Bill Chott presents The 5th Annual Christmas Jam at Mad Art Gallery, 12/23

For the fifth year in a row, Bill Chott, a St. Louis native who's featured on Disney Channel's hit show Wizards of Waverly Place, is using comedy to raise funds and awareness for St. Louis's Foodbank with a Christmas Improv Jam at Mad Art Gallery (2727 S. 12th Street, St. Louis, MO). The event will take place Dec. 23 at 7 p.m. Admission is free with a canned good. Donations are accepted at the door.

"When I think about Christmas, I think about St. Louis," says Chott. "It's a time to give to those who are truly in need. And at a time like this, we all could use some laughter."

Chott will also be offering free improv classes at his school on Cherokee Street. St. Louisans looking to show off their improv skills are welcome on stage at the Christmas Jam to perform with Chott's improvisers and comedians. Chott has worked at The Second City with a number of established comedians, including Tina Fey, Steve Carrell and Stephen Colbert.

For more information, visit www.theimprovtrick.com.