What's up in this gloriously bright (but freezing) week of Chicago comedy? Well, of course, Sketchfest 2008 kicks off today, running through the 13th. Head on over to the Theater Building (1225 W. Belmont) for over 100 performances, workshops and discussions. We hear that video will be used more this year than any previous year, which pleases our nerdly little hearts.

When we ask around about what Chicago groups people are eager to see, we hear buzz about local favorites including Heavyweight, Sandy Takes a Break, Don Hall and Joe Janes, Hey You Millionaires, Mike and Duane, The Money Kids, Grandma June's Sewing Circle, The Cupid Players, Goldibear, and the unmistakably ronkin' Oprah Frampton.

Local boys Team Submarine are also featured in a self-penned article in Time Out this week, describing the rigors of creating comedy for such a festival. "We like to draw from real-life experiences when we initially write sketches. Like the time Steve failed his driver’s test because he just had his wisdom teeth out. Or the time Nate met Gay Dracula." Team Submarine were also featured on The Sound of Young America's comedy broadcast when the show popped into Second City Chicago about a month ago. Other Chicago guests on that show (which you can hear here) included Second City's Tourco players, Hannibal Buress, and sketch legends Schadenfreude.

Check out the full schedule of Sketchfest players here, and take a peep at Time Out Chicago comedy editor Steve Heisler's guide to the hilarity here.

Speaking of Time Out Chicago, they have published a list of favorite funnies of 2007. Top pics include the Lakeshore Theater (not the building, but the shows contained therein), Impress These Apes (with a separate mention of season one winner Jamie Buell), Boom Chicago, improv goddess Susan Messing, improv up-and-comer Thomas Middleditch, Ross Bryant, the Edge Comedy shows, and prodigal son John Mulaney.

- Elizabeth McQuern