iO West
1997-2018 · Los Angeles, CA
Also known as ImprovOlympic West, iOWest
iO's Hollywood Boulevard outpost 1997-2018 — hub for LA long-form before its sudden 2018 closure over lease issues and a harassment scandal.
Known for
- Opened 1997 by Paul Vaillancourt; settled in 2000 into a purpose-built space at 6366 Hollywood Blvd (Palmer Building).
- Hosted the Los Angeles Improv Comedy Festival.
- Artistic director James Grace ousted after multiple sexual harassment allegations; closure announced February 14, 2018 and the theater went dark February 24, 2018.
- Alumni tied to iO West include Jordan Peele, Rob Delaney, Dave Holmes and most of the founding UCB four.
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