WORKSHOPS & MORE
Our Last Word workshops provide festival attendees an opportunity to learn from our headliner guests in small group sessions including instruction, activities, and feedback. Space is limited for all sessions, so sign up today!
All workshops take place at PBK Hall (601 Jamestown Road).
Advanced Monoscene with Matt Walsh
SAT 10:00 AM - 2 HOURS - $35 - SOLD OUT
LIMITED TO 16 PARTICIPANTS
This workshop is a focused exploration of the Monoscene format for experienced improvisers. The exercises within this workshop will involve exploring listening and building characters, settings, and premises slowly inside the context of the Monoscene form.
ABOUT MATT WALSH
Matt Walsh is a two-time Emmy Award-nominated actor from HBO’s award-winning comedy series Veep. He is a founding member of the iconic Upright Citizens Brigade improv and sketch comedy troupe. His recent credits include Ghosts (CBS), Flamin’ Hot (Fox Searchlight), Manhunt (Apple TV), and The Unexpecteds.
In addition to his film and TV work, Walsh works with the charities Open Books (which donates LGBTQ+-affirming books to public elementary schools) and Defy Ventures (which helps mentor and find employment for formerly incarcerated men and women).
Music Improv Toolbelt with Charm Scene
SAT 10:00 AM - 2 HOURS - $35 - SOLD OUT
LIMITED TO 16 PARTICIPANTS
Join the creators of Charm Scene: Improvised Musicals - Lily Ludwig, Austin Packard, and Sam Scheidler - for a skill building music improv tune-up. We'll cover everything you need to be the most charming music improviser, with focus on rhyming, musicality, game of the song, and more. All skill levels are welcome.
ABOUT CHARM SCENE
"I can say from experience that Austin, Lily, and Sam are top notch, up there with the best. Not only are they so talented musically, they’re playful and fun, charming of course, and just fabulous human beings." - Laura Hall, Musical Director, Whose Line is it Anyway
Collectively, the Charm Scene team can be seen across Chicago and beyond as members of Baby Wants Candy, and Shamilton at The Second City, Improvised Broadway at iO Theater, Tuesday Musical Improv at Annoyance Theatre, RIFF, Lost Realms, and more. Members of Charm Scene have performed with Off Book: The Improvised Musical, Whose Line is it Anyway's Laura Hall, the Second City Touring Company, Jackbox Games, and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Improv for Caregivers with Arlieta Hall
SAT 10:00 AM - 2 HOURS - $35
LIMITED TO 16 PARTICIPANTS
In this dynamic workshop, Arlieta Hall, Dementia Communication Specialist, will reveal how to use humor as a tool in conversations. She'll highlight humor’s role in boosting resilience and positivity, and its power to forge social bonds through shared laughter. The session will also be interactive and she will host group improvisation games and scenes. Arlieta will introduce the foundation of improvisation and storytelling to highlight ways to communicate and tools for adjusting perception for challenging situations. She will also feature clips from her upcoming documentary Finding Your Laughter, showcasing her use of improv to validate the experiences of the person with Alzheimer's or dementia.
Topics to be covered include:
What is improv and how to use it (interactive segment)
Storytelling tools to process challenges to enable one to find humor in their lives and environments
What laughter is capable of producing when interacting with others
Self care tips for one to use in their lives
Exclusive clips from her personal industry experiences and feature documentary that exhibit these improvising tools in action
ABOUT ARLIETA HALL
Arlieta Hall is a host, actress, improviser, stand-up comedian, writer, Certified Dementia Communication specialist, and a first-time filmmaker from Chicago. Arlieta also co-starred as Sadie on Showtime’s The CHI episodic. She is also a co-producer of the popular comedy variety show My Best Friend is Black. Arlieta was a caregiver for her father who died from Alzheimer’s disease. She took the power of “Yes, and…” to communicate with him and used their story to make her first feature documentary Finding Your Laughter. Prior to caregiving for her father Arlieta was an Human Services Caseworker for the State Of Illinois Department of Human Services. She also obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Communications and has over a decade of experience in the educational and social services field. She recently wrote and performed in The Second City’s sold-out 2023 & 2024 Black Excellence Revue and is now a 2023-24 Sisters in Cinema Documentary Fellow. She is currently performing comedy all around while she continues to work on the completion of Finding Your Laughter and other projects.
Scenework, Scenework, Scenework (and maybe other stuff) with Joe Canale
SAT 10:00 AM - 2 HOURS - $35 - SOLD OUT
LIMITED TO 16 PARTICIPANTS
The bedrock of any longform improvisation is scenework.
The most important element of scenework is listening.
The best way to get better at scenework is to watch and perform it as often as possible.
This workshop will consist of as many two person scenes as we can fit in, with each scene generating feedback and hopefully some nugget of improv knowledge dislodged from Joe Canale's brain.
