Chicago Checklist (The Improv Edition)

Lots of news out of the Second City / iO camps this past week. Any eyewitnesses in these camps who want to throw us feature interviews, show recaps, show previews, behind-the-scenes gossip, photo essays, and et cetera, please do email.

--Time Out Chicago has a nice profile piece on the new blood at Second City, both at Mainstage and in the e.t.c. theater. Profiles include Tim Baltz, Allison Bills, Brendan Jennings, Sam Richardson, Tim Robinson, and Mary Sohn. In addition, e.t.c. opens their new revue, “The Absolute Best Friggin’ Time of Your Life” this Sunday, May 2.

--TOC also succinctly wrapped the 2010 Chicago Improv Festival.

--New Apiary pal Daniel Solzman has a fun interview with former Second City and Boom Chicago cast member Joe Canale over at his blog, Chicago Improv Celebrity News.

Joe Canale performs with Tim Meadows and Brad Morris at iO | Photo by Angela Manginelli--Solzman also alerts us to the All-Star Celebrity Jam for Charity month, beginning at midnight TONIGHT at iO. According to their recent missive: “iO has designated April 30th - May 28th as All-Star Celebrity Jam for Charity month. All month in the Jam slot (Fridays at midnight) we will have the most talented improvisers in the city, as well as local celebrities, performing short-form games and Jam favorites--all in the name of charity. The success of this event is dependent upon the improv community and its friends all over Chicagoland donating their time and talent to pack the house…Proceeds from the door as well as donations solicited during the show will go to Global Aid Network (www.globalaid.net) and will be used specifically to aid in relief efforts taking place in Haiti.”

Hey improv / sketch crew, what else is the haps? Tell us tell us tell us.

--Kristy Mangel