// JavaScript Document var bios = new Array(); bios['4DaysLate'] = ["4 Days Late", "4 Days Late, a group once described as “a drunk professor taking a leak on a Norman Rockwell painting,” pokes fun at our new obsession with change in Obama Nation. Those who worship Obama, those who fear him, and those who fell like Obama isn’t really going to take them fishing like he promised, all hit the stage at an absurd angle in 4DL’s latest humorous attempt. If you miss this show, everything stays the same."]; bios['365Sketches'] = ["365 Sketches", "In 2009, Second City alum Joe Janes decided to write a comedy sketch a day for a year. This is 10 that didn't suck. Presented by a variety of folks from Cell Camp, Kerpatty, LOL Theater, Robot vs Dinosaur and WNEP, just to name a few."]; bios['aemiliaAndEd'] = ["Aemilia and Ed's One Man Show", "Aemilia and Ed’s One Man Show is a two-person sketch revue based on the classic man-woman comedy duos such as Nichols and May, Burns and Allen, and Lucy and Ricky. The show is set in 1960 - when Kennedy learned the being president is harder than it looks, when “Ocean’s 11” was a box office smash, and when gay was something everybody was at parties. The show is directed by Second City veteran and cool cat Nate Merman, and features cool gags, hip gaffes, and glimpses into Aemilia and Ed’s comedy relationship onstage as well as offstage."]; bios['animosityPierre'] = ["Animosity Pierre", "Leave politics and current events at the door; sit back and enjoy pure comic escapism. Animosity Pierre presents a high energy mix of character-driven skits, monologues, short films, and music that blends high– and low–brow comedy chaotic glee."]; bios['ankleToddShow'] = ["The Ankle Todd Show", "Join the cast of the Ankle Todd Show on their start to a BIG day, as they explore a new and different theme each episode, with actual LIVE guests. News for kids, made by kids. Head over to the Ankle Todd Show Laboratory to learn a science experiment YOU CAN DO AT HOME! Put on your apron in the Kids Kitchen and jump into a healthy and nutritious snack! Learn about a new subject...make some new friends...and have tons of fun along the way!
A part of Sketch Days For Kids"]; bios['annex'] = ["The Annex", "The Stacey De & Company School of Performing Arts presents, The Annex. A group of 11-15 year olds putting their own unique spin on sketch comedy. Ranging from random and absurd to just plain hilarious, this show will have you saying, \"Amazing! Kids wrote this?!\"
A part of Sketch Days For Kids"]; bios['anOak'] = ["An Oak", "Some Paradise is a show about how the oddest facets of our imagination emerge in the most grueling parts of our everyday lives. Through encounters with the supernatural, personified abstractions, historical impossibilities, and outright absurdities, “An Oak” shows how even the most frivolous fantasies can lead to something larger if we let them play themselves out. "]; bios['awkwardSilence'] = ["Awkward Silence", "We’re back for our fifth year, and blacker than ever."]; bios['backrow'] = ["The Backrow", "For its ninth consecutive year at Sketchfest, The Backrow invites you to feel great by exploring the importance of positivity. When times are tough, The Backrow responds by taking those times out for a long lunch – like sit down place – and going ahead and splurging on dessert. Come discover the power of kindness, altruism, and victory in an all-new show from on of Chicago’s longest running sketch groups."]; bios['barrelOfMonkeys'] = ["Barrel of Monkeys", "Barrel of Monkeys teaches creative writing workshops in Chicago public elementary schools. The highly-talented ensemble (\"Some of the funniest non-famous people in the city,\" according to the Chicago Reader.) has adapted the children's writing into short sketches, plays and musical numbers. The company's hit show That's Weird, Grandma is also performed every Monday night at the Neo-Futurarium and is sure to delight audiences of all ages! www.barrelofmonkeys.org."]; bios['bestChurchOfGod'] = ["The Best Church of God", "Since the dawn of time (nearly 6,000 years ago), the Lord has destined the Best Church of God (BCOG) to be His one true house of worship. God’s plan came true in 2008, when through countless services, protests, debates and outreach efforts, BCOG began saving the dirty, sinful Chicago masses. With its unique brand of live fundamentalist Christian services and an extensive, interactive website (bestchurchofgod.org), the satirical church as been turning heads since its inception."]; bios['bidnezLadees'] = ["Bidnez Ladees", "The ideas of independence and free thinking are hallmarks of American culture, and yet, as Americans we are deeply affected by advertising. The Bidnez Ladees will explore how marketing and advertising influence issues of identity, wish fulfillment, gender and relationships. Watch us sell it and seal the deal. "]; bios['biscuitsAndGravy'] = ["Biscuits \& Gravy", "Soft, flakey biscuits. Rich, creamy gravy with chunks of sausage. Maybe a little Cayenne pepper for some kick. Now add the comedy fixings of Sayjal Joshi and Robert Reid and you have yourself a Southern Treasure. B&G…a subtle and not so subtle comedy duo."]; bios['BOF'] = ["BoF (Best of Friends)", "Characters! Impressions! Breaking News! BoF (rhymes with “oaf”) is just like NYPD Blue, if NYPD Blue was about two friends and their escapades around a jolly New York City. They’re NYPD Bright Blue!"]; bios['boomerangTango'] = ["BoomerangTango", "BoomerangTango presents Sex, Violence, and the Oxford Comma is a show for anyone who loves drinking, dating, board games, grammar, pimps, fairies, letter-writing, gay boyfriends, or laughing. And especially for anyone who involves all of those things. "]; bios['bri-ko'] = ["Bri-Ko", "All Silent, All Funny. \"The silent comedy of this trio in lab coats is the group to see. If I were you, I'd do everything in my power to get tickets\" - Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune.
