Stephen Colbert Talks Comedy to His Alma Mater

Second City alum Stephen Colbert sat down to talk about his career and decision to move away from drama and into comedy with his other Chicago alma mater, Northwestern University. Read the full article on Northwestern's website.

Two Days Left To Vote!

The Second City Network's video "Undocumented Worker: The Audition" was a big hit at the NBC Short Cuts Festival! Congratulations to Nyima Funk & Ithamar Enriquez for making it to the final round.

Though the video didn't win best film, it had a HUGE crowd response -and is still eligible to win the People's Choice Award!

Visit the Short Cuts Film Festival and vote for Undocumented Worker: The Audition by Wednesday, November 31st to help us win!

Thank you for your support.

Brendan Jennings on the cover of TimeOut

E.t.c. cast member Brendan Jennings can make anything appealing – including an “ugly” holiday sweater. This week, Brendan is on the cover of TimeOut Chicago Magazine. To check out his awesome photo shoot, click here. You’ll want this sweater – we promise.

Brendan can be seen in The Second City e.t.c.’s Absolute Best Friggin’ Time of Your Life. To check him out up close and personal, click here for tickets.

Shelly Gossman Talks about Second City & SNL

Shelly Gossman, a recent Second City alum and current writer for Saturday Night Live, sat down for an interview with her alma mater’s newspaper to talk about her work in the theater and now on television. Click here to read the full interview.

The Second City Comedy Desk:6 Tips to Help You Endure the TSA's Grabby Gantlet

View the latest Second City Comedy Desk in the Chicago Tribune by Steve Waltien. Click to enlarge

Gift Certificates On Sale Now – One Size Fits All

This Holiday Season, give the gift that will make everyone on your list happy - Gift Certificates to The Second City! Whether you're looking to give your best friend classes to hone her improv skills, or your favorite aunt/uncle a reason to spend a hilarious night out on the town, Second City Gift Certificates are perfect for everyone.

A Gift for Them and for You

Buy 4 Gift Certificates exceeding total value of $100 and receive a voucher for 2 FREE tickets to The Second City for Tues-Thurs and Sun. Offer expires December 19, 2010.

Click HERE to purchase a gift certificate for any of our theatres or training centers in Chicago, Toronto, or Hollywood!

Information About Second City Show Ticket Gift Certificates
• Gift Certificates are available in any denomination starting at $25


• Gift Certificates are non-cash-redeemable, non-transferable, non-refundable, and do not expire


• The estimated value of 2 weekend tickets is approximately $60


• Gift Certificates may be purchased online here or by calling the box office during regular box office hours: 312-337-3992 for Chicago or 416-343-0011 for Toronto

SC Alum Bob Odenkirk Performs To Sold Out Crowd In New Sketch Show At Second City - Hollywood

Bob Odenkirk (SC Alum, creator and star of HBO's Mr. Show) directed and starred in a new sketch comedy show, "Gentleman's Club," at the Second City - Hollywood Sunday night Nov 21. The sold-out audience included MAD TV star Ike Barinholtz, and Mr. Show and Arrested Development star David Cross.

Second City Weekend Guide – Holiday Date Night

After a weekend of entertaining the masses, enjoy a date night to wrap up the great holiday weekend.

Sunday, November 28th

4:30pm – For a late afternoon snack, visit Christkindlmarket (Daley Plaza at 50 W Washington), Chicago's largest open-air Christmas festival for schnitzel, potato pancakes and hot spiced wine. Inspired by the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, the Christkindlmarket Chicago brings a cherished German and European tradition with international flair and local charm to Chicago.

5:30pm – Walk east on W Washington and then turn left at N. State to head towards Macy’s (111 N State St) to check out their Holiday windows depicting iconic holiday scenes.

5:45pm – Walk North on State St. to State & Lake to catch the Brown Line towards Kimball. Exit at Sedgwick, walk north to North Ave, take a right and walk towards North & Wells. Second City is left on Wells St.

7:00pm – Give the holiday spirit a rest and enjoy our hit mainstage show Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies (1616 N. Wells St). If you miss the spirit during the show, you can order one of our signature holiday cocktails.

To create a map for this trip, click here for Google maps. For more Chicago planning tips, you can check out our Plan Your Visit page. We look forward to seeing you!

