Back with an extra spooky and dramatic show for October...every week we're pitching a new and completely improvised CW style pilot episode. Based on your suggestions for mythological creatures, small-town obsessions, and evil villains; there will be love triangles, vampires, witches, and all the teenage angst your heart desires. Will any of our pilots get picked up to prime time tv? Will we invent the next Vampire Diaries or Riverdale? Come find out this October 3rd - 24th, Thursdays at 8pm in the Annoyance Mainstage!

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!

Comedian Cabaret is back for spooky season with our 13th show: Dancing With The Devil! Come see some of Chicago's best improvisers and musical comedians sing legit Broadway repertoire. No improv musicals here, just straight up showtunes about hell, devils, ghosts, goblins, ghouls, or just general spookiness! These comedians can sing so well, it's scary!

Hosts:
Andrew Baldwin, Natalie Younger

Pianists:
Lisa McQueen, Bryce Halliday

Performers:
Emilia Barrosse, Hannah Belmont, Allison Cochrane, Laura Dellis, Sheri Flanders, Miranda Hunter, Mary Kate Kelly, Mason King, Grace Lenaghan, Samantha Nieves, Alisa Rosenthal, Alyssa Shuster, Maggie Smith, Chase Thede, Brandon Thomas, Cody Lee Walker, Chris Ward, Jordan Zelvin

“Forgive Me, Estoy Aprendiendo” enters a world where language is universal. 50% de los actors hablan español, y 50% do not hablan español.

Halloween Double Feature
Join us at the Annoyance for a bloody sexy time on Halloween! Come dressed up, buy a drink, and enjoy two shows (Splatter Theater and Burlesque is Gore) for a discounted price!

Included Events
Splatter Theater: Thu - Oct 31, 2024 - 8:00pm CDT
Burlesque is Gore: Thu - Oct 31, 2024 - 10:30pm CDT

“In the town of Mayfield, thirteen horror movie caricatures find themselves at the murderous whims of some guy in a hockey mask.”
In the annual remount of the company's Flagship slasher parody, Splatter Theatre showcases the best performers from The Annoyance Theater as cliche horror movie characters: Each murdered in wildly creative and bloody ways. Splatter Theater has been a tradition of the Annoyance for over thirty years and this production continues that hallowed tradition.
With freshly painted white walls, the stage will be drenched in gallons of blood, horrifying and delighting the audience along the way. If you love classic slasher films, you’ll love this campy take on the genre. And if horror movies aren’t your thing, you’ll love the way Splatter takes those tropes and laughs in their faces. Celebrate Halloween with Splatter Theater starting Saturdays at 7PM from September 21st to October 26th and a very special Halloween night performance October 31st the Mainstage of the Annoyance Theater.

A spooky-fun Halloween themed sexy burlesque show!

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!

Sydney’s comedic style is dynamic and versatile, blending observational humor with clever wordplay and razor-sharp social commentary. Whether he's riffing on everyday absurdities, sharing hilarious anecdotes from his own life, or delving into topical issues with a fresh perspective, Sydney's material resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. With each punchline, he proves why he's one of the most exciting and sought-after comedians in the industry today.

In this 50-minute comedy, meet the Orlocks - a family composed of a vampire father, a human mother, and a half-vampire child who find themselves embroiled in the biggest question that's faced their family: does Mom actually love Dad or is she under the sway of his vampiric charms? Featuring other classic monsters like ghosts, a mummy, a zombie, and a murderous aunt - something is bound to get staked.

A spooky-fun Halloween themed sexy burlesque show!

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!

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.

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?

In the town of Mayfield, thirteen horror movie caricatures find themselves at the murderous whims of some guy in a hockey mask.”
In the annual remount of the company's Flagship slasher parody, Splatter Theatre showcases the best performers from The Annoyance Theater as cliche horror movie characters: Each murdered in wildly creative and bloody ways. Splatter Theater has been a tradition of the Annoyance for over thirty years and this production continues that hallowed tradition.
With freshly painted white walls, the stage will be drenched in gallons of blood, horrifying and delighting the audience along the way. If you love classic slasher films, you’ll love this campy take on the genre. And if horror movies aren’t your thing, you’ll love the way Splatter takes those tropes and laughs in their faces. Celebrate Halloween with Splatter Theater starting Saturdays at 7PM from September 21st to October 26th and a very special Halloween night performance October 31st the Mainstage of the Annoyance Theater.

