8 Winners Announced in the Online Round of Our Next UP Stand-UP Search

On December 5 we started the online search for Chicago comedians to perform in our Next UP Stand-UP Showcase, to find talented local comics to open for the healine comedians in UP Comedy CLub.

The online contest winners are in! The 8 performers with the most votes, who will be performing in the Next UP Showcase on January 12 are:

Joey Newfield
Carlton Ohaver
Luai Hodi
Jack Baker
AJ Lubecker
Katie Hughes
Brad Rickert
Keith Evans

If your video didn't win, or you didn't get a chance to submit, fear not! You can still audition live on January 3rd at 3pm at UP. Sign up starts at 2:30 and audition slots are first come, first serve. Space is limited. 8 performers chosen from the live audition will join the 8 from the contest in our showcase.

Congrats to our online video winners and we hope to see everyone at the live auditions!

My Musical Comedy: The Training Center's Newest Class For 13- 14 Year Olds

Fans of Glee, Broadway musicals, and theater will love this brand new class! Students will write and perform their own musical comedy! This 14-week course offers students the opportunity to learn story and lyric writing techniques while developing their own original musical. The instructors set the lyrics to music, compile and edit the final script to direct the ensemble in a performance of their very own original music.

Click here for class details.

Acting 1 Class Added!

Acting 1
Class Added Due To Popular Demand!

Over the last year, Second City students have been jumping at the chance to join our acting program but spots have been limited. Not any more! We just opened a Thursday 7pm class set to start January 5th. Learn how to prepare for an acting audition, perfect a monologue and more! To find out more information or register, click here or contact us at 312.664.3959.

Second City Holiday Hours

The Second City Administrative Offices will be closed on December 23rd, 26th and January 2nd for the Holidays. The box office and theatres are still open though, so if you're looking for something to do this season, check out one of our current shows.

Celebrate the New Year @ Second City

Choose your New Year's Eve adventure in Old Town. Have an adult celebration at The Second City's South Side of Heaven or The Second City e.t.c.'s Sky's the Limit (Weather Permitting) or bring your teens to UP Comedy Club for a performance of The Second City's History of Chicago. Guests at the 10:00pm performance enjoy a champagne toast with the cast. Or check out the show at 7:00pm and get home in time to see the ball drop. It's a guaranteed good time.

WHEN:

Saturday, December 31, 2011 Performances at 7:00p & 10:00p Tickets are $55.00 each for all shows.

WHERE:

South Side of Heaven The Second City Mainstage Theatre 1616 N. Wells St. Box Office: 312-337-3992 www.SecondCity.com Sky's the Limit (Weather Permitting) Second City e.t.c. Theatre 230 W. North Ave, 2nd Floor of Piper's Alley Box Office: 312-337-3992 www.SecondCity.com The Second City’s History of Chicago UP Comedy Club 230 W. North Ave, 3rd Floor of Piper's Alley Box Office: 312-662-4562 www.UPComedyClub.com

Second City Turns 52!

Today is Second City's 52nd birthday, and we're stronger than ever, because of you. Thank you for writing and performing amazing shows, coming to the theatre, teaching and taking classes, watching videos, joining us on Facebook and Twitter and most of all, for laughing with us. We couldn't have made it 52 years without one of the most amazing communities in the world.

Joshua Funk Interviewed by ithentic.com

Joshua Funk, Vice President of Television Development and New Media & Artistic Director, The Second City Training Center Hollywood, talks New Media Production. Click here to read the article.

Second City to open for Jay Leno in Chicago on April 28

OMNI Youth Services announced that tickets are now available for its 40th anniversary celebration featuring Jay Leno and Second City on April 28, 2012 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago. OMNI's "An Evening of Laughs with Jay Leno" presented by Allstate will benefit OMNI Youth Services and highlight the organization's 40th anniversary providing services for youth in crisis. Tickets for the gala event are $350 and $400 and show-only tickets will be available for $150 and $135, and are available for purchase at www.omniyouth.org. In addition to Leno's act, Second City will perform as the opening act of the event. The performance is in honor of OMNI's contributions over the past 40 years in providing counseling, services and programming needs for children, teens and their families in Chicago and 20 communities in the surrounding suburbs. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Girls After School Program (GAP), REALITY Theatre, and the Outdoor Wilderness Therapy and Adventure Program, an experiential therapy program. Join us on Facebook.

