The Annoyance Theatre

1987-present · Chicago, IL

Also known as Metraform, The Annoyance

Mick Napier's Chicago theater — founded 1987 as Metraform — whose 'Individually Powerful' philosophy became the explicit counter-argument to polite Yes-And improv.

Known for

Founded 1987 by Mick Napier as Metraform (named after the Cabaret Metro club); renamed The Annoyance in 1989 after moving to a new space.
Flagship show Co-ed Prison Sluts (April 1988 – June 2000) became Chicago's longest-running musical.
The Real Live Brady Bunch (1992) rode the 90s nostalgia wave to cult status.
Napier's pedagogy rejects Yes-And-as-politeness in favor of 'do whatever is necessary to take care of yourself' — documented in his book Improvise: Scene from the Inside Out.