Monkey Business Institute
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| Limited liability company | |
| Industry | Improvisational theatre |
| Predecessor | ComedySportz |
| Founded | Madison, Wisconsin, United States (March 23, 2004) |
| Founder |
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| Headquarters | Madison, Wisconsin |
| Owner |
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| Website |
monkeybusinessinstitute |
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Footnotes / references [1] [2] | |
Monkey Business Institute is a professional improvisational theater company in Madison, Wis. The group includes ComedySportz veterans, cast members of Blame Society Productions (creators of Chad Vader: Day Shift Manager and other YouTube series), as well as local stand-up comedians and musicians.[2]
Monkey Business Institute's weekly improv comedy performances include an all-ages show, geared toward children and their parents, and a standard show in which more mature topics are explored. In addition, the company offers customers corporate workshops and private parties by appointment.[3]
Weekly Comedy Performances
Each Saturday, Monkey Business Institute cast members put on two performances in the basement of the Glass Nickel Pizza Co.'s Madison east side location. An early show, with content focused on an audience of families, is followed by a late show, geared toward more traditional short form improv.[2]
Other Monkey Business Institute Events
Monkey Business Institute also provides specialty workshops for businesses and teaches classes to individuals wanting to learn improv comedy techniques.[4] During the summer, classes specifically for youth, ages 8 to 13, are offered.[5]
Prominence of Monkey Business Institute beyond Madison
A number of Monkey Business Institute cast members have appeared in the works of Matt Sloan and Aaron Yonda, of Blame Society Productions, creators of Chad Vader: Day Shift Manager.[6] Also part of the company is comedian Sean Moore. The group's workshops have also enjoyed national recognition, by inclusion in national conferences such as GenCon.[7]
Awards
Monkey Business Institute has won several awards in the Madison area. In 2009, Isthmus named it the readers' choice for Madison's Favorite Comedy/Improv.[8]. In 2010, Madison Magazine listed Monkey Business Institute among its "Best of Madison" in the Arts Group category.[3]
Notes
References
- Conklin, Melanie. "Monkeying Around Becomes an Institution," Wisconsin State Journal, Mar. 2, 2007.
- Joyce, Jason. "Funny or Die: Would be improv comedian tries out for Monkey Business Institute," Isthmus, (Madison, WI), June 14, 2012.
- Kiddoo, Hannah. "Comedy on the Spot: Madison's Improv Troupe Has a Following," Madison Magazine, July, 2010.
- Fiore, Jenny. "And now... Madison’s Moms of Comedy," BRAVA Magazine, (Madison, WI), March, 2012. Pgs. 44-47.
- Cotant, Pamela. "School Spotlight: Improv teaches kids to collaborate on comedy," Wisconsin State Journal, November 1, 2011.
- Mills, Emily. "Madison makes 'em laugh," Isthmus, (Madison, WI), October 16, 2009.
- Robbins, Dean. "2009 Madison's Favorites: Arts & Entertainment," Isthmus, (Madison, WI), August 20, 2009.