dan wilcop

timepieces and wearables

11/18/2024

I’m thrilled to announce that I’m the new Technical Director of the world-renowned iO Theater!

Improv, comedy, and live show production entered my life 11 years ago, at a time when I felt completely directionless. I was lucky enough to find myself in the right place at the right time—moving into a three-story house with 8 artists I barely knew through my first long-term partner. The very same night I moved in, I attended the second-ever Sh****le show.

Zach Bartz and Kevin Gerrity, who heard that I dabbled in music production for fun, approached me after the show and asked if I’d be interested in helping with sound (and later lights). Our first “PA” system was a $100 boombox. Our stage lighting was two Home Depot work lamps.

Sh****le became a platform for me to showcase my skills, learn how to collaborate, and face my fear of performing in front of crowds. It was the first time I truly felt part of a community built from the ground up. That experience taught me responsibility, accountability, and the importance of understanding other perspectives. I’m forever grateful to everyone who helped create that magic—whether they were in the original garage, climbing three flights of stairs to the attic, or attending one of the hundreds of pop-up shows around Chicago.

Now, I’m excited to bring the lessons I learned in the DIY scene to the more traditional world of comedy theater. I’m committed to staying curious, always learning, and supporting others along the way. I can’t wait to help shape the future of iO and contribute to its legacy.