Jess And...

Banner text reads, in the style of neon window signs, "Jess And... Improv Comedy Tonight" This text is in a window on the left side. On the right, a man with light complexion, blond hair, a vest, jeans and rolled up sleeves sits in profile. His feet are up in front of him and his hands are crossed on his knees. A blurry club is in the background.

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 Headshot

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.

Overture Blog

Jess Schuknecht: Leading the frontline of Overture’s ticketing team

Read the article
Jess Schuknecht standing against a railing in Overture Hall Lobby. He is a white man with short hai, a beard and blue eyes. He is wearing a blue shit and dark vest

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