Jess And...
Saturday, October 5
The Playhouse
3pm show
16 and under: $10
17 and up: $15
Recommended for ages 6 & up
7pm show
All tickets: $25
Recommended for ages 13 and up
Jess Schuknecht is one of Madison’s longest tenured—and tallest—improvisers. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of his first improv performance—and as an excuse to get to play on stage with his friends, Jess and his improv crew will present two never-seen-before and never-to-be-seen-again shows based off suggestions from YOU, the audience, and created on the spot. Performers include some of Madison’s best current improvisers along with some guests and talented colleagues from Jess’ 25 years doing improv.
Two completely different shows!
The afternoon show features short-form improv (think “Whose Line Is It Anyway” but with competitive teams) and is all-ages friendly, priced for such. The evening show is geared for teens and older with longer-form improv—and some other fun surprises.
Meet the Artist
Jess Schuknecht
Jess has performed around 5,000 improvised shows in his career. He has been a member of ComedySportz, Atlas Improv Co. (which he co-founded) and currently Monkey Business Institute. He has performed with many other groups, including The Bronze Medalists, Forever Home and The Unpronouncables. He taught improv since 2000, declaring improv has changed his life many times over. Jess is excited to perform improv in The Playhouse for the first time ever (for both him and the venue), returning to that space 25 years after he appeared on it with bleached blonde, curly hair for a Children’s Theater or Madison production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Please join Jess in a much older, less blonde version as he spends a couple of hours hanging out with some of the most talented people he knows, sharing quality comedy and storytelling—made up right before your eyes.
Upcoming Comedy Events
-
October 18
Saturday
Comedy, Family Friendly, Free Events, Improv Comedy, Kids in the Rotunda, Theater Whoopensocker
Rotunda Stage
Whoopensocker arts residency program and performing ensemble works with emergent readers and writers to create original theater pieces. This show is a combination of sketches, songs and physical theater. It is a fantastic culmination of creativity, celebrated with students, staff and community.
Multiple Showtimes -
October 18
Saturday
Comedy, Variety Nurse Blake: But Did You Die? Comedy Tour
Capitol Theater
Nurse Blake is back with his hilarious new comedy tour with all new content, diving into the wildest things patients and their families say and do. From self-diagnosing Stage 8 Cancer with WebMD to hitting the call light like they are on a game show, nothing is off limits!
7:00 PM -
October 24
Friday
2025/26 Season, Comedy, Overture Presents Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble
Capitol Theater
Get ready for an evening of sidesplitting laughter as Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, the dynamic duo from TV's "Whose Line is it Anyway?," take the stage in a one-night-only uproarious live show, “Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble.”
7:00 PM -
October 25
Saturday
Comedy, Overture Presents, Variety Lucy Darling: You’re Welcome
Award-winning performer, charming socialite and cocktail enthusiast Lucy Darling continues her vivacious vagabond voyages with “You’re Welcome” — a touring variety show featuring her razor-sharp wit, unquestionable advice, skillful magic and delightful friends.
6:30 PM