The Armando Diaz Experience, Theatrical Movement and Hootenanny
1995-present · Chicago
Also known as The Armando, Armando, Monologue Deconstruction, True Stories
A monologist tells true stories from an audience suggestion; the cast improvises scenes inspired by the stories — often cited as UCB's most influential imported format.
Known for
- Created 1995 at iO Chicago by Adam McKay and Dave Koechner, directed by Del Close.
- Armando Diaz was the original monologist; the show is named for him. Diaz later co-founded Magnet Theater in NYC.
- Runs Monday nights at iO Chicago continuously for over 25 years — one of the longest-running improv shows in Chicago.
- Format: audience suggestion → monologue (true story) → improvised scenes riffing off the monologue → return for new monologue → more scenes. Repeats 3-4 monologue cycles.
- Template for virtually every 'guest monologist' long-form (ASSSSCAT, dozens of indie nights).
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