Improv for Deep Thinkers

Inspired by Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers, Stomping Ground Comedy’s ensemble of improvisers move between the profound and the profoundly ridiculous in this night of unscripted comedy.

Whether transforming audience suggestions into spontaneous comedy, weaving mundane anecdotes into "deeply" felt masterpieces, or creating operatic ballads about everyday tasks and existential haikus with interpretive movement, the ensemble functions like a sonic canvas, blending fast-paced "abstract realism" with the chaotic, hilarious reality of being human. During this evening of comedic arts, you are the muse: every lyric sung and verse spoken is sparked by you. You aren’t just watching the art of comedy, you’re providing the primary source material.

This performance takes place in the Grand Lobby and is free and open to the public.

Stage Events - Throughout the run of the special exhibition Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers, a site-specific stage located in front of the Modern’s auditorium will host both programmed performances and spontaneous activations. An artwork in its own right, Stage, 2026, features a powder-coated steel surface bearing Johnson’s signature marks, scratched and branded into the metal, aging and burnishing over time. This platform, where others can express themselves, emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between artist and audience, a central motif in the artist’s practice.

Inspired by Johnson’s early memories of dancing and performing with friends atop Carl Andre’s Post-Minimalist floor works at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, Stage is a testament to Johnson’s commitment to creating space for others. More than an invitation to engage and interact, the work fosters artistic endeavors and creativity as a collective experience.