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/

Who's Line is it Anyways meets Fear Factor in “Let’s Play a Game”. Each week, a new crazed killer will put their cast of victims through their own twisted games. If the players succeed, they earn points. Losers take on disadvantages that may end up costing them future wins. Interspersed throughout are mini challenges where players can try to get rid of their hindrances as they fight for their lives. In the end, only one of them can earn the the spot of the night's sole survivor and escape the killer's evil clutches.

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.

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

The Rybellion is the seventh recorder recital/concert/spectacular. Ryan will play the recorder to hits from Cowboy Carter, the Eras Tour and more.

A night of reflection with Avery McClure

Writing Into Oblivion is an all-queer sketch team that is proud to be headlining their first show! With a focus on the wacky and bizarre, the Oblivioners are ready to entertain you with fifty minutes chock full of sketches, blackouts, and character segments guaranteed to make you giggle. From hand puppets to stage falls to obscure sci-fi references, this show has something for everyone that’s looking for the weird. A gift from our awkward family to yours, join us for Oblivion Night!

In “David & David”, audiences will be delighted (and a little confused) as they are welcomed into 123 Main Street, the brownstone apartment of the titular roommates David Byrne and David Lynch, played by David Lynch and David Byrne, reverse respectively. First performed at The Annoyance as a sold-out test show back in December of 2023, David & David is an exploration/parody/send-up of 80’s sitcoms that promises to make you (and the pre-recorded live studio audience) laugh, applaud, whistle, and cheer.

CW: Fake gun (and accompanying single gunshot sound effect), mentions of self-harm, and dramatized violence

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.

This 45 minute, scripted sketch revue blends the creative brain juices of comedians Joe Cariola
and Gabby Seed. Watch Gabby uncover the grounded side of unhinged characters while Joe
explores what it really means to absolutely lose it. Character-forward, absurdist, and
big-hearted, “Double Trouble” is the perfect antidote after a long week of day-trading, farting
through cold calls, and trying not to sleep at work.
Created by Lexi Purvis (director, writer), Gabs Lopez (producer, writer), and Gabby Seed
(producer, writer).
Starring Joe Cariola and Gabby Seed.
Consulting director: Leila Gorstein.
Follow the show on IG @doubletroublechicago.

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.

Max and Annie invite you into their shared unconcious! Each performance showcases a premiere improv opener from the Chicago area, followed by sketches featuring absurd and wild characters performed by Max and Annie, and capping off the night is some high-octane improv with Max and Annie and a special guest. You will walk away with two thoughts: 1. Wtf did I just watch? And 2. Why did I freaking love it so much?
***Max and Annie are not affiliated with any political organization***

As far as we know, no one has ever been able to attend their own funeral… Until now! Part funeral, part late night variety show, “It’s Your Funeral” allows our special guest (the dearly departed) an opportunity to get a glimpse of what they’ll be missing by bringing together a bunch of their favorite performers for a merry evening of mourning. Hosted by Funeral Director, Francis Formalin. Come celebrate the living by pretending they’re dead!

Take control of your comedy today with The People's Process! A work in process comedy show in collaboration with DePaul.

Teach Me How to Rizz: Showoff is a competition of skill orchestrated by the President & Vice President of DePaul's Rizz Club. Each Sunday two competitors face off in games that will test their inner charizzma, with only one coming out on top. Who will Rizz? Who will Lose? You decide!

This competition game show will have a variety of different games, trivia, and punishments while inviting the audience to enter for a chance to participate. Each show will have a different theme that serves as an experience for the entire show. Contestants will compete for the Ultimate Winner of the Night!

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.

