Here's a little holiday goody from the movie BuzzKill. Artist Hans Inglish created a remix and music video for the film's original song, "Black Santa." Check it out below and find out how you can see BuzzKill here.
Director: Dennis Latos
Editor: Dennis Latos
DP: Dennis Latos
Starring: Hans Inglish
Producers: Thoma Kikis & Dennis Latos
Tickets are now on sale for the new show from Team StarKid, presented by The Second City. Please note: We're experiencing high call volume, so we recommend buying online to avoid the wait. Check out their video below and get tickets here.
We're gearing up for an all-nighter. "The Second City That Never Sleeps: Letters to Santa" starts tonight (Tues, Dec 18) in The Second City e.t.c. Theater (1608 N. Wells St, 2nd Floor of Piper's Alley) at 6:00p and ends tomorrow night (Wed, Dec. 19) at 6:00p to raise money for Onward Neighborhood House supporting Chicago-area families in need.
Tickets are $20.00 and available at the door. If you're out of town, but would still like to watch the event and donate to the cause, we will stream the event for free at GIGITY.TV as well as LETTERSTOSANTACHICAGO.COM.
Listed below is the latest schedule of Special Guests and Improvisers:
SCHEDULE OF SPECIAL GUESTS
6:00PM guest improvisers OLIVIA WILDE & AIDY BRYANT
6:30PM Skyping from Dublin GLEN HANSARD
9:00PM JEFF TWEEDY
10:00PM JEFF TWEEDY LIVING ROOM CONCERT AUCTION
11:00PM guest improviser FRED SCHNEIDER
12:00AM KIM DEAL
12:00AM Cecily Strong joins the cast until 3:00AM
1:30AM guest comedian FRED ARMISEN
2:30AM JC BROOKS & THE UPTOWN SOUND with FRED ARMISEN
4:30AM MIKE KOSINSKI
5:00AM TBA
7:00AM BONNIE PRINCE BILLY
10:00AM STEVE ALBINI interviews NATE SILVER
12:00PM JENNY GILLESPIE
2:00PM ROBBIE FULKS
4:30PM THE BLISTERS
FEATURED IMPROVISERS
RYAN ARCHIBALD
EMILY CANDINI
DINA FACKLIS
SUE GILLAN
SCOTT GOLDSTEIN
BEAU GOLWITZER
SHELLY GOSSMAN (SULLIVAN & SON/ EX-SNL WRITER)
PAUL GRONDY
MIKE KOSINISKI
TJ JAGODOWSKI
BRENDAN JENNINGS
MICHAEL PATRICK O'BRIEN (7 MINUTES OF HEAVEN/ SNL WRITER)
SAM RICHARDSON
TIM ROBINSON (SNL)
REBECCA SOHN
RICH SOHN
FRED ARMISEN (SNL)
SUDEIKIS & WILDE featuring JASON SUDEIKIS & OLIVIA WILDE
On December 16, we celebrated our 53rd Anniversary! To all the actors, writers, directors, musicians, stage managers, artists, producers, staff and audiences that have contributed to this wonderful community through the years, we say thank you.
Team StarKid, creators of "A Very Potter Musical," "A Very Potter Sequel," and "Holy Musical, B@man" will be debuting a brand new sketch show, "Airport for Birds" at UP Comedy Club starting January 27th, 2013. Here's a preview of what's in the works for the new show. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, December 19.
In light of the anticipated closure of Toronto-area schools on Tuesday December 18, The Second City will open the doors of its Training Centre (70 Peter St., Toronto) for a one-day Youth Improv Camp for students in Grades 1 - 8.
The Improv Camp will begin at 9am (drop off begins at 8:30am) and wrap up at 5pm. It will be a fun-filled day in which students will learn and participate in improv games led by experienced instructors, and enjoy a performance by Second City's Education troupe. No prior experience in improv is needed.
The Second City Training Centre offers Youth & Education programmes throughout the year. The Second City's Education Program holds performances and workshops for thousands of Ontario students each year. Our award winning curriculum-based workshops receive raves from students as well as teachers and principals. The Second City's Youth & Teen Camps explore the fundamentals of improvisation comedy, and help children access creativity, boost self-confidence, and develop spontaneity and playfulness.
One-Day Improv Camp: Tuesday December 18th, 9am - 5pm
Cost: $20 + tax per student.
Advance registration is required.
Parents can register at www.secondcitytrainingcentre.com or by calling 416-340-7270
Note: Participating students are required to bring their own lunches.
For media inquires, please contact Richard Gasee at rgasee@secondcity.com
Parents can register online or call 416-340-7270
Congratulations to all the Second City Alums, Touring Company members and former students who earned Golden Globe and SAG Award Nominations!. Here's the list
Golden Globes:
Bill Murray - Actor in a Leading Role - Film
Alan Arkin - Actor in a Supporting Role - Film
Tina Fey - Actress in a Leading Role - TV
Amy Poehler - Actress in a Leading Role - TV
Julia Louis Dreyfus - Actress in a Leading Role - TV
Eric Stonestreet - Actor in a Supporting Role - TV
See full Golden Globe Nominee list
SAG Awards:
Alan Arkin - Ensemble & Actor in a Supporting Role - Film
Tina Fey - Ensemble & Actress in a Leading Role - TV
Amy Poehler - Actress in a Leading Role - TV
See full SAG Award Nominees list
We know what you're thinking - how on Earth did this collaboration between The Second City and Lyric Opera happen? We've got your answers here. Check out Renee Fleming's take on how we started and where we're going.
Check it out for yourself at "The Second City's Guide to the Opera" on Saturday, January 5. Click here for tickets.
Andrew Thorp sits down with Karen Revekant, December's 'Student in the Spotlight'. Karen is a graduate of the Training Center's Improv and Acting programs, a member of the Dream Team Volunteer Organization, a cast member of 'The Mighty Ted' and an all-around cool lady. Listen in to find out which Second City teacher Karen wouldn't mind being stuck on a desert island with, what bugs scare her and who introduced her to Second City classes!
For More Information on Classes, Visit: http://www.secondcity.com/tc/
For More Information on The Second CIty Dream Team, Visit: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Second-City-Dream-Team-Chicago/337941269565316
For more Information on 'The Mighty Ted', Visit: www.themightyted.com/
Listen to the Podcast!
We're excited to watch Second City alumni Martin Short host the December 15th episode of "Saturday Night Live" with musical guest Paul McCartney. Click here for more information.
This season's cast features three recent hires from The Second City including Aidy Bryant, Tim Robinson and Cecily Strong. Click here for highlight's from this past season.
Nancy Fast interviews Sam Roos and Stephanie Weber, cast members of HouseCo's 'El is for Love'. Coincidentally, Stephanie and Sam are both graduates of Columbia's 'Comedy Studies' program, which takes place at The Second City Training Center. Listen to the interview to find out more about their journey and then check them out live on Saturdays at 10:30pm in The Second City’s de Maat Theater.
To buy tickets, call 312.337.3992 or visit secondcity.com/tc
In the wake of recent news regarding the decision of several Gilda's Club affiliate members' to change the name of their club due to a "lack of recognition" of Gilda Radner, The Second City is pleased to present "Celebrating Gilda," a panel on the enduring legacy and impact of Gilda Radner's life and career on Thursday, December 6, 2012 from 5:00-6:00pm in UP Comedy Club (230 W. North Ave, 3rd Floor of Piper's Alley).
Moderated by Anne Libera, Director of Comedy Studies at The Second City and Columbia College Chicago as well as a Governing Board Member for Gilda's Club Chicago, the confirmed panelists for "Celebrating Gilda" include current Mainstage ensemble cast members Katie Rich and Mary Sohn; Claudia Michelle Wallace, Second City alumni and current cast member of "What the Tour Guide Didn't Tell You: A Chicago Revue;" and noted improv instructor and current cast member of "The Second City's Improv All-Stars," Rachael Mason.
