Now entering its 15th year The Laughing Academy was founded in the Chicago suburb of Glenview by former Second City cast member Kim Greene Hiller, and offers improv and other comedy classes to kids and adults during the day, and top-tier performances on its "Academy After Hours" mainstage at night. In addition, The Laughing Academy can be hired for improv workshops for your organization, company or group, private parties and events, event MCing, and keynote presentations and corporate training sessions.

In 2025, The Laughing Academy expanded its services to the Lake Geneva area, presenting popup comedy and improv shows at local venues, as well as offering private workshops, event MCing, keynote speeches and corporate training sessions to the community.