There's always been a steady stream of people leaving the Chicago improv scene. Moving to New York or L.A. to make a go of it. Moving to other parts of the country to make a go at something else. Hell, I even moved away once myself.

With the introduction of the Second City cruise ship tours, even more people have been going away. Granted, its usually only for four months and they come right back, but still, any excuse for a Going Away Party (or a slightly self-indulgent LAST SHOW, THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO SEE THIS PERSON PERFORM IN THIS SHOW until they come back in a couple months).

Tonight I went to a Going Away party for Gowland (right) and his wife (who I sadly did not get a picture of, so you'll have to settle for a picture of Shotts). Gowland and I went through classes together at iO and were both on Otis (although, not at the same time).

The e-mail invite, titled "Fourth Annual Goodbye (Again) Party," read, "We're leaving Chicago to do another boat and then move to LA! This is the Fourth and possibly final goodbye so don't miss it! Have a drink and say goodbye to two people you've barely seen over the past two years. See you there! Otherwise, see you at the Fifth Annual!"