Gilda Radner started her career with The Second City in Toronto. "Gilda would be amazed at the effect she's had on people," Andrew Alexander, CEO & Executive Producer of The Second City stated in The Second City: Backstage at the World's Greatest Comedy Theater, "not simply because of her comedy, but because of the legacy of her fight with cancer and the philosophy that emanated from that battle."
In a statement from LauraJane Hyde, CEO of Gilda's Club Chicago, it was announced the club would remain named Gilda's Club Chicago "in honor of the courageous way Gilda Radner lived, and all our members live, with cancer. Gilda Radner was a pioneer in her life and her inspiration has helped countless cancer patients...and their families face this terrible disease. Gilda's legacy is the core of what we do each day by providing support to Chicagoland residents with cancer and their loved ones. We believe that Gilda Radner is iconic and will be remembered for generations…Each affiliate is run independently. For our part we believe the spirit of Gilda Radner is essential to our mission. Our only goal is to help as many families in the Chicagoland area live with cancer." The Second City applauds their decision and continues to maintain a supportive partnership with Gilda's Club Chicago.
Admission is free for "Celebrating Gilda." Doors will open at 5:00pm. Click here to RSVP for this event or call The Second City Box Office at 312-337-3992 and for more information visit www.SecondCity.com.
Looking for more reasons to check out "The Second City's Christmas Carol: Twist Your Dickens" at the Kirk Douglas Theater in LA? Center Theatre Group and The Second City have assembled an eclectic collection of stars from the worlds of stage, screen, radio, politics, music, food, fitness, spirituality and interplanetary transport who will drop in, one by one, for a special surprise cameo performances during the run of "The Second City's Christmas Carol: Twist Your Dickens."
The partial list of guest stars includes musicians Lance Bass and Henry Rollins; actors Rose Abdoo, Jason Alexander, Ed Begley, Jr., Barry Bostwick, Neil Flynn, Keegan-Michael Key, Sharon Lawrence, John Lehr, Ben McKenzie, Lamorne Morris, Danny Pudi, Shoshannah Stern, George Takei and Fred Willard; radio personalities Lisa May and Sandra Tsing Loh; writer Bruce Vilanch; performer Miss Coco Peru; scientists Bobak Ferdowsi and Bill Nye; chefs Susan Feniger and Valerie Gordon; professional wrestler John Hennigan (formerly known as WWE superstar John Morrison); child actress turned politician Sheila Kuehl; and LA treasures Father Gregory Boyle and Richard Simmons.
Please note that to keep the surprises, no one will be announced in advance of each performance. Most will appear only once, some may appear more than once. Our Audience Services staff will not know who is appearing.
Click here for more information and to book your tickets.
The Second City has been nominated in the third annual BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards, the only comprehensive online theater awards in the Chicago area that are voted by theater fans. Click here to place your vote for "We're All in This Room Together" in the Best Production - Revue category and Edgar Blackmon for Best Actor in a Musical or Revue (Resident Equity) from "Who Do We Think We Are?" Voting ends December 15, 2012 and winners will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at The Call (1547 West Bryn Mawr Ave).
The world premiere of The Second City's A Christmas Carol: Twist Your Dickens!, written by Peter Gwinn (formerly of "The Colbert Report") and Bobby Mort (currently of "The Colbert Report"), begins previews on November 24 with performances through December 30 at Center Theatre Group's Kirk Douglas Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.
Directed by Second City alum, Marc Warzecha (Resident Director, The Second City) the cast features Frank Caeti ("MADtv"), Larry Joe Campbell ("According to Jim"), Dan Castellaneta ("The Simpsons"), Amanda Blake Davis ("Second City Does Dallas" at the Dallas Theatre Center), Brian Stepanek ("The Suite Life of Zack and Cody"), Jean Villepique ("Up All Night") and Ron West ("3rd Rock from The Sun") as Scrooge.
Click here to reserve tickets and for more information. Want to go backstage? Watch below for interviews with the cast:
Lyric Opera of Chicago announces that respected stage, film and television actor, Patrick Stewart, will co-host The Second City Guide to the Opera on Saturday, January 5, with internationally renowned soprano and Lyric Opera creative consultant, Renée Fleming.
Tickets are now on sale for The Second City Guide to the Opera ($25 to $95) and can be purchased by phone (312) 332-2244, at the Lyric Opera box office, or through the website (lyricopera.org). Benefit tickets are also available ($250) and include a post-performance reception with the artists. The performance will take place in the 3,500-seat theater of the Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr., Chicago. More than 70% of the tickets have already been sold.
Click here to reserve tickets and for more information.
SCHEDULE
6:00PM guest improvisers OLIVIA WILDE & AIDY BRYANT
6:30PM Skyping from Dublin GLEN HANSARD
9:00PM JEFF TWEEDY
10:00PM JEFF TWEEDY LIVING ROOM CONCERT AUCTION
11:00PM guest improviser FRED SCHNEIDER
12:00AM KIM DEAL
12:00AM Cecily Strong joins the cast until 3:00AM
1:30AM guest comedian FRED ARMISEN
2:30AM JC BROOKS & THE UPTOWN SOUND with FRED ARMISEN
4:30AM MIKE KOSINSKI
5:00AM TBA
7:00AM BONNIE PRINCE BILLY
10:00AM STEVE ALBINI interviews NATE SILVER
12:00PM JENNY GILLESPIE
2:00PM ROBBIE FULKS
4:30PM THE BLISTERS
FEATURED IMPROVISERS
RYAN ARCHIBALD
EMILY CANDINI
DINA FACKLIS
SUE GILLAN
SCOTT GOLDSTEIN
BEAU GOLWITZER
SHELLY GOSSMAN (SULLIVAN & SON/ EX-SNL WRITER)
PAUL GRONDY
MIKE KOSINISKI
TJ JAGODOWSKI
BRENDAN JENNINGS
MICHAEL PATRICK O'BRIEN (7 MINUTES OF HEAVEN/ SNL WRITER)
SAM RICHARDSON
TIM ROBINSON (SNL)
REBECCA SOHN
RICH SOHN
FRED ARMISEN (SNL)
SUDEIKIS & WILDE featuring JASON SUDEIKIS & OLIVIA WILDE
The benefit will begin on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 6:00pm and will conclude on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 6:00pm. This event is open to all ages. Chicago Liquor laws and curfew laws apply.
Tickets are $20.00 each and will be available at the door beginning at 5:00pm on Tuesday, December 18 and throughout the event as long as seats are available.
For information contact The Second City Box Office at 312-337-3992 or visit The Second City That Never Sleeps Facebook Event Page.
Congrats to Second City Toronto and Chicago alum Lauren Ash on being cast in a new ABC pilot, "Super Fun Night."
Read the announcement at playbackonline.com
Our hit election season revue, "One Nation Under 1%" has 2 performances left. The show is constantly updated to stay fresh, so even with the election over, "One Nation" is just as funny as ever. Visit UP Comedy Club for details and watch this video of Ross Bryant from the "One Nation" cast interviewing people on the street about our great nation.
Stand-up comedian Kyle Kinane and Aurora native will be back in his home state this weekend at UP Comedy Club. Check out UP’s website for info on his career and upcoming shows. Watch this video below to get a taste of his darkly funny comedy.
The Second City Training Center will be offering a discounted Headshot Day for students on December 14th and 15th (10am-4pm) with guest artist Sally Blood(www.sallybloodheadshots.com). Sessions are 1 hour long and include a 15-minute corrective make-up session and 45-minute shoot. Each session is $200 ($75 deposit needed on day of reservation). Participants receive a high resolution disc of all their images. Retouching is available for $30 additional per photo. Reproductions not included. Email Andrew Thorp at athorp@secondcity.com with any questions or time requests.