Jeffrey Sweet Talks Up Second City in NEA Podcast

Author and playwright Jeffrey Sweet recently sat down for the National Endowment of the Arts podcast to talk about the revitalization of theater in Chicago through The Second City and other theater companies, as well as his own experience as a playwright and the art of theater and musical theater. To download the podcast, visit the NEA.

Second City Opens at Woolly Mammoth in Washington D.C. on Dec. 8

The Second City returns for another extended run at the prestigious Woolly Mammoth Theatre in Washington, DC. A Girls Guide to Washington Politics opens on Wednesday, December 8 and runs through January 9. Directed by Billy Bungeroth, the show features Joey Bland, Brooke Breit, Lilli-Anne Brown, Lori McClain and Rebecca Sohn. For more information, visit Wolly Mammoth.

Chicago Live! Sells Out Season Finale

Did you miss last night's sold out finale of Chicago Live? If so, check out pictures from last night and stay tuned for podcasts from the show.

See pictures from the event here

This week's lineup included:

• Michelin Guide's Director General Jean-Luc Naret, interviewed by Tribune food writer Kevin Pang


• Top Chicago chefs: Stephanie Izard, Graham Elliot and Paul Kahan


• Doug Sohn of Hot Doug's and George and Manolis Alpogianis of America's Dog talk hot dogs with the Tribune's Bill Daley


• Quentin Love talks with Rick Kogan about bringing affordable, healthy food options to Chicago's lower income neighborhoods


• Tribune writer Lauren Viera talks to master mixologist Bridget Albert about cocktail trends, followed by a mix-off between host Rick Kogan, Drawing Room's Charles Joly and The Bristol's Debbi Peek.


• Actress Barbara Robertson performs a musical selection from the upcoming Chicago production of "Working"


• Comedy from The Second City

Second City Receives Stellar Reviews in Atlanta

Our new show, “Miracle on 1280 Peach Tree Street” at the Alliance Theater in Atlanta is receiving stellar reviews. Atlanta InTown calls it “hysterical…the fastest two hours you’ll spend in a theater.” Technique News describes it as “a perfect blend of comedy and politics anyone can appreciate, especially when it is executed so seamlessly.”

See our Atlanta InTown review here
See our Technique News review here

Start Second City Classes in the New Year!

Whether you’re following your dream of being an actor or just looking for something fun to do once a week, join us for classes starting in January! Our full course catalog is online. Try your hand at Improv, Writing, or Acting.

Registration begins this Friday, November 19, for classes starting in just a few weeks for adults. Registration for kids is already open! Feel free to call us at 312-664-3959 seven days a week with any questions!

Comedy Desk: Will New Tea Party Seats Cause Sweeping Change in House?

Click to enlarge the latest Comedy Desk by Steve Waltien.

Second City's Dysfunctional Holiday Revue Opens November 30th

The Second City is proud to announce the opening of Second City's Dysfunctional Holiday Revue, on Tuesday, November 30th, 2010 at 7:30pm in The Second City e.t.c. Theatre (1608 North Wells Street, 2nd Floor of Piper's Alley).

Second City's Dysfunctional Holiday Revue features a seasonal blend of hilarious scenes, songs and our trademark improvisation with a sprig of holiday mischief for a night of spirited fun. Funny, bright and completely original, Second City's Dysfunctional Holiday Revue is the perfect alternative to the same old holiday shows. From uneven gift exchanges with your clueless boyfriend to couples therapy with Joseph and Mary, Second City has your ticket to all that’s ridiculous about this magical season.

Second City's Dysfunctional Holiday Revue is a terrific setting for holiday celebrations and perfect antidote to the traditional (i.e. boring) office party.  Bring your boss, your teenager and your best friend - Second City's Dysfunctional Holiday Revue is a great addition to your list of holiday traditions.

Second City's Dysfunctional Holiday Revue is presented in repertory by The Second City Touring Company featuring ensemble members Edgar Blackmon, Ross Bryant, Angela Dawe, Kate Duffy, Barry Hite, Michael Kosinski, Shad Kunkle, Holly Laurent, Rachel Miller, Eileen Montelione, Mark Piebenga, Tilliski Rainey, Katie Rich, Derek Shipman, Tim Stoltenberg and Natalie Sullivan. Directors for The Second City Touring Company are Billy Bungeroth, Sandy Marshall and TJ Shanoff.

