Quartet of Comedy favorites returns to Raue Center with a new show just in time for Father’s Day!

<Crystal Lake>, IL – March 26, 2024– Veteran comedians Steve Cochran, John Da Cosse, and Tim Benker are joined by the very funny Jim Flannigan for this 890 WLS Radio Comedy Event just in time for Father’s Day, Friday,  June 14, at 8 pm. !  It’s “For Fathers “…but fun for everyone!

 

In honor of Father’s Day, the guys share their perspectives on having Fathers, being Fathers, sons, husbands, exes, and future husbands. With over 140 years of combined experience and over 50,000 shows in front of more than 10 million people, the guys will FINALLY be able to say the things all Fathers have always wanted to say.  

 

Join Steve, John, Tim, and Jim as they turn Raue Center into their own personal mancave for a Father’s Day Comedy Show that’s sure to meet Dad’s approval!

 

A radio personality for over 30 years, Cochran has hosted his own show from the coast, settling in Chicago in the late ‘90s. Cochran has also worked as an actor, appearing in films such as “Grumpy Old Men,” and as a writer for “Saturday Night Live.” Throughout the years, Cochran has also performed stand-up comedy with many of the greats in the business. He enjoys getting out and doing live performances about four times a year, including his annual New Year’s Eve show, now in its 17th year! Cochran is perhaps best known for hosting his own show, The Cochran Show, on WLS and previously on WGN Radio, following in the “mic-checks” of legends such as Wally Phillips, Bob Collins, and Spike O’Dell.

 

DaCosse is known as a WLS Radio personality and the curator of Raue Center’s Lucy’s Comedy series. During his 30-plus years in stand-up comedy, the brilliant DaCosse has developed a solid reputation nationwide. He has opened for big names like Ellen DeGeneres, George Lopez, Craig Ferguson, and Billy Gardell and has appeared on NBC, Comedy Central, and TBS. DaCosse has also served as an audience warm-up for Rosie O’Donnell and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” He, along with his well-known character voices, can regularly be heard on Steve Cochran’s morning show on WLS.

 

Tim Benker is a veteran of Chicago comedy and has opened for many well-known acts such as Jay Leno, Rosie O Donnell, Steven Wright, Richard Lewis, and Walt Willey. Benker has also made himself useful in daylight hours by hosting morning radio in Las Vegas and Houston and also produced a variety show around his alter ego “The Very Famous Lance Vegas.”

 

Jim Flannigan is a nationally touring stand-up comedian from Chicago. Known for his fast-paced, clever punchlines,  Jim is a regular headliner at top comedy clubs including Zanies and The Improv, as well as being a regular performer at Chicago’s Laugh Factory and Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club in Las Vegas, NV.  Jim has opened for some of the biggest names in the world of comedy, including Sebastian Maniscalco and has made TV appearances on ABC, WGN, NBC Sports, and IFC Network. Flannigan is also the co-host of the hilarious All Over the Place, a weekly podcast that is just that, with Pat McGann. Jim’s debut album, About Time, was recorded at the legendary Zanies in Rosemont, IL for release in 2022.  

 

Tickets start at $25* for the general public and $17.50* for RaueNOW Members and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. 

 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

A quartet of Comedy favorites just in time for Father’s Day!

<Crystal Lake>, IL – March 26, 2024– Veteran comedians Steve Cochran, John Da Cosse, and Tim Benker are joined by the very funny Jim Flannigan for this 890 WLS Radio Comedy Event just in time for Father’s Day, Friday,  June 14, at 8 pm. !  It’s “For Fathers “…but fun for everyone!

 

In honor of Father’s Day, the guys share their perspectives on having Fathers, being Fathers, sons, husbands, exes, and future husbands. With over 140 years of combined experience and over 50,000 shows in front of more than 10 million people, the guys will FINALLY be able to say the things all Fathers have always wanted to say.  

 

Join Steve, John, Tim, and Jim as they turn Raue Center into their own personal mancave for a Father’s Day Comedy Show that’s sure to meet Dad’s approval!

