What Is the Del Close Marathon
The Del Close Marathon is an annual longform improv festival produced by iO Chicago that honors the legacy of legendary improv teacher Del Close. Launched in 1997, the event showcases dozens of teams across multiple nights, emphasizing Harold and other ensemble forms. It is widely regarded as the premier platform for discovering new improv talent and celebrating the evolving craft of longform improvisation.
Origins and Founding Vision
The marathon was created to memorialize Del Close’s influence on improvisation and to provide a structured venue for longform work. Born from the improv community’s need for a sustained, high-level festival dedicated to the form, the event aimed to bring teachers, performers, and fans together. It quickly became a highlight of the Chicago theater calendar and a model for similar festivals worldwide.
Context Behind the Event
- iO Chicago (formerly ImprovOlympic) organized the festival to elevate longform improv.
- Named for Del Close to acknowledge his pedagogical impact and ethos.
- Designed to differentiate longform from shortform showcases by emphasizing continuity and depth.
Evolution of the Marathon Over the Years
Since its inception, the Del Close Marathon has grown in scale, featuring hundreds of performers annually and spanning multiple venues. It has weathered changes in theater ownership, shifts in comedic style, and evolving audience expectations while maintaining its core mission. Each year’s lineup reflects emerging ensembles alongside established teams, fostering continuity and innovation in improv.
Milestones and Venue Transitions
| Year or Period | Event or Milestone | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | First Del Close Marathon held | Established longform improv as a centerpiece of Chicago’s theater scene. |
| 2000s | Expansion to multiple venues | Allowed more teams to participate and reach broader audiences. |
| 2010s onward | Streaming and digital engagement | Increased accessibility and preserved performances beyond the live window. |
Structure and Format of the Festival
The festival typically runs over several evenings, with preliminary rounds leading to semifinals and a finale. Teams perform in blocks, often presenting new work or revisiting classic longform structures. Judges and invited observers provide feedback, and the community gathers for post-show discussions. This format emphasizes process as much as product.
Key Features
- Harold-centric focus with room for other longform approaches.
- Diverse participant pool from across the United States and abroad.
- Community showcases, talks, and networking opportunities.
Impact on Improv and Sketch Comedy
The Del Close Marathon has shaped the careers of numerous performers, writers, and directors, many of whom have influenced broader comedy. It helped legitimize longform improv as a discipline distinct from shortform and contributed to the popularity of narrative-driven, audience-inspired performance. The ethos of the event continues to inform contemporary improv pedagogy and production.
Enduring Contributions
- Platform for launching careers in television, film, and theater.
- Preservation and evolution of the Harold structure.
- Cultural touchstone that connects generations of improvisers.
Legacy and Current Relevance
More than two decades after its founding, the Del Close Marathon remains a defining event for longform improv. Its blend of competition, craft development, and celebration ensures ongoing relevance. As improv continues to evolve, the marathon adapts while honoring the principles of curiosity, risk, and ensemble that Del Close championed.
For performers and audiences alike, the Del Close Marathon represents a sustained commitment to the art of improvisation—a living archive of creativity that continues to inspire new generations.
Tags: improv, iO Chicago, longform improv, Harold, Del Close, festival