Cyrano
About
Musical improvisation is similar to traditional improv in the respect that everything is made up on the spot using audience suggestions. However, musical improv additionally draws on elements from musical theater including song, dance, and theatericallity. In a music improv show the song lyrics, dialogue, choreograpy and music accompanient are all improvised. This culminates in a truly unique and magical audience experience.
Cyrano is an ensemble of experienced actors who specialize in musical improv. We came together out of a desire to grow as performers and experiment with new musical improv forms. We perform as part of the Sunday Night Live showcase every Sunday at the Playground Theater. Cyrano shows are both funny and moving. Each show is an entirely new exploration of heightened emotions and colorful characters. You never see the same show twice!
In addition to our weekly shows, Cyrano is also available for private bookings. We perform at schools, churches, birthday parties, corporate events, and improv festivals. For more information on private bookings and rates, please send an email to cyranoimprov@gmail.com. You may also submit a booking request form using the link below.
Cyrano offers private workshops in improv and music improv. For more information on workshops and rates, please email cyranoimprov@gmail.com.
Guest Artists
Every week Cyrano hosts guest artists who perform with the ensemble. Please check them out below.
cyrano's guest artist
Sunday, Sept 11, 2016
Maggie Goodman
Past Guest Artists
Lou Leonardo is a Chicago based actor and improviser who was born and raised in Syracuse, NY. He fell in love with acting at the age of 6 after being cast as Santa Claus in his elementary school play. Since then Lou has had the opportunity to play other legendary characters on stage from Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof to Edna Turnblad in Hairspray. Lou has also obtained his BFA in acting from Syracuse University and is a graduate of the improv training programs at iO Chicago, ComedySportz Chicag
Marcela Swenson is a Chicago-based improviser by way of Colorado. She has performed in sketch and improvised musicals at The Second City Training Center and MCL. In her former lives she has been a Bed & Breakfast owner in Medellín, Colombia, a karaoke host in Los Angeles, and a radio show producer for the travel editor of The Today Show. She is in her most exciting role yet: pretending to be a responsible adult working in administration at Northwestern University so her husband can open a quic
John Horton is a Chicago-based actor and improviser originally from Connecticut. He has performed in a variety of sketch and improv-comedy shows at Stage 773, MCL Chicago, and The Annoyance Theater such as "It Came From Kentucky" and five years of the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival. John works as a software developer in downtown Chicago and is also a puppeteer and an electronics hobbyist.
Paula Skaggs is a writer and improviser who lives in Chicago after living in Alaska and Minnesota. She used to want to work in politics, but then she realized that she actually just liked watching the show "The West Wing". Paula has studied at Second City and iO, and can be seen around town on the improv team Cool Girl Tank Top and the house team Omega at Comedy Sportz. She's also a member of the two-woman sketch group America's Sweethearts which was featured in the 2016 NBC Scene Showcase. She