Chicago ImprovProductions presents CIT Alumni League

It will be an alma mater mash-up in this Generation Y improv battle royale as alumni of Chicago Improv Production’s College Improv Tournament (CIT) play together in the debut of the CIT Alumni League featuring eight talented teams. The 16-week spring season will kick off on Sunday, Jan. 20 and continue every Sunday at 7 p.m.through May 5, 2013, at ComedySportz, located at 929 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago,IL 60657.

Every Sunday night will feature two matches in which two teams compete by performing a long-form set for 20 minutes. The winners will be determined by two pro judges and audience voting. Each improv team will play each other one time. The top four teams will proceed to the playoffs, and the championship winning team will be awarded$50 per player.

Chicago Improv Productions’€™ (the not-for-profit arts organization formerly known as Chicago Improv Festival Productions) Executive Director Jonathan Pitts, also the creator of the College Improv Tournament, says about the new run, “We’re so excited to have a league that brings together all of the Chicago-based CIT alums to play for fun and continue to hone their skills. Over the years, we’€™ve seen many CIT alums move here and then look for places to get started as emerging artists. We know these players. We believe in them and their talents, so we’re happy to present them to Chicago’€™s improv-loving audiences. The CIT Alumni League features tomorrow’s best improvisers playing today, and after all the years they put in at their schools and in CIT, they are ready to rock the stage!”

Pitts continues, “We have 48alums from 24 colleges playing on eight teams, with six players per team. We also have four alums playing as official subs. When I put together the teams, I asked every player to choose which style team they wanted to play on: comedy, theatre, or mix. I was able to give 47 of the 48 players their top choice. After that, it was like drafting my own fantasy league. I can’€™t wait to see them play and entertain Chicago improv fans.”

At the end of the each night, as the judges and audience votes are being counted, all four teams will perform together in a15-minute mini-montage to celebrate being part of the same league. After the show, there will be a party in the ComedySportz bar with all the teams. Come and laugh, drink, vote, and then celebrate with everyone after the match.

Tickets,which are $10 and $7 for students, may be purchased at the ComedySportz Box Office. For more information, please call 773-549-8080 or visit chicagoimprovfestival.org.