4/25

Two comic relief character actors get to play the leading man type ... and everyone else, for one night only.

3/12 - 3/26

We want a sleepover; a boygirl sleepover and we’ll do literally anything to make that happen. We present to you an hour long sketch show full of pajamas and persuasion. If sleepovers scare you, don't fret, we've got more up our sleeves. And by the way, best PJ's get a drink on us, so come glammed-out in your finest loungewear.

2/1 - 3/15

BUTTERFACE is a two-person sketch show extravaganza exploring themes of compassion, love, empathy, and cringe. Written and performed through the vessels of Brady Barrow and Ollie Grishaber, these two will bring the beauty of HOPE back to comedy by doing the unspeakable: being two women with okay faces. Sure, the sketches are really good...but her face!

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!

10/31, 11/28, 12/26, 1/30

An LGBTQIA+ themed variety show featuring some of Chicago's strongest and most diversely hilarious voices!

4/2 - 4/30

One location. Infinite chaos.

Inspired by your suggestion, the Circuit Comedy Club ensemble builds an entire world inside a single place — and every time someone walks out of a room, we follow them.

Behind every door: a new twist, a new disaster, a new character you didn’t see coming.

Fast, playful, and completely unscripted, Beave It To Leaver is a joyful night of improv where the story keeps moving and the surprises never stop.

And at some point in the night… something special will be rolling through.

Students get in free and are invited to jam with the ensemble in "Pump Up the Jamz."

Open Run

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

2/27, 3/27, 4/24, 5/29, 6/26

Step into the one glamorous but now lovingly frayed Blue Velvet Lounge, where the only thing not improvised are the jazz standards crooned by lounge singer Seth Lowery. As Seth’s velvet voice fades, the ensemble sweeps in, spinning spontaneous scenes inspired directly by the songs just performed. One moment, you’re eavesdropping on the eccentric regulars tucked into the lounge’s candlelit corners; the next, you’re whisked far beyond the club to follow the unexpected lives of the characters you just met—bartenders with secret ambitions, mysterious strangers with tangled pasts, and dreamers who stepped into the Blue Velvet for reasons they can’t quite explain. Playful, surprising, and steeped in a retro-cool vibe, this show blends live music and improvised storytelling into a one-of-a-kind night where every note inspires a new twist—and every visit to the Blue Velvet reveals something you’ve never seen before.

4/4 + 4/11

Sometimes you just have to leave your husband, sell the house, and become a burlesque dancer. Tres recalls her journey from suburban hell, to the Chicago stage. Join her in this stand up-meets-storytelling show. You just might uproot your life too!

3/7

Conner & Brady have been friends for over a decade, but they have never summoned a demon together. This one night only variety seance will be multiple real attempts to reach the deceased. They will try different methods and will have some help. But the ultimate goal and point of the show is to really summon a demonic presence to preside over the Annoyance Theatre for all of eternity.

4/8 + 4/22

DNA: Smokes A Cigarette is a heart-pumping, adrenaline-fueled, hour-long variety sketch review that has audiences across America on the edge of their seats. Come see awkward movie dates, phone calls that make or break friendships, and a message that ties the whole thing together and blows it wide open. If you're lucky you may even win a free T-shirt. DNA: Smokes A Cigarette comes to The Annoyance Mainstage April 8th and 22nd!

3/14 - 3/28

Inspired by the classic movie and hit FX show "Fargo", Duluth takes audiences into the world of true crime in the Midwest. The cast of Duluth will improvise a story of murder, malfeasance, and general mayhem, all set against the backdrop of an audience member's hometown. Complete with cops, criminals, and the everyday townsfolk who get caught in between, this show mixes horrible crime with "Minnesota nice".

Open Run

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

An improv jam with short form games similar to those seen on shows like Whose Line is it Anyway

OPEN RUN

Guerrilla Press is a Chicago-based progressive independent media company founded by comedians and best friends, EJ Cameron and Nick Hausman. Every Sunday night, they take over The Annoyance to record their flagship podcast!

