Five of us first did improv together in an improv class at Theatre of Western Springs (TWS) in fall 1999. The five included Betsy, Mary Ellen, George, Jack and John. Jim had taken an improv class some years earlier at TWS.

Betsy organized the group after the class ended and we continued to rehearse together. Mary Ellen was a strong proponent of having an improv group within TWS.

In the spring and summer of 2000 the Improv Commandos did about four shows in association with TWS.

Things were quiet until February 2001 when we resumed rehearsing in an office building owned by George. In June of 2001 we separated from TWS.

During the Summer 2001, Jim helped us find our way into the Grand Avenue Community Center in Western Springs.

By August 2001, Bryan had joined us and we did our first independent show at the Grand Avenue Community Center for an audience of relatives.

Thanks to Bryan, in October 2001 we did a Halloween show in front of strangers at the Golf Center in Des Plaines.

In Spring 2002, we did our first show for hire at the Downers Grove Public Library. Since then we have done many self produced shows and shows for hire.

In 2002, Mark, Carol and Tim joined the Improv Commandos. Mark took over as the Webmaster and contributed graphics to our literature. Also in 2002, Mary Ellen directed a show at the Hinsdale Public Library and contributed props and costumes.

In January 2003 we formed a not-for-profit corporation for producing improv shows.

We have arrived at this point in time with a group of talented Commandos who enjoy working together and giving the audience a good show.

Artistically the group continues to become tighter, the individual players stronger and the performance delivered to the audience more engaging and immediate. We strive to build real characters in real situations that emotionally draw in the audience and then surprise them with a punch line or a sight gag.