Nancy Fast interviews Moxie cast members Lindy Voeltner and Pat Ivansek about their experience in The Second City Training Center’s House Ensemble. Find out more about HouseCo shows and auditions, whose dad was a highschool football coach, and how Lindy’s mom turned her on to Second City via PBS!
See Pat and Lindy live every Saturday at 7:30 in The Second City Training Center’s de Maat Theater!
November 9th-11th
For over 40 years, Robert Klein has entertained audiences on Broadway, television, and film. An alumnus of Second City, Klein was the first comedian to film an HBO special and has made nine specials for the network. He's appeared on "The Tonight Show" and "The Late Show with David Letterman" over 100 times and can be seen in films like "The Owl and the Pussycat," "Primary Colors," and "Radioland Murders."
Hosted by Greg Mills and accompanied by Bob Stein.
Times: Fri. 8:00p.m./Sat. 8:00 p.m. & 10:30 p.m./*Sun. 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25.00 - $30.00
* Stay for a Q&A session after the Sunday 8:00pm show.
Good Citizens will be rewarded on Election Night at The Second City. Exercise your right to vote on Election Day and receive half-price tickets to The Second City 100th Revue: "Who Do We Think We Are?" Shake off the stressful election season with a great night and a strong cocktail.
Time: Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Receive half-priced tickets with your voter receipt (Regular price - $23.00). Use promotional code "VOTER" when purchasing. Limit of 4 tickets per order. Offer valid Tues, November 6, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.
Second City students get 2 for 1 tickets at Chicago Comedy Film Fest by using code 2NDCITY for any single screening. Tickets regularly $10!Chicago Comedy Film Festival will take place at DePaul University's School of Cinema and Interactive Media Theater at 247 S. State Street 11/2-11/4. On screen celebs such as Janeane Garafalo, Adrian Grenier, Jim Norton, Michael Titus, Cheri Oteri, Michael Boatman, Dave Foley, and more will highlight the fest! Feature films and short films scoping the US and beyond playing over 3 days. After parties at Rockit Bar & Grill and Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel will also take place. Don't miss it!
Today we celebrate the retirement of Lois Kaz. Lois has been part of The Second City for over 40 years starting as a House Manager in 1968 during the Democratic National Convention. She's worn many hats during her time at North & Wells - House Manager, Building Manager, Purchaser and Accountant. We thank her for all of her years of service.
Congratulations on your retirement, Lois! We'll miss you.
Thursday, November 1
The Tribune's Rick Kogan is taking Chicago Live! to the south suburbs for one special night. On Thursday, November 1, meet Rick and enjoy a special evening of interviews and musical performances, with comedy from The Second City. Special guests include WVON's Cliff Kelley, Three Floyds Brewery and hip-hop artist Psalm One, plus The Tribune's Dawn Trice and Bruce Dold and much more.
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, 1 University Pkwy., University Park
Tickets: $20, www.chicagolive.com
Lock the door, leave a bowl of candy on the porch and have a drink on us at The Second City's 100th Revue: Who Do We Think We Are? on Wednesday, October 31st at 8:00 p.m. Use the code "SPOOKY" when purchasing your tickets and you'll be treated to one of our delicious Halloween cocktails. One Halloween specialty cocktail is included in the purchase of a full price ticket ($23.00). Offer limited to 4 tickets per order and valid only on 10/31/12.
Our Halloween Specialty Cocktails are:
Brain Hemorrhage Shooters
A terrifyingly delicious concoction of Peach Schnapps, Irish Cream and grenadine. Hold onto your skulls! $5.25 or $7.75 with a souvenir shot glass
Toasted Marshmallow Martini
The perfect drink to keep you cozy at the theater. Dark Crème de Cacao and Frangelico hazelnut liqueur are shaken with cream and garnished with graham cracker crumbs. $8.50
My Bloody Sangria
A favorite amongst local vampires. Meritage blended red wine served on the rocks with muddled fruit, a splash of Sierra Mist and Orange juice. $7.25 or $18.25 with a 20oz souvenir glass.
The Second City scoured their address book to assemble a cast of seven luminary L.A.-based alumni for their hilarious take on the beloved Charles Dickens tale of hope and redemption. The world premiere of The Second City's A Christmas Carol: Twist Your Dickens! is written by Second City alums, Peter Gwinn (formerly of "The Colbert Report") and Bobby Mort (currently of "The Colbert Report"), and opens November 29, 2012, at Center Theatre Group's Kirk Douglas Theatre. Previews begin November 24 and performances will run through December 30.
Directed by yet another Second City alum, Marc Warzecha (Resident Director, The Second City) the cast features Frank Caeti ("MADtv"), Larry Joe Campbell ("According to Jim"), Dan Castellaneta ("The Simpsons"), Amanda Blake Davis ("Second City Does Dallas" at the Dallas Theatre Center), Joe Flaherty ("SCTV," "Freaks and Geeks"), Brian Stepanek ("The Suite Life of Zack and Cody") and Jean Villepique ("Up All Night").
The scenic design is by Tom Buderwitz, costume design by Leah Piehl, lighting design by Brandon Baruch and sound design by Cricket S. Myers. The production stage manager is Kirsten Parker.
With its trademark humor, irreverence and originality, The Second City, in a creative collaboration with CTG, is taking the classic Charles Dickens' Christmas tale and giving it a hearty twist. In addition to Scrooge (played by Joe Flahety), the ever-morphing ensemble will bring the famous Victorian streets to frenzied life with Tiny Tim, that fat, plucked goose, all those know-it-all ghosts, a host anachronistic characters and hilarious improvs which will have Dickens guffawing in his grave. The cast will be joined by an ever-changing stable of starry, drop-in special guests.
The Second City specializes in sketch comedy and improvisation and has delighted audiences for over 50 years. With resident stages in Chicago and Toronto and touring ensembles, The Second City entertains over a million guests each year. It is also the largest training center in the world for improvisation, sketch and acting, with schools in Los Angeles, Chicago and Toronto, and 20,000 registrations per year. The Second City served as a training ground for a host of famous alumni, including Mike Myers, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, John Candy, John Belushi, Catherine O'Hara, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert and more. Colbert said, "The Second City was everything to me," and Murray said, "Second City is the best job anybody in the American theatre can get. It's incomparable." The New York Times reported that "The entire recent tradition of America satire can be summed up in three words: The Second City."
Tickets for A Christmas Carol: Twist Your Dickens! are available by calling (213) 628-2772, online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, in person at the Center Theatre Group box office at the Ahmanson Theatre or two hours prior to performances at the Kirk Douglas Theatre box office. The Kirk Douglas Theatre is located at 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232.
Dionna Griffin Irons, Director of Outreach & Diversity shares info about a new open mic jam for up and comers. New voices in comedy hit the stage on Saturday at 7:30pm before the program's new show Race: The Final Frontier show.
See Urban Twist in Race: The Final Frontier every Saturday at 9pm in Donny's Skybox. To buy tickets, visit or call 312-337-3992
Meet the Urban Twist cast and hear about the show!
Emmy Award winning writer, comedian, actor, producer and director Dave Thomas will be in the Training Center October 24-26 leading workshops and participating in our Writer's Salon. On October 24 & 25 Dave will be leading two days of How to Sell Your Comedy and Make Money. In this wide-ranging and interactive workshop he will take ideas provided by our TC students and show you how to take a comedy concept and work it up into a pitch. Students may enroll in either or both days of the workshop. Click here for more information.
On October 26 Dave will be our guest in the Writer's Salon series where you can ask questions and hear about his experiences working in a variety of entertainment media. Don't miss out on these opportunities to learn from a comedy legend! Click here to reserve tickets.
Check out this sweet 360 degree video of our Toronto Training Center! Just click and drag the footage to change what you see.