ABOUT JOE CANALE
Joe Canale has been improvising pretty much non-stop since 1995. Stops along the way include The Second City Chicago Main Stage, The Armando Diaz...at IO, Annoyance theater, Boom Chicago and nearly all of the Los Angeles improv venues. He has trained with Del Close, Gary Austin (briefly) and Mick Napier, amongst others. By his own estimate Joe has performed in more than 2500 improv shows and some of those have even been paid!!! (I KNOW!). He's probably watched that many as well and if he isn't yet sick of improv, he must really enjoy it. He currently tours the world Improvising with Bluebird improv. When in LA he usually improvises with his group Mr. Johnson. He's done some other interesting things as well, but really how much do you need to know?
THE ART OF PRODUCING WITH MY BEST FRIEND IS BLACK
SAT 10:00 AM - 2 HOURS - $35 - SOLD OUT
LIMITED TO 16 PARTICIPANTS
Ever wanted to know what it’s like to produce a successful show? Come join Chloe, Marcus, Mike, and Daryn of My Best Friend is Black and learn the nuts and bolts of what it takes to self-produce a variety show. Learn how to create a comedy show from the ground up: we’ll review the process of coming up with a niche theme, working with venues, booking guest comics, developing a running order, marketing, social media, creating content, and more!
My Best Friend is Black is an award winning all Black variety comedy show that has produced monthly shows in Chicago since October 2021. As a show that includes stand up, improv, games, sketch, and video content, our production team puts on several hats to ensure that the show not only functions but thrives! Come join us as we breakdown how we make our show happen! We’ll share our show history, methods, and conduct interactive group activities. All skill levels are welcome.
ABOUT CHLOE MIKALA
Chloe Mikala (she/her) is a Black Queer award winning actor, comedian, writer, and producer who won't shut up about astrology. She’s opened for Bob the Drag Queen, Marie Faustin, Beth Stelling, Dulcé Sloan, Skyler Higley, Bobcat Goldthwait, Marcella Arguello, and more. Chloe has performed with The Second City, where she was a NBC Bob Curry Fellow, and is a co-producer/ensemble member for the award winning all Black comedy variety show My Best Friend is Black. She also co-host's the comedy podcast Comedy is Dead! with Marcella Arguello. Clubs & Credits: NBC, Tubi, The Second City, Laugh Factory, OFTV, Zanies, The Improv, and more. Please give her a follow on Instagram @chloe_mikala, otherwise she will most definitely cry (she's a Cancer).
ABOUT MARCUS BANKS
Marcus Banks is a stand up comedian, writer, and producer born and based in Chicago, Illinois. After attending boarding school in Northern California as a teen, film school in Boston, then running out of couches to hop on in Los Angeles, Marcus has come back to Chicago to tell everyone all about what it’s like to be a human boomerang. Since then, he’s wowed audiences with his insightful jokes and ability to find the silliest aspects of the most serious subjects. Marcus has performed at clubs and festivals all over the country including Zanies, Laugh Factory, Lincoln Lodge, Detroit House of Comedy, Limestone Comedy Festival and Laughing Skull Festival. He’s also the co-founder and co-producer of the all Black collective and comedy variety show My Best Friend is Black in Chicago.
ABOUT MIKE ATCHERSON
Mike Atcherson is a Chicago-based comedian and writer from the very sunny (and problematic) state of Florida. He is a regular at the Laugh Factory Chicago. Mike is a co-producer and cast member of My Best Friend Is Black, a monthly all-black comedic variety show in Chicago that was voted "Best Comedy Show of 2024" by The Chicago Reader. He was a former Features Contributor for The Onion and is currently a cast member of The Lincoln Lodge, Chicago's longest-running independent comedy show.
ABOUT DARYN ROBINSON
Daryn Robinson (she/her) is a writer/comedian originally from Washington, D.C. You can see her perform with Baby Wants Candy: The Improvised Musical and Shamilton! The Improvised Hip-Hop Musical at The Second City, Improvised Jane Austen at iO Theater, and more! Other favorite credits include understudying for The Second City e.t.c. Stage and Touring Company, and interning at The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (where two of her pitches made it to air!). Daryn holds an M.F.A. from Northwestern University and is represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent. In her free time, she enjoys Bridgerton, books, and brunch!
workshop boxed lunch
12:30 PM - $15
As a courtesy to people taking a workshop in the morning and/or afternoon session, we offer the option to pre-order a boxed lunch. If you do not choose this option, we encourage you to bring lunch because there are no quick food options nearby.
Box lunches from Moe’s Southwest Grill include a burrito, chips and salsa, a cookie and a bottle of water. Burritos are served in a flour tortilla with pico de gallo, shredded cheese, and your choice of protein, rice, and beans. Orders will be accepted until January 28 at 5 PM.