An all new hour of original sketches and songs by So Far So Good, the comedy supergroup of Eamon Hegarty and Nicholas Rohrman. Why is it called Gangnam Style? I don’t know, it sounds cool. I don’t know of anything else that has that name. We made it up. Don’t google that, just trust me.

HOLD THESE TRUTHS explores the beginnings of the US, the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution. Featuring insight, notable figures, anecdotes, and storytelling, solo performance veteran Paul Turner examines how we got here, politically. Turner’s stories are informed by his indelible experiences going to a county courthouse nearly every day during his childhood. MORE...

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!

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

Welcome ghouls and goblins to a variety night of fun and laughter. Sketchual Education presents Enough With the Boo Sheet! With splendid spooky acts that you’ll be freighted to miss!

Cafe Lounge Underwater brings three brilliant minds to the stage in a brand-new sketch show-with almost no performing experience. But hey, they’re all pretty tall.Where they fall short in structure, they fill the gap with jokes at Miss Piggy’s expense. Come see Cafe Lounge at the Annoyance Theatre and Bar, Tuesdays at 9:30 PM-we know you’re not busy!

To What End? presents a one-night only show live at The Annoyance Theatre and Bar. Come see their classic improv as well as brand new sketches, with opening act The Good Time Girls. Featuring Robert McNickle, Emma Tolley, Joseph Peregrine, and Zora Grace.

The world famous Penne Rigate is BACK in an all new spooky five week Halloween television special filmed LIVE at The Annoyance theater! He'll make you laugh! He'll interview famous best friend guests! He'll receive the Black Mark of Death, a curse upon the studio which unleashes monsters of unimaginable horror, bless your soul, vade retro, Satana! Vade retro, Il Cattivo! Wednesdays in October at 8:30. Ciao, bella!

Join the CinEvil Society as they search for the world's most evil film! Be the test audience as your villainous late-night host screens a select horror movie to scare you to death. Unfortunately, the aging VHS tapes used to copy these fiendish films have degraded over the years, and the missing scenes must be re-created by a cast of damned improvises freshly summoned from the netherworld, even though they've never seen the original movie. What creature will feature next? The hungry C.H.U.D.? The groovy Ghoulies? Or maybe the Big Balls of Phantasm? Dare to buy a ticket to this late fright screening and find out!

Summer Scaries: The Improvised Teen Horror Musical will have you screaming for your life - and singing along! Inspired by everyone's favorite nostalgic teen horror book series, the cast will improvise a fully original musical based on an audience suggestion of one unusual object that causes havoc around their weird little town. A haunted eyelash curler that melts faces? A possessed film projector that shows you your own demise? A quilt whose seams will tie you in knots? Whatever the culprit, you'll be stunned at the twists and turns. Reader Beware!

Just My Imagination is a variety show centering around the colorful daydreams of this attention deficit disorderly duo. Liz and Willis cordially invite you to take a stroll through the character driven ideoscape that occupies all of their waking and non-waking hours. Between a young boy’s eye-opening trip to the grocery store, Danish inventors turning a game show on its head, and a host of spindly dance moves - Just My Imagination will inspire you to dream more, especially with those you love. Join us as we laugh, cry, and wonder why it is their brains function this way at all.

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?

In the bleak autumnal chill between Spooky Season and Happy Holidays, lies a (literal) cornucopia of chaos that some people call Thanksgiving, other people call Native American Heritage Day, and we all call “that time our parents ask us when we’re finally getting a real job and giving them grandkids!” From family feuds to fantasy football, from hometown hangouts to historical hiccups, and everything else that gets lost in the (cranberry) sauce, Andrew Baldwin and Daryn Robinson perform original comedic songs that finally answer the question, “Why are there no good Thanksgiving bops?”

Writing Into Oblivion is an all-queer sketch team that is proud to be headlining their first show! With a focus on the wacky and bizarre, the Oblivioners are ready to entertain you with fifty minutes chock full of sketches, blackouts, and character segments guaranteed to make you giggle. From hand puppets to stage falls to obscure sci-fi references, this show has something for everyone that’s looking for the weird. A gift from our awkward family to yours, join us for Oblivion Night!

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."