Chaos Bloom Theater

Origins and Pandemic Opening (2020–2021)

Justin Francin conceived Chaos Bloom Theater and recruited Amey Goerlich from Los Angeles to develop its training program after COVID disrupted Goerlich's teaching career. During the 2020 pandemic lockdown, Goerlich organized outdoor improv shows in an alley near the planned venue, building community before the space had opened. The theater officially opened at 70 S Broadway in Denver's Baker neighborhood in mid-2021.

Growth and Recognition

Amey Goerlich developed the five-level training curriculum from scratch after taking creative control of the training program within the first year of operations. The venue, described in press as having a "low-grade Meow Wolf" aesthetic, became notable for its bohemian character and the quality of its faculty, who had trained in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Westword named Chaos Bloom the Best Intimate Improv Club in Denver in its 2024 Best of Denver awards.

Ongoing Operations

Chaos Bloom Theater continues to operate at 70 S Broadway, offering its five-level curriculum alongside sketch, clowning, and specialty workshops.

Chaos Bloom Theater presents game-based long-form improv through a five-level curriculum, with additional programming in sketch, clowning, and specialty workshop formats. Faculty trained in the New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago traditions bring a range of approaches to the Denver context. The theater's bohemian Baker neighborhood aesthetic reflects an emphasis on creativity and inclusivity over formal prestige.

Improv Emporium Galoriam: the venue's flagship long-form improv showcase, featuring the Mainstage Players ensemble. An Improvised Musical on Broadway: a recurring show presenting fully improvised musicals. Small Goose and Rec Center All Stars: rotating Friday house team shows. Ice Cream Social and Late Night Therapy: Friday late-night house team performances. The FREE Improv Comedy Jam: a weekly open Saturday showcase. Specialty workshop productions with visiting instructors including Joe Bill, Kevin McDonald (SCTV/Kids in the Hall), and Jeff Hiller. Down the Wiki Hole, Your New Favorite TV Show, and My Big Show are among the recurring named ensemble productions.

Chaos Bloom Theater, which opened in mid-2021 in Denver's Baker neighborhood with outdoor alley performances during the post-pandemic reopening, grew rapidly into one of Denver's most recognized comedy venues, winning Westword's Best Comedy Theater award in the 2025 Readers Poll. The venue's five-level improv curriculum, alongside sketch, clowning, and storytelling tracks, filled a gap in Denver's independent comedy training infrastructure that had not been addressed since the proliferation of national-chain comedy clubs.

The theater's engagement of visiting faculty such as Joe Bill, Kevin McDonald, and Jeff Hiller has brought national-level instruction directly to Denver students, strengthening the city's improv training network. The Chaos Bloom Annex at 11 East Bayaud, opened as a dedicated rehearsal and class space, reflects the organization's capacity growth in fewer than four years of operation. Founding instructor Andrew Orvedahl's participation as the standup comedy faculty member links the venue to the Denver stand-up scene alongside its improv programming.