Open Run

This hour long, fully improvised show, features the cast of 12 Angry Improvisers acting as a jury. Peek into the deliberation room as they use improv to recreate the facts of a case (as determined by the audience). They'll reexamine the moment the defendant was caught with their hand in the cookie jar -in reverse! -with French accents! -with every line of dialogue being a question!

12/8

It’s an Old Hollywood Christmas Special hosted by the jolliest movie monsters around, Frankenstein and Bride Of Frankenstein! Join these two stars of the silver screen for an unforgettable evening of singing, dancing and appearances from their very famous friends (Phantom of the Opera, Dracula and maybe…. even Saint Nick himself?). Grab a scotch and a seat by the fire (wait, no, anything but fire!!!) and enjoy the show!

11/30 - 12/28

It's Christmas at Steamworks, and all through the baths, all the gays are celebrating, and there are ghosts?! Join us for a queer take on the classic A Christmas Carol as your favorite characters from Steamworks the Musical navigate Steamworks' past, present, and future while trying to save the building from being destroyed by an evil Grinch! We promise you lots of raunchy reimaged Christmas carols, all while keeping the yuletide gay!

Open Run

In the world of improv comedy, anything can happen. But what happens when all the decent folk have left and a cast of delirious performers take over? After Hours Improv is The Annoyance's late night non-so-secret show where only the dumbest and most daring bits can truly be given the space they deserve...After Hours

1/24, 2/21, 3/21, 4/18

A high caliber comedy variety hour for people who fuck. Cum see Chicago's top stand ups and alt-comics do their nasty little routine. NO VIRGINS ALLOWED.

Open Run

Are you and your improv team looking for another place to get on stage? We've got a warm and supportive room ready to give you laughs and claps! Bring your own team to Annoyance on Tuesday nights to get a rep in and giggle. If you don't have a team to bring, no worries! There's a mashup team and we're happy to throw you on it! Signups are at 8:30PM and we'll hit the stage at 9:00PM. See you every Tuesday!

1/31, 2/28, 3/28, 4/25

BABY WINE is one of Chicago's longest running LGBTQ+ comedy variety shows. Hosted by Baby Wine's core ensemble, each week a rotating lineup of queer performers open the show with a variety of acts ranging from standup to sketch to music to improv to drag. Baby Wine closes out the show with a no holds barred, long-form improv set. Come lol with us babe!

Open Run

An hour long comedy show featuring some of Annoyance Theatre’s best and funniest. Show Runner: Hails Reeves

Bi-Weekly

CHIP Chats is a PowerPoint comedy show loosely based on TED Talks- but where TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, CHIP stands for Comedy, Hilarity, Insanity, and Pointlessness- and we deliver on those promises. We here at CHIP Chats can guarantee that by the end of every show you will either learn something or not! Like TED Talks, but much Worse.

11/7 - 12/26

Christmas Karen 3 is a new original multi-media play written by Elizabeth Fulton and is the trilogy no one asked for but everyone needed. Picking up one year later, Ebenezer Scrooge is stuck unable to move on after being one-upped by his own Christmas Carol storyline and no-last-name Karen grapples with the “what’s next” after she directed a hit holiday sketch extravaganza.

You’ll see some reimagined holiday characters you know and love during this feel-good play - and some not-so-holiday characters you wouldn’t necessarily expect (you’re welcome). If you didn’t see the first or second Christmas Karen, we start the play with a recap to get the whole audience up to speed. Buckle up, and help us decide if Die Hard is a Christmas movie.

Follow us on Instagram @christmas_k_3 to learn more!

1/21 - 2/11

A lamp is a device that makes light and heat while a HAPPY LAMP is a device that makes light and heat and happiness. If you're feeling gloomy these winter months, come see HAPPY LAMP by Communal Beverage! A 45 min sketch comedy show that'll leave you feeling warm and happy and give you a little light after the sun goes down. Communal Beverage is a six pack of sketch comedy written and performed by Paige Bourne, Sammi Callaghan, Dorothy Chen, Adam Denoyer, Matthew Ek, and Rachel Wade.

Bi-Weekly

Treat yourself to Chicago’s most intellectual comedy show. Comedians of all kinds going on about books while sipping very high end beverages. Bring your date to impress them, or come alone to feel self important.

Open Run

See Chicago's longest-running improv team bring their unique blend of big characters and absurd situations to the stage with infectious energy. Formed in 1996, Deep Schwa has performed over a thousand shows in theaters all over Chicago and beyond. Made up of an evolving cast of ten of the city's best veteran players. Each show singular, each show electric.