A part of Sketch Days For Kids"]; bios['britanick'] = ["BriTANick", "BriTANicK (rhymes with Titanic) is the sketch comedy explosion of Brian McElhaney and Nick Kocher. They perform regularly at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in New York and make silly, sassy videos for the internet. Come see their show, like it, and then kiss them on the mouth. Check them and their videos out online at www.BriTANicK.com."]; bios['buffetShark'] = ["Buffet Shark", "Buffet Shark is the two-man sketch comedy of Jon Barinholtz and Chris Witaske that’s been performing to sold-out crowds all over Chicago. Described as “smart and efficient” by the Chicago Reader, received Critic’s Choice in the Chicago Reader and Best Bet by Metromix Chicago."]; bios['butchLaRue'] = ["Butch LaRue", "Butch LaRue delivers sketch comedy that pushes the limits of social awkwardness, inappropriate behavior and deviant tendencies. Satire, Song and Sarcasm incorporate the triple threat Butch LaRue poses to sober thinking and political correctness. If you like uncomfortable situations, sing-alongs and a healthy smattering of F-Bombs, then this show is for you!"]; bios['carpetedAfterhours'] = ["Carpeted Afterhours", "Carpeted Afterhours is LITERALLY the hit new show that they're saying is like the fertile crescent of comedy, while still completely adorable. You can now legally see it. Don't delay, babycakes."]; bios['cellCamp'] = ["Cell Camp", "Chicago's Cell Camp has had a busy year playing the Los Angeles Comedy Festival, the Shadowbox Festival and creating their mock-benefit “Dying to Find a Cure for Murder” which included a murder prevention symposium, “guest speakers,\" illuminating documentaries and light appetizers. Crudely clever and sharply written, Cell Camp puts a mirror up to our world and snorts a line of funny off of it. SNL alum Garrett Morris recently called the group \"brilliant,\" while Time Out Chicago dubbed Cell Camp \"totally tactless\" as well as one of the \"best and brightest\" at the 2009 Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival. Check us out www.cellcampcomedy.com. "]; bios['comicThread'] = ["The Comic Thread", "With a solid performance history dating back to 1998, The Comic Thread (TCT) puts life under an odd little magnifying glass and then focuses the beam. TCT shows are notoriously sound and light-intensive, poking fun at movies, music, and modern-day conventions all while showcasing unique characters as they explore the relationships they have with each other and with the world(s) in which they live. TCT’s unique yet “everyday” personalities drive the narrative by questioning the common assumptions of what is considered normal and what is considered bizarre."]; bios['coolTable'] = ["The Cool Table", "The Cool Table is pumped to be bringing their unique, in your face brand of absurd comedy to Chicago SketchFest for the Fifth year in a row. Founded in Chicago, the group has performed over 300 shows together, never repeating a set list. This winter half of the group moved to Los Angeles and have returned to rock Chicago one more time!"]; bios['cornmanProductions'] = ["CornMan Productions", "What can set one sketch group apart from another? Character. And cardboard cutouts. CornMan Productions brings you such a variety in characters, subject matter, and prop usage, you’ll think you’ve seen 3 shows by the time they’re done! Clever, quick, and full of other fun adjectives, if you like chocolate milk, Severus Snape or breathing, then CornMan is the group for you."]; bios['creepyHug'] = ["Creepy Hug", "Feeling naughty? Then check out guilty-pleasure sketch comedy with Creepy Hug’s third performance at SketchFest. You’ll feel violated, but also embraced."]; bios['cupidPlayers'] = ["The Cupid Players", "Musical sketch comedy. Named \"Best Sketch Comedy Group in Chicago\" by the Chicago Reader in 2008. Longest running sketch show in iO's 25 year history. \"Must See\" - Time Out, \"A rarity in sketch Comedy\" - Windy City Times, \"The work is far better than some far more expensive relationship musicals in town...Cupid is full of wit & zest\" - Chicago Tribune, \"Sharply Original...will make you laugh\" - NewCity, \"Cupid brings sketch comedy to a level that transcends scat humor and predictability\" - Chicago Arts & Entertainment."]; bios['dominizuelan'] = ["Dominizuelan", "People in the City is a virtual tour of the characters that color our urban streets. Wend and Lori do this with a flair for the culture, that brought them together to create…Dominzuelan."]; bios['ESLPlayers'] = ["ESL Players", "Class is in session so meet your new instructors. The high school hooligans present to you a show that will re-edumacate you in new ways of funny. Play hookie with the class clowns…its middle school mayhem for grownups and it will do you no harm. The ESL Players: English as a Second Language, Laughter as a First…Azucar!!!"]; bios['fancyPeople'] = ["Fancy People", "Fancy People is composed of alumni of Off-Off Campus, the University of Chicago's sketch comedy group. Combined, the members of Fancy People have performed in 15 Chicago SketchFests. They are exceptionally grateful to have been directed