Each episode features Cameron and Hausman making jokes and having "partially educated conversations" about the week's top news, before welcoming special guests for interviews and games.

For more information about upcoming guests, please visit Guerrilla-Press.com or check out their Instagram page @Guerrilla_Press.

Every episode of Guerrilla Press is available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

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.

2/9 - 3/16

It’s Funny Cause I’m from ___ is a sketch variety show directed by Eunji Kim, The show explores themes of what it means to be a part of this generation. We discuss themes of lust and desire, the never-ending doom scrolling, and what relationships really mean. Come learn about these students and maybe even something about yourself. From small towns of corn in Texas to booming metropolises, this show features students from across the nation. This show runs every Monday night and changes every week. All the work is created by DePaul Comedy art students with assistance from Director Eunji Kim and Assistant Director Li Angarola. Take a risk, come to laugh, cry, and tell us about where you're from, too!

4/5 - 4/19

Magician Jay Collen performs selected tricks covering a century of close-up magic created by Chicago
magicians. Audiences are limited to 30 per performance so that everyone can experience the magic up close. Audience members are encouraged to participate in discussion about the each trick and its Chicago history. Jay performs performs extensively, is the Senior Magic Teacher at Magic, Incorporated, has written acclaimed books on magic, and is a magician member of the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.

2/18, 3/18, 4/15

Welcome to JUICY, Chicago’s premier gossip-based comedy show. Each month, a cast of HOT improvisers spill their own real stories, anonymous audience confessions, and perform fast, filthy improv. Known for a cast with undeniable onstage chemistry, this show is the ultimate Wednesday night out! What happens at JUICY stays at JUICY… but you’ll be dying to tell everyone you were there.

Open Run

You've been summoned...to laugh.

Jury Duty is a fully improvised courtroom comedy where the only thing on trial is sanity itself.

Each night, the cast creates a brand new legal disaster based on audience suggestion, questionable logic, and total chaos. Watch as the foreperson loses their mind, evidence makes things worse, and deliberations go off the rails.

No script, no rules, no justice. Just comedy

The trial is fake, the laughs are real

1/22, 2/19, 3/19

The world is crazy, but thankfully so are we! Join KEEPIN' TABS NEWS, a monthly news parody and political satire sketch show, as we break down today's headlines and resist the urge to break down, emotionally. Join us at the Annoyance Theatre on 1/22, 2/19, and 3/19 for your monthly dose of hard-hitting journalism mixed with side-splitting humor. There's too much happening in the world for you to keep track of it all, that's why we're here for you, keepin' an eye on the powers that be, keepin' you laughing through the turmoil, and KEEPIN' TABS! Featuring: Andie Nash, Ashley Bland, Baylor Barnes, Courtney Zelzany, Drake St. Pierre, Jessica Kung, John Doan, Mary Fiala, Mike Mazzella, Salman Lee, Sophia Fattore, Tiffany Chappell, and Xzavier Dean. Directed by: Johanna Medrano

3/26

A 1 hour Stand-Up Comedy Show, showcasing 6 local comics.

SAT 3/28

Lipstick Lounge🫦 is your new monthly haven for 💥bold sapphics💥, 💃🏽alluring femmes💃🏽, and ✨magnetic thems✨ to connect, celebrate, and ignite something special TOGETHER. This is more than a party; it’s our space to be seen, desired, and truly at home in each other’s company!!! We’ll be fully taking over 📍The Annoyance Theater📍with TWO DJS, a tattoo parlor, tooth gems, drag, market, and even a place where you can play board games when you have a touch of the overstimmys 💓

⭐️Poster Design by the talented @javi.x.gutierrez ⭐️

❤️‍🔥And as always, Dama Productions is committed to creating a safe and celebratory space for our BIPOC, queer, and differently abled family.❤️‍🔥.
.

