Second City Gift Cards: #1 On Everyone's Wish List

As we all start to prepare for the annual holiday shopping extravaganza, we suggest you think about how you can make this easier on yourself - gift cards. Who doesn't love a night out filled with fun and laughter? Does someone you know think they're hilarious and want to take a comedy class? A gift card sure would be a thoughtful gift, wouldn't it? Who knows, you could give the gift card that kickstarts the next Tina Fey's comedy career. We think that's just swell. If you do too, you can order gift cards online or call 312-337-3992.

Second City Alumni Katie Rich Added to SNL Writing Staff

Congratulations to Katie Rich on her move from The Second City Mainstage in Chicago to the writing staff of Saturday Night Live, NBC's Emmy Award-winning late-night comedy showcase, currently in their 39th Season.

"After writing and performing in three exceptional revues for The Second City Mainstage, we are thrilled that Katie has an opportunity to join the writing staff of SNL. Katie is a terrific talent and we wish her all the best in this next stage of her wonderful career," states Andrew Alexander, CEO & Executive Producer of The Second City, Inc.

SC Training Center Graduate Jay Leggett Passes Away

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Jay Leggett - actor, improviser, director and screenwriter. Jay graduated from The Second City Training Center in Chicago before moving to Los Angeles to join the cast of Fox TV's "In Living Color." Jay wrote and produced for film and television, and directed Toronto's long-running production of "Tony N' Tina's Wedding." Services have not yet been announced.

The Second City Announces 2013 Lineup for 24-Hour Improv & Music Marathon

The Second City That Never Sleeps: 24 Hour (formerly known as The Second City That Never Sleeps: Letters to Santa) runs non-stop from Tuesday, December 17th, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. until Wednesday, December 18th at 6:00 p.m. in The Second City e.t.c. Theatre, 1608 N. Wells Street, 2nd floor of Piper’s Alley.

Prepare to fa-la-la-la-la all day and all night with an all-star lineup of comedy and music powerhouses: SNL vet and Portlandia’s Fred Armisen will join a host of Second City performers and alumni for the improvised festivities. Internet phenomenon Lil Bub (the world’s most amazing cat) will make her long-awaited Second City debut.

Musicians ready to rock include: Bob Mould (Husker Dü, Sugar), Bonnie Prince Billy, Sally Timms (The Mekons), Chicago’s own J.C. Brooks & The Uptown Sound and The Hungry Pilgrims. Jeff Tweedy (Wilco), Bush and St. Vincent will join the party live via video chat, as will Louise Post and Nina Gordon (Veruca Salt) for their first performance together in 15 years.

One-of-a-kind items up for auction at 24 Hour include two tickets to an SNL taping and a recording session with prolific music producer Steve Albini at his private Chicago studio.

Audience members of 24 Hour will have first access to purchase tickets to an exclusive evening at the Up Comedy Club on January 6th, 2014, featuring improv and sketch comedy from SNL cast members and distinguished Second City alumni, followed by an intimate “living room”-style performance by Jeff Tweedy. Ticket sales will also support Onward Neighborhood House.
Tickets to The Second City That Never Sleeps: 24 Hour are $20 and will be sold at the door throughout the event as long as seats are available. Doors open Tuesday, 12/17 at 5:00 p.m. The event will also be streamed LIVE at letterstosantachicago.com or gigity.tv. Donations via PayPal are appreciated. 24 Hour is an all-ages show. Chicago liquor and curfew laws apply.

For more information, updates and the complete schedule, visit secondcity.com, facebook.com/secondcity24hour, or contact The Second City Box Office at (312) 337-3992. Follow @TheSecondCity on Twitter. Onward Neighborhood House empowers families and individuals in need to achieve their full potential in a community-based setting.

Ethan Krupp (Current Student) and Kimmie Companik-Warner (Faculty Member) Get Commercial Retweeted By President Obama

Congrats to current Musical Improv Conservatory student, Ethan Krupp, and Beginning Improvisation faculty member, Kimmie Companik-Warner, on their national commercial featured on BuzzFeed, CNN and retweeted by President Obama! Watch the video below.

About Kimmie Companik-Warner : Kimmie moved to Chicago in 1993 to pursue her one true passion, improvisation. She is a graduate of The Second City Conservatory, iO, and The Annoyance. Currently, Kimmie is an associate faculty member of The Second City Training Center and teaches with The Second City Artist in Residence program. She instructs at Act One Studios and Emerald City Theater, and also participates in the Chicago Public School system's mentoring program. She has performed countless shows in Chicago's premiere comedy circuits and has also directed at various venues across the city. She is a founding member of two sketch comedy groups, Dolphins of Damnation and The Smart Set. Kimmie firmly believes that the principles of improv can make people happier, communities healthier, and the world a better place.

SCTV Alum Andrea Martin to Star in New NBC Comedy

NBC is co-producing 12 half hour episodes of Working the Engels, starring SCTV alum Andrea Martin. Read the full story here.

Key & Peele Talk About Time at SC on The Daily Show

Check out SC alum Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele on The Daily Show talking about their time in Chicago and at Second City!