and improved by John Sviolka of Jablonski! who has given them far too much of his time and energy. Feel free to check us out on the internet at facebook.com/fancypeople!"]; bios['fartsThatTellStories'] = ["Farts That Tell Stories", "Don't let the name fool you...we're more than just a good fart joke."]; bios['feralChihuahuas'] = ["The Feral Chihuahuas", "The Feral Chihuahuas love to create comedy heavily dosed with satirical social commentary that walks the line between offensive and offensively funny. Not done for mere shock value, there’s almost always a point buried in the most offensive moments. Working hard not to skimp on production value, a Chihuahuas shows is always a multimedia affair; complete with live sketches, detailed sound effects, elaborate costumes, music, well crafted video sketches, songs and yes, they owns lots of wigs."]; bios['flambango'] = ["Flambango", "Flambango is thrilled and a little aroused to be back performing in their eighth consecutive Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival. Formed in 2001, Flambango spent the Bush administration writing and perform shows around Chicago, but are excited to continue entertaining audiences in the fly-swatting, White Sox jacket-wearing, Nobel prize-winning administration of President Obama. Thanks for checking out our show. Kisses. www.flambango.com."]; bios['fon-deux'] = ["Fon-Deux", "Some things are better silent. Like women. Fon-Deux is the talented and highly attractive duo of Annie Rijks and Tahnee Lacey. Relying less on verbal wit and more on physicality they have combined their forces for one powerful and hilarious explosion of silence…set to music. They look forward to blowing your mind and perhaps sharing some melted cheese afterwards."]; bios['fParade'] = ["F Parade", "F Parade are a Chicago-based comedy troupe that deals in the absurd, macabre, and social awkwardness of everyday life. Let them feed you their comedy-bananas."]; bios['foolForThought'] = ["Fool for Thought", "A result of the Second City Directing Program, Fool for Thought’s Silent but Deadly emulates past sketch comedy groups, Bald Faced Lie and Bri-ko, in delivering a “dialogue-less” show. Watch as we listen to your guilty pleasure, sock puppets recreate famous movie scenes, and armless lovers enjoy a picnic. Plus, we have hot women in our cast."]; bios['friedGreenDurbins'] = ["Fried Green Durbins", "Fried Green Durbins has performed at several national festivals on both coasts. They still call Chicago home and will be performing at their 4th Chicago SketchFest. With a bio this boring, you know their show must be really awesome."]; bios['fuct'] = ["FUCT", "Whether they’re referred to as “Gonzo Sketch Warriors,” or the “Late Night party Troupe,” FUCT challenges what audiences find taboo by approaching dangerous subjects. With a sense of humor and serious theatrical intent. Often incorporating music, dance, pain, audience, participation and anything else their twisted minds can create, FUCT is a circus of humor, suffering, and social commentary. Simpler explanation? They’re FUCT!"]; bios['gandergoose'] = ["Gandergoose", "The men of Gandergoose bring sketches that run the gamut from realistic to absurd to character-based to other. Witness their respective sensibilities bump n’ grind on stage before your very eyes."]; bios['gayco'] = ["GayCo Productions", "Chicago’s own GayCo Productions presents a best-of showcase, spanning more than a decade of it’s unique, outrageous brand of gay sketch comedy, including scenes from its latest smash-hit revue, The Audacity of Nope (or How I Fell for a Pansy Scheme). GayCo strives to present intelligent, gay-themed material performed by physically attractive, vapid supermodels to prove to the world that people can do more than just breed prize-winning collies and find an IKEA in a blizzard. We can also make you laugh, America."]; bios['germans'] = ["Germans", "GERMANS is slow-burn, experimental comedy. This year, GERMANS explores the fetishistic rituals of the corporate environment. Pure energy has a name... GERMANS"]; bios['grandmaJune'] = ["Grandma June's Sewing Circle", "Since 2003, Grandma June’s Sewing Circle has been entertaining audiences with their intelligent, well crafted sketch comedy styling’s. They have produced shows at some of the finest venues in the city, including Donny’s Skybox, the Apollo Theater Studio Stage, The TrapDoor & The Viaduct. This one off reunion show brings the cast back together for the first time in over a year."]; bios['gretchenAndRegina'] = ["Gretchen and Regina", "Your favorite female novelty folk band duo...Or the only one with catchy toons that you just can't get out of your head and enough awkwardness to last the new year."]; bios['gretchenConnorColin'] = ["Gretchen, Connor, and Colin", "Gretchen [Eng], Connor [Del Rio], and Colin [Delaney] have been performing sketch and improv together for the past 4 years, ripening into young adults in the Second City Teen Ensemble, and blossoming through their very own summer shows on The Second City Training Center's Donny's Skybox Stage and at the Chicago Improv Festival, as directed by Jessica Rogers. They are so thrilled to