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With prior connections to the Upright Citizens Brigade and the Peoples Improv Theatre (a.k.a. The PIT), Chicago native and Second City Conservatory alum Armando Diaz has finally staked out his own turf with the Magnet Theater. Diaz, regarded as a mentor, even a guru, by many in the improv world, opened this space in spring 2005 with a team of Windy City cohorts. It's an unassuming storefront now housing a spacious black-box space (for classes and shows) with recycled movie seats sporting drink cup holders on the armrests. Performances vary weekly and range from Megawatt—starring the theater's faculty—to team competitions. Throughout, the work is deftly executed with improvisers clearly sharing a common technique that allows scenes to slide into one another seamlessly. The comedy is generally apolitical, largely asexual, and surprisingly uncontroversial. — Helen Zelon

The Magnet offers try-before-you-buy classes to all prospective students. Corporate clients can tap Magnet's expertise for one-day intensive improv workshops, comedy performances at conventions and retreats, and workshops to build stronger morale.