January can't come soon enough! Yesterday, it was announced that Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are confirmed to host the 70th annual Golden Globe Awards airing live on NBC January 13. If this is any indication, 2013 is going to be the best year ever. Click here to read more about it.
It was a big night at the Jeff Awards! Congratulations to Jeff Award winners Edgar Blackmon (Actor - Revue), Ryan Bernier (Director - Revue) and the cast and crew of The Second City e.t.c.'s "We're All in This Room Together" (Production - Revue).
The Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee celebrates the vitality of Chicago area theatre by recognizing excellence through its recommendations, awards and honors. The committee fosters the artistic growth of area theatres and theatre artists and promotes educational opportunities, audience appreciation, and civic pride in the achievements of the theatre community.
Click here for a complete list of winners.
On Sunday, Stephanie Cutter was featured in the New York Times and they included a nice shout-out regarding the "Stephanie Cutter Freaks Out" video that had been produced by The Second City Network's Andy Cobb.
Second City alum Alan Arkin returned to Chicago last night to promote "Stand Up Guys," which opened the 48th annual Chicago International Film Festival. While on the red carpet, he told Chicago Sun Times reporter Bill Zwecker, "This was the beginning, thanks to Second City." Even today, Arkin said, he has "many, many friends in Chicago."
Watch the trailer for "Stand Up Guys" below. Read the full article here.
It's in the works! Check out this feature from The Globe and Mail to hear more about the process.
Nancy Fast interviews members of the new Twisty cast Sean Cooley and Alan Linic! Learn about The Second City Training Center’s House Teams, auditioning, Alan’s thoughts on food tiers, Sean’s apocalyptic survival plans and more!
You can see Twisty every Saturday at 9pm in the de Maat Theater. To buy tickets visit Secondcity.com/tc or cal 312.337.3992
Listen to the Podcast!
Congratulations to all of our alums that have booked deals in the past couple of weeks! Here's a sampling of some of the shows you'll see:
Tami Sagher with Kourtney Kang just went to CBS with a pilot production commitment for a single-camera comedy. Titled "Nerds In Love," the project, from 20th Century Fox TV, is based on the unlikely real-life friendship of "How I Met Your Mother" writers Kang (former cheerleader) and Sagher (former mathlete). It explores the dating lives of the social haves and have-nots at a marketing firm. "It lies somewhere between '2 Broke Girls' and 'The Big Bang Theory',” said Winer, who is executive producing and will direct the potential pilot. Tami Sagher will write the script and executive produce.
Brian Gallivan (currently a staff writer for "Happy Endings") has landed at CBS with a put pilot commitment with an untitled single-camera family comedy. The project is being produced by "Happy Endings'" Sony Pictures TV and studio-based Olive Bridge Entertainment. Loosely inspired by Gallivan's life, the big family comedy revolves around an Irish-Catholic, sports-crazed Boston clan and the gay son whose greatest sin is not his sexuality but his desire to spend less time with his family.
Stephnie Weir's "Leisure Club," from Sony Pictures TV and studio-based Original Films, has received a script commitment with a sizable penalty from the network. It revolves around a group of younger Baby Boomers living in a 55+ retirement community who revert back to the archetypes they were in high school. Weir will executive produce with Original's Neil Moritz and Vivian Cannon. Weir's manager Meghan Schumacher will also produce. The project stems from the last of several blind script deals Weir had at Sony TV. The previous two resulted in two comedy pilot orders at ABC, for the Debra Messing starrer "Wright vs. Wrong" in 2010 and "Counter Culture" this past season. Weir is with UTA and attorney David Fox.
Peter Murrieta's comedy is a multi-generational family show based on his own family – juxtaposing the immigrant generation, the assimilation generation and the modern one. This is an area Murrieta first mined in his maiden series as a creator, the WB's "Greetings From Tucson." He is executive producing the NBC project with 3 Arts. CAA-repped Murrieta served as showrunner on the first three seasons of Disney Channel's "Wizards Of Waverly Place," helping the comedy achieve ratings success and land the first best series Emmy Award for the network.
Adam McKay's Gary Sanchez Prods. has sold a single-camera comedy to NBC to be written by rising young scribe Lauryn Kahn. Universal Television, where Gary Sanchez is under a deal, is producing. Title "I Guess I Do," the comedy centers around a sham green card marriage between a womanizing British celebrity trainer and a psychology grad student who is using her new husband as the subject for her dissertation on the modern male. Will Ferrell and Adam McKay will executive produce the project, which has received a script commitment from the network.
Check out Second City Touring Company alum Cecily Strong on Thursday's SNL special election episode.
Congratulations to all the Emmy winners, who include Second City Touring Company alum Julia Louis-Dreyfus won for Best Actress, Comedy for her role in "Veep" and Second City Training Center grad Eric Stonestreet won Best Supporting Actor, Comedy for his role in "Modern Family."
Click here for the full Emmy Awards Nominees and Winners
Sarah Bertrand is a recent graduate of the Second City Training Centre's writing program and is gearing up for the big launch of her second book.
There will be guests, drinks, music and laughs, and you can get her second book, Sketch! It's based on her year at The Second City Training Centre. Second City Writing alumni Rob Schulz, Ryan J Graham, and Oliver Ho will all be there to do a reading!
Actress/singer Jessiqua Elin Clausen and VERY special secret guest will be performing, "Adele Goes To Walmart", from Sketch. Thursday September 27th from 7:30pm-9:30pm.
The Second City was saddened to learn of the passing of beloved alum Ira Miller. Ira performed on the Mainstage in Chicago in the mid 1960's before moving on to star in a number film and television programs in Los Angeles, including the Mel Brooks' classic films Blazing Saddles, High Anxiety and Spaceballs. Ira was also a cherished faculty member of The Second City Training Center in LA.
"Black Santa" Remix/MTV-style Music Video Contest and Promotion for Second City's New Film BuzzKill Launches Today!
The Second City and the producers of the new feature film BuzzKill today announced that they have teamed up with MyStudio to launch the "Black Santa Remix Contest". Contestants will utilize MyStudio®HD Recording Studios to produce an MTV-style music video of the song "Black Santa" from the movie BuzzKill. The videos will be produced with clips and other elements from the film. BuzzKill is an absurd comedy about a struggling British writer named Ray Wyatt, whose magnum opus, Great Shame, a dark tale about two brothers, abuse, and revenge is rejected by his girlfriend, agent, and every LA studio. But when he decides to write a script called Black Santa, Ray finds overnight success but in an unusual, fateful way.
The contest launched September 14, 2012 and runs through December 14, 2012. Contestants can create their "Black Santa Remix" video at any MyStudio HD Recording studio location. Alternative means of entry can also be found at MyStudio.net under the contest page. The winner of the video contest will be determined by public online voting at www.MyStudio.net and will receive their own copy of BuzzKill on DVD, two (2) roundtrip flights to Chicago, two (2) night hotel accommodations, two (2) tickets and VIP seating to a Second City show and the opportunity to attend a workshop at The Second City's Chicago comedy school with the Co-Writer and Director of BuzzKill and former Second City Alum Steven Kampmann (Back to School, Stealing Home).
BuzzKill is the first motion picture to be branded by The Second City in more than 40 years. Second City launched the contest with a sponsored screening in New York at the Tribeca Screening Room. BuzzKill distributed by Indican Pictures is available now on Blu-ray and DVD.
"We are excited to be involved with this unique music video contest with the legendary Second City," states Anna Madrid, VP of Media & Communications for Studio One Media. "The contest with MyStudio is a real innovative way to create additional awareness and interest for BuzzKill."
"We're thrilled to work with MyStudio on this project. It's an exciting and creative way to engage with our audience," states Andrew Alexander, CEO & Executive Producer, The Second City, Inc.
