Exceeds expectations... I had passed by and found it interesting, I knew it would be either great or terrible and when I finally convinced a friend to join me it was funny, and amazing, and just a great overall experience. Please go, and donate to keep this going in neighborhood.... read more

Cornservatory - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cornservatory is a non profit theater located in the North Center. I came across it, when I was trying to put up my own show in the area and fell in love with the space. They are BYOB theater with a friendly and helpful stuff. If you're in the neighborhood, check them out! read more

Cornservatory - You're Invited To The Cookout Show - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The show was fun, a great view of the stage from any seat and BYOB. My only criticism would be that the theater should increase the price of their tickets and pay their perfomers. Tickets were only $20, I'd happily pay $10-15 more to not hear the performers speil about being set up for Venmo, and asking for donations at the end of a fun show. read more

I took my boyfriend here to see the Shakespeare Star Wars comedy show. We got there early and found out that you could bring food in as well as booze. I found the only spot left in the theater with four seats together and snagged them since the couple we were meeting was running late. It was a good thing we were early, because the theater immediately began to fill up. All the seats were taken. They had to bring out more chairs so everyone could have a seat. This was easy to do considering the seating in the front was all folding chairs. The seating situation was very cozy, so prepare to cuddle up with the people on either side of you. The theater is rundown and no frills. The stage is small, there are minimal props and costumes and only four actors. But their caliber of acting makes up for any of the fancy stuff. I don't know a lot about Star Wars, but the show was great. My boyfriend loved it... And he's a nerd :-) There is audience participation at times. They even brought my friends date on stage. The BYOB aspect was turned into a drinking game and my bottle of wine quickly disappeared. To help soak up some of the wine, my boyfriend ran across the street to the grilled cheese restaurant during intermission and made it back with time to spare. A fun time had by all without the steal price tag! read more

Cornservatory - William Shakespeare's Star Wars. - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Fantastic night. After wandering by this oddly named venue with the cartoon like entrance way for months now we finally decided it was time to check it out for date night. Hilarious, we came for Season 19 of the Improv Gladiators where 4 teams battle it out with judged 10 min sets then are pushed to a final speed round of Improv Games for bonus points. We laughed... pretty hard... many times. Oh yeah, Its BYOB to boot! read more

With many comedy clubs in the city and improv being one of our greatest exports, I was curious about going and seeing the Original Improv Gladiators. I have been to a bunch of these storefront theaters that are BYOB and I will be honest, I usually hate them. Not this one..... Not only was this one of the funniest productions I have seen in a long while, I actually enjoyed and appreciated the comedy that was being created before me. Were all the jokes good? No, but I could tell that the Improv was flowing and many more jokes stuck! I would highly recommend the Improv Gladiators because it is fast pace, fun, and is a little bit of a competition. There were four teams and one house team "the Gladiators" that competed against each other for points. What I thought was really great was that the points actually seemed to matter. The drunk judges (who might have actually been a little tipsy) were individuals with a little gravatas behind them and they gave actual real analysis on the performance (not points because I think you are hot!). Overall I greatly enjoyed this performance, but there were a few things I wished were better. Of the competing teams, there were two that were clearly much better at this than the others. It might be just a bit random on what teams show up. The other thing I wished was better was the production value. I would have liked to have seen signs or scoreboards or something more Gladiator themed in the space. Especially since they have done this show before and they clearly had a "Drink" light up sign for another show, I know they have the ability! Criticisms aside, I really loved this show! If you are looking for something to do that will not break the bank, make sure to check out the COrnservatory. I will be returning for another show very soon! read more

This is such a cute and intimate theater with an amazing cast. The actors are very gifted and bring a lot of energy to the stage. This is the perfect date night in Lincoln Square! (: read more

