Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival

SketchFest Executive Producer Jill Valentine is thrilled to announce the official line-up for the 17th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, taking place January 11 through 21, 2018 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont. Fusing SketchFest veterans with fresh new faces, and local favorites with award-winning international ensembles, Chicago SketchFest is the true essence of a comedic melting pot. Since its debut in 2002, the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival has grown to a sketch comedy oasis and the largest festival of its kind in the world, attracting over 1,000 artists and 10,000 patrons annually.

“SketchFest has become a staple in the comedy community here in Chicago, as it is an opportunity for writers, performers, and comedy lovers to gather under one roof and celebrate all things funny,” said Valentine. “Whether it is a new local group, or a bigger name in the comedy world everyone gets a chance to make our audiences laugh.  Groups from all over the country come together to see each other’s work and support one another. It really is an amazing tradition for the comedy community.  There is nothing quite like it!”

The eclectic 2018 line-up will boast 130 shows in 8 days. Headliners include award-winning LA sketch comedy troupe The Cool Table featuring Kyle Moore and returning favorites Fuct, NYC’s most outrageous comedy troupe. Chicago SketchFest veterans The Cupid Players, Clown Car to Sicily, and Rehner & Nixon embody the spirit of the Chicago sketch comedy scene, while international ensembles put their own spin on the festival, featuring Winnipeg-based troupe Hot Thespian Action, whose SketchFest 2015 and 2017 sold-out shows were instant hits and Montreal-based Hot Raw Fire, who took home the Best Local Troupe award at the Montreal Sketchfest in 2015 and 2016. The entire schedule for the 17th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival may be viewed at www.ChicagoSketchfest.com.

Tickets for the 17th Annual Chicago Sketch Festival are $15 each, and go on sale December 4 at 12 p.m. Patrons can purchase an all-festival pass for $250, gaining admission to any SketchFests 160+ shows, or a one weekend pass for $125. All passes purchased before December 31 are 20% off.

Performances take place at the top of each hour from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. for Thursday shows; 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. for Friday shows; 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. for Saturday shows; and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, January 14th and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, January 21st. Tickets and information are available online at www.Stage773.com, by phone 773.327.5252, and in person at the Stage 773 box office, located at 1225 W Belmont.