1/3

Dirty Laundry is Rach Granillo’s debut solo show which highlights different pain points from Rachel’s life through a comedic lens in the form of scenes, songs, and videos. They invite the audience to watch some of their most embarrassing and, or vulnerable moments that have shaped them into the person they are today. In this coming-of-age show you experience firsthand the epic highs and lows of Rachel Granillo’s life *insert Riverdale meme here*. This scripted retrospective has the general vibe of “When Nostalgia Met Inner Child Healing” and is reminiscent of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag and Bo Burnham’s Inside.

1/4

Dirty Laundry is Rach Granillo’s debut solo show which highlights different pain points from Rachel’s life through a comedic lens in the form of scenes, songs, and videos. They invite the audience to watch some of their most embarrassing and, or vulnerable moments that have shaped them into the person they are today. In this coming-of-age show you experience firsthand the epic highs and lows of Rachel Granillo’s life *insert Riverdale meme here*. This scripted retrospective has the general vibe of “When Nostalgia Met Inner Child Healing” and is reminiscent of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag and Bo Burnham’s Inside.

1/10, 2/14, 3/14, 4/11

Hail and well met, traveler! Grab a drink, put up your cloak, and I’ll tell you a tale. Escapades is a completely improvised choose-your-own adventure. Sprinkled throughout each story are opportunities for the audience to vote on what happens next. Whether we’re riding jetpacks on Mars or a unicorn through a gumdrop forest, you’re guaranteed a night of gasps, laughs, twists, turns, and daring rescues. Excelsior!

1/23 - 2/13

On March 23rd, 2012 a group of best friends attends the midnight showing of the most anticipated film of the millennium, The Hunger Games, only to find that their favorite book has been besmirched by an unfaithful adaptation. When their English class final project rolls around, they know what they must do - create a truly accurate adaptation, and restore honor to Suzanne Collins.

Bi-Weekly

Enjoy an evening of off-the-cuff improv with some of the best emerging talent in the Chicago area. Fire & Beer is a fully improvised comedy show that explores the dark sides of life, relationships and human beings. The show features the Annoyance House Ensemble who excel at both long- and short-form improv. You can expect lots of laughs during this unpredictable improv show.

Open Run

A two act improv show. First, Annoyance students get a chance to enter their IDs into a fishbowl to be randomly selected to perform in an improv jam with veteran Annoyance teachers and performers. Then, the night closes with a set from Sight Unseen, an Annoyance house team who, for almost the past decade, has been known for its loose narrative form and vibrant (sometimes vicious) characters.

1/19 - 1/26

Originally created and performed by the legendary improv team The Family (featuring Adam McKay, Miles Stroth, and others), the Deconstruction ("decon") is a mother sauce form that revolves around a central source scene - from which resulting scenes, some comedic, some surreal, some a slice of life - are spun off, deconstructing the basic reality. Methodical, clever, and fast, all in one single-act unwritten play about the dark comedy of the human experience.

Harpoon is one of Chicago's longest running independent improv teams. Formed in 2018, Harpoon has performed at every improv theater in town, and was a featured performer at the 2024 Endurance Festival in Madison, WI. Harpoon has a monthly short-form show at the Bughouse, Game Time!, and its members have taught and performed at festivals and venues across the country. They also happen to think you're just terrific, and hope to see you at their show.

Open Run

A Chicago based improv comedy show and drinking game based on the works of Alfred Hitchcock. Based on an audience suggestion, the cast weave together an intricate Hitchcock-like drama, while holding true to the amount of drinking shown in his movies. You'll barely be able to stand the suspense, and the cast will barely be able to stand.

Open Run

See a collage of character studies, scenes, songs and maybe even some audience interaction, all written in a week by some of Chicago’s most accomplished comedians. The “Holy Fuck Comedy Hour” is a curated hour of eclectic, comedic material written in a week with no rehearsals. Featuring a powerful collective representing a wide cross-section of the Chicago comedy community, the material varies every week.

1/25 - 2/15

Who would make a deal with the devil to end the housing crisis? What kind of rock band uses only text messages to communicate? Where is a box large enough to fit the entire moon? These answers, and fewer, in IRRELEPHANT…

IRRELEPHANT is an hour-long collection of brand-new sketch comedy from some of Chicago’s brightest comedic minds, just in time for Valentine’s Day. In a world where everything matters, nothing is IRRELEPHANT.

