"Wow, wow and more wow. The Laughing Academy is Glenview’s Second City. We attended last night and laughed from beginning to end. So wonderfully entertaining. It provides classes and training in improv and so much more for youngsters to adults. One portion of the show included high school improv actors. Amazing as to the creativity and brilliance of their center stage improvisations. Belly laughs for all. And not to take anything away from the performers, both students and seasoned adults (many of them who are well known and successful in the industry), the elite level of their performances were clearly a direct result of the hard work of Kim Greene Hiller. She has been an educator for years and now has turned her focus on improv and providing our community with top shelf entertainment and training classes in the art of improvisation." - Paul W.
I first heard about The Laughing Academy from my students in Glenview and was thrilled to find out that my 6-year-old daughter was old enough to attend.
Growing up in Chicago, I've attended and taken many improv shows from Second City to the Cornservatory. And as a teacher, improv is the #1 activity I encourage kids to try. It cultivates self-confidence and collaboration in healthy, creative ways. I knew we would have a good experience from what I had heard from students. The quality of the weeklong camps surpassed my expectations. The owner, Kim, knows her craft and knows kids. Her warmth and professionalism infuse every aspect of the space. From student-driven art and posters (including handprints that every student gets to leave on the wall) to a theatre and outdoor space that is intelligently configured for classes and performances, Kim knows what she is doing. The website, signup and email communications are clear, timely and professional as well. And Kim's support staff reflects her commitment to creativity, organization and kindness. Both of Kim's sons and a former adult student helped out with my daughter's weeklong camp. As one of the youngest kids, I was worried my daughter would have a hard time adjusting. But improv really is for everyone and Kim makes sure that ethos is infused into every aspect of her curriculum design.
Send your kids here. Take an adult class yourself. Laughing Academy has hit on a winning formula that you won't regret being a part of.
-Katrina
"Kim Hiller was an incredible keynote speaker for the Professional Women’s Club of Chicago. She radiated energy and effortlessly engaged the crowd throughout her entire talk. Her topic on utilizing improv concepts in real world scenarios resonated with a wide variety of professional women in the room. I can’t recommend her enough as a keynote speaker!" - Maelyn Hecox President Professional Women’s club of Chicago
"Thank you for giving my child such a wonderful experience at The Laughing Academy. She loves to come to your class each week, and I think your program is genius! It truly teaches so many important life skills and I am grateful that she was able to experience your class. I can't imagine her not being able to take classes with you!" - Jessica G.
"Our kids have taken improv since kindergarten. They love the class, and they've learned an incredible amount, including from a social and emotional learning perspective. Kim is truly fantastic with kids of all ages. I actually just took an adult improv class there myself and really enjoyed it, while also meeting some great people. We have attended the past few comedy nights and had a lot of fun as well. I would definitely recommend checking these events out if you enjoy comedy." - Arif A.
"I'm never, ever the type of parent to brag about grades but I had to show you my son's scorecard, because The Laughing Academy played an instrumental, behind-the-scenes role. The fact that he proactively said 'The Laughing Academy prepared me so well to not be scared,' when we asked him about his six-minute, memorized presentation speaks volumes to the effectiveness and tangible impact of your work.
Thank you for all that you do!" - Carlye F.
"Thanks for being such an incredible role model for our little ones! Our son is our quiet, shy guy who literally had a panic attack when he had to perform in his school's winter program a couple of years ago...
And now he asks us to watch his "skits" and loves coming to your classes! It truly changed his world, and ours! Much to be grateful for!" - Alisa C.
"My son had struggled to read body language and be able to jump in to play with his peers. At times, he would get overwhelmed and become very anxious. Through wonderful support, he has grown so much and overcome many of his challenges. His involvement with The Laughing Academy has been a wonderful part of his growth. It is such a positive, fun and safe environment to explore aspects of himself and his peers that were uncomfortable and bewildering to him. We are very grateful for your class! Thank you so much for what you do!" - Nicole N.
"Incredibly engaging, fun and effective curriculum to help kids of all ages tap into their creativity, further develop their interpersonal skills and increase confidence with public speaking. My son loves Laughing Academy and has, on many occasions, noted where he can apply skills from the courses into school work and everyday life." - Carlye G.
"Kim Hiller is so wonderful. She entertains but also commands respect. The kids really listen, but love her. I really believe this class will help my 8 year old's self-confidence and get her out of her shell. She is very anti-activity and never wants to sign up for anything. That all changed today. She absolutely loved it, and enthusiastically told me she wants to go every week. I highly recommend these classes!" - Jackie P.
"I was a little self conscious at first but Kim's warm-ups got me loosened up and ready to play. I like how she directed the activity while still bringing out our silly and creative sides. And the human orchestra game was positively cathartic" - Pamela S.
