30 yr old straight single male comedian/writer. Move to Chicago? (theatre, living)

[wilcofan]

Hey Folks -
I am new to this site, so thanks in advance for any input. I recently moved back east to CT from Denver. I grew up here in CT. I am in NYC a lot to do comedy, and I cant stand living here in CT anymore, but I simply just cannot afford to live in NY. I really loved Chicago when I visited, there are a lot of great reasons I would love to move there (4 pro sports teams, the lake, city living, etc) but how is the comedy scene?
I want to get involved with IO and 2nd city, but I want to continue doing stand up, what's the standup scene like?
Thanks
Also, I am interested in knowing how easy it is for someone my age to move there and start over.

[Wildcatbonk]

Honestly, the stand-up scene here doesn't even come close to comparing to NYC or LA, but the improv community is pretty wide-open for talented (and untalented) people and if you're good, you'll get noticed. And to confirm the vibe you got when visiting, Chicago really is a great city.

[smallvillejane]

Are you as good as dan cook?

Originally Posted by wilcofan

Hey Folks -
I am new to this site, so thanks in advance for any input. I recently moved back east to CT from Denver. I grew up here in CT. I am in NYC a lot to do comedy, and I cant stand living here in CT anymore, but I simply just cannot afford to live in NY. I really loved Chicago when I visited, there are a lot of great reasons I would love to move there (4 pro sports teams, the lake, city living, etc) but how is the comedy scene?
I want to get involved with IO and 2nd city, but I want to continue doing stand up, what's the standup scene like?
Thanks
Also, I am interested in knowing how easy it is for someone my age to move there and start over.

[hxcobd]

It's hard for me to recommend anyone in the entertainment industry come to Chicago over LA or NYC, to be honest.

It's possible to make a living here, sure, but it's going to require a lot more work and provide a lot less payoff.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by hxcobd

It's hard for me to recommend anyone in the entertainment industry come to Chicago over LA or NYC, to be honest.

It's possible to make a living here, sure, but it's going to require a lot more work and provide a lot less payoff.

Comedy, however, is one major exception. Chicago has been a starting point for many of the famous comedians you know (and I'm assuming you already know this). The improv scene here is the strongest in the entire world. But of course, to truly "make it big", people eventually move on from Chicago on to the national stage in New York or L.A.

I'll add that it's actually very competitive at Second City and IO. It's not like you can just waltz in there and end up on stage.

[MannheimMadman]

Originally Posted by smallvillejane

Are you as good as dan cook?

lol, you mean dane cook?

While I enjoy his stand up, it's not really intelligent or deeply funny. Mostly vulgar.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by MannheimMadman

lol, you mean dane cook?

While I enjoy his stand up, it's not really intelligent or deeply funny. Mostly vulgar.

He stole his good jokes from Louis CK.

[wilcofan]

thanks for all of the feedback. I am interested in standup/improv/sketch/acting. I know nyc has it all, but i just like the midwest feel of chi-town, and if I could get a good start traveling the midwest thats fine by me!

[UICJohn]

As has been said, stand - up isn't the main thing in Chicago. Chicago has a strong history and is known for their improv comedy.

It's funny that you mention it because a guy that I know (my brother's friend) actually moved here a little while back from the Boston area with the hopes of doing improv comedy. It's work, but if you enjoy it and it's what you love then go for it! He works a normal 9-5 but began by taking classes at Second City. He was good enough that they kept him on as a part time writer and he began making some money. He then formed a comedy group with two others that he met through his time here. They have since been scheduled at several places (some smaller places but just recently had an 8 - show schedule at the Skybox and Second City) and will be beginning a weekly schedule at the IO Theatre.

So in a nutshell, it's a process. You can't just jump into it and expect to be signed two weeks later. But it's fun and every step you can move on up. I would suggest looking into classes (all of them, I believe, have classes available) and that's the best way to either get noticed by Second City, IO, etc. and also work on your craft.