I'd give this place 1,000 stars if I could! I have nothing bad to say about this place, except for the fact that I wish I knew about this place since I was a wee-tart. Last night was my first time at The Conservatory and I saw The Exorcism of Rosemary's Omen. The actors were insanely versatile and so good that I believed what I was watching was real... and I also kept wondering to myself why they weren't already famous!? One of them knew stunts - fighting and even some gymnastics! The jokes were side-splitting, and the plot was a lot of fun. Just a bunch of great writing. The hostess is the epitome of what every great host/hostess should strive for. She was welcoming, helpful, and extremely kind... I sorta want her to be my friend, lol. Even the cast and crew of the show were super friendly. Yep... I talked with the talent. We're on a one-on-one basis now... we're "simpatico". Even the atmosphere - the old and small whole-in-the-wall feel of the building, stage, props, lighting, music, and sound effects felt and cozy. Much better that most of those giant auditoriums that feel plastic and make you feel like who ever you're seeing is knowingly trying to sell out due to the overwhelming amount of seats and crowds. But not these dudes. You can tell they put all their effort into these productions, and they deserve more recognition... and dare I say more money? The price for a single ticket (for the show I saw) was only $10 for a 2 hour show! BYOB is also a giant perk, plus a 10 minute intermission. I'm going back as often as I can. read more

The space is kind of run-down, but for BYOB improv comedy nights it is a ridiculous lot of fun. i know because this friend of mine asked me to go see his group perform. An arty bunch, filled with wit, rapid-fire banter and ever-growing acting ability. There you are, squeaking in the ancient seat, the persons in front of you quaffing PBR 40s, the couple behind you a bottle of '95 Châteauneuf-du-Pape and all you have to do is laugh. Not a bad deal! read more

We went for the drinking game. So fun! They encourage drunk reviews after the show...and that's what I'm doing. I really had low standards for the place when we picked it as our evening activity. It was actually hilarious. Go. Drink. Enjoy :) They have talent, and it's cheap! read more

I came in fully expecting "corn" to be everywhere, the seats and stage to be made of corn, selling corn on the cob, drinks in corn cups... all I got was a corny performance! Luckily for them I love that stuff!! I've been a fan of this theater for many years (though, I used to live a block away so). I saw their smash hit "Floss" back in 2002 and more recently needing a Halloween play that wasn't a musical I went back for their "Nightmare on Lincoln Ave 3". It was just what I needed!! Not necessarily scary and more of a comedy but a sick and twisted comedy. How can you go wrong with that?! Plus it's BYOB! The staff and actors are great here, they have fun on the stage and it shows in their performance. I'm sure this won't be the last time, that would be EAR-responsible. You BUTTER go see a show soon! Also, check out their Children of the Corn, I mean Corn shows for children. read more

This place is great! We went last Saturday to see "Drink!". It was Hollywood themed and very funny. The cast seemed to be having a lot of fun and the audience was loving it! The show was very fast-paced, SNL-type sketches with a drinking game for each sketch. We were able to stay and chat with the cast after the show which was also a lot of fun. We brought a six-pack of beer and finished it before the end (between two people). The price was also pretty okay, $12, which is comparatively on point with similar venues. Very much recommended! read more

My only complaint about the Cornservatory was that I thought my date was going to melt right off of his chair - it was so hot inside! I felt bad for the actors on stage, you could see them glistening with sweat under the lights! However, aside from the lack of ventilation, the theater itself is great. Cute little space, cozy cast/audience setting, and a great show for a good price. We saw the "Book of Liz" on closing night, after trying to get a Sunday night away from work for several weeks in a row. What a great show!! Knowing that it was written by Amy and David Sedaris amped up my expectations, and I was not let down. I highly enjoyed the performances of the entire cast, although my main reason for attending was because the part of "Liz" was being performed by a co-worker of mine, and she did an incredible job in her leading lady role! Great venue. I'd definitely check it out again for another show. read more

$10/ticket. BYOB? What could go wrong? We watched the Improv Gladiators on a Saturday and it was a good time. It was interesting to see the judges critique the teams and to learn more about improv techniques. We saw 4 different groups compete and they were all solid performers! Probably not of the same caliber as some other shows you might see around Chicago, but it was 2 hours of entertainment! I'll be back soon read more

