Toledo Comedy Fest Returns with Improv, Sketch Shows

Actors Collaborative Toledo and Smellybutton improv troupe team up for 3-day festival of laughs.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:24pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring sharp, angular black shapes against a vibrant red and white background, capturing the lively and energetic spirit of a comedy festival.Toledo's comedy scene takes center stage with a weekend festival of improv, sketch, and laughter.Toledo Today

Actors Collaborative Toledo (ACT) and local improv group Smellybutton are teaming up to present 'Chapel Groans - April Foolishness,' a three-day comedy festival featuring short-form improv games, sketch comedy, and long-form improv performances by some of the region's top comedic talent. The festival runs from April 17-19 at The Chapel at Trinity Episcopal Church in Toledo.

Why it matters

The festival represents the continued growth and energy of Toledo's thriving comedy scene, providing a platform for local improvisers and sketch artists to showcase their talents and entertain audiences.

The details

The festival schedule includes short-form improv games and sketch comedy on Friday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m., long-form improv featuring multiple local groups on Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m., and long-form improv performances and an all-improviser jam on Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 per night or $25 for a festival pass.

  • The comedy festival runs from Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19, 2026.
  • The Friday show is at 7:30 p.m., the Saturday show is at 7:30 p.m., and the Sunday show is at 2 p.m.

The players

Actors Collaborative Toledo (ACT)

A local theater organization that is partnering with the improv troupe Smellybutton to present the comedy festival.

Smellybutton

A Toledo-based improv troupe that is hosting and organizing the comedy festival, featuring members Marissa Rex, Katie Burkhardt, Mike Santry, Emily Garrow, Chris Hanley, Bradley Hall, Scott Peterson, and John Eikost.

The Chapel at Trinity Episcopal Church

The venue hosting the three-day comedy festival in downtown Toledo.

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The takeaway

The Toledo comedy festival showcases the city's thriving improv and sketch comedy scene, providing an opportunity for local performers to entertain audiences and build on the growing popularity of live comedy in the region.