8:00 PM
8:00 PM
8:00 PM
8:00 PM
Tuesday
07/09
Improv
8:00 PM
Small Theater
Get ready for WePolak, an improv show that’s equal parts deep, funny, and magical! Watch as improv legend Jeff Michalski (co-founder of The Second City ETC) and Poland’s Monika Ozdarska weave playful, wise scenes exploring relationships and life's big questions. It’s a night of laughter and surprises that you won’t want to miss!
What Others Are Saying about WePolak Show:
"Playful and profound with a touch of existential sparkle."
"An absolute joy for any improv lover."
"MAGICAL chemistry between Jeff and Monika."
"A stunning display of how good improv can be."
"A surreal joy and a must-watch for any improv nerd."
"An artful blend of wisdom and hilarity."
About WePolak
WePolak is a creative collaboration between Jeff Michalski, co-founder of The Second City etc in Chicago, and Monika Ozdarska, a seasoned Polish improviser with over 12 years of performing and teaching experience.
Their story began online during the pandemic, but quickly transitioned to live performances, debuting at The Annoyance Theater in Chicago at the Comedy Expo 2022, before captivating audiences on international stages and festivals in Chicago, Uppsala, Toruń, Lisbon, and Ferry Beach. Remarkably, within less than 3 years, they have taken bows on 2 continents, 7 countries, and 11 cities with dozens of shows delighting audiences with the amount of ground they cover in a single set and their onstage chemistry as performers.
They share that delight in playing with each other. Their long-form improvised show is an artful montage of playfully wise explorations of human and non human relationships sprinkled with existential philosophy and performed with the creative intimacy and alacrity characteristic of improv masters.
WePolak improv show will be followed by a set with SPECIAL GUESTS! Join us for an excellent evening of improvisation!
WePolak
Show Program - Cast & Creative Team
Jeff Michalski
Jeff Michalski is an improv legend with a career spanning over five decades. Starting in 1974, he trained with Chicago’s best and co-founded The Second City ETC in 1983. His and the ensemble's film careers began when Garry Marshall saw a show and cast everybody in the film Nothing in Common. A versatile actor and director, he has been on screen with Oscar winners Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Peter Falk, Jackie Gleason, Al Pacino, and others. Jeff’s evolving practice synthesizes his vast experiences on stage, in film, and television, offering you an unparalleled learning opportunity. Don’t miss out! <h2>The Big Guns of Improv Speak Out about Jeff:</h2><h3>• Nothing About Jeff That Isn’t Good •</h3>"That could anyone say about Jeff that isn’t good?”Ryan Stiles, „The Drew Carey Show”, „Whose Line Is It, Anyway?”<h3>• You Have To Learn To Love The Bomb •</h3>The very first note I ever got from my very first director at Second City, a guy named Jeff Michalski, he said, ‘You have to learn to love the bomb.’ I realized what he meant was not like, ‘Survive when a joke doesn’t go well,’ or, ‘Feel okay, you’ll get them next time if the scene you improvise didn’t go well.’ But actually, breathe in and love the bomb, love that moment of failure, which is incredibly useful if you’re actually bombing.<br/>Stephen Colbert, VANITY FAIR („The Collbert Report”, ”The Late Show Stephen Colbert”)Read more:Stephen Colbert’s lesson on failure – https://lifehacker.com/stephen-colberts-lesson-on-failure-you-have-to-learn-t-1725749507 target=_blank>You have to learn to love the bomb.Jenny Riddle – https://www.jennyriddle.com/2021/03/25/learn-to-love-the-bomb/ target=_blank>Learn to love the bomb.<h3>• Uniquely Qualified •</h3>I have known Jeff Michalski for over 20 years and have worked with him in many capacities. He has directed me in improvisation and sketch and I have written and performed with him. He is uniquely qualified to teach improvisation because of his experience, knowledge and passion for it. He personifies principles like „make the other person look good”.He is a treat to watch and learn from. Time with Jeff is well spent.Dave Pasquesi, TJ & Dave, actor, improviser and Improv Olympic Alumnus
Monika Ozdarska
Meet Monika Ozdarska, an experienced Polish improviser with a deep passion for the craft. As part of the duo WePolak with improv legend Jeff Michalski, she has performed at several festivals in the USA and at many festivals and cities across Europe. Monika has performed and taught internationally, co-created Warsaw's "Spółdzielnia Komediowa," and created "The Art of Yes" Facebook page and podcast, where international guests share their improv insights and knowledge. Her peers describe her as a joy to play with and a wealth of improv knowledge. Monika’s performances radiate warmth and a genuine connection with audiences, delivering a show that is both humorous and thought-provoking.Read more about Monika:https://ozdarska.com/we-polak/monika-ozdarska/ https://ozdarska.com/we-polak/monika-ozdarska/