bring you some of their all-time favorite sketches from their shows Trapped and Free, in addition to some shiny new material written exclusively for Chicago SketchFest 2010."]; bios['haircut'] = ["Haircut", "Toronto duo HAIRCUT (Allison Price and Patrick Smith) like to spice things up physically and musically on stage. However, they are often best represented when compared to Barack Obama in a tuxedo t-shirt, because it says that they're formal but that they like to party too.... while changing the world one sketch at time.... yeah, they like that."]; bios['happilyEverLaughter'] = ["Happily Ever Laughter", "Happily Ever Laughter (HEL) is a student sketch comedy troupe at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. The show is an eclectic blend of clever humor and well-designed randomness, featuring a combination of human sketches and video shorts."]; bios['hardLeft'] = ["Hard Left Productions", "Hard Left Productions features ImprovBoston cast members Taylor Newhall and Robert Woo performing both live & video sketch comedy. With millions of views on YouTube, MySpace, & Facebook, and having performed various live shows around Massachusetts, HLP is excited to finally bring its high energy and off-beat sketch comedy to festivals across America."]; bios['heavyweight'] = ["Heavyweight", "There are two types of people in the world. Those that abstain from the absurd, and those that noodle nose ketchup fart. Heavyweight is a sketch group. Brady Novak, Mark Ratterman, Nick Vatterott, TJ Miller are in that sketch group."]; bios['heyYouMillionaires'] = ["Hey You Millionaires", "Voted “Best Sketch Group 2008 and 2009” in the Chicago Reader “Best of Chicago” reader poll, Hey You Millionaires is comprised of a published humor author, a nationally produced playwright, and a high school English teacher. They create the kind of surprising, dark comedy that makes comedians laugh yet is accessible to everyone. They have brought their comedy to The Annoyance Theatre, Sketchfest NYC, Seattle Sketchfest, DC Comedy Fest, Los Angeles comedy festival, and many more. The show is directed by Sarah Haskins of CURRENT TV, Second City, and The Late Night Late Show at iO Chicago."]; bios['honoraryDegree'] = ["Honorary Degree", "From the heart of Pilsen, a neighborhood better known for its murals than for its comedy, comes Honorary Degree. Its members first met at Arizona State University, where they performed weekly shows together for four years before moving to Chicago. Performing brand new shows every week, this group brings their “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” style to the stage; if you’re not sure what that means, there’s only one way to find out."]; bios['inYoFace'] = ["In Yo Face", "In Yo Face is sketch comedy that’s all in your grill! Scenes ranging from what do you you when somebody phone rings in a funeral, or the KKK is running low on memberships so they go to Compton to recruit new members. You ever wonder what will happen if Shamoo got released back in to the wild? Well we did and we will show you. So hold on because we’re coming all the way from sunny LA, and we're giving it to you IN YO Face!"]; bios['jablonski'] = ["Jablonski", "“Critic’s Pick… Two-person sketch comedy that defies expectations; highly physical, utterly absurd and ridiculously funny.” - Time Out Chicago. “Recommended… Lasley and Sviokla exhibit a fondness for uncouth characters, drastic stylistic changes… smoothly switching from persuasive social satire to uninhibited physical humor”- the Chicago Reader. Sketch Comedy at it’s finest. Jablonski!"]; bios['jerks'] = ["JERKS", "Drumbeats, fire, dangerous, dangerous ideas.
Things that are strange, like having two Koreas!
Characters flamboyant, situation dicey.
Welcome to our world, you’ll find our flavor spicy!
JERKS just Jerks is a new sketch show brought to you by JERKS, Jamie Hoggson and Nick Ehart."]; bios['jimVsMike'] = ["Jim Vs. Mike", "Jim vs. Mike pits two titans of comedy against each other in the ultimate battle for comedic supremacy. The show features original sketch about such things as violent traffic cops and the finer points of knife fighting mixed with competitive games such as “Regular Japanese Dude or Professional Ninja” and “Human Chicken.”"]; bios['justTheTip'] = ["Just the Tip", "From the perspective of four females, Just the Tip's Gag Fest brings you characters and situations from the unique experience of its members. From a road slut in Arkansas to the dungeons of work, this show brings singing, dancing and hilarity to the stage. Just the Tip is sure to bring you pleasure."]; bios['kanellisAndArmstrong'] = ["Kanellis and Armstrong", "Hot-new-thing NYC comedians Nick Kanellis and Russ Armstrong’s NO SWALLOW is a fast, fluid collection of smart, juicy comedy woven into a crisp total package. A diverse range of thumpingly hilarious characters and junkyard fantasies - and all the wrong birds. Grab your motherfucking binoculars."]; bios['kerpatty'] = ["Kerpatty!", "This is Kerpatty!’s third year performing in Sketchfest. Both majorities and minorities agree they LOVE Kerpatty!. If you fall into one of those groups, you’ll LOVE ’em too. …HIGH FIVE!