I really enjoy the Cornservatory... I think it is a truly unique place where people can go to check out the true beginnings of comedians and performers. Sometimes going here is almost like amateur night or watching a comedy troupe practice, but I find this unpolished experience quite charming and organic. The prices are never really all that high, the crowd is never really all that big and you can bring your own booze, which is sweet that I can sip off my bourbon flask while slapping my knee to the waves of comedic styling. Most of the acts here tend to be fairly deranged in nature... kind twisted, sick or off-color at times... but this sort of humor meets my taste, so it makes me happy. If any of this sounds good to you, I recommend this place to you... if this doesn't sound good to you, I'd stick to Second City... at least they'll be able to park your car for a fee, after all. read more

When here w/ a gf this weekend, not knowing what to expect. OMG what a riot. Thanks for the memories. You did a fantastic job! read more

I went here to enjoy a show a few years ago and don't remember much. Maybe it was because I enjoy the BYOB rule there! At least, I know I didn't hate it because I wanted to go again. We went there during Halloween weekend and had a hair-raising experience. I did notice the stage was raised, so it was easier to see all the actors during the performance. Also, the play itself (Halloween haunted vignettes) was extremely entertaining. The price is right, the space is right, and the location is right. And...did I mention the theater is BYOB?!? Nice! read more

This little theater (and it is little) has definitely seen better days. But the actors, performers, and singers that I've seen in a few shows here really make the place come alive and the atmosphere becomes almost cathartic. Each show I've seen has been unique and entertaining and somehow that spring going up your arse from the chair and the cramped legroom hardly seem bothersome once the show begins. Of course I jest, it's not really that uncomfortable for an hour or two. It's definitely a unique theater with a few gems of hidden talent that I probably would never have seen otherwise. I don't regret a single dollar spent on any show here. PS - It's BYOB and dress for comfort! There's nothing uptight about this place. read more

I've been here 3 times on different occasions over the years. Super small. Like maybe 50 seats. Cheap tickets. BYOB. Usually some perverted, goofy, off-kilter comedy to set the night right. I don't recommend buying a cheap 4-pack of twist off Merlot to accompany the comedy though. Packs a helluva hangover. In a really, can't get out of bed way. Perhaps I'm a little partial to this tiny spot, because my best friend has done some Improv Gladiators here. But, the acts are truly funny, and a good time is guaranteed. Just don't go to the bathrooms. They are icky and small and unpleasant. And don't be tall. The seats don't leave room for tall people. Stay small and don't pee while you're here, and you're good. read more

Thanks to Roger M. for introducing me to this hole-in-the-wall, storefront theater. (Is that redundant: "hole-in-the-wall" and "storefront?) You're up close and personal. Its BYOB. Its cheap. Its fun. What's there not to love? Add it to your local theater bucket list. read more

I think it's probably been too many years since a friend of mine once performed in a play here, but I greatly enjoyed this place when I did once see a play here. It's very small, intimate, and not a bad seat in the house for sure. Don't expect a fancy theater, it isn't that(very no-frills), and also very indistinguishable from other businesses on Lincoln(other than being next to a Korean restaurant). And why the hell did no one tell me back then about their BYOB policy? Wouldn't mind coming back here someday, to see another play. read more

It was a Friday and I was in need of some serious comedic relief. And, after living in this neighborhood and walking by this place a million times, it finally came time to stop in for a show. After reading some fellow Yelpers' reviews, I was convinced this was going to be a great experience.. and boy, was it! My date and I went to see the Improv Gladiators, but of course had to stop and grab a twelver first. Booze is clearly encouraged, as I don't think there was a single person in the audience (or on the judge's panel) without a drink in hand. Other reviews are accurate, as the place is quite small and definitely 'no frills', but that just made it all the more charming to us. Bottom line, the MC was great, the show was hilarious, and we will DEFINITELY be returning! I don't think there is a better, funnier, (or cheaper) way to spend a Friday evening! read more

