🎭 NEW! Chicago Theatre Newsletter
The last weekend in May, iO Theater is hosting Crème de la Femme: An All-Femme Improv Festival. As a historic comedy institution and the birthplace of longform improv, iO Theater is thrilled to bring together an incredible group of womxn performers, producers, and creatives in the Chicago comedy community together.
🎭 NEW! Chicago Theatre Newsletter
“We are beyond excited for the first Crème de La Femme festival as part of our festival series at iO,” says Julia Morales, the theater’s House Teams & Specialty Programming Director. “This is the fresh breath of empowerment and joy that we need in 2026.”
Produced by local improvisers Janelle Soulliere and Grace Goze in partnership with iO Theater, Crème de la Femme highlights the best women and non-binary improvisers in Chicago.
For two nights, watch, laugh, and celebrate the womxn of Chicago improv. This one-of-a-kind comedy festival features over 20 different improv troupes and takes place from 6 PM to 11 PM on Friday, May 29, and Saturday, May 30.
“It’s no secret that comedy is a historically male-dominated industry,” says Goze. “Crème de la Femme is our opportunity not only to highlight and share the incredible talent of Chicago’s femme improvisers, but also to strengthen the sense of community among us, reminding ourselves and audiences that we deserve to take up space on stage.”
Tickets are $25 per night or $35 for a two-night pass. You can purchase yours now at ioimprov.com.
2026 Theater Fans’ Choice Awards – Live Stats
Best Choreography – Top 3
1.
Lauren Yalango-Grant, Christopher Cree Grant – The Lost Boys
25.7% of votes
2.
Christopher Gattelli – Schmigadoon!
19.4% of votes
3.
Omari Wiles, Arturo Lyons – CATS: The Jellicle Ball
17.8% of votes