Tickets for Second City's Dysfunctional Holiday Revue are available by phone at (312) 337-3992 or online at the Dysfunctional Holiday Revue page. Bring your group to Second City's Dysfunctional Holiday Revue! For benefit and pricing information, email Tiffany Smith at tsmith@secondcity.com.

Show schedule and ticket prices are as follows:

Tuesday, November 30	7:30p	$22.00
Wednesday, December 1	7:30p	$22.00
Saturday, December 4	4:00p	$22.00
Sunday, December 5	4:00p	$22.00
Monday, December 6	8:00p	$16.00
Tuesday, December 7	7:30p	$22.00
Wednesday, December 8	2:00p	$22.00
Wednesday, December 8	7:30p	$22.00
Saturday, December 11	4:00p	$22.00
Sunday, December 12	4:00p	$22.00
Monday, December 13	8:00p	$16.00
Saturday, December 18	4:00p	$22.00
Sunday, December 19	4:00p	$22.00
Monday, December 20	8:00p	$16.00
Sunday, December 26	4:00p	$22.00
Monday, December 27	8:00p	$16.00

Overnight Packages are available at The James, our partner hotel in Chicago. Contact The Second City Box Office at (312) 337-3992 for more information.

Ithamar Enriquez of Second City Hollywood Appearing on Fox's "Raising Hope"

Ithamar Enriquez , an alumnus of Second City and a regular performer at The Second City Hollywood, will be on Fox’s new hit show, “Raising Hope”.

Ithamar takes a comedic turn as “Mr. Sanchez” in the episode entitled, “Blue Dots”. Be sure to catch his episode on Tuesday, November 16th when Hope starts imitating the dogs at her day care, and Jimmy decides to enroll her in an expensive, high-end center.

Ithamar also stars in the Second City Network’s short film, “Undocumented Worker: The Audition” and can be seen performing live at The Second City Hollywood with “Delicious Moments”. (A two man Improv Show with fellow Second City Alumnus Brian Shortall.)

The Second City Comedy Desk: Body of Works

Read the latest Comedy Desk by Seth Weitberg. Click to enlarge.

Phred Brown on The Late Show with David Letterman

Phred Brown, a teacher & regular performer at the Second City Hollywood, has been tapped to play keyboard and sing backup with Bruno Mars. In addition to touring the globe, Phred will appear on The Late Show this Thursday, November 11th. You can also catch him with Bruno Mars on Sunday, November 28th, where they will be performing on the 2010 Soul Train Awards.

Click Here to Visit the Bruno Mars website


For Letterman Information click here

From Second City to 30 Rock, Tina Fey Rocketed to Becoming Twain Prize Winner

Tonight, The Kennedy Center will present the 13th Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to Tina Fey. The award, named to honor one of America's - and the world's – greatest humorists, will feature a lineup of the biggest names in comedy, and will be taped for television by WETA, and will be broadcast nationwide on PBS on November 14, 2010. She was featured today in a great feature in the Washington Post.

Comedy Desk: The Political Walk of Shame

Read the latest edition of The Second City Comedy Desk in the Chicago Tribune by Dana Quercioli

Click to enlarge

The Second City’s Rob Baker featured in T.O.night

Rob Baker, a member of The Second City’s mainstage troupe in Toronto, held nothing back in this interview with T.O.night (5/11/2010):

Second City Opens Pride & Porkopolis in Cincinnati

Second City Theatricals is proud to open Pride & Porkopolis at the Cincinnati Playhouse on Saturday, November 6. Directed by Mick Napier and featuring an all-star cast, Pride & Porkopolis is a no-holds-barred comedy revue all about Cincinnati. From flying pigs and 3-Ways to Opening Day to Who Day, no German beer will be left unopened in the fun and irreverent celebration of the city formerly known as Porkopolis. For tickets and more information, visit Cincinnati Playhouse.

It’s a Miracle! Second City Opens New Show in Atlanta

Santa’s left something in your stocking, Atlanta. And it’s not another crushed beer can from the Clermont Lounge, Grandma Irene’s fruitcake, or sausage balls from last year’s Pink Pig. It’s The Second City’s third all-new installment of belly laughs and sketch comedy, here to remind you why you’re lucky to spend the holidays in Atlanta – because after December 25th, Santa’s Elves sure do get rowdy at the Chik-fil-A Dwarf House.

Our brand new show all about Altanta, Miracle on 1280 Peach Tree St. opens at the Alliance Theater on Friday, November 5. Find ticket information.

