The Bit Theater
The Bit Theater is an Aurora, Illinois comedy venue opened in September 2021 by Michael and Kelsey Bradt in a space previously occupied by Comedy Shrine. Occupying a two-theater building in the Fox Valley Center area, the Bit expanded from a long-form improv focus to a full multi-genre programming slate. In 2024, ownership transferred to Patrick Stinson following the Bradts' relocation. The venue offers multi-level improv and sketch classes and maintains an open-access policy, reserving scholarship spots in every class.
History
Founding (2021)
Michael and Kelsey Bradt opened The Bit Theater in September 2021 at 4034 Fox Valley Center Drive in Aurora, Illinois, in a space that previously housed Comedy Shrine and before that an arcade called Enchanted Castle. The Bradts launched with a long-form improv focus and a commitment to accessible training, establishing a policy of holding at least one scholarship spot per class for students who cannot afford tuition.
Programming Growth
From its opening, the Bit expanded well beyond long-form improv to include short-form improv, sketch comedy, stand-up, burlesque, drag, straight plays, and musicals. Named ensemble shows include The Alvy and MoXXie (long-form), Accidental Jackhammer (short-form), Sketchpants, and Deadliest Sketch. The two-theater building includes a full-service bar and lounge.
Ownership Transition (2024)
In 2024 Michael and Kelsey Bradt relocated out of the area and transferred ownership of The Bit to Patrick Stinson, who continued operations under the same name and programming model.
Artistic Identity
The Bit Theater programs long-form and short-form improv, sketch, and variety performance in a two-theater Aurora venue. Its training curriculum covers long-form improv, short-form improv, character development, and sketch writing across multi-level class tracks, with a structural commitment to scholarship access.
Key Events
The Bit Theater Opens in Aurora, Illinois
Michael and Kelsey Bradt opened The Bit Theater in September 2021 in Aurora, Illinois, in the former Comedy Shrine space at Fox Valley Center Drive, establishing a multi-genre comedy venue with an equity-access class policy.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). The Bit Theater. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/companies/the-bit-theater
The Improv Archive. "The Bit Theater." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/companies/the-bit-theater.
The Improv Archive. "The Bit Theater." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/companies/the-bit-theater. Accessed March 17, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.