 

A radio personality for over 30 years, Cochran has hosted his own show from the coast, settling in Chicago in the late ‘90s. Cochran has also worked as an actor, appearing in films such as “Grumpy Old Men,” and as a writer for “Saturday Night Live.” Throughout the years, Cochran has also performed stand-up comedy with many of the greats in the business. He enjoys getting out and doing live performances about four times a year, including his annual New Year’s Eve show, now in its 17th year! Cochran is perhaps best known for hosting his own show, The Cochran Show, on WLS and previously on WGN Radio, following in the “mic-checks” of legends such as Wally Phillips, Bob Collins, and Spike O’Dell.

 

DaCosse is known as a WLS Radio personality and the curator of Raue Center’s Lucy’s Comedy series. During his 30-plus years in stand-up comedy, the brilliant DaCosse has developed a solid reputation nationwide. He has opened for big names like Ellen DeGeneres, George Lopez, Craig Ferguson, and Billy Gardell and has appeared on NBC, Comedy Central, and TBS. DaCosse has also served as an audience warm-up for Rosie O’Donnell and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” He, along with his well-known character voices, can regularly be heard on Steve Cochran’s morning show on WLS.

 

Tim Benker is a veteran of Chicago comedy and has opened for many well-known acts such as Jay Leno, Rosie O Donnell, Steven Wright, Richard Lewis, and Walt Willey. Benker has also made himself useful in daylight hours by hosting morning radio in Las Vegas and Houston and also produced a variety show around his alter ego “The Very Famous Lance Vegas.”

 

Jim Flannigan is a nationally touring stand-up comedian from Chicago. Known for his fast-paced, clever punchlines,  Jim is a regular headliner at top comedy clubs including Zanies and The Improv, as well as being a regular performer at Chicago’s Laugh Factory and Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club in Las Vegas, NV.  Jim has opened for some of the biggest names in the world of comedy, including Sebastian Maniscalco and has made TV appearances on ABC, WGN, NBC Sports, and IFC Network. Flannigan is also the co-host of the hilarious All Over the Place, a weekly podcast that is just that, with Pat McGann. Jim’s debut album, About Time, was recorded at the legendary Zanies in Rosemont, IL for release in 2022.  

Tickets start at $25* for the general public and $17.50* for RaueNOW Members and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. 

 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

FUNNY-MAN PAT MCGANN LAUGHS IT UP AT RAUE CENTER

<Crystal Lake>, IL –August 1, 2023 – Raue Center For The Arts is excited to announce the return of funny-man Pat McGann for an evening of stand-up comedy, on September 9, 2023 at 7 pm. 

 

Fresh from his sold-out run at the Chicago Theater this past spring, McGann has quickly risen as one of the sharpest stand-ups in the comedy world. Pat began stand-up at 31 after realizing he was not very good at selling packaging. He hustled his way to become the house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself as especially adept at working the crowd. A husband and father of 3 young children, Pat’s appeal stems from his quick wit & relatable take on family life & marriage.

 

“It is so great to see Pat’s career take off over the years.  He’s really a great guy on stage and off,” explains Raue Center director, Richard Kuranda.  “He’s coming off of sold-out shows at the Vic, Carolines’ in NYC, and touring with Sebastian worldwide.  His special on Amazon is hysterical. Now is your chance to see him back here again at the Raue!”

 

In 2017, McGann began touring as the opening act for Sebastian Maniscalco, moving with him from clubs, to theater, and to arenas, including 4 sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden. McGann’s relatively short, but impressive resume, includes performances on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Montreal’s famed Just For Laughs Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, The Great American Comedy Festival, and the Nashville Comedy Fest. McGann still calls Chicago home. Now McGann brings his brand of comedy to Raue Center! 

 

Tickets start at $40 ($28 for RaueNOW Members)  and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. 

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians, and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

Raue Center Goes Back to School with Teacher’s Lounge Comedy

<Crystal Lake>, IL – August 8, 2023 – Raue Center goes back to school with an A+ comedy show guaranteed to make the grade! Don’t be tardy for Teacher’s Lounge Comedy, a hilarious night of stand-up where real teachers-turned-comics take the stage to share their unique experiences, anecdotes, and frustrations about school life and being an educator. Join us as these witty educators let loose, dish out comedic stories, and poke fun at the ups and downs of their profession, on September 15, 2023, at 7 pm. 

