Boom Chicago Comedy Festival

Are you ready to laugh non-stop? Theatres are back open again and there's plenty to laugh about, not least because Boom Chicago in Amsterdam is gearing up for a nine-day festival of comedy from July 24 - August 1! Dive into the world of improvisation and stand-up at the Boom Chicago Comedy Festival this summer. 

Expect big names in international comedy like Seth Meyers and Jordan Peele, top Dutch talent like Arjen Lubach, Op Sterk Water and De Speld as well as local Amsterdam-based stars including the main Boom Chicago cast. See hilarious shows and take part in workshops, quizzes and taster courses. Don't miss out - get your tickets now!

28 years of Boom Chicago

The comedians from Boom Chicago have been making Dutch and international audiences laugh for the past 28 years. The comedy troupe was founded by three Americans who named it after their beloved hometown. Ever since, they have been celebrated for their original comedy sketch shows, improvisational theatre, hilarious comedy writing and their take on Dutch and American life. Boom Chicago has been based at its current home, the iconic Rozentheater on the Rozengracht, since 2013.

Highlights at Boom Chicago Comedy Festival 2021

The Boom Chicago Comedy Festival (BCCF) runs from July 24 to August 1, with a multi-faceted programme for all walks of life. No matter what kind of sense of humour you have, there's something for everyone!

Conversations

Comedy Conversations with question and answer sessions featuring some of Boom Chicago’s most notable alumni like Jordan Peele, Seth Meyers, Kay Cannon, Ike Barnholtz and Colton Dunn take place each day from July 26 onwards. 

Stand-up comedy

Boom Chicago is known for its funny angles on Dutch, American and world issues, which will be at the forefront of the festival, especially in the stand-up shows. Get a load of shows like “Going Dutch” - a look at Dutch culture (in English) through the eyes of the Dutch themselves, and “The Four Corners of America” comedy showcase! There are also shows spearheaded by brilliant women in comedy. And of course Sunday Night Live, Boom Chicago’s signature longform comedy show.

Workshops

If taking part in improvisation and comedy is your jam, you can sign up for comedy workshops: vocal techniques and confidence with Rhiannon Jenkins, dramatic improv with Shantra Jackson, intro to science fiction in comedy with Katy Schutte, group scenes with Derek Miller, using silence onstage with Ella Galt, acting for improvisers with Sue Harrison, writing for TV and internet with Heather Anne Campbell and constructive mischief with Graham Dickson.

Interactive events with De Speld

The Dutch satire news website De Speld will be hosting a comedy writing workshop as well as De Speld News Quiz. Active since 2007, the organisation is a household name across the Netherlands thanks to its hilarious way of parodying typical Dutch news outlets through their articles and videos. The writing workshop on July 30 is given by writers and performers from De Speld.

Their news quiz has gained thousands of followers through its online edition, and Boom Chicago Comedy Festival presents the first-ever in-person face-to-face version of their quiz, on July 30 and 31.

An evening about autism and talent development

On Monday, July 26, a remarkable event takes place, entitled Possibilities, not Limitations, celebrating autism and the talent that arises from the autistic brain.

This dynamic and varied programme includes performances by InterActing, Boom Chicago's improv programme for young people with autism, a stand-up set by Fabian Franciscus, a successful Dutch standup comedian who is on the spectrum, as well as a panel discussion on the ways in which comedy can help people with autism to unlock unique skills that benefit society.

Eating, drinking and mingling

The festival bar will be buzzing with “It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere Happy Hour” each evening at - of course - 5pm. From 12pm on Sunday, July 25, the “Queen Your Plate” drag brunch welcomes you to enjoy food, cocktails and bottomless sangria, hosted by the lip-syncing Hostess Miss Vanity Love.

Get your Boom Chicago Comedy Festival tickets

Get tickets to the Boom Chicago Comedy Festival 2021 on the Boom Chicago website. Join the Boom Chicago mailing list to stay up to date with their agenda!