The Second City is thrilled to participating as both a performer and venue for JFL42 (Just For Laughs's 2012 Toronto Comedy Festival), beginning today at venues throughout Toronto.
Click here to read a Toronto Star preview about this exciting festival like none other.
In addition to performances by our own improv and sketch comedy troupe, The Second City theatre will play host to amazing series of guests over the next eight days:
Please note: tickets for these shows are available exclusively via JFL's Festival Pass system, and cannot be purchased from The Second City website nor box office.
Sat Sept 22 @ 1pm
Kelly Carlin -- daughter of comedy icon George Carlin - brings you A Carlin Home Companion, a new look at her father's legendary career, and finding her own voice.
Sat Sept 22 @ 4pm
Canadian icon David Suzuki will be taking part in The Interview Show, a lighthearted interview with David and comic improvisation conducted and performed by members of Second City and Toronto’s Monkey Toast. Come see the legendary environmentalist like you’ve never seen him before!
Sun Sept 23 @ 10pm
Brendon Walsh & Tom Segura. Two comedy buddies. Brendon is not afraid to challenge audiences, and had the balls to perform stand-up on Jimmy Kimmel as a scary monster. Tom's the type of guy who names his podcast "Your Mom's House." We don't even fully understand why we find that hilarious.
Sun Sept 25 @ 10:30pm
Neal Brennan, one of the co-creator of Chappelle's Show, brings his stand-up comedy to Second City stage. Recently named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the 25 funniest people on twitter. @nealbrennan.
Mon Sept 26 @ 10:30pm Tod Barry -- the comic who makes other comics laugh hardest
Wed. Sept 28 @ 11:30pm W. Kamau Bell - blunt, bold and totally biased. And he's got the best hair in the biz.
We're thrilled to announce that The Second City Does Dallas has been extended through Saturday, October 6 at the Dallas Theater Center due to overwhelming response. The Second City Does Dallas was originally scheduled to close on September 30. Click here for more information and to reserve tickets.
It's Old Town outdoors! Old Town al Fresco is the sixth event in the year-long Living Old Town 2012 series. It is focused on the many great outdoor dining destinations in Old Town. Each participating restaurant/cafe offers a 4-day promotion that best shows off its style and cuisine. Come back here to as more announcements are made, and make sure to keep up on Facebook.com/OldTownCHI and follow @OldTownCHI on Twitter.
Old Town al Fresco Promotions - Monday, September 17th -- Thursday, September 20th
Benchmark | 1510 N. Wells
Buy one select pizza, get the second one free on the patio
Bistrot Margot | 1437 N. Wells
$5 Kir Royales on the patio
Catering Chocolate | 1712 N. Wells
$1.00 off all lunch specials
Corcoran's | 1651 N. Wells
Free Appetizer w/ purchase of $15 or more w/ mention of event; dine-in only
Dinotto Ristorante | 215 W. North
1/2 price Wine w/ Dinner Purchase; must mention event
Einstein Bros. Bagels | 1443 N. Wells
9-17/18: Free Bagel (signature/classic) w/ purchase of Pumpkin Blended drink
9-19/20: Free Pumpkin Scone/Pumpkin Muffin w/ purchase of Pumpkin Latte
Kamehachi | 1531 N. Wells
Free order of Gyoza for patio diners
O'Brien's Restaurant |1528 N. Wells
1/2 price appetizers 5-7pm, with mention of event.
Old Town Pour House | 1419 N. Wells
Free "bar bite" or dessert with a purchase of $30 or more
Orso's Restaurant | 1401 N. Wells
Half-priced select appetizers from 4pm-7pm
Subway | 1529 N. Wells
$5 footlongs (excludes premium subs); Free coffee w/ breakfast meal; $1 Breakfast Muffin
Trattoria Roma | 1535 N. Wells
1/2 price wine on 9-17/18; ½ price appetizers 5-7pm
The Twisted Baker | 1543 N. Wells
Free cup of coffee with purchase of $5 or more
Click here for more information about Old Town.
CPS Strike Camps are still in session. Those who were registered for the previous week are still registered to continue this week unless we are notified that they will not be returning. Students are encouraged to sign up for the waitlist as some spaces may become available. Camps run from 10am through 3:30pm. Please call the Training Center is you have any questions 312-664-3959.
The Second City Training Centre Toronto is proud to announce its 3rd annual open house celebration, Saturday, October 20, to welcome new students to its recently renovated facility. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Kevin Frank and Training Centre General Manager Erin Conway, The Training Centre student community has grown to over 4,200 students annually. This year the Training Centre has introduced programming for grades 2 to 4. Also operating out of The Training Centre is Second City's Education Program. This branch of The Second City hosts over 24,000 Ontario students each school year to deliver curriculum-based performances and workshops. These shows are a lively blend of original sketches, songs and improvised scenes. Our experiential workshops have lessons that can be directly applied to all subjects in the Ministry of Education's Ontario Curriculum. Additionally, the Education Program recently added an extremely popular anti-bullying puppet show, Stop Punching Judy (available in both French and English).
The Training Centre's John Candy Box Theatre, named in honour of legendary Second City Alum John Candy, will be celebrating its 4 year anniversary this winter.
The daytime open house activities will feature a family open house from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. with drop in workshops in improvisation, sketch writing and stand up comedy, an Alumni Show, a Teen Showcase, and a performance of The Principal's Office, Where the Filed Things Are presented by The Second City's Education Company. Complimentary snacks and prize giveaways will be offered at the event.
FREE SHOWS:
1:30PM - The Detention Hall: Teen Showcase
2:00PM - Alumni & Faculty Jam
2:30PM - Musical Jam
3:00PM - The Education Company's: The Principal's Office, Where the Filed Things Are
4:00PM - The Puppet Company's: Stop Punching Judy
FREE WORKSHOPS:
1PM:
Adult Improv
Writing
Stand Up
Musical Improv
2PM:
Youth & Teen Improv
Writing
Stand Up
3PM:
Adult Improv
4PM:
Adult Improv
Longform Improv
For free tickets to the performances or to RSVP to this special event call 416-340-7270.
The Second City Does Dallas has hit the bulls-eye in Dallas and is receiving rave reviews. Elaine Liner with the Dallas Observer calls it "wicked satire" and Lauren Smart from Broadway World notes "if you're willing to laugh at yourself, perhaps with the aid of a few whiskey-cokes...Second City Does Dallas turns the eccentricities of our great city into well-delivered punchlines."
The Second City Does Dallas is presented at the Dallas Theater Center through September 30. Click here for more information and to reserve tickets.
In case the teacher strike continues we are please to offer this free service CPS families beginning 9/12/12
Second City Day Camp
Ages 8-14
10:00am-3:30pm
As a special offer to assist parents with child care, The Second City Training Center will be offering a free CPS Strike Camp. Students will spend the morning learning Improv games and exercises and the afternoons studying Sketch comedy. Plus while they are in the building, they’ll get the opportunity to see a family friendly Second City show!
Registration is free but space is limited and on a first come first serve basis. Lunch is not included but a supervised break will be provided between 12:30-1:00pm. Attending students should bring a sack lunch as students will not be allowed to leave the building during the break.
Register here at www.secondcity.com/kids
Ages 8-14
10:00am-3:30pm
As a special offer to assist parents with child care, The Second City Training Center will be offering a free CPS Strike Camp. Students will spend the morning learning Improv games and exercises and the afternoons studying Sketch comedy. Plus while they are in the building, they’ll get the opportunity to see a family friendly Second City show!
Registration is free but space is limited and on a first come first serve basis. Lunch is not included but a supervised break will be provided between 12:30-1:00pm. Attending students should bring a sack lunch as students will not be allowed to leave the building during the break.