The show features comics Bill Gorgo, Brian Noonan, and Jeanie Doogan. From navigating the quirks of unruly students to tackling overzealous parents, these comedians provide a light-hearted and relatable perspective on the joys and challenges of teaching, cleverly weaving together their experiences with sharp observations, witty one-liners, and amusing impersonations.

Bill Gorgo is an author, actor, award-winning storyteller, and a regular in talk radio. He’s taught high school and middle school – everything from dramatic arts to algebra –  and currently teaches standup classes and mentors several young comedians. 

Brian Noonan has been entertaining people with his comedy, radio shows, and television appearances for over two decades. Brian began substitute teaching in Berwyn District 100. He has spent time in rooms from pre-school to fifth grade and from structured classes to specials.  Brian is a host on WTMJ Radio in Milwaukee. He was also a longtime host on WGN Radio and has appeared on The Tonight Show and Malcolm in the Middle

Jeanie Doogan has set herself apart with her quick observations and no-apology take on teaching, parenthood, and American culture. Her sharp wit draws on her experiences growing up on the South side of Chicago and 20 years as a public school teacher to deliver comedy that reaches audiences from all walks of life.

The evening is curated and hosted by John DaCosse, curator for Raue Cente’s Lucy’s Comedy series. John is known as a WGN Radio personality. During his 30-plus years in stand-up comedy, the brilliant DaCosse has developed a solid reputation nationwide. He has opened for big names like Ellen DeGeneres, George Lopez, Craig Ferguson, and Billy Gardell and has appeared on NBC, Comedy Central and TBS. DaCosse has also served as an audience warm-up for Rosie O’Donnell and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

Tickets start at $30  ( $21 for RaueNOW Members) and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows. 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

COLIN MOCHRIE’S “HYPROV” (Improv under hypnosis) RETURNS TO RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS 

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – March 21, 2023  – Raue Center For The Arts is excited to welcome Colin Mochrie of “Whose Line Is It, Anyway?” with “HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis” featuring master hypnotist Asad Mecci. Come together as two masters of their crafts unite for a totally unique comedy experience at 8 p.m. on October 7, 2023. 

From the brilliant minds of improv legend, Mochrie and master hypnotist Mecci comes a brand new, mind-blowing, jaw-dropping, side-splitting show where 20 volunteers are hypnotized on stage, whittled down to five of the best who do improv scenes with Colin Mochrie WHILE THEY ARE STILL UNDER HYPNOSIS. What can possibly go wrong?  Come and see for yourself! 

The show begins with Mecci welcoming twenty volunteers on stage to be hypnotized. He whittles them down to four or five of the most susceptible and then brings Mochrie out to improvise with them–while they are under hypnosis. In the hands of two experts, and solely crafted from the audience’s uninhibited unconscious mind, each show is an entirely original and completely unforgettable theatrical experience.

“When we tried this for the first time on stage, I was absolutely petrified. Then I thought, ‘let’s just see where this takes us,’” said Mochrie. “Adding in the element of hypnosis to improv really allows people to let their guard down and have fun in a scene. They’re certainly the most interesting stage partners I’ve ever had!”

“I’ve been hypnotizing people for 20 years, but when I studied improv I had an epiphany: hypnosis could unlock the comedic genius in everyday people and turn them into pros,” said Hypnotist Mecci. “You never know which participants will go under hypnosis and for how long. But that’s part of the show and what adds to the laughs.”

HYPROV (pronounced hip-rawv) is coming to you straight from a 70-show run Off-Broadway in New York City!!  HYPROV is “hilarious and fascinating” (says Time Out New York) and is “catnip for those who relish spontaneity and informality,” (The Wall Street Journal). The New Yorker says, “say yes to HYPROV,”! The 100-minute live show combines hypnosis and improv – two art forms that have mystified and entertained fans, skeptics and everyone in between worldwide – for a totally unique comedy experience that The Times of London declared “a celebration of the human imagination.”

Tickets start at $50 ($35 for RaueNOW Members) and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. For more information, visit rauecenter.org. 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

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A quartet of Comedy favorites return to Raue Center with a new show just in time for Father’s Day!

<Crystal Lake>, IL – May 1, 2023– Veteran comedians Steve Cochran, John Da Cosse, Tim Benker and Mike Toomey team up for The FourFathers comedy show on June 16 @ 8 p.m.  With over 160 years of combined experience and over 50,000 shows in front of more than 10 million people, they’re four Dads ready to give their take on marriage, kids, and growing older.

