The Pub Theater Company has its origins in Murfreesboro, TN, with a group called The NASNNIP Players. NASNNIP (Not Always Shakespeare, Not Necessarily In the Park) was a sketch comedy troupe founded by college friends Byron Hatfield, Josh Dunkin, and Mike Barton, all of whom later moved to Chicago in 2003 and 2004 to attempt to break into its world-renowned comedy scene. While Josh Dunkin and Mike Barton studied at Second City and performed in a comedic band, Byron Hatfield continued to quietly produce increasingly successful shows until, in December 2006, he asked Dunkin and Barton to reteam for a sketch comedy show he created, entitled "Bye Bye Liver", which would go on to become a Chicago staple and the foundation The Pub Theater Company.