3/13

A joyride of heartwarmingly irreverent comedy for the weirdos, rebels, and the misunderstood. Host Lauren LoGiuduice (“fierce” - NYT) assembles a rotating cast of eclectic comedy performers to celebrate the beauty of not fitting in. Featuring: ImproviSEXation (Jeff Quintana, Nathalie Galde, Melanie Menendez, Ozzie Quintana), Kim Iheme Tyler (Best in Camp), Tyler Garamella (Penne Regate), Jackie Smook (LA Times), Lexi Lewis (The Bird’s Nest - Philly). Directed by Kate Sisk. Produced by Nathalie Galde. Community Partner: Center on Halsted *TIME OUT NEW YORK PICK* . 90 minutes, no intermission.

Open Run

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

2/19 + 3/19

Come see Billionaire Billy Bangles and his crew of well-meaning stargazers attempt wild schemes to bring profitability to their piece of junk space cruiser. Sketch comedy, digital shorts, song and dance — free space cruise included.

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!

3/8

One of the most sought-after variety acts touring the globe is coming to The Annoyance!

Nick Diffatte's award-winning mashup of eye-popping magic and uproarious comedy has led to regular performances at Hollywood’s famed Magic Castle and features on programs such as CBS’s The Late Late Show and Penn and Teller's Fool Us. Diffatte has performed at nearly every property up and down the Las Vegas strip, including the New York, New York Hotel & Casino where he is currently starring in Cirque du Soleil’s hit residency, Mad Apple.

Don’t miss this chance to see Nick’s show in one of the most intimate settings he’s visiting this year.

3/8

One of the most sought-after variety acts touring the globe is coming to The Annoyance!

Nick Diffatte's award-winning mashup of eye-popping magic and uproarious comedy has led to regular performances at Hollywood’s famed Magic Castle and features on programs such as CBS’s The Late Late Show and Penn and Teller's Fool Us. Diffatte has performed at nearly every property up and down the Las Vegas strip, including the New York, New York Hotel & Casino where he is currently starring in Cirque du Soleil’s hit residency, Mad Apple.

Don’t miss this chance to see Nick’s show in one of the most intimate settings he’s visiting this year.

3/26

Day jobs are just for material, right? Odd Jobs uses these comedians’ offices, co-workers, and customers as inspiration for all new characters. Come see Odd Jobs for a variety of characters and funny stories from some of Annoyance’s best performers.

3/4 - 3/25

In an attempt to up their Wednesday night sales, Dayton, Ohio's 3rd most popular bowling alley has decided to run its first ever Open Mic Night. Overrun with sign ups, the owner of the venue decides to do the only logical thing: squeeze everyone in and give them all 2 minutes. Walt Braley and Andrew Shipman bring their rapid fire style of comedy to life in this character showcase featuring sketch, improv, special guests and costume changes...lots of costume changes.

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!

4/11

Penn is in desperate need for employment after being wrongfully terminated from his previous position (it's a whole thing, he's really upset about it, don't bring it up). He's going to try out just about every job in this here town to find the perfect fit.

Nothing else to see... definitely not doing a specific genre or nothing. Just getting a job... yup.

3/12, 4/9, 5/16

Phat Dragon is a uniquely hilarious longform improv group originally founded in a college dorm room. Roommates Ian Toppall, Ben Levy, Josh Hoover, and Hunter Gill, would pack as many as 50 audience members every Wednesday night into a space that fire code said could only fit 12. After outgrowing their apartment, they now do weekly shows all over the city of Chicago. Phat Dragon combines a unique blend of charm, energy, and hospitality to make an hour of comedy you'll never forget!

1/31 - 3/7

Football: Four quarters and 100 yards of American Dream. And nowhere is the dream more alive than Tacoma Washington High School. This musical takes you through the raunchy highs and tragic lows of high school football. The season isn’t over til the whistle blows and we didn’t hear no whistle. Saturdays at 7:30 January 31st through March 7th. Limited Sunday show run tickets available.