Chicago Training Center Open House - Nov 6th, 2010

Join us on Saturday, November 6, for the Training Center Open House! Please arrive at 5:30pm to sign up for the raffle and to reserve spots in your preferred workshops. Workshops with our program heads and faculty being at 6pm. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be available throughout the evening. At 7:30 and 9:00 catch a performance of one of our resident house teams. Then at 10:00 get ready for the Homecoming Dance. Wear your biggest dress or skinniest tie (or come as you are) and dance with us until midnight. Fabulous raffle prizes from local businesses and the Second City will be given away. All activities are FREE!

SCHEDULE:

• 5:30pm: Check In 3rd floor--Sign up for workshops and raffles
• 6:00pm - 7pm: Teen Jam, de Maat Theatre
• 6:00pm - 7:15: Seven Day Shorts, Room 305--Screening of past favorites; pointers for guerilla filmmakers; Q&A with the shorts team
• 6:00pm - 6:30pm: The First Step: Improv Fundamentals, Room 405
• 6:00pm - 6:30pm: Writing Workshop, Room 303
• 6:00pm - 6:45pm: Surving Singprov Crash Course, Room 404--a workshop to help the vocally challenged step up and sing with confidence!
• 6:45pm - 7:15pm: The First Step: Improv Fundamentals, Room 405
• 6:45pm - 7:15pm: Writing Workshop, Room 303
• 7:00pm - 7:45pm: Getting to the Song: Music Improv Scenework, Room 404--a workshop that will help musical improvisors improve their scenework
• 7:30pm - 8:00pm: The First Step: Improv Fundamentals, Room 405
• 7:45pm - 8:30pm: Before They Were Stars, Room 305--see clips of some of your favorite Second City alums on stage before they became tv and film stars
• 8:00pm - 8:45pm: Words Don't Matter: Music Improv Staging & Emotion, Room 404--a workshop to help the musical improviser create compelling stage pictures
• 8:15pm - 8:45pm: The First Step: Improv Fundamentals, Room 405
• 7:30pm - 8:30pm: SketchCo show, de Maat Theatre
• 9:00pm - 10:00pm: Improv Jam, Room 405
• 9:00pm - 10:00pm: HouseCo performance, de Maat Theatre
• 10:15 - 12:00: Homecoming Dance, Room 305--join us for dancing; drinks and appetizers will be provided
• 11:45pm: Raffle Winners Announced, Homecoming King and Queen Crowned, Room 305

Youth Program Winter Registration is Now Open!

Registration for our winter session is now open so don’t miss out. Students ages 2-18 can choose from a wide range of classes including improv, stand up, sketch comedy or one of our new our new classes like Singprov or Acting for ages 11-12. Classes start January 11th and run for 14 weeks through April 17th and end 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 are held at The Second City Training Center, Piper’s Alley 4th floor, 1608 N. Wells Street in Chicago. For more information, find our kids classes online.

Second City Weekend Guide – Brewery Tour & Show

You’ve got enough on your plate – let us do your weekend planning! Here’s your guide to a guaranteed afternoon of fun in Chicago.

Saturday, November 5th
1:00-2:00pm Half Acre Brewery & Craft Beer Emporium – Brewery Tour

Half Acre Beer Co. is a brewing company in the Northcenter neighborhood of Chicago. On Saturdays, they offer free tours of their brewery at 1:00p. Space is limited so make sure to sign up ahead of time.(HalfAcreTours.EventBrite.com)

2:00-3:00pm Half Acre Brewery & Craft Beer Emporium – Brewery Tour

Enjoy Half Acre Brewery’s store and tasting area for a drink – you just fund a new favorite.

3:00-3:40pm Lincoln/Sedgwick Bus

Let someone else do the driving. Take a left and walk north on Lincoln Ave. to the corner of Lincoln & Cullom. Hop on the #11 Lincoln/Sedgwick bus ($2.25 per person) and enjoy a scenic ride through the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

3:40-3:50pm Welcome to Old Town!

Take the #11 to North Ave & Sedgwick. Walk west on North Avenue to Wells St. Take a left at Wells St. and Second City will be on your left.

4:00-6:00pm Fair & Unbalanced @ The Second City

Sit back, relax and check out a performance of The Second City Touring Company’s hilarious new show, Fair & Unbalanced at The Second City (1616 N. Wells). ($22 per person)

Tribune Comedy Desk: This Just In...

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Comic Corner: Electable Celebs

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