Written By & Featuring Corey Bradberry, Will Ferris, Kim Florian, Lily Gaddis, Drew Montgomery, Molly Olson, AJ Regalado, & Brian Scot. Directed by Corey Bradberry

12/11 - 12/18

A classic tale...retold by an improv ensemble that sends it up like with brilliant wit and irreverance.

1/21 - 2/25

Welcome to "Juicy," the unapologetically sassy three-act experience where the only thing hotter than the gossip, is the cast. Consider this your warning: what goes down in this room, STAYS in this room. So buckle up. Our fierce host starts by leading a panel, where the cast dishes up their weekly dramas. The audience gets to join in via QR codes by sending in their wildest scandals and seek real-time advice. Next up, we turn to the “hot seat” where we spotlight a badass standup comedian, serving up a set that’s perfectly tailored for our raw, unfiltered vibe. And just when you think it can’t get any wilder, we dive into an improv explosion, using stories as our launchpad to the craziest, most feral tangents imaginable. Get ready to laugh, gasp, and spill your guts — this is "Juicy.”

1/3, 2/7, 3/7, 4/4

Lil Weenie Salad is a WACKY improv show where we create the teams LIVE in front of the audience by spinning a HUGE wheel! All teams consist of four people and under and feature a brand new cast every week with Chicago's BEST comedians! The teams then combine together to create a MEGA team and more hilarity ensues! You aren't going to want to miss this!

11/1 - 12/29

The critically acclaimed original musical returns one more time to the Annoyance Theater just in time for the holiday season. Come enjoy some of Chicago’s biggest up-and-coming comedic performers in this heartfelt parody inspired by all of your favorite orphan media, from classic stories like “Annie” and “Oliver”, to more recent tales like Harry Potter and Batman.

"Little Orphan Boy the Musical!" follows the uplifting tale of a Little English Lad who has lost his Mum yet again, this time in the city that never sleeps, New York, baby!

See why critics are calling it, “stupid done smart” (Chicago Reader), “laugh out loud funny” (Newcity Stage), and “on the cusp of becoming a huge hit” (Rikki Lee Travolta). You’ll find yourself singing these songs for weeks after joining a little British lad on his search to find his mum in NYC. PG-13 due to language, some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

11/1 - 12/29

The critically acclaimed original musical returns one more time to the Annoyance Theater just in time for the holiday season. Come enjoy some of Chicago’s biggest up-and-coming comedic performers in this heartfelt parody inspired by all of your favorite orphan media, from classic stories like “Annie” and “Oliver”, to more recent tales like Harry Potter and Batman.

"Little Orphan Boy the Musical!" follows the uplifting tale of a Little English Lad who has lost his Mum yet again, this time in the city that never sleeps, New York, baby!

See why critics are calling it, “stupid done smart” (Chicago Reader), “laugh out loud funny” (Newcity Stage), and “on the cusp of becoming a huge hit” (Rikki Lee Travolta). You’ll find yourself singing these songs for weeks after joining a little British lad on his search to find his mum in NYC. PG-13 due to language, some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

12/8 - 12/22

The critically acclaimed original musical returns one more time to the Annoyance Theater just in time for the holiday season. Come enjoy some of Chicago’s biggest up-and-coming comedic performers in this heartfelt parody inspired by all of your favorite orphan media, from classic stories like “Annie” and “Oliver”, to more recent tales like Harry Potter and Batman.

"Little Orphan Boy the Musical!" follows the uplifting tale of a Little English Lad who has lost his Mum yet again, this time in the city that never sleeps, New York, baby!

See why critics are calling it, “stupid done smart” (Chicago Reader), “laugh out loud funny” (Newcity Stage), and “on the cusp of becoming a huge hit” (Rikki Lee Travolta). You’ll find yourself singing these songs for weeks after joining a little British lad on his search to find his mum in NYC. PG-13 due to language, some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

12/4 - 12/18

Miracle at Century High School is an original Christmas musical making its world premiere at The Annoyance Theatre. When the principal of a scandal-plagued high school tasks drama teacher Jacob Lunsford with creating an original Christmas musical in order to save the school's reputation--and his job--Jacob must overcome self-doubt, chaotic students, an impossible-to-please principal, and regular visits from the ghost of Charles Dickens. Can he pull it off? Find out in this hilarious show that Saturday Night Live writer T. Sean Shannon calls "a very funny and clever new Christmas play that will jingle your bells."

Open Run

Missed Call is a premiere Chicago comedy group that writes and performs an entirely new sketch show every Friday.

