Hillary Marzec, who eventually went on to be in one of the regular weekly groups in the IO (formerly the Improvolympic of chicago - the second most well known comedy club in Chicago, next to Second City, whose members have gone on to SNL and other comedy careers) and was also in Spicy Clamato (the longest lasting improv troupe at the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign whose members have also gone on to Second City and SNL) during her 6 years at UIUC, wanted to create a group in her own hometown before she went on to live in Chicago, work with the IO, run her own businesses such as the Finer Point and Inside Chicago Walking Tours (the premier, #1 rated walking tour service in Chicago). She used a local college - the University of St. Francis, as a home. With the help of Rick Laib, and Jamie Albert who posted fliers, both students and non-students were recruited, and, open auditions were held. Basically anyone who showed up was accepted into the, at that time, unnamed "Errant Brigade"

and practices began on a weekly basis. The name was chosen by the second practice by members. People suggested adjectives, and nouns in a separate category. The 'Errant' 'Brigade' was the best combo and all agreed. The group first performed at the auditorium at USF, and the coffee shop of USF. They went on to perform at the Ashbary Coffee House, many other packed houses at St. Francis, and even at bars for money. The lineup changed over the years. Over 25 people were in the EB at one time or another, and they are all listed on this site.

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