One Group Mind — Local services in West Chicago Township

I have trained and performed at One Group Mind for just over a year. I came to it following Improv A-E at Second City and iO's 1-Performance program. Even with these two programs under my belt, OGM's training program (12wks of 3hr classes) still had a lot to offer and approached these old concepts in insightful ways.

As an "improviser's guild," the program is oriented towards benefitting performers. For instance, if you bring in audience members who drop your name, you can get credit towards your monthly dues. You can even get the opportunity to stage your own shows a few times a year with no charge for tech/etage rental and half of the box-office take (plus discounted rental/tech costs for more extended runs). There's other benefits, including free workshops, one comp ticket per performer, and more.

At $50/month for weekly classes, rehearsals with coaching, two performances a month, and the aforementioned guild benefits, this is very competitive with the bigger programs in Chicago. Granted, the program is indie and does not have the same pipeline as a bigger program. That said, if you want to learn improv in a diverse, supportive environment, this is a place worth...

The One Group Mind training program is special in that it celebrates what makes each performer unique rather than try to make everyone fit a particular mold. Performers are taught a variety of long form improv techniques and forms that allow them to focus on working as a team rather than individuals. This allows everyone to bring their personal flavor to each class and show. Everyone finds a way to work with each other and play to each others’ strengths and make what could be considered weaknesses strengths for the group. The result is not just a comedic performance but truly a work of art that is difficult to replicate. I loved my experience and made some of the best friends of my life there. I cannot recommend the...

The classes that OGM offers are very informative and have helped me grow quite a bit in the improv arts. The shows on offer for the public are funny and entertaining, especially the house teams, Tricky Mickey and Rebel Rebel. The beer wall is a great option for the social drinker who wants to sample a...