iO Theater’s Legacy Continues With New Owners

After its permanent closure was announced more than a year ago, the improv comedy space and training center is getting its second act.

iO Club
One of Chicago's acclaimed comedy hotspots is under new ownership after a yearlong hiatus. WBEZ
iO Club
One of Chicago's acclaimed comedy hotspots is under new ownership after a yearlong hiatus. WBEZ

iO Theater’s Legacy Continues With New Owners

After its permanent closure was announced more than a year ago, the improv comedy space and training center is getting its second act.

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Last June, three months into the pandemic, iO Theater’s co-founder Charna Halpern announced that the theater would have to close down permanently. In a recent turn of events, however, iO has found a new set of owners that want to preserve its legacy.

Reset talks to Halpern about what the future holds for the Chicago improv mainstay.

GUESTS: Charna Halpern, co-founder of iO theater