Open Run

Hosted by members of Tuesday Musical Improv, this free weekly jam allows anyone to try out musical improv on the Annoyance Mainstage. Sign-ups begin at 6:45--no experience necessary!

12/7 - 12/28

What even is Hanukkah? And how the hell do you spell it?? Enjoy scenes, songs and improv from our all-Jewish cast as they explore the customs and cultures that bring Jews together all over the world. Join us for this delightful holiday party that remembers the holidays are for everyone, and celebrates Jewish joy and traditions.

Open Run

Open Stage is an opportunity for anyone to get on stage and try out whatever they're currently working on - standup, sketch, songs - you name it. At Open Stage anything can happen and it usually does!

1/23 - 2/13

It may be cold outside, but it's always summer for the sisterhood! Bask in the warmth of a one-hour improvised musical inspired by The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants books and movies. You get to pick the summer plans for each of the four sisters, then sit back and watch the hilarity unfold as they share the same pair of magic pants. Revel in the gorgeous music, stellar scene work, and early 2000s nostalgia. Get your tickets, today!

Open Run

Super Human is an improv team that tore into Chicago’s comedy scene in 2012 at The Upstairs Gallery (RIP). Since then, Super Human has become synonymous with bold, hilarious, fearless and fun comedy. Described as a “splash zone of women,” Super Human prides itself on the team’s diverse personalities and playing styles, with an unmistakable focus on creating inclusive learning and performance spaces. They are Super Human and SO ARE YOU!

Bi-Weekly

The Teeny Tiny Character Show is just that: a petite little space for comedians to showcase their characters. Will and Rachel will guide some of Chicago’s best performers through a night of miniature monologues and itty-bitty improv. Join us for a small night of big laughs. Let’s get little!

Bi-Weekly

A night of Roman fuckery. Watch philosophers roast each other, improv gladiators battle, and kneel to Cesar in this truly unruly night of alt-comedy.

11/6 - 12/18

The small rural town of Dove Cliff is at risk of being overtaken by a major tech megacorp, led by a former Dove Cliff resident with a devastating secret. The whole town comes together, led by Delilah Pearl, the artistic director of the town’s Pearl Dance Studio, to put on a Winter Extravaganza show to raise enough money to keep the takeover from happening. Supported by the town's residents and its local cryptid, Larri (with an I), they battle against the power-hungry Mayor Sharon Walker-Easton and the Dove Cliff prodigal son David Marsh McGrath, taking pledges over the phone and fielding commentary from the town residents. Will Dove Cliff be gone forever when they fail, or can Delilah and the rest of Dove Cliff actually pull this off?

12/29

Using the vehicles or Stand up Comedy, Sketch Comedy and Music The LateNight-Ish Experience will display brilliance, creativity, and community through live performances. Coupled with the preparation of comedians, singers, instrumentalists and entertainers for T.V and other live performances. This show is to showcase young professionals and dispel the common misconceptions about live performances being a thing of the past.

11/29 - 12/27

In this world-premiere comedy from the comedic minds of Sage Huston and Riley Woollen, holiday cheer meets absolute chaos as three families are trapped in the Houston airport on Christmas Eve. Complete with an impressive ensemble of Chicago comedians, stakes reach Lord of the Flies-esque highs as loyalties are questioned, sanities challenged, and lives at stake. Can this Christmas be saved, or is it…terminal?

1/2 - 1/9

Tindred Spirits is a one-act play written by Elizabeth Fulton that is a feel-good slice of life focused on two single roommates who approach dating extremely differently. As we become more and more glued to our phones and laptops, how easy is it to miss the opportunity for love when it's standing right in front of us? This play will feature all-too-real dating stories. This was originally written for Triple Feature at Annoyance in 2022 - and has been updated for this upcoming run, unlike my dating profile(s).

Open Run

Annoyance founder Mick Napier created the Trigger Happy form out of a desire to make improv look as slick and beautifully put together as a scripted show. Through a language invisible to the audience, the fully improvised show magically comes to life. There is truly nothing else like it. An Annoyance Signature Improv show.

Review: https://www.newcitystage.com/2015/01/31/review-trigger-happythe-annoyance-theatre/

Open Run

The Annoyance's very own musical ensembles. Every Tuesday at 8pm, two groups improvise brand new musicals based on audience suggestions. Featuring Musical Director Lisa McQueen and starring the Annoyance Musical Ensembles. Follow us on instagram: @tuesdaymusicalimprov

12/5 - 1/9

A tight-knit group of friends lean on each other through every 90’s New Year’s Eve – but a secret midnight kiss puts their friendships to the test.