Register here at www.secondcity.com/kids
Check out WGN's Thursday feature and this article from the Huffington Post on our Day Camps during the Chicago Teachers Union Strike.
The Second City is proud to announce that Second City alumni Aidy Bryant and Tim Robinson as well as Second City Touring Company member Cecily Strong have been invited to join the cast and crew of Saturday Night Live, NBC's Emmy Award-winning late-night comedy showcase, for their 38th Season.
"As always, we are thrilled with the success of our alumni and wish them all the best as they journey to the next step of their careers at Saturday Night Live," stated Andrew Alexander, Executive Producer of The Second City, Inc.
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Aidy Bryant most recently wrote and performed in The Second City e.t.c.'s Jeff Nominated revue, We're All in This Room Together which was her second revue on The Second City e.t.c. stage. Her first revue, Sky's the Limit (Weather Permitting) won Jeff Awards for Best Production – Revue, Ensemble and New Work – Musical or Revue. Ms. Bryant is a graduate from Columbia College Chicago where she participated in the Comedy Studies program, which offers a unique opportunity to study full-time at The Second City, the nation's center of comedy and satire, for an entire semester and earn college credit through Columbia College Chicago. |
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Second City alumni Tim Robinson wrote and performed in two revues on The Second City Mainstage including Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies and South Side of Heaven. He is also an alumni of The Second City Touring Company. He hails from Metro Detroit, Michigan where he was a member of The Second City Detroit Mainstage for almost two years. Prior to that, he toured the great state of Michigan with The Second City Detroit Touring Company. |
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After studying at The Second City Training Center in the Conservatory Program, Cecily Strong performed with Second City Theatricals aboard the Norwegian Jewel and has been on the road with The Second City Touring Company since 2011. Cecily Strong is an Oak Park, IL native. |
La Bohème's bickering lovers Mimì and Rodolfo have some serious stuff to work through. So do adult children Hansel and Gretel. Which brings them to the office of Dr. Opera.
Eating disorders, dubious wardrobe choices, issues with authority, money problems, unrealistic relationship expectations – check out how "Dr. Opera" puts the fun in dysfunction!
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE VIDEOS AND OUR COLLABORATION
Aria ready to laugh?
Back in July, two legendary organizations - Lyric Opera of Chicago and The Second City - announced their debut collaboration: The Second City Guide to the Opera, a comedy and musical revue onstage at the Civic Opera House Saturday, January 5. The show will feature the world-famous soprano Renée Fleming, Lyric’s creative consultant (who came up with the idea for the companies to work together in the first place), along with performers from the fabled comedy troupe and opera company.
We're headed to Dallas Theater Center with a special show featuring a mix of archive and original material written by Brooke Breit and Ed Furman and starring an all-star Second City cast including Frank Caeti, Amanda Blake Davis, Martin Garcia, Liz Mikel, Scott Morehead and John Sabine. The Second City Does Dallas opens tonight with performances through September 30. Click here for more information & to reserve your tickets.
You've got one last chance to check out Second City's Girls' Night Out, directed by Ryan Bernier (recently directed the new hit show We're All in This Room Together at The Second City e.t.c. Theatre) at the beautiful Metropolis Theater. Tickets are available this Thursday - Saturday at 7:30p. Click here to reserve your tickets.
The Second City opened its 70th Revue, We've Totally (Probably) Got This!, on its Toronto stage this week, and has received glowing reviews from critics. In his four star review, Toronto Star theatre critic Richard Ouzounian raved that "sketch and sketch hits the bull's-eye" and praised director Melody A. Johnson as well as the "sextet of performers who know no fear."
The new revue is written and performed by cast members Ashley Comeau, Jason DeRosse, Nigel Downer, Alastair Forbes, Carly Heffernan and Stacey McGunnigle, with Musical Director & Original Composition by Matthew Reid, and Lighting Design & Stage Management by Christina Cicko.
Read the full review in The Toronto Star
Click here for show times and tickets information
Did you know we had a program through Columbia College where you could earn college credit for studying Comedy? We do! Check out this feature on SplitSider.com.
Faculty members Kate Cohen and Matthew Van Colton talk with Nancy Fast about their new musical opening in Manhattan and their upcoming Chicago preview! Listen in to find out how the group enjoyed performing in the Training Center’s House Company ‘Infinite Sundaes’ and how far their friendships go back (it will warm your heart). For more information on this podcast, classes, workshops and more, call 312.664.3959 or visit secondcity.com/tc.
More Info on Kate Cohen (Instructor in Improv and Teen/Youth Programs, HouseCo Alum):
Kate Cohen has been improvising in Chicago since 2004 and performs regularly with ComedySportz Chicago, Laugh Out Loud Theater and as one-half of the musical improv duo Kate & Mike: The Musical. Other credits include Chicago Sketchfest, Infinite Sundaes, and ImprovArcadia in Bar Harbor, Maine. Kate performed for The Second City at sea aboard the Norwegian Jewel and Gem and toured Chicago schools with SCTC's Educational Touring Company. Kate is also an instructor for ComedySportz Chicago and has taught improv workshops aboard NCL and for the Chicago Jewish Community Centers. Kate has a BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Arizona and is a graduate of The Second City Training Center's IFA, Conservatory and Musical Improv Conservatory programs.
More Info on Matthew Van Colton (Instructor in Music Program, HouseCo Alum):
Matthew Van Colton is a Chicago-based director, teacher and performer. Beyond Second City, he has worked with Chicago Dramatists, Northlight, Annoyance, Playground, Victory Gardens, iO and TUTA theatres among many others. In addition to the Music Conservatory, he has most recently taught or coached for Evanston Township High School, Acting Studio Chicago, Happy Karaoke Fun Time and Clown Car to Sicily. Most recently, he directed for Citizen’s Relief Theatre Company and for Vampeero Productions. He is a member of Infinite Sundaes, and Mansical (www.mansical.net), of which he is one of the founders. He is a member of Actor’s Equity.
More Info on ‘One Night Only’:
Chicago-style Improv is hitting Manhattan September 11-15 with the musical One-Night Only as part of the 2012 Araca Project. Faculty members Kate Cohen, Michael Girts and Matthew Van Colton will be joined by student alumi Katie Dufresne, Nicole Hastings, and Kevin Sciretta in the cast.
How This Happened:
In April of 2012, a group of Chicago improvisers flew to New York and pitched an idea for a new musical to The Araca Group (Wicked, Urinetown). The cast made up a musical right there on the spot for Broadway producers in the middle of their conference room. A week later, One Night Only was selected to appear Off-Broadway as part of the 2012 Araca Project.
How You Can Help:
By making a tax-deductible contribution to Men One Night Only, you can help the cast and artistic team travel to New York City and make this Off-Broadway production a reality. Please visit Indiegogo.com/onenightonlynyc and donate today.
Who The Araca Project Is:
The Araca Project is an initiative of The Araca Group, a Broadway production company responsible for Wicked, Urinetown, Rock of Ages and many other hit musicals. Mike Girts, our producer, submitted an improvised musical for consideration back in April and a group of us flew to NYC to pitch the show to the Araca producers, improvising a 20-minute musical in their conference room. About a week later, we were selected to participate in the project.
Join us this weekend for music, food and amazing artwork and custom designs at Crush in Old Town. This annual end-of-summer festival in Old Town stretches from North Avenue to Schiller Street on Saturday & Sunday, September 1st & 2nd from noon to 10:00pm. Click here for more information.
Last week, Tawny Newsome from We're All in This Room Together sat down with the lovely Jeanne Sparrow to talk about her journey to The Second City e.t.c. on WCIU's You and Me This Morning.
Tawny Newsome can be seen every Thursday - Sunday in The Second City e.t.c.'s We're All in This Room Together. Click here to reserve tickets.
