Believe it or not, Milwaukee is a true blue improv city. Though nearby Chicago boasts the internationally renowned likes of Second City and Improv Olympic, New York is the birthplace of Upright Citizens Brigade, and L.A. has Groundlings (and another UCB location), Milwaukee has an indelible connection to the art of improvisation by being home to the flagship ComedySportz location. With 31 years (and counting) to its credit, the hotbed of off-the-cuff humor has extended to 25 total locations spread throughout two continents.
Along the way, Milwaukee’s CSz has churned out alumnus who have gone on to run network comedies, co-found UCB, direct and act in major motion pictures, land spots on late night sketch programs, and earn livings through regular commercial work. Milwaukee’s improv scene continues to thrive. Two of the city’s most prolific improvisers (and Coyote Butler troupe members) joined host Tyler Maas for 2016’s first On The Record. Jacob Bach—of Yeah, Bro! Podcast, gay bar crawls, and formerly of The Improvised Musical notoriety—and veteran “yes, and”-er/coach Mike Kauth invited Maas to the ComedySportz vault to discuss the past, present, and ceiling of Milwaukee improv.
As always, this episode is brought to you by our friends at Ale Asylum, which was enjoyed on air. Music in this episode comes courtesy of Piles (“Blue Glue”) and Bad Wig (“Sunset Vomits Blue”). Subscribe to On The Record via iTunes or Stitcher (for free!).