A part of Sketch Days For Kids"]; bios['klepperAndGrey'] = ["Klepper and Grey", "Laura and Jordan live together. This allows them to have a unique perspective on relationships, samurai, and math. Come into their little apartment, full of dark characters, physical comedy, dry erase broads, and little pieces of food left on the table."]; bios['lakewoodManorPlayers'] = ["Lakewood Manor Players", "The Lakewood Manor Players were founded in 2004 as a home to improvisers who were no longer interested in audience suggestions. The Chicago-based group now has chapters in Los Angeles and Boston and releases new videos weekly on LMPcomedy.com. Their live show promises only to blow your mind and tickle your hambone."]; bios['lastCallCleveland'] = ["Last Call Cleveland", "Last Call Cleveland is the group behind the hit web series “Man In The Box” as well as smash hit viral videos like “One Semester of Spanish Love Song,” “Honest R&B Song,” “The Shot,” and “Hastily Made Cleveland Tourism Video.” This is their 6th rocking year at this rocking festival and they’re not going home without some of your wives."]; bios['lauraOnLaura'] = ["The Laura on Laura Comeback Tour", "One part Flight of the Conchords, one part Cagney and Lacey, and another part self-help meets Hall and Oates, The Laura on Laura Comeback Tour is and absurdly earnest attempt at the Ultimate Rock Show. The Lauras are here to take you to the Next Level—and melt your faces in the process!"]; bios['lolaBalatro'] = ["Lola Balatro", "Lola Balatro is the sonic prescription for the weak stream of screamo-pop mall schlock dribbled out by the flaccid playlists of FM corp-rock stations. To say that Lola Balatro is the illegitimate child of Gordon Lightfoot and Alice from Alice in Chains would be a falsehood, for this offspring is quite legitimate."]; bios['longPork'] = ["Long Pork", "The gentlemen of Long Pork represent the best of sophisticated low-brow humor that Chicago has to offer. Their newest show is a mix of incompetent snipers, Government perversions, ridiculous dance numbers, and a dash of live Grabboid from the movie Tremors in a tribute to their boyhood nerdiness.You'll be glad to have tasted Long Pork."]; bios['losSospechosos'] = ["Los Sospechosos!", "¡Los Sospechosos! Formed in (year) when (person in room) and (celebrity) visited (noun) Island and (past tense verb). Since then they have (past tense verb) in over (number) cities world wide with (adjective) muppets, magic (plural noun), and (celebrity). Buscan a (¡Los Sospechosos!)"]; bios['margolisAndReisman'] = ["Margolis \& Reisman", "In late 2008, Nicky Margolis and Boaz Reisman, two of the jewiest members of Chicago’s alt-folk-rock-comedy community decided to join forces. Thus was born Margolis & Reisman – a song-singing, storytelling duo with a panache for misguided economic theories and a deficit for attention. Coming soon to an El stop near you."]; bios['markAndAndy'] = ["Mark and Andy (Now With Scott!)", "Mark and Andy (Now With Scott!) are a fast-paced, absurdist sketch trio based in Nova Scotia. Members of Picnicface and creators of internet videos like “Powerthirst,” the three guys’ live show is a face-punch of mostly silly sketch that incorporates video, music and squabbling."]; bios['monstersFromTheId'] = ["monsters from the id", "monsters from the id are proud to be one of a select few groups to have performed every year of the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival. Their show combines live sketches with award-winning comedy films. monsters from the id have performed live on the WGN Morning News and they were recently awarded “Best in Show” at the Chicago Short Comedy Video and Film Festival: see them reveal their shorts at www.monstersfromtheid.tv."]; bios['mountainDawn'] = ["Mountain Dawn", "Mountain Dawn is five women with one purpose: destroying your laughhole. Experienced, nimble and ball-hungry; these ladies have performed and taught at Second City, iO, and at theatres and festivals all over the country. Together they are an unstoppable sketch comedy force that will get physical, stupid, and in your face. Mountain Dawn is presented by Danny Mora and features: Kat Barker, Marla Carceres, Colleen Doyle, Nancy Friedrich and Kristen Studdard."]; bios['myMans'] = ["MY MANS", "MY MANS is an absurdist take on the classic two-hander. Part Abbott and Costello, part WWF, this high-energy show is built around a series of interconnected games, promising plenty of laughs and mind-bending surprises."]; bios['newExcitement'] = ["New Exc!tement", "New Exc!tement (NYC) just wrapped a six month run of their hit show Really Good News at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York; other noteworthy performances include: Comedy Central's Crash Mansion, the UCBNY's Best of Sketch, SketchFestNYC and Toronto SketchFest. It's members have been featured on: Chappelle's Show, Ugly Americans, Michael and Michael Have Issues, Spike TV and The Second City Stage in Chicago. New Exc!tement is Mary Grill, Matt Hobby, Chris Manley, Randy Pearlstein and Chris Roberti."]; bios['noLongerFriends'] = ["No Longer Friends", "Nikki and John have created a smart, accessible comedy about contemporary issues without falling into the traps of politics, peachiness or effort. Exploring ideas of relationship and language, they are not afraid to showcase their intelligence (which is admittedly limited anyway), or a true piece of themselves (John wants to show his lower back; Nikki the part of the leg where the ankle meets the calf). Girl and guy comedy duos typically compare themselves to Nichols and May but John and Nikki are more like Hitler and Eva Braun…minus some of the drama, and less death."]; bios['noseComplaint'] = ["Nose Complaint", "Nick and Dave are best friends. They’ve been best friends for 634 straight days. That’s a