Congratulations to Michael Kosinski (Actor - Revue), Edgar Blackmon (Actor - Revue), Ryan Bernier (Director - Revue) and the cast and crew of The Second City e.t.c.'s "We're All in This Room Together" (Production - Revue) on their 2012 Jeff Nominations! See the full list of nominees here.
Chicago-style Improv is hitting Manhattan September 11-15 with the musical One-Night Only as part of the 2012 Araca Project. Faculty members Kate Cohen, Michael Girts and Matthew Van Colton will be joined by student alumi Katie Dufresne, Nicole Hastings, and Kevin Sciretta in the cast.
How This Happened:
In April of 2012, a group of Chicago improvisers flew to New York and pitched an idea
for a new musical to The Araca Group (Wicked, Urinetown). The cast made up a musical right there on the spot for Broadway producers in the middle of their conference room. A week later, One Night Only was selected to appear Off-Broadway as part of the 2012 Araca Project.
How You Can Help:
By making a tax-deductible contribution to MenOne Night Only, you can help the cast and
artistic team travel to New York City and make this Off-Broadway production a reality.
Please visit Indiegogo.com/onenightonlynyc and donate today.
Who The Araca Project Is:
The Araca Project is an initiative of The Araca Group, a Broadway production company responsible for Wicked, Urinetown, Rock of Ages and many other hit musicals. Mike Girts, our producer, submitted an improvised musical for consideration back in April and a group of us flew to NYC to pitch the show to the Araca producers, improvising a 20-minute musical in their conference room. About a week later, we were selected to participate in the project.
The Second City Training Center is currently enrolling students in Improv, Acting, Comedy Writing, Stand-up, Clowning, Tv/Film Writing and more for Term 5. Call 312.664.959 for more details!
Dr. Praveen Dandamudi discusses the benefits improvisational training has had on his life and profession as a Kidney Specialist at Chicago's Resurrection Health Care. As a past "Student in the Spotlight," Dr. Dandamudi is no stranger to The Second City Training Center. Read his Spotlight Q&A.
Check out the Chicago Tribune's complete article.
The Second City Training Center is now open for registration in Improv, Comedy Writing, Acting, Stand-up and more! For more information visit our Training Center page.
Grab your BFF and hop on the Metra - we're headed back to the beautiful Metropolis Theater this summer with The Second City's Girls' Night Out directed by Ryan Bernier (recently directed the new hit show We're All in This Room Together at The Second City e.t.c. Theatre). Performances begin on August 2 through September 8 - click here to reserve your tickets.
The Second City's Walking Tour was featured on last night's ABC news broadcast featuring Janet Davies. Visit ABC to check it out.
The "Improv for Anxiety One-Day Workshop" will provide an interactive opportunity for people with anxiety to use improvisation as part of their recovery. All levels of experience are invited. A Second City instructor will facilitate the class. Mark Pfeffer, Director at PARC will be there to welcome you. The class runs on August 14th from 4-7pm
Click here for more information on Improvisation for Anxiety
About Mark Pfeffer, Director of the Panic/Anxiety Recovery Center
Mark Pfeffer is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Illinois and California. He is Director of the Panic/Anxiety Recovery Center in Chicago. PARC is a specialized outpatient program that provides comprehensive treatment for anxiety and related disorders. Mark received his Masters degree in Psychology from Boston University with additional post-graduate work at UCLA. He also served as the Commissioner of Social Services for the City of Santa Monica and is an active clinical member of the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) and International OCD Foundation (IOCDF).
Mark has appeared on multiple episodes of the A&E's Emmy® nominated show, Hoarders, the Discovery Channel, and the National Geographic Channel. He has been featured and quoted regarding mental health issues in various media outlets including: ABC7 Chicago; CBS2 Chicago; NBC; CLTV Chicago; Chicago Tribune; Pioneer Press, WGCI-FM and Home & Garden magazine. He has also authored numerous publications, and was a recipient of the 2002 "Golden Bell" award from the Mental Health Association of Illinois for an article he co-authored on Panic Disorder.
Listen in to one of our favorite interviews yet! Ted Waltmire visits Nancy Fast and discusses his experiences at the Training Center, recovering from a stroke and his upcoming show! Truly inspiring stuff.
Click here for more info or to buy tickets to Ted's show in The Donny's Skybox.
Tawny Newsome, cast member of The Second City e.t.c. and currently performing in We're All in This Room Together, has been included in Chicago Tribune's Hot New Faces to Watch in Chicago Theater. The annual list, compiled by Chief Theater Critic Chris Jones, includes the most promising young talent in Chicago. Click here for the full list.
Our new kids show, Improv Extravaganza Explosion, received the feature treatment from Time Out Chicago Comedy Editor, Jason Heidemann, in the August/September issue of Time Out Chicago Kids. He writes, "In a show of ecstatic enthusiasm normally reserved for a Justin Bieber concert, the kids at the UP Comedy Club lose their minds." To keep reading, check out the full article here.
The Second City Training Center will be offering a discounted Headshot Day for students on August 17th and 18th (9am-5pm) with guest artist Sally Blood(www.sallybloodphoto.com). Sessions are 1 hour long and include a 15-minute corrective make-up session and 45-minute shoot. Each session is $200 ($75 deposit needed on day of reservation). Participants receive access to all unedited photos via a photo share gallery and can include touched-up, full-color proofs for an additional $25 each, to be arranged directly with the photographer. Reproductions are not included at this time, although there will be information on-hand for slightly discounted reproductions. Email Andrew Thorp at athorp@secondcity.com with any questions or time requests.
Congratulations to Stephen Colbert, Paul Dinello, Tina Fey, Jeff Garlin, Shelly Gossman, Peter Gwinn, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Patrick O'Brien, Amy Poehler, Tom Purcell and Jeff Richmond on their 2012 Primetime Emmy Nominations! The 64th Annual Primetime Emmys will be awarded on Sunday, September 23 on ABC. Click here for a complete list of nominees.
Nancy Fast interviews student, Dream Team volunteer, and co-host of The Midnight Melt - Ian Abramson! Listen in as Ian shares info about his improv group Jamonella, his web-series 'Talent Scouts Honor', and which comedian he would like to be stuck with on a deserted island.
Listen to the Podcast!Thursday July 26 6-8pm
John Candy Box Theatre
Have you considered moving to LA to pursue your acting career, but didn't know where to start and what to expect once you get down there? This lecture will discuss the ins and outs of moving to LA as a professional actor. It will dispel the myths about LA and provide useful information about how to get started in Hollywood.
Please reserve a seat with Allana areoch@secondcity.com in advance, limited space is available.
FREE for Second City Students and Grads. $10 for non Second City Students.
The Second City Training Center is one of a number of improv schools around the country to offer a free class to social media followers of the IFC comedy show BUNK. Each Friday night after BUNK airs, they will post a challenge on their Twitter feed, and the lucky winners receive a voucher to use for a class. Check out their website for the details.
Also, don't forget to follow the Chicago Training Center on Twitter @SecondCityChiTC and Second City Hollywood @SecondCityLA
The Washington Post’s M. Spencer joined Jessica Rogers and The Second City Training Center to find out what our Drop-in Improv Classes are all about. A few human knots, Samurais, and absurd dances later, Spencer is much closer to knowing what improvisation entails.
The Second City e.t.c.'s new show opened to rave reviews from Chris Jones with Chicago Tribune (3 out of 4 Stars) and Hedy Weiss with Chicago Sun-Times (Highly Recommended). They also garnered a Jeff Recommendation on their opening night. "Jeff Recommended" indicates that at least one element of a show was deemed outstanding by opening night judges. The entire production is then eligible for nomination for awards at the end of the season.
Performances are selling out fast. Click here to reserve your tickets .
