Andy Cobb on Panel About “Satire and Progressive Politics” in Vegas

Earlier this week Andy Cobb, Second City Alum and regular contributor to the Second City Network, was included in an impressive group of professional satirist. The panel included Andy, Elon James White, Sara Benincasa and Lee Camp and was moderated by Matthew Filipowicz. They explored the use of comedy to advance a progressive agenda. Andy Cobb’s satirical pieces have received millions of hits on YouTube and his group, the Public Service Administration, is a well-known presence on the internet. Andy’s work can be seen on a regular basis on the Huffington Post, YouTube and the PublicServiceAdministration.com.

Another Rave Review from Lake County Journal!

Lake County Journal published an excellent review of our latest show, Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies. Here's a brief quote:

"...the satiric frenzy continues unabated until the lights go out some two hours later."

Read the full review at Lake County Jounrla's site.

Rod Blagojevich Superstar Returns on August 6!

The Second City’s hit musical, Rod Blagojevich Superstar returns for a limited engagement run at Metropolis Performing Arts Center in Arlington Heights, IL, from August 6 – September 18, 2010. Rod Blagojevich Superstar is a monumentally hilarious comedy about the rise and fall of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, hair and all. The now famous show was featured on NPR, Good Morning America and ABC and NBC Nightly News and was nearly sold out in Chicago for seven months. Laugh out loud at this comedic gem as they sharply skewer Illinois’ cast of political characters, especially the most well-coiffed Illinois Governor ever. Don’t miss this wickedly funny comedy, playing only at Metropolis.

To book your tickets and get more information on the show, please visit the Metropolis website.

Training Center Staffer is Spotlighted Online for His Volunteer Work

Second City Training Center employee, Andrew Thorp, was honored on Tuesday for his volunteer work with Chicago Cares. He's been involved with their Children's Education program and their Ginko Garden in Uptown. In his two years of service for Chicago Cares, Andrew has logged nearly 40 hours of time as a team leader. Good work, Andrew!

To read the full article, click here.

The Globe & Mail calls Stephen Harper! “an entertaining romp”

The Globe and Mail published a rave review of Stephen Harper the Musical, calling it a “quick, entertaining production” with “animated and highly enjoyable” performances.

Read the full review at Globe and Mail.

Tickets for the final weekend of performances of Stephen Harper! The Musical are available online or by calling 416-343-0011.

Hello, Cincinnati

Today, writers from The Second City are visiting the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park for a three-day intensive on all things Cincinnati! On today's agenda: Corn hole with the staff, Graeter's and Skyline. For updates, stay tuned at the Cincinnati Playhouse's Facebook Page.

Second City Network's "Advice for Young Girls from the Little Mermaid" Featured on YouTube Comedy

Today YouTube's Comedy homepage featured the recent Second City Network video, "Advice for Young Girls from the Little Mermaid." See it below if you haven't already!

Perfect Your Presentation Skills with Second City Communications

Looking to polish your presentation style? Second City Communications, the corporate division of The Second City, is hosting an open-enrollment program on Wednesday, August 11th from 10am – 4pm in our Mainstage theatre at a special discounted rate of $450 per person. This intensive, one-day session provides real world skills and perspectives to help business people become better presenters and is taught in a fun, engaging style based around the fundamentals of improvisation. In this workshop, you will learn to:

• Identify and gain confidence is your personal communications style


• Manage the fear and nervousness that often challenges presenters


• Become more adept at listening, reading a room and building trust


• Think on your feet and become more comfortable dealing with unexpected situations


• Understand the importance of non-verbal communication

For questions, more info, or to reserve a spot, contact Stephanie Gruender at sgruender@secondcity.com or call (312) 784-1103.

More Great Reviews for Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies!

The Second City’s new show, “Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies” continues to receive rave reviews:

"…highly inventive and exciting new show…the Second City’s newest revue finds the venerable theater embracing middle age with a whole new bag of tricks." – Jason Heidemann, Time Out Chicago

"…unquestionably absorbing: six well-honed and superbly interlocking comics try to make sense of the nonsense that defines and surrounds us." – Larry Bommer, Stead Style Chicago

"Recommended…Something is different, and you notice it as soon as you take your seat." – Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun Times

"4 Stars…a rip roaring two hours of solid comedy…these six masters of comedy do their thing the way it was meant to be done." – Alan Bresloff, Around the Town Chicago

155,873 Ton Cruise Ship and Second City was the Highlight

Check out Paul Motter’s terrific report on The Second City’s new gig about the Norwegian Epic.

Youth Program Fall Registration begins July 19th!