record for them. Come celebrate the energetic explosion of friendship as Nose Complaint explores the Rhythm of the Night. You just might find your best friend there too."]; bios['notFromBaltimore'] = ["Not from Baltimore", "Not From Baltimore is a two man sketch group names after and adverb, a preposition, and a city. Their show explores the following topics: Giraffes, bananas, tomato soup, Stephen Hawking’s Brief History of Time, Stephen Hawking’s Really Long History of Time, salmon (the color not the fish), gas powered toasters, My Mom, Your Mom, Ramadan, calligraphy, pan flute, skin flute, Doug Flutie, Pi and it’s relation to Pie, recreational shaving, and much, much less!"]; bios['number10Productions'] = ["Number 10 Productions", "Chicago's Number 10 Productions launches a full on assault on social networking in Information Underload. Twitter and Facebook are supposed to improve our lives, but we're just as screwed up as ever. Sure, everyone's talking, but is anyone saying anything?"]; bios['offOffBroadzway'] = ["Off Off Broadzway", "Off Off Broadzway is Chicago ’s premier burlesque-inspired sketch comedy show. Sequins and dirty jokes abound in a non-reveal performance that is not for the faint of heart. Elements of ballet, literary references and fire breathing will not be in this show. Off Off Broadzway can guarantee foul mouths, daddy issues and free boners for the fellas! These ladies are sexy, sharp, and oh yeah, they're hysterical."]; bios['okibono'] = ["OKIBONO", "Do you like Monty Python? So do they. Who doesn’t? After debuting at last year’s festival, Chicago’s OKIBONO returns to the Theatre Building (aka The Scene of the Crime). An evening of witty, verbal volleyball, offbeat characters and utter hilarious nonsense awaits. Join them!"]; bios['old'] = ["OLD", "OLD is more than a life condition. It’s sketch comedy. And it’s sketch comedy with a little more experience. And it’s a little more experience that doesn’t smell like your grandparents."]; bios['oneTwoThree'] = ["OneTwoThree", "Often described as a rambunctious, charming, and downright silly, OneTwoThree takes their real life personality traits and liquors them up, resulting in a creepy, and sobering bond between pissed off, stupid and sexually ambiguous."]; bios['otherOtherGuys'] = ["Other Other Guys", "Sharp social commentary and dick jokes – The Other Other Guys blends live performances with video sketches to create a fast paced show that balances the real and the absurd, the subtle and the outrageous. The Other Other Guys have been putting the other “Other” in “Other Other” since 2006."]; bios['pangea3000'] = ["Pangea 3000", "Fart Humor. "]; bios['patReidyFails'] = ["Pat Reidy Fails: LIVE!", "Pat Reidy was writing a show. Then in September, his Roscoe Village home was broken into, and his computer was stolen. He almost abandoned the idea of a show, until his brother suggested, “You could always just call it, 'Pat Reidy Fails: LIVE!!!'” And here we are. Come watch him fail."]; bios['phProductions'] = ["pH Productions", "pH Productions presents It's Only Rock & Roll, But I Like It - a hilarious take on music and how it has shaped pop culture and our lives. Using familiar rock icons, multimedia, and bizarre takes on famous rock moments, writer Jeremy Schaefer has created a fun, high-spirited jab at rock and roll. pH Productions is proud to be a participant in the Chicago SketchFest for its sixth straight year. pH does shows every Thursday-Saturday at their brand new space, StudioBE at 3110 Sheffield, find out more at www.whatisph.com."]; bios['playOn'] = ["Play On", "Directed by Play On founders Josh Andrews and Lisa Bany-Winters, these sketches are the result of the sketch comedy elective at Play On Drama Camp in Evanston. Campers in grades 1-8 will perform the three sketches they wrote, interspersed with improv games.
A part of Sketch Days For Kids"]; bios['pubTheatre'] = ["The Pub Theatre Company", "PTC’s flagship show, Bye Bye Liver: The Chicago Drinking Play, is now in its third year of mixing sketch comedy with everyone’s favorite pastime: drinking. In addition, PTC produces a number of sketch comedy shows per year and prides itself on being, “the gateway drug to theatre.”"]; bios['puterbaughSisters'] = ["The Puterbaugh Sisters", "The Puterbaugh Sisters are a modern day vaudevillian spectacle of comedy and ridiculousness. The teens love it. It's like watching u-tube without a computer."]; bios['rabbitRabbit'] = ["Rabbit Rabbit", "Rabbit Rabbit is a Virginia-based sketch group dedicated to bringing you the very best in darkly absurd comedy. Prepare yourself for murder, ghosts, munchkins, Klansmen, music, monsters, and even a bit of puppetry as it tickles your brows, both high and low. (Note: Rabbit Rabbit will not actually tickle you. Stop asking.)"]; bios['ramChicago'] = ["RAM Chicago", "RAM Chicago presents a show full of manic energy and big characters. Their explosive show, YIKES!, is a two-person sketch comedy show that revels in those uncomfortable moments everyone else tries to avoid. Family, work, and relationships all get awkward together, while Robert and Matt break a sweat playing all these roles at once!"]; bios['reckoning'] = ["The Reckoning", "Chicago’s longest running improv group presents Murder He Wrote, a satirical episode of the longest running murder mystery show Murder She Wrote. However, the famed mystery writer Jessica Fletcher will not be played by Angela Lansbury, but rather Greg Holliman from Strangers With Candy. He will piece together the puzzle one comedic scene at a time, honoring the style of TV shows of the 80’s."]; bios['robotVsDinosaur'] = ["Robot vs. Dinosaur", "Ding dong! Ding dong! Do you hear the school bell ring? What shall we learn about today? Science? Geography? How about soul-crushing reality? Or what happens when a monkey