the early years.
ComedySportz Quad Cities was founded in 1990 when Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse brought a franchise to the Quad Cities by holding an open audition. Soon after, the ComedySportz Rock Island River Rats were formed, and out of that original audition three of those performers still play with the team today. Following a six month run on the Circa ’21 stage, the troupe moved into the Rock Island Brewing Company (RIBCO).
the mid 90’s & early 2000’s.
Quickly gaining a loyal following by June of 1991, the troupe moved into the theatre space adjacent to Circa ’21. The venue was officially renamed the ComedySportz Arena in 2000 & the team was renamed the ComedySportz Quad City BlackJacks at the same time.
In addition to winning four WCL Championships, CSzQC
enjoyed other success with the creation of a game show, a
television show, hosting many local theatre productions as
well as three WCL Tournaments, regularly performing for
charitable organizations, launching a late night improv series,
& even spawning two spin-off troupes - Guys In Ties and
2 decades. 2 funny.
In May and June of 2010, ComedySportz Quad Cities reached a major milestone by celebrating its 20th Anniversary. Many special events commemorated the occasion including a declaration of ComedySportz Day in Rock Island. The festivities culminated with a special Throwback Match followed by an alumni filled celebration the following night honoring both our two decades in the area and all of our loyal fans, who have remained so incredibly supportive.
the split.
A mere four weeks after the 20th Anniversary celebration, ComedySportz Quad Cities was forced to unaffiliate from Circa ’21 on June, 17, 2010, and became incorporated.
On August 24, 2010, following a thorough search of venues and a Fundraising Tour, ComedySportz Quad Cities, Ltd., officially found a new location.
today.
Renovations began immediately at the former Rocket Theater in The District of Rock Island, with the assistance of the Development Association of Rock Island (DARI) and the City of Rock Island, to turn the venue into the new home of ComedySportz.
The venue was officially renamed The Establishment Theatre in October, 2010, following the Quad City wide Rename The Rocket Contest. ComedySportz Quad Cities will resume play on Wednesday, November 24 at The Establishment Theatre Opening Night Event.
Q.C. BlackJacks VS. Chicago Bosses at March Madness in Chicago, IL
Interested in learning more about the history of ComedySportz®?
Our first book is now available for purchase right now on Lulu.com!
the origins.
ComedySportz was started in 1984 in Milwaukee, WI, by Dick Chudnow, who based it on the competitive Theatresports improvisational techniques of Keith Johnstone from Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
expansion.
Expansion began with the addition of Madison, WI, in 1985.
The first Comedy League of America National Tournament
was held in 1988, with 10 teams participating.
today.
The World Comedy League now has grown to over 20 teams, including teams in
Manchester, England, and Berlin, Germany. All WCL cities gather once a year for a worldwide improv tournament to not only engage in friendly competition, but to also celebrate one another through the shared joys of improvisational comedy.
“The funniest sport you’ll ever see.”
Nike.com
ComedySportz® and The World Comedy League
ComedySportz® Quad Cities
© ComedySportz Quad Cities, Ltd. 1990 - 2010
The Establishment Theatre ● 220 19th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201
Box Office: 309.786.1111 ● info@comedysportzqc.com