Registration for our fall session is just around the corner so don’t miss out. Students ages 2-18 can choose from a wide range of classes including improv, stand up, sketch or one of our new our new classes like Singprov or Acting for ages 13-14. Classes start September 11th and run for 12 weeks through December 5th with a student demonstration on the final day. Each class has students on their feet participating in exercises that develop stage presence, creativity, communication skills, patience, self-confidence and most importantly - are fun!

All classes at The Second City Training Center, Piper’s Alley 4th floor, 1608 N. Wells Street in Chicago. For more information see our Kids Program page.

Garry Meier talks to Wendt & Kazurinsky on WCIU TV

WGN radio’s Garry Meier has a new special on Chicago’s WCIU. It aired on July 11, but it will be replayed on Me-TV on July 17 at midnight. Check out Garry talking to Second City alums George Wendt and Tim Kazurinsky.

Highlights include Wendt reminiscing about flunking out of college with a 0.0 grade average and of his genuine love affair with beer. Kazurinsky shares little-known anecdotes from his ‘Saturday Night Live’ and Second City days.

For more information, see the click here.

Second City to Receive Just for Laughs Lifetime Achievement Award

On Friday, July 16th, The Second City will receive the Just for Laughs Lifetime Achievement Award at the Just for Laughs Comedy Conference Award Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Montreal. Andrew Alexander, CEO/Executive Producer, will accept the award on behalf of The Second City. Additionally, on Thursday, July 15th, the Just for Laughs Festival will present, The Second City – The First 50 Years, a live panel discussion featuring Second City alums Tim Kazurinsky, Colin Mochrie, Bob Odenkirk, Fred Willard, Andrew Alexander and more, hosted by Paul Provenza at the Cinquieme Salle, Place des arts. For more information, click here.

New Mainstage Show Earns Early Raves!

The new show on The Second City Mainstage, Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies opened last night and has received early raves from the critics. Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies has been Jeff Recommended and received 3 ½ stars from critic Dan Zeff. For more information on the show, visit our Spoiler Alert page.

PUMA & The Second City Outreach & Diversity Award 10 Scholarships for Free Training

On Thursday, July 15, PUMA and The Second City Outreach & Diversity announce ten winners to receive a year's worth of training at the Second City Chicago/Hollywood Training Center.
This showcase event will feature our winners in a fun entertaining evening.
Out of 200 applications received nationwide, the scholars have been selected.

The Chicago winners are: Leah Eva, Milton Lil' Rel Howery, Jorge Santos, Richard Juarez, Alison Barthwell, Eddie Mujica and Jessica East.

The Hollywood winners are: Diona Reasonover, Chianti Morgan, and Genevieve Lee.

Check out our fun behind the scenes look at our finalists and how we selected our ten winners. The next one could be you in 2011!

Alum Molly Erdman Profiled in Chicago Tribune

Second City Alum Molly Erdman was profiled in the Chicago Tribune for her blog, Catalog Living. Catalog Living is a fictional look into the exciting lives of the people who live in your catalogs.

Congratulations to Emmy Nominees

Please join us in congratulating the following Nominees for the 62nd Primetime Emmy Award Nominations presented by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences! Nominees include

• 
  Steve Carell (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series - The Office)
• 
  Tina Fey (Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series – 30 Rock; Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series – Saturday Night Live; Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series – 30 Rock)
• 
  Amy Poehler (Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series – Parks and Recreation)
• 
  Martin Short (Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series – Damages)
• 
  Jane Lynch (Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series – Glee; Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series – Two and a Half Men)
• 
  Catherine O’Hara (Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie – Temple Grandin)
• 
  Fred Willard (Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series – Modern Family)
• 
  Peter Murrieta (Outstanding Children’s Series – Wizards of Waverly Place)
• 
  Kay Cannon (Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series – 30 Rock)
• 
  Stephen Colbert (Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Series – The Colbert Report)
• 
  Tom Purcell (Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Series – The Colbert Report)
• 
  Peter Gwinn (Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Series – The Colbert Report)
• 
  Peter Grosz (Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Series – The Colbert Report)
• 
  John Lutz (Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Series – Saturday Night Live)
• 
  Michael Patrick O’Brien (Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Series – Saturday Night Live)
• 
  Kevin Dorff (Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Series – The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien)
• 
  Brian Stack (Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Series – The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien)

Sassy Gay Friend Saves The Giving Tree

Check out the latest Sassy Gay Friend episode. And when you're done, hop over to the Second CIty Network and see the Sassy Gay Ringtones and T-Shirts!

7 Day Shorts: Tuesday Nights at the Chicago Training Center

Come see what Training Center students and faculty are generating at 7 Day Shorts!