meets a toaster? Welcome to Mrs. Gruber’s Ding Dong School!"]; bios['rubyWeapon'] = ["Ruby Weapon", "Ruby Weapon vs. The Apocalypse: One year after Ruby Weapon unsuccessfully defeated the Promulans, the world is torn apart by conflict. Tensions escalate, and nuclear war breaks out, killing every living being…except for the hip-hop umbrella-juke supergroup Ruby Weapon. It’s up to them to repopulate the earth, and find the nearest liquor store."]; bios['rueBrutalia'] = ["Rue Brutalia", "The dynamic duo are psyched to be back in Chicago for their third year at SketchFest. From NYC to San Francisco, they've toured all over the country, and have the illegitimate children to prove it. Unlike the other acts at this festival, Jon & Jason don't just want to make you laugh...they want to take you to Wow Bao for a lovely dumpling dinner."]; bios['sadOnVacation'] = ["Sad on Vacation", "Sad on Vacation is a sketch group made up of iO Chicago and the Annoyance Theatre’s top performers. The members of Sad on Vacation have created, written, directed and performed in countless critically-acclaimed productions. The group recently began shifting their comedic focus to video production and launched their sketch comedy website www.sadonvacation.com. "]; bios['salsation'] = ["Salsation Theatre Company", "The Brown Supremacy is a hilarious look at Latino life in the Age of Obama. From the joy of the nomination of the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice, to the difficulties of life in an economic meltdown, from family life to immigration, Salsation Theatre Company’s new touring revue takes a comic look at today’s Latino experience."]; bios['sausage'] = ["Sausage", "Sausage’s newest show, Encased of Emergency, is the kind of show that parents don’t want to see with their kids and kids don’t want to see with their parents. Blending elements of comic book buffoonery, pop culture satire and friendly torture, all mixed in with some absolutely humiliating and fresh jabs at themselves. Sausage Live is a wild ride on a sick and twisted rollercoaster that will leave you smiling and wanting a shower the next morning."]; bios['seanMiller'] = ["The Sean Miller Explosion", "Sean Miller Explosion returns for their 5th time at Chicago Sketch Fest, once again feeding into their self loathing and destruction as they scratch and claw their way to showtime. Will they make it? Probably not."]; bios['secondCity'] = ["The Second City Training Center", "Join the members of The Second City Training Center's Teen Ensemble and Stand-Up class for highlights from their 2009 season. Performers take you on a journey that offers a satirical look at life through the eyes of a teen.
A part of Sketch Days For Kids"]; bios['sharkCity'] = ["Shark City", "In 1912, a group of immigrant writers sailed from Southampton, England en route to New York City, where they hoped to perform a new type of comedy show. Unfortunately, their hopes and dreams were dashed upon an iceberg and sank with that “unsinkable ship.” But thanks to submarine treasure-hunters who recovered their work and donated them to the Shark City players, the world finally has the opportunity to see Gaslight: Sketched Out Comedy from 1912!"]; bios['shockAndAwe'] = ["Shock and Awe Review", "Jamie Swise has been perpetrating his \"art\" on the public for 35 years. Whether it be mystery games for mass consumption, folk music for club crowds, or one feature film, Swise is in a constant state of un-daunt. He's diggin' appearing with Dr. Jagodowski, a cat with more chops than Popeil's Kitchen Magician. T.J. Jagodowski has been improvising in town for a while now at a couple of theaters. He's held a variety of jobs, honest and otherwise. He's also very exited to be working with Jamie Swise."]; bios['shoeless'] = ["Shoeless", "In 2007, a geneticist, a camera operator, an engineer, two producers, a bartender and a tour guide started telling jokes. In 2009, a stand-up, a publicist, a waiter, as well as an editor joined in the joke telling. None of them are funny. Except the engineer. He’s hilarious. The is Shoeless."]; bios['sitAndRun'] = ["Sit and Run", "Sit and Run is Eileen Montelione and Joel Wiersema, a Chicago duo, whose stories happen to be of the comedic variety. Their show, Talking to No One is a collection of interwoven stories that has been called “Patient,” “Hilarious” and “Takes it’s time, but it’s funny.” The show is directed by Adrienne Henze."]; bios['sizeEight'] = ["Size Eight", "Chicago-based Size Eight is sketch comedy with bling that sits defiantly (and daintily) at the intersection of identity and popular culture, combing the cynicism of Thomas Hobbes and the sass of Willona, the neighbor lady from Good Times. Except from two white girls, who wonder why some people have every little thing handed to them on a silver platter, while the rest of us are still working at a desk all these years later, just with better computers. Size Eight creates charmingly inappropriate social satire with an urgent sense of theatricality that has startled and tickled audiences from Milwaukee to Santa Monica."]; bios['smartCorky'] = ["Smart Corky", "Smart Corky is a group of nice people that have mean things to say about pop culture and entertainment. We parody as much low-brow entertainment as we can cram into our time slot. It’s like reality TV without as much writing, editing and realosity."]; bios['soulFools'] = ["Soul Fools", "Check out what hilarious stuff the Soul Fools have come up with this year! Soul Fools. Part fools, a lot of soul. Can you dig it?"]; bios['storyTown'] = ["Storytown", "Population: you! Join Storytown for their first scripted choose-your-own-adventure. Stay on your toes to help our heros on their journey, you never know when your help will be needed. Become part of the fun when you come to Storytown.
