From Amsterdam too SNL: How Boom Chicago Launched a Generation of American Comedy Stars
Boom Chicago, a small English-language improv theater in Amsterdam, has quietly become a launchpad for some of the biggest names in American comedy. From Seth Meyers to Jordan Peele, the club has fostered talent for over three decades, providing a unique training ground for performers who woudl go on to dominate stages and screens in the United States.
The story of Boom Chicago begins in 1993 with a decidedly unconventional idea. Two recent Northwestern University graduates, andrew Moskos and Pep Rosenfeld, found themselves struggling in the competitive Chicago comedy scene. Drawn to Amsterdam by “the appeal of sex,drugs and rock ‘n’ roll,” as Moskos put it,thay envisioned an English-language comedy club in a city not necessarily known for its English-speaking audiences.
“It was probably the best stoner idea ever,” Moskos recalled. “Let’s quit our jobs and move to Amsterdam and start a business.” They enlisted a third classmate, Ken Schaefle, and, crucially, local resident Saskia Maas, who brought a much-needed dose of pragmatism to the fledgling venture. Maas would later marry Moskos, solidifying her commitment to the club’s success.
The early days were a struggle. The founders initially stored ticket money in a boot,and the club’s location above a sex shop wasn’t ideal. But Boom Chicago quickly gained a reputation for its fast-paced, irreverent humor. Josh Meyers, Seth’s younger brother, and Ike Barinholtz joined the troupe 25 years ago, with Barinholtz recently earning an Emmy nomination for his role in the Apple TV+ show, “The Studio.”
The club’s environment fostered a unique comedic sensibility. performers quickly learned that American-centric jokes often fell flat with international audiences.”English isn’t all their first language, so you have to learn how to be bigger,” Barinholtz explained. “You have to learn how to own a room and make references that are a little more universal.” Josh Meyers recalled a director pointing out that a joke about keying a car wouldn’t resonate with an audience unfamiliar with the practice. Brendan Hunt, co-creator of “ted Lasso,” discovered that even a smattering of Dutch phrases coudl earn an improviser instant adoration from the crowd. “If you happened to live here long enough to have,like,one or two Dutch words in your pocket,and could throw one Dutch word into your improv,you were a god to them,” Hunt said.
Boom Chicago’s rigorous performance schedule – six shows a week – demanded constant refinement. The ensemble approach emphasized teamwork and collaborative advancement. Current troupe member Stacey Smith explained that intermissions were used to analyze what worked and what didn’t, fostering a continuous learning environment.”When you’re working on a team, you do need to come in with the mindset that you’re building that piece from start to finish as a unit,” she said. The club’s philosophy holds that strong improvisational skills are foundational to stand-up comedy.
The impact of Boom Chicago extends far beyond its Amsterdam stage. Seth Meyers credits his time at the club with helping him land a writing job at “Saturday Night Live” in 2000. “It was realy special to know it was the sort of thing that made people want to see more of you,” Meyers said. Brendan Hunt echoed this sentiment, stating that his experience at Boom Chicago directly influenced the creation of “Ted Lasso.” “I don’t think ‘Ted Lasso’ does happen without Boom Chicago,” Hunt said. “It opened us up to the view of Americans abroad, and viewing yourself outside of your own home.”
Today, Boom Chicago continues to thrive. The troupe performs five shows a week and hosts corporate events globally. its comedy academy now teaches improv to over 200 students annually, and annual earnings are in the millions – a far cry from the days of storing ticket money in a boot. The club’s enduring success is a testament to the power of a bold idea, a supportive community, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. .
