CIC Theater’s Journey to Rebuild and Reinvent
In the world of improv comedy, mistakes become opportunities. This mindset guides Farrell Walsh, artistic and managing director of CIC Theater in Chicago. It’s a philosophy applied both on stage and in managing the theater. Walsh views challenges as steps forward, navigating each “one disaster at a time.”
CIC Theater, known for its emphasis on humor, faced a significant challenge in 2022. After over a decade at its Irving Park location, the theater sought a new home due to a change in building ownership. Initial extensions of COVID-era rental arrangements with the new landlords lagged, prompting Walsh and his team to adopt a nomadic setup, reminiscent of their early days.
For a while, CIC found a temporary stage at Finley Dunne’s Tavern on Lincoln Avenue, which was close to their original venue. Performances included student teams, guest performers, and open-stage nights. The theater thrived on a blend of established and spontaneous talent to maintain community engagement.
CIC survived through its rich community essence. Though not as mainstream as iO or The Second City, CIC is highly esteemed among improv enthusiasts. The theater’s unique approach, which Walsh describes as “playing vertically,” encourages building on past scenes to maintain momentum rather than starting fresh with each scene.
By November 2025, the theater again needed a permanent space. Walsh and his partner, Kyle McCabe, pursued a new venue with fervor. Searching Lakeview and North Center areas led them to evaluate diverse potential spaces over a year-long search. Ultimately, a promising opportunity appeared at 4301 N. Western Avenue, home to the former Celtic Crown. This site included a bar, kitchen, and performance space, aligning with CIC’s vision of facilitating both a bar and theater.
The new location, opened in July 2025 as The Western Bar & Kitchen, draws inspiration from Walsh’s time in Arizona. After extensive work on the site, CIC eagerly anticipates reuniting with its audience. The community support has been tremendous; a GoFundMe campaign exceeded its $25,000 goal, reflecting the local improviser’s enthusiasm.
Though CIC Theater’s grand reopening was set for the fall, its spirit remained vibrant. Classes continued and The Western operated with food and drinks, showcasing consistent dedication to community engagement. As the theater prepared to welcome audiences once more, Walsh expressed confidence in the strength of the community’s ongoing support.