Improvised Shakespeare Company

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the improvised Shakespeare company really improvised?

Yes, the Improvised Shakespeare Company is truly improvised. Every performance is entirely unscripted, with each show created on the spot based on a single audience suggestion. The talented cast, trained in both the art of improvisation and Shakespearean language, crafts a brand-new play in the style of William Shakespeare during each performance. This means no two shows are ever the same. The actors weave together Elizabethan dialogue, iambic pentameter, and classic Shakespearean themes

How long is the improvised Shakespeare show?

The typical performance of the Improvised Shakespeare Company runs for approximately 90 minutes, usually including one intermission. This length allows the cast to fully develop the improvised story, introduce a variety of characters, and incorporate multiple comedic twists and turns, all in the distinct style of Shakespearean theatre. The structure closely mirrors that of a traditional Shakespeare play, providing audiences with a complete narrative arc

What happened to the reduced Shakespeare company?

The Reduced Shakespeare Company is still active and continues to perform worldwide. Known for their fast-paced, witty parodies of classic literature and history

What is the history of improvised Shakespeare company?

The Improvised Shakespeare Company was founded in 2005 by actor and improviser Blaine Swen in Chicago, Illinois. The company was born out of the city's rich improv tradition, blending the spontaneous creativity of improv comedy with the poetic language and storytelling of William Shakespeare. The troupe quickly gained attention for their unique ability to craft entirely new Shakespearean plays on the spot, using audience suggestions as their inspiration. Their performances are marked by authentic Elizabethan dialogue, clever plot twists, and laugh-out-loud humor, all improvised in real-time. Over the years, the company has performed to sold-out crowds across the United States and internationally, earning critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. They have been featured at major festivals and have appeared on television, including appearances on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert."

Who was in Shakespeare's acting company?

Shakespeare's acting company was initially known as The Lord Chamberlain's Men, later becoming The King's Men when King James I became their patron in 1603. The company's most famous members included William Shakespeare himself, who was both a playwright and an actor. Richard Burbage was the troupe's leading actor, renowned for originating roles like Hamlet, Othello, and King Lear. Will Kempe, a celebrated comic actor and clown, was part of the original troupe, later replaced by Robert Armin, who brought a more thoughtful style to comedic roles. Other notable members included John Heminges and Henry Condell, both actors and shareholders who later compiled Shakespeare's First Folio. Augustine Phillips and Thomas Pope were also important early members. The company was one of the most successful theatrical groups of its time, performing at venues such as The Globe Theatre and the Blackfriars Theatre, and played a crucial role in shaping English theatre history.