Save The Playground

There’s no shortage of electrifying, boundary-pushing comedy at the Playground Theater. It’s just that when it happens, there aren’t a lot of witnesses.

The problem for the nonprofit, cooperative improv theater is twofold. One, says marketing director Kara Jakubec, is a problem all improv theaters face: the ability to promote a continuously evolving product. “Improv provides a unique experience on a nightly basis,” she says. “A friend can tell another that they’ve just seen an awesome show at our theater, but that person can’t ever go and see the exact same show.”

Secondly, the Playground needs grants and donations to stay afloat, a tough task during a recession. “As our benefactors and donors have been directly impacted by the economy,” Jakubec says, “so, too, are we.”

As the Playground continues to focus on fund-raising and grant writing, it’s also trying to increase revenue from audiences by getting more butts in seats. “Our theater’s mission is to promote all aspects of improv,” Jakubec says. “We would be thrilled to put back into the business greater profits off our performances.”

Have your boudaries pushed at 3209 N Halsted St (773-871-3793, the-playground.com).

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