Every Tuesday night, teams of Second City faculty, student & alumni filmmakers screen under-two-minute shorts based on an audience suggestion from a week before. After the screening, a rotating group of Second City Faculty will perform an improv set based on the new suggestion for the week. Any member of the extended Second City family may attend the show and submit a video the following week.

Click Here for Details

Open run every Tuesday at 10:30pm.

See highlights from 7 Day Shorts in LA, Detroit, Toronto & Chicago.

Tickets at the door are $10-general public, $1 to TC students

Second City Returns to Philly

The Second City is gearing up for a return to the Philadelphia Theater Company from July 13 – 25 for a special presentation of The Second City’s 50th Anniversary Tour.

To purchase tickets and for more information, visit the Philadelphia Theatre Company.

Former Training Center Student Michael Palascak Performs Stand Up on the Tonight Show

Former Chicago Training Center student Michael Palascak performed a few minutes of stand up on the Tonight Show. Check out his set.

The Second City and Norwegian Cruise Lines Get Epic Together

The Second City has helped launch one of the largest cruise ships in the world: The Norwegian Epic. The ship is filled with fantastic entertainment choices, joining Second City onboard are Blue Man Group, Howl at the Moon, Legends in Concert and Cirque Dreams. Check out the ship in all its glory on the Norwegian Epic's website.

Save the date! Saturday August 7th – Happy Birthday John Candy Box Theatre!

June 2010 marked the 1 year Anniversary of The John Candy Box Theatre. We are having an official birthday celebration on Saturday August 7th. Festivities begin at 7pm with live performances, 7dayshorts, cake and more! Join us earlier in the day at 4pm for an open house. Get a tour of our new studios, see a puppet show in one of our new performances and take a drop in class! All the afternoon events are family friendly!

Improv student hopes to be next Food Network Star

Chef Paul Young is using his improv skills that he learned at the Second City Training Center as a competitor on the current season of The Next Food Network Star. In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Paul tells how his improv skills help him in the kitchen and in front of the television cameras.

Read the Chicago Tribune Interview.

Second City Network's Big Bad Love is on Atom.com

Atom.com, one of the webs leaders in web series and video shorts, is playing The Second City Network's Big Bad Love. See the video and enjoy the other wonderful content on Atom.com!

Big Bad Love stars Brett Guennel, Claudia Wallace, Maribeth Monroe, Samantha Albert

New Comedy Exposed Interview with Brian Posen

Brian Posen, founder of Sketch Fest, and long time teacher in the Second City Training Center, is the latest subject of Jimmy Carrane's Comedy Exposed podcast.

Brian and Jimmy touch on their former teachers, how improv and sketch work apply to life in general, and the history of sketch on the Chicago scene.

Check out the full interview on Comedy Exposed.

Alum Maribeth Monroe Scores Another National Commercial

Maribeth Monroe, Second City Alum, has appeared in a number of television shows and feature films. In addition to her recent appearances in “The Back-Up Plan”, “Good Luck Charlie”, “Parks and Recreation” and “Successful Alcoholics” she also has a number of National Commercial Spots. Her newest spot, entitled “Gecko’s Nametag” is for GEICO Auto Insurance and is currently running on televisions around the country. You can see the commercial here:

This spot marks the second time she has shared the screen with a talking animal. Maribeth also has a National Bush’s Baked Beans commercial currently running that includes the iconic “Duke, the Talking Dog”.

Fireworks for Blago in the Chicago Tribune

Ed Furman's recent piece for the Chicago Tribune shows the different fireworks Blago might be shooting off this 4th of July.

Sassy Gay Friend on G4's "Attack of the Show" last night!

The newest episode of Sassy Gay Friend video aired on "Attack of the Show" last night on G4! Did you miss it? Check it out at g4tv.com!

Happy 4th of July from The Second City!

Just because the City of Chicago cancelled the fireworks in Grant Park this year doesn't mean that you should cancel your plans. Celebrate with us in Old Town! Here's your plan:

5:00p: Go to your friend's barbecue. Enjoy light appetizers, grab a beer and then grab a cab to head to Old Town

7:00p: Check out a hilarious show in The Second City Mainstage or e.t.c. Theater. Enjoy beer and pizza specials in both! Get your tickets here.

9:00p: Walk to North Avenue Beach to check out the Firework displays up and down the coast of Lake Michigan.

If you'd rather have dinner at one of our delicious restaurant partners, we can help you with that, too! Call Tiffany at 312-664-4032 for recommendations and reservations. For a complete list of our restaurant partners, visit our Dinner and Show page