I saw a 10pm Saturday night Improv show which was ok (the last group called Pimprov made it worthwhile) but I went because it's walking distance from my house. And I get crabby when I'm tired/looking for parking. If you want to see a show at 10pm on Saturday night you can't beat Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind. I haven't heard Reilly's cat snore so I can't compare but I did hear that Floss is lame. read more

Small kind-of-run-down performance house that is a GREAT option to go to with a group of friends for a unique night on the town. Bring a six pack and sit back and let yourself be heckled. If it's hot in the summer, you'll keep your jacket on in the winter. read more

A friendly, cozy, and mildly dumpy place to see fun, cheap theater. A "tad bit warm" in the summer? I've been there in the height of summer with the temperature near 100 degrees outside & not much cooler inside. I was wondering who would pass out first, the cast or the audience. I agree that the Bad Seed was great & Floss is overrated & borderline lame. read more

No frills theater here. Local kids, doing local comedy. We went this past Friday to see Death Toll. It was an interactive drinking play. Rules were simple, every time someone dies, you drink. Since this wasn't my first time to the rodeo, I saw Bye Bye Liver a few years back, I knew it was entirely possible to get shit bombed at this thing. We sat a few rows back, there was a birthday party in front of us. It was their first time to the rodeo. My girlfriend joked that one of them must have had 8 arms, every time we looked at him he was talking pulls off of a different bottle of liquor. The cast of Death Toll was great. The improv was even better. They were the first to admit when they weren't funny. The show is no longer playing, but they have slew of other shows going on. I do believe it's always BYOB, which is never a bad idea in my opinion. They even had kid friendly shows during the day! Best part about this, it was 10 bucks! Their reservation system is a little scary. You call, leave a message, and never hear back. You just hope there are tickets waiting when you arrive. If you want to be on the safe side, pay the 2.50 service fee and book online! read more

This is honestly my first Yelp review ever, but I had to write about this place after seeing that it somehow had four stars. Maybe we saw the wrong show. But this was absolutely the worst thing I've ever seen. I actually walked out of the show, for the first time ever in my life, of anything I've ever been to. Even the BYOB couldn't keep my friend and I there. It's not worth your time or money or your BYOB. read more

Blood Sausage! The Cornservatory is the greatest place to see "SCHLOCK"! I love the byob and the close quarters. I have no problems with the bathroom that everyone else seems to hold in dislike, but then I pee standing up...sometimes... I am "old school" and go all the way back to The Tiff and Mom show, so I just love CORN! What more can I say, if you need to laugh and you only have a couple of bucks to make it happen then this should be "your place". Dont forget to sign the guest book! read more

Excellent show! Every skit was great and u can tell the team enjoys what they do. Byob is great but some people are abit crazy!! Overall it was awesome. Def will b back soon read more

This is economical, great fun at its best. I've seen two Gladiator shows, and they both have been completely enjoyable. Sure, there were slow moments, but nobody's hiding the fact that these are teams that are in training. I enjoy hearing the judges' critiques. For $15 and BYOB, this is a great alternative to just sitting at a bar and drinking your Saturday night away. Go laugh a little bit! read more

Went to see "drink! Gives you Hollywood" as something different to do on a Saturday night. Some jokes had me seriously laughing and some fell flat. It seems to be meant to be "corny" hence the name of the business, at least that's my assumption. The jokes are cheesey and the costumes were terrible but in a funny sort of way. We had a good time and will probably come back in the future. We got our tickets buy one get one free so look out for deals and it's truly BYOB which is highly economical on a Saturday night. Saw everything from wine to beer to the hard stuff so don't be shy! read more

Drink! Year one in review has everything. Sketch comedy, all the drinks you can shovel down your throat, funny people, and a human flask. You know it's that thing where a midget walks around and makes sure you throw up later in your bathtub. Everything. read more