"Excellent skills taught by a wonderful staff. I would highly recommend this program to help any child with presentation skills, speaking in front of an audience and for learning the ability to think quick on your feet. Most importantly: the kids LAUGH and have so much fun." - Ashley H.
"I absolutely loved Adult Improv class with Kim! It was fun, inspiring, and pushed me just far enough past my comfort zone to feel challenged in the best way! If you're nervous, please don't be! It was the most welcoming and friendly environment to allow yourself a bit of creative freedom! You'll enjoy it and feel quite proud of yourself after!" - Nicole F.
"I really didn't know what to expect but the hour flew by and the improv teacher was just phenomenal. Her energy is amazing, her timing was perfect and she was so encouraging that even a few of my more reluctant friends were laughing and joining in within a few minutes. What a great way to celebrate!" - Lisa S.
"My son thoroughly enjoyed improv class. He was able to portray his creative side in the company of friendly peers who enjoyed each other's humor. I was impressed how Kim encouraged social-pragmatic skills as well as reinforce language processing and formulation skills in a fun-filled setting that was also confidence building. I am very happy that my child was a part of such a wonderful class!" - Michelle L.
"I just have to share a quick story that I completely attribute to my daughter's time in The Laughing Academy. She and her sister were pretending to be contestants on a cooking show. We would give them themes and make them describe their recipes. She completely cracked me up and I could absolutely see her improv skills coming to life. It was such a great moment for her grandmother and me!
Thank you so much for the great class!" - Brenda R.
"At The Laughing Academy, children find opportunity not only to laugh, but to connect. Each student is welcomed with integrity and encouragement. Communication, respect, and connection are fundamental. I have come to appreciate the true value of what The Laughing Academy offers. We are incredibly lucky to have a resource like this in our community!
What a gift it is to our kids." - Kate A.
"In The Laughing Academy, students gain confidence to take risks, think critically, and of course they get to be creative. I have seen fearful students become joyful risk takers, children who have disabilities gain a voice that they were afraid to share, and creative children have an outlet for their wonderful ideas in a risk free environment. The Laughing Academy gives voice to students and allows them to develop socially and emotionally.
Kim is amazing. She KNOWS her students, and cheers them on not only in the classroom, but in life. " - Dr. R. Durbin
"I love how welcoming everyone in the class has been. We're all there for different reasons and have different abilities and everyone is very supportive. Kim has great advice and gives very tailored feedback and seems genuinely interested in helping us all improve." - Kim V.
"My son is loving his time with you. I am so very thankful that you bring this opportunity to kids. What a huge impact this has been on him in ways we don't even know yet. I am so very grateful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing what you do for these amazing kids." - Brandie F.
"My daughter did something very funny yesterday when she was describing the difference between our dog and cat, and I said, 'Ms. Kim would have loved to see your interpretation of the differences between cats and dogs. I know that is something you taught and nurtured in her. Without a doubt it has helped with her confidence and speaking skills. The Laughing Academy was such gem for us. Thank you." - Mary S.
"We had great responses from the campers about your session. They had a great time with you and it was so fun to hear about several of our reluctant kiddos joining in and pushing out of their comfort zones. It's exactly what we'd hoped you'd deliver - Thanks!" - Oasis Day Camp
"Thank you for making my daughter's party such a success. You really helped the girls create a shared imagination in their performances which is such an important part of human connection. The girls had truly a magical time which I credit to your flexibility and expertise. Thank you!" - Rachel R.
"I hope you know just how amazing you are to all who are lucky enough to be a part of your program. I love the enthusiasm you bring to these children and how you always seem to find a way for them to shine! It has made for some very fun family game nights and lots and lots of laughter. Just magic, that's what we feel you have shared with us!" - Alisa C.
"My husband and I opened our son's report card and both nearly fell off our seats when we read that his drama teacher wrote "He is a courteous audience member. He volunteers to perform." Thanks so much to you and The Laughing Academy. He has come a long way!" - Julie L.
“I attended the annual Trivia night and loved the MC, Kim Hiller from The Laughing Academy. She moved around the room all night talking to teams and engaging them in the process. So much more fun when everyone is waiting to hear what the MC will say next!” - Kinsman T.
"I just want to let you know how much we appreciate your hard work at The Laughing Academy. Our sons come home with improv games and play them against each other. Your feedback shows how close you pay attention and you’re a fantastic teacher.
Thanks for all that you do!"
- Anna N.
"Thanks so much for letting my son be a part of the show last night. He had a blast! People who know him can't believe how comfortable he is performing in front of others as part of The Laughing Academy. Your program is wonderful! - Laura F.
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