Yuks for bucks

There's nothing funny about a devastating natural disaster. But this weekend, Chicago's comedy community will yuk it up to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina in a series of performances called Laughing Matters.

From Thursday 8 through Sunday 11, Second City, ComedySportz, the Playground and I.O. will each donate a night's worth of proceeds from ticket sales to the American Red Cross.

The benefit shows were the idea of Amber Tillet and Erin Davidson, who perform in Cheetarah and both have day jobs at the Chicago Tribune.

"Erin came to my desk and said, 'I gave money to the Red Cross, but it doesn't feel like enough,'" Tillet says.

They wanted to do more, so they approached the theaters about donating profits. "We do improv. That's what we do. And we know so many people in the comedy scene that it was just a no-brainer," she says.

In addition to just buying tickets, audience members can bump up their contributions with ticket auctions, raffles and donation jars. And in a unique improv twist, the privilege of providing the performers' inspiration—the audience suggestion—will go to the highest bidder in a preshow auction, rather than to the loudest yeller.

And there's a show each night, all weekend long, so there's plenty of time to pitch in. "You have four nights to get your butt out to it," Tillet says.—Mark Sinclair

Laughing Matters benefit shows take place at ComedySportz on Thursday 8, I.O. on Friday 9, the Playground Theater on Saturday 10 and Second City on Sunday 11.