main Stage Improv show!

Donna Furmanek and Phyllis Stungis Headshot

Donna Furmanek and Phyllis Stungis

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

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

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Kari Sipinen

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

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

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’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

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 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