Over Here, Like This, With You with Peter McNerney
1:00 PM - 2 HRS 15 MIN - $35 - SOLD OUT
LIMITED TO 16 PARTICIPANTS
In scenes, do you often find yourself searching? Thinking? Wondering? In this workshop we will explore how to leave the improver’s thoughts on the sideline, so that you can see your scene through your character’s eyes. By being deliberate about how you enter the space, land on stage and look at your scene partner you can limit the sensory information to only that which your character is experiencing. This simple form of self delusion will replace your questions with assumptions.
ABOUT PETER MCNERNEY
Peter has been teaching improv for over 20 years. Originally from Chicago he has served as Head of the Advanced Improv Program at the Magnet Theater in New York City since 2010 and is one half of the renowned improv duo, Trike, which The New York Times calls "reliably one of the best improv performances in the city." As an actor Peter has appeared in High Maintenance (HBO), Search Party (TBS), The Tonight Show (NBC) as well as a whole bunch of commercials. Peter also serves as the NY Artistic Director and Casting Director for the nationally respected education and media company The Story Pirates with whom he has written, produced and performed for such chart topping podcasts as The Story Pirates Podcast, The Cat in the Hat Cast and Looney Tunes Presents - Bugs & Daffy’s Thanksgiving Road Trip.
Charm Offensive with Cupid
SAT 1:00 PM - 2.5 HOURS - $35 - SOLD OUT
LIMITED TO 16 PARTICIPANTS
Loose Moose Theatre and Second City Toronto Alumnus Cupid invites you to dig deep and explore the nuances of character through short form improvisation with Charm Offensive.
This workshop aims to assist improvisors in becoming more charming & lovable on stage - even when playing the villain! Examine the parts of yourself that you may have deemed "wrong" or "bad" and find the levity hidden underneath. Bring a sense of play to seemingly unpleasant characters and taboo subject matters. Step outside of your own perspective to see the world through your character's eyes. Through a series of scenes and exercises we will draw out our silly and serious impulses to give humanity and humour to the varied characters we create.
ABOUT CUPID
Cupid (real name redacted) is a Canadian Comedy Award-Nominated actor, improvisor, instructor, and creator. She is an alumnus of the Second City Toronto Mainstage, an alumnus of the internationally-acclaimed improvisation theatre Loose Moose, and a graduate of the Mount Royal University Theatre Arts Acting Program. She has worked as a performer for over almost two decades in various mediums (Theatre, Film, Television, Web, and Podcasting). As an artist she strives to create original and truthful work that tickles the funny bone and pulls at the heartstrings.
THE PUNCH UP - STAND UP WORKSHOP WITH MIKE ATCHERSON & ARLIETA HALL
SAT 1:00 PM - 2 HOURS - $35
LIMITED TO 16 PARTICIPANTS
The Punch Up is a two hour advanced stand up comedy workshop brought to you by Mike Atcherson and Arlieta Hall, two instructors from The Lincoln Lodge Training Center in Chicago. This workshop is for stand up comics who want to refine their skills, focus on writing exercises, receive feedback on material, and learn how to land more bookings! This workshop is great for beginners and seasoned vets. Let’s take your stand up to the next level!
ABOUT MIKE ATCHERSON
Mike Atcherson is a Chicago-based comedian and writer from the very sunny (and problematic) state of Florida. He is a regular at the Laugh Factory Chicago. Mike is a co-producer and cast member of My Best Friend Is Black, a monthly all-black comedic variety show in Chicago that was voted "Best Comedy Show of 2024" by The Chicago Reader. He was a former Features Contributor for The Onion and is currently a cast member of The Lincoln Lodge, Chicago's longest-running independent comedy show.
ABOUT ARLIETA HALL
Arlieta is a host, actress, improviser, stand-up comedian, writer, Certified Dementia Communication specialist and filmmaker. Born and raised in Chicago, Arlieta brings a rare blend of humor, heart, and purpose to every space she steps into. Arlieta is the 2025 Black Public Media’s 1st Place PitchBlack Competition winner of $150k prize to finish her documentary. A current Second City Mainstage Understudy, 2021 NBC Second City Bob Curry Fellow and co-starred as Sadie on Showtime’s The CHI episodic. She’s also the creative force behind Finding Your Laughter, a powerful documentary inspired by her experience caregiving for her father with Alzheimer’s disease while using improvisational comedy to communicate with him. Arlieta also obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications and has over a decade of experience in social services. She is a co-producer of the 2023-2024 Chicago Reader's Best comedy variety show My Best Friend is Black. Arlieta has opened up for Comedian Lil Rel and she opened at the WIntrust Arena in 2024 for Bill Bellamy, Nephew Tommy, Luenell, Tony Roberts,Tommy Davidson, and Mark Curry. Whether through comedy, storytelling, or community work, Arlieta’s mission is to connect, uplift, and remind us of the healing power of laughter.