The Second City e.t.c. is proud to open their 36th revue We're All in This Room Together tonight! Directed by Ryan Bernier, We're All in This Room Together is written and performed by Aidy Bryant, Mike Kosinski, Michael Lehrer, Tawny Newsome, Andel Sudik and Chris Witaske. Kyle Anderson is the Lighting Designer and Stage Manager with Jesse Case as Musical Director.
Visit our Facebook page to check out pictures from the show. Click here to reserve tickets.
Chicago Live! wraps up their second season at Up Comedy Club with a compelling line-up of guests including:
Television personality and host of Travel Channel's "Man v. Food" Adam Richman (interview with Mark Caro)
Photographer Art Shay (interview with Rick Kogan)
Jazz pianist and singer Judy Roberts (performance and interview with Howard Reich)
Bluegrass band Henhouse Prowlers
Chicago Live! Almanac
Comedy from The Second City
Chicago Live! is recorded in front of a live studio audience at 7 p.m. Thursdays at UP Comedy Club. After each show, the audience is invited to a 30-minute reception with the cast, crew and guests.
Click here for tickets
Join us again this Thursday in UP Comedy Club for Chicago Live! featuring a fantastic line-up of guests including:
Chicago Live! is recorded in front of a live studio audience at 7 p.m. Thursdays at UP Comedy Club. After each show, the audience is invited to a 30-minute reception with the cast, crew and guests. Click here for tickets.
Chicago Training Center Teacher, Jeff Poole, was featured in the Huffington Post for his fake Twitter account @KingofIL where he pretends to be Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Check out the full article at the Huffington Post.
AV Club writer Marah Eakin joined us for The Second City Neighborhood Tour and learned a couple of things - including that one of the faces on our famous facade looks like Nick Offerman. But its not - just in case you thought the same thing. Click here to read the full review.
Second City alum Jack McBrayer talks about his Second City days and shows off his accent work in this Conan interview:
The Second City e.t.c. is proud to announce the opening of their brand new 36th Revue, We're All in This Room Together. Reviewing press are invited to attend the show on Thursday, June 28, 2012, at 8:00pm at The Second City e.t.c. Theatre (1608 N. Wells St, 2nd Floor). A Grand Opening is scheduled for Sunday, July 1, 2012, at 7:00p.
The cast of The Second City e.t.c. invites you to turn off your cell phone, log off Facebook and stop tweeting to attend a unique 21st century event featuring a diverse group of live people in one room physically interacting with one another. For two extraordinary hours, we will resist the compulsion to check our text messages, status updates and twitter feeds knowing that this special group of people will never come back together as one audience again - physically, philosophically or politically. For this one night, We're All in This Room Together.
After directing for The Second City Touring Company as well as multiple productions for Second City Theatricals, Ryan Bernier makes his resident stage directing debut joined by veteran Jeff Award-winning cast members Aidy Bryant and Michael Lehrer (Best New Work - Musical or Revue). Making their Second City e.t.c. debut are new cast members Michael Kosinski, Tawny Newsome, Andel Sudik and Chris Witaske. The talented Jesse Case returns as Musical Director providing original incidental music and sound design and Kyle Anderson rounds out the crew as Lighting Designer and Stage Manager. The producing team for We're All in This Room Together includes Owner & Executive Producer for The Second City, Andrew Alexander; President, Diana Martinez; Executive Vice President, Kelly Leonard; Producer, Alison Riley and Associate Producer, Jeremy Smith.
Tickets for We're All in This Room Together are available by phone at 312-337-3992 or online at www.SecondCity.com. The show schedule and ticket prices are as follows:
| Tuesday | 8 pm | $23.00 (from August 7 – 28, 2012) |
| Wednesday | 8 pm | $23.00 (from July 11– August 28, 2012) |
| Thursday | 8 pm | $23.00 |
| Friday and Saturday | 8 pm & 11 pm | $28.00 |
| Sunday | 7 pm | $23.00 |
In the photo (clockwise from left): Andel Sudik, Aidy Bryant, Michael Kosinski, Chris Witaske, Tawny Newsome and Michael Lehrer (photo by Dave Rentauskas).
Coming to see a show this weekend? If so, be sure to schedule some time to experience the Old Town Art Fair (on Lincoln @ Wisconsin) and Wells St. Art Fest (on N. Wells between North and Division). Both events showcase the country's most talented fine artists as well as entertainment, food and drink.
Please note parking will be limited in the Old Town neighborhood weekend. If you're driving, allow yourself extra time to find parking. Taxicabs will be available throughout the neighborhood and CTA is easy to access from the El Sedgwick Brown Line or buses #151, #156, #22 or #36. Click here to plan your trip using CTA
Children's Memorial Hospital will also be moving this Saturday June 9th. Fullerton Ave will be closed from Lincoln Ave to Lake Shore Drive to accommodate this move. The Lake Shore Drive entrance and exit ramps at Fullerton will be closed as well. The move will begin at 6:00 AM and continue until patients have been moved. It is estimated that the move will take 10-18 hours.
The Alliance For Children's Rights, Los Angeles' preeminent nonprofit dedicated to protecting the rights of at-risk children, is announcing the 3rd annual RIGHT to LAUGH comedy event.
Andrew Alexander and The Second City will be honored at this year's event which includes an all-star comedy performance line up including Martin Short, Fred Willard, Patricia Heaton, Rachael Harris and Jeff Garlin. Funds raised will benefit The Alliance for Children's Rights in their quest to help impoverished and abused children in LA.
The RIGHT to LAUGH will take place at the Avalon Theatre, 1735 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 starting with a red carpet cocktail reception at 6 p.m. The Second City, the world's premier comedy theatre and school of improvisation, has launched some of the most prominent names in comedy from Alan Arkin, Gilda Radner, Steve Carell and Tina Fey to name a few. This year's RIGHT to LAUGH Award will go to The Second City's Owner & Executive Producer Andrew Alexander.
"What The Alliance is to kids in need, The Second City is to comedy in our industry. Laughter makes our world a better place and for that we are proud to salute them," says Peter Benedek, UTA, Co-Chair of the event.
The comedy salute line-up to-date include The Second City Alumni and comedic greats: Martin Short (Jiminy Glick, SNL), Neil Flynn (Scrubs, The Middle), Jeff Garlin (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Richard Kind (Spin City), Joel Murray (Mad Men, God Bless America), Suzy Nakamura (Go On, Help Me, Help You), Rose Abdoo (Gilmore Girls), David Steinberg (Inside Comedy), George Wendt (Cheers) and Fred Willard (Best in Show), along with other Special Guests Pamela Adlon (Californification), Ed Begley, Jr. (St. Elsewhere), Willie Garson (Sex & the City), Rachael Harris (Hangover), Patricia Heaton (The Middle), Phil LaMarr, Laraine Newman (SNL) and Amy Yasbeck (Wings), with special messages by Steve Carell and other illustrious Second City Alumni. To date, celebrity guests attending the event include Larry David, Selena Gomez and Diane Keaton.
Funds raised will benefit The Alliance for Children's Rights, which focuses on protecting the rights of impoverished and abused children and youth so that they have safe homes, health care and the education they need to thrive. "Laughter for a good cause is hard to resist and we are honored to be a part of something so worthwhile," Andrew Alexander, CEO of The Second City.
The RIGHT to LAUGH sponsors include: CBS, UTA, DreamWorks Animation, Guess?, Symantec, Robin, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, City National Bank, Zoo Productions, Warner Bros., Kymberly Marciano-Strauss & Even Strauss, Kaplan Stahler Agency, Mintz Levin, Janet & Bob Daily, Bill Maher, Tom Bezucha, Larry David, Nathalie Marciano, Gene Stein & Geert De Turck, Michael J. Fox & Tracy Pollan, Sarah & Bill Odenkirk, 495 Productions and Comedy Central.
Sponsorship opportunities and tickets for this event are still available. Visit www.kids-alliance.org for details.