This is a spectacular theater on both the guest and performer side of things. Guest: While the ticket prices may be slightly higher than some other theaters, this is well off-set by the BYOB policy. The shows I've been to have tended towards the raw & edgy, and is an intimate venue for standup and improv, both. Movie-style seating instead of the Performer: Here is where the Cornservatory has truly outdone itself. As a performer in their semi-annual Improv Gladiator contest, we won a five week run on a weekday evening. Not only did they give us full creative control as far as content for the allotted 90 minutes, they also gave major help with marketing and publicity. They printed handbills, flyers, publicized the event on their webpage/social media, gave us a stage manager to handle lighting/sound, AND even created the graphics for said advertising. The Cornservatory os a spectacular theater, and I am a better person for having them in my life. read more

It's small, the bathroom is dingy, it's a tad bit warm in the height of summer--but you can bring your own booze and that makes even the lamest show funny! And to be perfectly honest, I haven't really seen a lame show here. Laura B. and I have been to Cornservatory for 3 shows: The Bad Seed was hilarious and really well done, Soft Corn Porn was damn funny as well and anyone who ever participated in high school choir would've enjoyed Show Choir... at least I think that's what it was called.... Anyway, tickets are cheap (especially if you come with a bunch of friends--group discount WOOT) and like I said, you can bring your own drinks. Hell, they don't even mind if you bring some tasty BBQ from Smokin' Woody's right down the street. Soft Corn Porn, BBQ and 2 buck chuck? Sounds like a fine evening to me. :) read more

I saw a 2 act play my friend is in called, "Our Christian Nation", written by Joe Janes. The venue is set up nicely. The bathroom is in the back, with a curtain that covers the small area so the light doesn't pour in in the middle of the show. They are BYOB, with a Jewel a short distance away. Within a 10 minute intermission, I was able to go grab beer and walk back. That is pretty convenient. My favorite part about this venue was the seats on the side reserved for late comers. It's such a great concept, with the way the theater is set up. I've been that late comer and I always hate being "that person", so kudos to the brain behind that idea. read more

Racist jokes. One calling Katrina "God's toilet bowl" and another alluding to the "monkeys in Flint, MI." If the cast was talented or the script of "Drink" was funny, my friends and I were too upset to notice. I will never go back, and will let my communities know of the negative experience. Yeah, BYOB, whatever. Get it together, cornservatory. Racist jokes really aren't funny. One star only because I can't give it no stars. read more

My friends and I started going here by chance on a Thursday last year for an 11pm show for DRINK! Death Toll and since then we have tried to go to every new DRINK! show. They have never been a let down. I enjoy it a lot more than Second City. Humor is relative but aside from that you can tell that they enjoy what they're doing and they put their all into it. It's reasonably priced and BYOB is a bonus. read more

Super unique, cool space. Love the diagonal seating and etc. Stage is pretty large so a wide variety of things can be done in the space.

If you're not an avid improv show goer, I would suggest staying away. I went to DRINK! with a friend and thought a drinking game improv show would be interesting. Nope, it was exactly what you would expect from improv outside of Second City or IO. There were about fifteen of us in the audience, all of them friends with the performers with the exception of me and my buddy. Lots of forced/pity laughs, Trump/Putin impressions that were more SNL impressions than anything, and a "drinking game" aspect that didn't quite work the way the performers wanted it to. There was also a weird aside about gender neutrality and non-binary identity ("weird" in that they brought it up out of nowhere in between sketches and had no jokes to accompany it). It was an hour long show but halfway through I had to fight the urge from falling asleep. Two or three of the performers were pretty good but I felt they were held back by their cast mates and the material they had to work with. It was excruciating from beginning to end because of all the unintentional cringeyness. Again, this show is only for two types of people: 1) People who live and breathe improv, and 2) Friends of the people performing. Everyone else would have a better time doing anything else. read more

I just saw the Cornservatory play/musical Tammy something about being a T Rex. So unbelievably funny. For $7, my expectations were to be mildly amused or bored or both. Could not have loved this show more. Laughed my ass off the entire time. byob. Easy parking. Friendly staff. Highly recommend! Can't wait to go to this place again. read more