iO Theater Chicago  ·  Monthly Saturdays

the orbit

Chicago's only improv show performed in the round

Monthly Saturdays ● 7:30 PM ● iO Theater ● Directed by Liz Allen

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The Orbit improv cast performing in a circle at iO Theater Chicago

About the Show

Improv seen from entirely new angles.

The Orbit is Chicago's only improv show performed in the round. This 45-minute avant-garde experience takes the audience on a full-circle journey, showcasing a bold new form designed for 360-degree play.

Rooted in classic iO techniques yet pushing toward the future, The Orbit offers a fresh perspective — inviting audiences to see improv from entirely new angles.

Now performing monthly on Saturdays at 7:30 PM as part of The Best of iO Theater.

"The best set of improv I've ever seen."
— iO Fest Attendee
The Orbit — longform improv in the round, monthly Saturdays at 7:30 PM at iO Theater Chicago

Show Details

Monthly. Saturday nights. iO Theater.

When Monthly Saturdays at 7:30 PM
Part of The Best of iO Theater
Where iO Theater
1501 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL
Runtime Approximately 50 minutes
Format Long-form improv in the round
Tickets Available at iO Theater

As seen in The Chicago Reader

The show puts long-form improv in the round, inviting the audience into the circle rather than positioning them outside it.
— Rob Silverman Ascher, The Chicago Reader

Watch

Watch a Full Orbit From May 2026

Live performance  ·  iO Theater Chicago

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Orbit?

The Orbit is Chicago's only improv show performed in the round — a 45-minute avant-garde longform improv experience at iO Theater, directed by Liz Allen. It runs every Wednesday at 9 PM.

What are good late night things to do in Chicago on a Wednesday?

The Orbit at iO Theater is one of the best late night options in Chicago on a Wednesday. The show starts at 9 PM, runs about 45 minutes, and is unlike any other improv experience in the city — performed in the round with a unique 360-degree format. Tickets are sliding scale, $0–$10.

How much are tickets for The Orbit?

Tickets are sliding scale, pay what you can from $0 to $10. Available at Crowdwork.

Where is The Orbit performed?

The Orbit is performed at iO Theater, 1501 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642.

Is The Orbit good for first-time improv audiences?

Yes. The Orbit is welcoming to all audiences. The in-the-round format creates an intimate, immersive experience whether you're a longtime improv fan or seeing a show for the first time.