Today we’d like to introduce you to John Stoops.
John, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Improvisational theater was invented in Hyde Park. In 1955, the Compass Players opened a makeshift theater on the northeast corner of 55th Street and University Avenue. Initially, the group presented short, scripted “plays” that were devised by improvisational games in rehearsal. Admission was free. The group only made money from sales at the bar.
One night, the theater was performing for a capacity crowd. The bartender, Fred Wranovics, pulled director Paul Sills aside and asked him to extend the show so he could sell another round of drinks. Without any additional scripted material prepared, Sills decided to present a third act comprised entirely of the same improvisational games that the company had been using in rehearsal. Needless to say, it was a huge success. Soon, the Compass Players ditched scripted material altogether in favor of improvised performances that became known for pointed social satire and political commentary.
By 1958, the group splintered. Company members Mike Nichols, Elaine May and Shelly Berman went to New York where they quickly gained national acclaim. Director Paul Sills moved north and co-founded The Second City. In the subsequent 59 years, improvisational comedy has become a cornerstone of the global entertainment industry directly influencing theatre, film and television programming around the world.
The Revival is inspired by the legacy of the Compass Players and returns improvisation to the place of its inception on the northeast corner of 55th St. and University Ave. within Hyde Park’s burgeoning arts community. In 2015, we opened a 150-seat cabaret theater and began presenting live performances to the South Side’s diverse population of residents, students, faculty/staff, and neighborhood professionals.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Opening a business of any kind is never “smooth.” The first year, in particular, is always a challenge as you’re figuring everything out for the first time while simultaneously trying to pay the light bill! That said, The Revival has benefitted from an outpouring of support from the community. Very early in our history, we began hearing customers exclaim, “Finally we have something like this below North Avenue!”
Please tell us about The Revival.
The Revival is a theater, training & education company. Improvisation is the root of everything we do. From our weekend shows, to our classes & camps for adults and children, to our corporate workshops where we train executives in areas such as innovation, creativity & collaboration.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I’ve been an entrepreneur for as long as I can remember. From shoveling sidewalks to mowing lawns, I’ve always enjoyed the thrill of starting businesses from scratch. One year, there was a particularly well timed snow storm. We were blasted with over a foot of snow a few days before Christmas. That year, I cleaned up in more ways than one! And, I was able to bring a substantial wad of cash to the mall and buy presents for my parents and sisters. As corny as that may sound, it’s 100% true. [I may have purchased something for myself too.]
Contact Info:
- Address: 1160 E. 55th St.
Chicago, IL 60637 - Website: www.the-revival.com
- Email: theater@the-revival.com
- Instagram: revivalcomedy
- Facebook: facebook.com/revivalcomedy
- Twitter: revivalcomedy
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