A part of Sketch Days For Kids"]; bios['summerOfTears'] = ["Summer of Tears", "Summer of Tears, winners of the 2007 Best Sketch award at Aspen’s U.S. Comedy Arts Festival, return to Chicago to deliver more dark, sexy sketch!"]; bios['stirFridayNight'] = ["Stir Friday Night", "Wanna see some Asians speak “English?” Wanna see if we really do love you long time? Satisfy your white guilt and watch as we do your homework and fix your computer."]; bios['teamSubmarine'] = ["Team Submarine", "Team Submarine is not afraid to push boundaries. But we are afraid of the people who will yell at us if we push boundaries, and hope that this hasn’t offended those people. In fact, we’re sorry we mentioned boundaries at all – really, we have no problem with boundaries and many or our good friends are boundaries. Seriously, we even let a boundary baby-sit our kids once."]; bios['teenagerOfTheYear'] = ["Teenager of the Year", "Teenager of the Year is the best group in Chicago, better than everyone…at everything. Best group, best band, sports team, restaurant, car wash. Doesn’t matter, we are the best everything. If you don’t like us, it’s your fault. The end."]; bios['thanksBrett'] = ["Thanks Brett Consortium", "A combination of sketch, comedy and sketch comedy! www.thanksbrett.net"]; bios['thinkTank'] = ["Think Tank", "A spectacle show featuring large animals, bark men, Egyptians, ghosts, and foggy London town. All of it is 100% real. You probably won’t get hurt."]; bios['threeDollarBill'] = ["Three Dollar Bill", "The best sketch comedy from Indianapolis, Three Dollar Bill’s show leaves no topic sacred as it reacts to news, entertainment, pop culture, and relatable and relevant stuff. $3Bill brings a mixed bag of raucous and other equal or lesser adjectives that describe sketches they claim are their “best” from previous revues! It’ll be totally slammin’? Yes, and rad too."]; bios['timAndMicah'] = ["The Tim and Micah Project", "dear Chris, it's been awhile, right? we hope you're doing well. we sure are, because we are about to unveil our 3rd show, the tim&micah project: CONTINUE. prepare yourself for more \"fresh ideas,\" \"avant garde turtlenecks,\" and \"nonsensical\" \"precision timed\" \"David Lynch fantasies.\" kisses! -t&m"]; bios['understudies'] = ["The Understudies", "Chicago’s very own understudies for The Cupid Players present sketch musical comedy about love, life and the day-to-day in a very irreverent and in-your-face fashion."]; bios['unintentionallyHilarious'] = ["Unintentionally Hilarious", "For the second year in a row the Junior High School students from Elmhurst Children's Theatre will melt your faces off with their brand of comedy. Poetry, politics and pickles are just the beginning. If you think you know the way a kid's mind works, think again!
A part of Sketch Days For Kids"]; bios['union'] = ["The Union", "The Union has performed their playfully dark sketch comedy all over Chicago and the Midwest. A real-life married couple, they bring a unique physicality and understanding of each other to their performance. The Milwaukee Shepherd-Express calls them “tastefully twisted” with “sharp writing…delivered impeccably.”"]; bios['unrelated'] = ["Unrelated", "A real-life father and son comedy duo, Aaron and Jacob Caponigro, perform an original sketch show for parents who dream of watching their child succeed and surpass them, and for anyone else, young or old, who wants to laugh.
A part of Sketch Days For Kids"]; bios['urbanIndigenous'] = ["Urban Indigenous", "The warriors of comedy is Chicago’s Premier multicultural comedy troupe with a Native North American foundation. The most exciting night in comedy! A comedic REVOLUTION!"]; bios['was'] = ["WAS", "A hit girl group of the early 1990’s with their hit album Get on the Me Train, WAS is trying really, really, really hard to make a comeback. Dealing with their crumbled past of drugs, arson and secrets, the girls struggle to get back on top. The ladies earn back their audience and each others' trust with hit jams like My Married Boyfriend and Sittin’ on the Face of the World."]; bios['weHaveAnUncleDick'] = ["We Have an Uncle Dick!", "They’re brothers! They’re Tamisieas! They’re 1700 miles apart! One is in Chicago (WINDY!). The other is in Los Angeles (BRAD PITT!). But no distance can erase 33 years of sibling rivalry. From discovering Dolly Parton’s duel personality to a Cosby Show crack-fest; go ahead, spend a night with the Brothers Tamisiea – it’s the slumber party you never asked for but always feared you wanted!"]; bios['williamsAndMartinez'] = ["Williams & Martinez", "Williams & Martinez hailed as one of the richest, most cleverly surprising shows seen in years by the Chicago Reader are back with their 'best of the year' material. Their clever takes on relationships with solid acting don't take away from the playful charming humor they create. Don't miss these two ladies make new magic."]; bios['worldsBestDad'] = ["World's Best Dad", "World’s Best Dad is a sketch comedy group based in Chicago, IL. It features a large, energetic cast from a wide theatrical background with a smart, light-hearted, and self-admittedly nerdy style. You might not always agree, but when it counts, you can always count on: World’s Best Dad!"]; function generateBio(group) { var str = '

' + bios[group][0] + '

' + bios[group][1] + '
Get your tickets now!

Close'; //str = 'hello'; return str; }