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 7-week course designed to teach you the essentials and culminate in your own improv show. The course includes six 2-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

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

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

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

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’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 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

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 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 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

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 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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Noel Ganay

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

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Kari Sipinen

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

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 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

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

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

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

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 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 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

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

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Donna Furmanek and Phyllis Stungis

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

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