Off-Off Campus is the oldest student improvisational theater troupe in the country with the first generation dating back to 1986.

 

The University of Chicago is the undisputed birthplace of improvisational and sketch comedy. In the 1950's, a group of University Chicago students formed the Compass Players on campus, and in 1959, the group became The Second City. In 1986, U of C alum and Second City co-founder Bernie Sahlins (A.B. '43) returned to the University campus in order to begin a south side group to rival his north side creation.

 

Sahlins trained the first Generation of Off-Off Campus in the art of sketch and improv comedy, and his knowledge and training regiment has been passed down through 27 generations of Off Off Campus. Since 1986 Off-Off Campus has entertained thousands of Chicagoans with its unmistakable mix of improv, sketch, and musical comedy.

Like The University of Chicago, Off-Off Campus operates on a quarter system.  Auditions for the newest Generation of Off-Off take place early every Fall. Those cast comprise a Generation that trains intensively for a quarter and a half. During training, the Generation performs in "Afterglows," or short revues following the Off-Off mainstages. After completing their training, a Generation performs on the Off-Off mainstage for two quarters. Each quarterly revue is totally different and every weekly show within each revue is different -- Off Off Campus never performs the same show twice.

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In the Winter quarter, Off-Off presents an inter-generational revue. As a culmination of the Off Off experience, senior members perform in an annual Solo Show as part of the winter season, directed by one of our notable alumni.​