1/21, 2/18, 3/18, 4/15

Throw on your slip because it’s time to get Dressed Up! Slip Dress is hosting a slumber party a.k.a. a monthly variety hour and YOU’RE INVITED!!! Full of sketch, improv, characters, and more, this show is the dance you do with your friend for your parents. Bold. Whimsical. Vigorously rehearsed. With material that explores shower thoughts and the charming awkwardness of being a human, we celebrate the parts of ourselves that emerge after everyone else falls asleep early. So, pack your retainer, grab your sleeping bag, and delight with us in embracing the cringe.

3/19

𝖘𝖑𝖚𝖙 𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖚𝖗𝖌𝖞 is a one hour solo show written and performed by Hope Brannon and directed by Max Kantor.
It follows both Hope’s time in an intensive outpatient program and with religious bipolar mania. Crude and genuine, funny and chaotic, 𝖘𝖑𝖚𝖙 𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖚𝖗𝖌𝖞 invites you to crank that Soulja Boy with the manic Antichrist, smoke cigarettes with she-god, and do whatever else Hope’s delusions want

Open Run

A night for Annoyance students to JAM!

3/6

The Bee Play: A Hinge Casted Parody Production is an unapologetically homemade stage parody built from cardboard, a need for community, and a cast of total strangers recruited off Hinge. This play embraces romance, unlocks your inner bee, and delivers a full 4D experience whether you asked for one or not. It’s messy, it’s funny, it’s proudly low‑budget (no‑budget), and it’s held together entirely by the commitment of the cast, the crew, duct tape, and Canva Pro.

2/11 - 2/25 + 4/8 - 4/29

Ellen Dunn, Jess Wilson, Elaine Stewart, Shaina Stark, and Matthew Stiuso present their new form, The Insignificant Mile! Developed in the Annoyance Training Program, the form features improvisers scene painting based on audience suggestions, building out a strip mall that will become the central location for the show. Have you ever seen a shopping center with a five star restaurant, exotic pet store, and laser tag arcade? Well you’re about to, at the Insignificant Mile!

3/4 - 4/1

Join us for a night of Traitors-inspired chaos, where our cast tries to weed out who is being haunted by our resident ghost, The Petite Boy. Deception, accusations, and drama make their way into our silly goofy long-form improv show—you’re gonna wanna be a part of it! Not to mention, OUR FATE IS IN YOUR HANDS…..YOU get to help the petite boy haunt our lil improvisers!

MARCH 4th—APRIL 1ST, WEDNESDAYS AT 9:30pm, THE ANNOYANCE THEATER

CAST:
Hayley O’Toole
Lily Adams
Josh Braden
Stevie McDunn
Alison Davis
Ava Panagopoulos
Matt Hicks

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

3/4 - 4/1

You’re (un)invited!
Uninvited is a fully improvised event-based disaster in three acts. The audience supplies the suggestion of why we’re gathered, and then we show you what wackiness and whimsy unfolded before, after, and then during the event. Join us Wednesdays in March (except for the 18th!) and April 1 at 8pm for a one hour chaotic descent into why we got ourselves Uninvited.

CAST:
Liz Loeher
Tyler Sholtis
Shane Richlen
Marck Kiselevach
Ryan Renc
Brad West

Open Run

They take edibles. Then they improvise. There's a 'too-high' button, for when it gets too crazy.

Open Run

Looking for a Stand-up Comedy Open Mic that’s a supportive room and always a good time? Look no further than the Ya'll Mic. Whether you’re a seasoned comic, an improvisor who’s always wanted to try standup, or you just decided that today’s the day for your first open mic (kudos) – The Ya'll Mic is a great venue to workshop your bits. The show is every Tuesday from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Signup is online and the signup sheet is posted on Facebook & IG on Mondays. The list is emailed out a few hours before the show. Comics get 4 minutes of stage time (and a lifetime of memories.) While all are welcome, the room prioritizes BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and Femme comics. Come laugh with us!