Comedy Shrine plans move to Aurora

Comedy is coming to the City of Lights, and it may arrive on April Fool’s Day.

The Comedy Shrine, an improv theater formerly located in Naperville, will move its performance venue, acting school and memorabilia collection into a site near the Westfield Fox Valley Mall at 4034 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora officials announced Thursday.

Owner Dave Sinker said he’s optimistic the new location will open in early April. The new Comedy Shrine will include two stages, a lobby/lounge area and a full bar.

“We’ll be able to have two shows running simultaneously, two different types of comedy,” Sinker said. “I’m really excited with the possibilities.”

The business applied for a new “theater-arts facility” liquor license that would allow sales of alcohol during scheduled performances, events or workshops, according to the city’s development department. Consideration of the $1,815 yearly liquor license will begin at Tuesday’s committee of the whole meeting and likely continue at the March 8 city council meeting.

“The creation of the new liquor license would enable a proven business to relocate in Aurora,” Chief Development Officer Bill Wiet said.

Sinker hosted the last shows at his downtown Naperville location in mid-January as fundraisers to help the business move, according to the Comedy Shrine’s website.

The venue had more than 15,000 customers in 2010, Sinker said Thursday.

“We are thrilled with the Comedy Shrine theater’s plans to locate and expand in Aurora,” Mayor Tom Weisner said. “They have a strong customer base and their plans for expansion will only increase their exposure and will continue to energize the businesses in and around the mall.”

Sinker must apply for a commercial remodeling permit and an occupancy permit before doing interior work and opening the venue, city spokesman Kevin Stahr said. The use already is allowed under the building’s current zoning.

Sinker said he’s satisfied with the future location of the Comedy Shrine, named for the more than 4,000 items of comedy memorabilia he collected and displays.

“I wanted to find a location that was still close to Naperville and I think we found the perfect location,” Sinker said. “We’re thrilled to have the kind of space that we can continue to grow our business.”