The show features longtime Chicago radio personality Steve Cochran host of The Steve Cochran Morning Show on WLS 890-AM with John DaCosse and Mike Toomey and Tim Benker.

A radio personality for over 30 years, Cochran has hosted his own show from the coast, settling in Chicago in the late ‘90s. Cochran has also worked as an actor, appearing in films such as “Grumpy Old Men,” and as a writer for “Saturday Night Live.” Throughout the years, Cochran has also performed stand-up comedy with many of the greats in the business. He enjoys getting out and doing live performances about four times a year, including his annual New Year’s Eve show, now in its 17th year! Cochran is perhaps best known for hosting his own show, The Cochran Show, on WLS and previously on WGN Radio, following in the “mic-checks” of legends such as Wally Phillips, Bob Collins, and Spike O’Dell.

DaCosse is known as a WLS Radio personality and the curator of Raue Center’s Lucy’s Comedy series. During his 30-plus years in stand-up comedy, the brilliant DaCosse has developed a solid reputation nationwide. He has opened for big names like Ellen DeGeneres, George Lopez, Craig Ferguson, and Billy Gardell and has appeared on NBC, Comedy Central, and TBS. DaCosse has also served as an audience warm-up for Rosie O’Donnell and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” He, along with his well-known character voices, can regularly be heard on Steve Cochran’s morning show on WLS.

A regular performer on WGN Morning News, Toomey has appeared in concert with such names as George Carlin, Wayne Newton, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Reba McEntire. He has performed on numerous TV programs including HBO’s U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado, MTV’s “Half Hour Comedy Hour” and A&E’s “Comedy on the Road.” 

With his sharp delivery, quick wit, and unique style, Toomey has been a favorite at comedy clubs and special events since 1982. He is also the creator and star of the hilarious one-person show “TV and Me,” which enjoyed a highly successful run at Chicago’s Apollo Theater. The Chicago Tribune calls Toomey “one of the funniest and most talented performers to ever work in Chicago.” Performing comedy that won’t make your grandmother blush, Toomey’s dead-on impersonations and PG-rated style are for anyone and everyone who could use a really good, hearty, pure, and deep-rooted laugh. 

Tim Benker is a veteran of Chicago comedy and has opened for many well-known acts such as Jay Leno, Rosie O Donnell, Steven Wright, Richard Lewis, and Walt Willey. Benker has also made himself useful in daylight hours by hosting morning radio in Las Vegas and Houston and also produced a variety show around his alter ego “The Very Famous Lance Vegas.”

Tickets start at $25 for the general public and $17.50 for RaueNOW Members and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

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Author, humorist, and master of satire, David Sedaris returns to Raue Center 

<Crystal Lake>, IL – October 4, 2022 – Best-selling author David Sedaris returns to Raue Center on November 4th at 8 pm. David Sedaris is the bestselling author of the books Calypso, Theft By Finding, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Holidays on Ice, Naked, and Barrel Fever. He is a regular contributor to The New Yorker and BBC Radio 4.

 

With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has become one of America’s preeminent humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today.

 

David Sedaris, the “champion storyteller,” (Los Angeles Times) returns with his first new collection of personal essays since the bestselling Calypso.

 

Back when restaurant menus were still printed on paper, and wearing a mask—or not—was a decision made mostly on Halloween, David Sedaris spent his time doing normal things. As Happy-Go-Lucky opens, he is learning to shoot guns with his sister, visiting muddy flea markets in Serbia, buying gummy worms to feed to ants, and telling his nonagenarian father wheelchair jokes.

 

But then the pandemic hits, and like so many others, he’s stuck in lockdown, unable to tour and read for audiences, the part of his work he loves most. To cope, he walks for miles through a nearly deserted city, smelling only his own breath. He vacuums his apartment twice a day, fails to hoard anything, and contemplates how sex workers and acupuncturists might be getting by during quarantine.