Animal in You: Playing Better Non-Human Characters with Nick Kanellis
SAT 1:00 PM - 2 HOURS - $35 - SOLD OUT
LIMITED TO 16 PARTICIPANTS
Unleash your wild side. In this high-energy improv workshop, you’ll learn how to create more engaging non-human characters by tapping into the instincts, physicality, and emotional worlds of animals. Whether you’re playing a talking fox, an alien creature, or a hyper-intelligent houseplant, this class helps you go beyond surface-level mimicry to find more grounded, character-driven choices.
Through physical exercises, vocal exploration, and scene work, we’ll study animal behaviors and translate them into compelling stage presence. You’ll discover how adopting an animal’s posture, rhythms, focus, and needs can unlock new emotional colors and surprising comedic possibilities.
ABOUT NICK KANELLIS
Nick is an actor, improviser, and motion capture performer based out of New York city.
He is half of the critically acclaimed improv duo Trike, which the New York Times calls "reliably one of the best improv performances in the city” and has been featured in Time for Kids as an “Improv Expert.” He has been teaching applied improv for roughly 12 years with the Magnet Theater, leading workshops for companies including Google, Bloomberg, Nasdaq, Syracuse, Fordham, and The Howard Stern Show, as well as instructing a Medical Improv course with NYU Langone's Master Scholars Program in Humanistic Medicine and their Palliative Care team.
He has acted in commercials for Pur Water Filters, Senokot, Pace Salsa, Lexus, Charmin, Toys R Us, Verizon, and more, as well as been the premier motion capture actor for hundreds of animated spots with E1 Studios and 321Launch. Fun Facts: Nick is a two time New Yorker Caption contest winner (three time finalist); and was the 2002 National Champion in Humorous Interpretation for the National Forensic League (four time finalist).
Get Out of Your Head with Luke Null
SAT 1:00 PM - 3 HOURS - $35 - SOLD OUT
LIMITED TO 14 PARTICIPANTS
Do you wind up deep inside of your head in improv scenes? Your old friend, former SNL cast member and iO alumni, Luke Null, was just like you. Join Luke for a workshop full of exercises that challenge you to quit planning things on the backline and start having fun and reacting in the moment. You will be so far out of your head by the end that you honestly won't even need a head anymore. You could probably Airbnb it, you will be gone so much.
ABOUT LUKE NULL
Luke Null began performing comedy the moment he picked up a guitar in Chicago. During his stay in the Windy City he developed his signature musical comedy style, blending witty humor with catchy earworms. This unique approach garnered the attention of Lorne Michaels and earned him the chance to perform as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. After a year in New York as a featured player on SNL, Luke moved to LA and is now a regular at the Hollywood Improv. He performs standup comedy at clubs and colleges across the country. In 2025, Luke released a live standup special entitled Pretty Songs, Dirty Words through 800 Pound Gorilla Records, now available on YouTube.
THEATER Leadership Roundtable
1:15 PM - 55 MIN - FREE, REGISTRATION REQUESTED
Are you in a position of leadership in a comedy theater or organization and looking to connect with others in similar roles? This Theater Leadership Roundtable is an opportunity for peers to share perspectives from their communities: successes, challenges, needs, and opportunities. This 55 minute meeting is intended to get the conversations started, with discussions and networking to continue after the roundtable.
This session is free, but registration is requested. Please fill out this form to attend.
SUNDAY SPECIAL EVENT WORKSHOP
Paying Attention with TJ & Dave
SUN 12:30 PM - 4 HOURS - $75 / $20
LIMITED TO 16 PARTICIPANTS - SOLD OUT
OPTION TO AUDIT - AVAILABLE
The workshop is an exploration in trusting Improvisation. Students will start two-person scenes in reality using only the moment at hand and likely discover that is all that was needed. It will be focused on the importance of listening and paying attention to everything. Mostly, we will be learning using two-person scenes. However, there may be a few group exercises as well.
There are two ticket types for this workshop:
Participants will take part in the exercises and receive feedback as players (this ticket type is sold out)
Auditors will be allowed to watch the workshop from theater seating as an audience, but will not participate in exercises or activities during the session
ABOUT TJ & DAVE
TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi have been performing together as TJ and Dave for over 20 years. Starting at the IO Theater in Chicago they have performed all over the U.S. as well as Poland, Italy, Ireland, the UK, Denmark and Austria. In Chicago, they have also gotten to play at The Steppenwolf, The Goodman, The Annoyance and at The Old Town School of Folk Music opening for their friend Ike Reilly.
David and TJ co-authored a book along with Pam Victor called Improvisation At the Speed of Life. They have also been the subject of a documentary directed by by Alex Karpovsky entitled Trust Us, This Is All Made Up. They have promised to perform together until they get one of these shows right and still hold to that.