 

As the world gradually settles into a new reality, Sedaris too finds himself changed. His offer to fix a stranger’s teeth rebuffed, he straightens his own, and ventures into the world with new confidence. Newly orphaned, he considers what it means, in his seventh decade, no longer to be someone’s son. And back on the road, he discovers a battle-scarred America: people weary, storefronts empty or festooned with Help Wanted signs, walls painted with graffiti reflecting the contradictory messages of our time: Eat the Rich. Trump 2024. Black Lives Matter.

 

In Happy-Go-Lucky, David Sedaris once again captures what is most unexpected, hilarious, and poignant about these recent upheavals, personal and public, and expresses in precise language both the misanthropy and desire for connection that drive us all. If we must live in interesting times, there is no one better to chronicle them than the incomparable David Sedaris.

 

David Sedaris will deliver a 60-minute reading followed by 20-30 minutes of audience questions. There will be a book signing in the lobby area before & following the event no photography or videography of any kind will be permitted. Additionally, there will be no beverage service during this event. 

Tickets start at $50 ($35 for RaueNOW Members)  and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. 

 For more information visit rauecenter.org or contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212.

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter.

ALCA Takes Center Stage with Annual Gala

featuring entertainment by Green Room Improv

The Alexander Leigh Center for Autism will take to the stage for their “Night of ImprovABILITY” annual
gala on Saturday, April 30th at the Raue Center in Crystal Lake, IL. The evening will include a silent
auction, various raffles, ALCA presentations, and will conclude with a set from Green Room Improv. In-
person tickets are $100, while a virtual viewing is offered at $50.

All proceeds from the gala will go towards helping ALCA provide an environment where children on the
autism spectrum can develop their potential; academically, emotionally, socially, communicatively, and
physically.

To purchase tickets visit https://aesbid.com/ELP/ALCA22/

The Alexander Leigh Center for Autism (ALCA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, full-day, year-round therapeutic
day school approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) for children 3-21 years old with
autism spectrum disorder (ASD), OHI, multiple disabilities, developmental delay and/or intellectual
disability. ALCA currently serves students from Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, McHenry, and Will counties. It
is our mission to provide an environment where children on the autism spectrum can develop their full
potential and gain functional independence.

Event Contacts: Megg Wallen: mwallen@alcacenter.org
JD Harshbarger: jharshbarger@alcacenter.org

Contact Phone: 815-344-2522
Media Contact: Patrick Hastings: phastings@alcacenter.org

How Improv Comedy Can Train You to be a Better Person 

By Jess Smith 

Many people view improv like a magic trick— an exciting spectacle that they could never replicate themselves. It’s not true though! Everyone is smarter and funnier than they give themselves credit for. Some of the key tenets of improv are the same guidelines for being a reliable and thoughtful person in life. 

So, regardless of your experience with improv comedy, let’s dig past the jargon to reveal 3 little nuggets that improv teaches us about being a better person. 

#1 – Yes, And 

Known as the number one rule of improv, “yes, and” refers to 1) accepting/agreeing to your circumstances and 2) adding to them. In improv, a performer wants to say “yes” as often as possible in order to propel a story forward. If you and I are in a scene together and you say, “Grandma, Happy birthday; I baked you this cake!” The worst thing I can do is to say “no” and 

deny you. “I’m not your grandma! I’m your twin sister! And it’s not our birthday!” Ew. I’ve basically communicated that I didn’t like any of your ideas and mine were better. That’s no way to begin a scene, let alone a conversation, relationship, etc. We always want to be accepting of our circumstances. Maybe I had a fun idea with that twin storyline, but if I’m going to be a scene partner that puts the scene we’re building before my own interests, I’m going to listen to what you’ve provided, agree to it, and add to it. 

I should give more information about our relationship, our location, the cake. “Junior, you always make me feel so special; I’m so glad you threw my party at a McDonald’s play place even after your embarrassing incident in the ball pit last year.” 

Ahhh. Much better. We’re in agreement of who we are, what’s happening, and I’ve set you up with some information so you can easily “yes, and” me back. 

#2 – Speak After Listening (or, avoid “Cookie Monstering”) 

It’s important to listen with the goal of understanding. From there, even though you might have a plethora of ideas that you can’t wait to unload, only some of them will work for the situation at hand. What solution is really warranted? What original thought is being summoned for this exact moment? We have to be discerning in what we share because if we spew all of our ideas at once, we’ve muddied the delivery of our best idea. Similarly, we’re not appropriately responding to an issue if we give solutions to problems that don’t exist and don’t acknowledge the ones that do. 

The alternative is called “Cookie Monstering” which refers to what happens when improvisers get comfortable onstage and have too many ideas at once. They’re thrilled to have gotten the “yes, and” down and now want to show off how many fun, thoughtful ideas they have to drive a

scene forward. However, what typically happens is the performer doesn’t know when or how to include this information so they include it all at once, while other performers are also trying frantically to drive the scene forward. What results is loud, unlistening chaos. It’s like how Cookie Monster eats all of the cookies and draws attention, these performers are also just creating a cyclone of attention-grabbing bedlam. Nothing of value can be built from that starting point. 

Things can only move forward if we’re listening and understanding. 

#3 – Mistakes are Gifts! 

There is no such thing as a mistake in improv. This idea completely reframes how we deal with missteps. In an improv scene, I truly get giddy whenever I misspeak or misremember a scene element. It’s an opportunity for my scene partner to lovingly poke fun at and justify the error. It’s not wrong, it’s an opportunity. Those moments onstage are magical. For instance, if a scene partner calls me by the wrong name- both names are now correct. I now have a ridiculously complicated name which has just created another fun dimension to the scene. This impulse teaches us that our mistakes are not the embarrassing, insurmountable defeats we’ve been led to believe that they are. They are opportunities that allow us to better connect and support one another. 

Start trying out these improv axioms in your daily life. Once you make a habit of “yes, and”ing others, listening with the purpose of understanding and giving yourself grace and space to make mistakes, you’ll find that improv has reframed your brain. Happy improvising!

GREENROOM IMPROV: Surviving and thriving in a global pandemic

By: Miriam Naponelli

The performing arts is an industry that many have called “recession-proof”, after surviving and frankly thriving in The Great Depression and numerous recessions. However, nothing could have prepared industry professionals for 2020. 

GreenRoom Improv had high hopes for 2020, their 20th anniversary as an improv comedy troupe. Kicking off the year with highly attended monthly shows and already booking several gigs months in advance. However, all of that was put on the back burner during the week of March 9th. COVID-19 hit the US with a bang and what many thought would be a two-week hiatus turned into the cancellation of all in-person shows for the foreseeable future. 

Something that sets GreenRoom Improv apart from other troupes is their aim to take the world off the shoulders of their audience and bring them some joy for an hour and a half. However, with no in-person shows, that was not happening…Until April 6th, 2020 when they launched their first of several zoom shows which they aired on Facebook. 

Were they the first to try out “Live Streaming” improv? No… but what set them apart from the rest was their dedication and drive to bring laughter to people in a time that was otherwise dark. It was this dedication that led them to secure a residency at Raue Center for the Arts AND develop a brand new format that could go virtual if need be. 

GreenRoom began its residency with Raue Center in October 2020 with a capacity of 50 people and unlimited livestream tickets. Their first show back in 7 months was a sell-out. However, things took a turn in November with the virus forcing GreenRoom to go completely virtual. Since the new format was already being broadcast to the masses via livestream, this adjustment was seamless. 

And so it continued that way for the next few months until they were given to go-ahead to proceed with live performances with capacity limits. The road has not been easy that led GreenRoom Improv to a 3-year residency with Raue Center due to the global pandemic, but it has been something that the troupe is extremely thankful for. After all, if an improv troupe can’t improvise and thrive in adapting to their surroundings, then they probably aren’t worth the money. 

Come celebrate 20 years with GreenRoom Improv at Raue Center for the Arts!

(From Left to Right) - Backrow: Miriam Naponelli, Christian Zierke, Paul Gunsul, Matthew Aldis, Jess Smith. Front Row: Kerry Cox, David Hunter, Sam Barbaro.

About GreenRoom Improv:

GreenRoom Improv is an ensemble-based theatre company that specializes in improvisation. GreenRoom was founded by a group of Judson University (Elgin, IL) students in 1999 as a result of the cancellation of the school’s Theatre program.

GreenRoom plays multiple bookings throughout the year with its unique blend of clean, high-energy, multi-faceted 100% improvised comedy. The GreenRoom improvisers have performed nationally for a wide range of audiences and events.

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org or call the Box Office at 815.356.9212.