"From Chicago, a Comedy Collective Second to None" - Washington Post

The Washington Post reviewed our production of Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies currently at the Woolly Mammoth theatre in D.C.

Whether they are crooning a love ballad to Chipotle's burritos or asking the essential cosmic questions, such as "How come all the addicts on 'Intervention' have better apartments than me?," the irreverent invaders from Chicago's Second City are hitting so many comic nails on the head they could be up on the stage assembling a McMansion.

Read the full review at The Washington Post

Don't Miss Sex & The Second City at the Alliance

Don't miss your chance to see the final weekend of Second City Theatricals' criticially acclaimed Sex& The Second City at Alliance Theatre in Atlanta! Tickets are on sale throughout the weekend. Click her for more information.

Response to Rick Perry's "Strong" Ad

Andy Cobb from The Second City Network, created a response video to Rick Perry's "Strong" ad.

It's hard to tell exactly what he was on about in much of this.

Honestly, if kids "observed' Christmas any harder in schools than they already do, they would be elves. And liberals don't hate religion, we're too busy drum circling, same sex marrying, and not owning guns to bother. - Andy Cobb

Second City's Dysfunctional Holiday Revue Receives Raves at Metropolis

The Second City's Dysfunctional Holiday Revue is back on the road and receiving rave reviews. Critic Tom Witom says that it packs a punch at Metropolis and Sally Jo Osborne with Chicago Stage Style describes the show as having "plenty of laughs and plenty of talent."

You can catch a performance of The Second City's Dysfunctional Holiday Revue at Metropolis Performing Arts Center, The Second City and UP Comedy Club.

The Second City That Never Sleeps: Letters to Santa Returns – December 6-7

The Second City That Never Sleeps: Letters to Santa
24 HOURS OF IMPROV AND MUSIC
The Second City e.t.c. Theatre, Chicago, IL
December 6, 2011 7pm concluding Wednesday December 7, 2011

For a decade, The Second City has enlisted Chicago's best improvisers and their musical counterparts to create twenty-four consecutive hours of the best improvised live art you will see in the city. This unique event raises money and gives hope to disenfranchised Chicago families on Christmas day. This year's improvisation will be spearheaded by Second City alums TJ Jagadowski, Tim Baltz and Brendan Jennings.

Improvisational games, scenes and songs inspired by sleep deprivation will accompany performances by the following musical acts:

7:30-8:00pm	Jeff Tweedy - live from Minneapolis auctioning a private show and more
9:30pm	Nina Nastasia
Midnight	The Mountain Goats
3:00am	Jeff Parker
5:00am	Bonnie Prince Billy
9:00am	Danielson
11:00am	Nora O'Connor
1:00pm	Robbie Fulks
3:00pm	Helen Money
5:00pm	The Blisters

There will be great raffle prizes, unique auction items and children improvising at 7:00am.

This event is open to all ages. Tickets are $20 and will be available at the door from 6pm on Tuesday December 6 throughout the event as long as seats are available.

Event will stream live at http://letterstosantachicago.com with a suggested $10 Paypal donation.

Letters will be provided by Onward Neighborhood House http://www.onwardhouse.org

Facebook Event Page https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=312998768716813

Second City @ Woolly Mammoth Theatre – December 6 – January 8

We're headed back to Washington, DC, for another great run with our friends at the Woolly Mammoth Theater from December 6 – January 8. If you're in the DC area, please join us for Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies directed by Billy Bungeroth and featuring James Alfred, Aaron Bliden, Jessica Frances Dukes, Maribeth Monroe, Scott Montgomery and Travis Turner. Click here to reserve your tickets and learn more about the show.

BuzzKill Music Video and Release Date

Second City is helping to produce the upcoming film BuzzKill, which will be available on Valentine's Day 2012. The following combines music and video from the upcoming film:

The Training Center interviews members of Delirious Confetti

December 2nd, 2011 - Performance - Delirious Confetti

Delirious Confetti is comprised of an ensemble that met at The Training Center. Join hosts Nancy Fast and Andrew Thorp as they find out what makes Delirious Confetti click, how they structure a rehearsal, who believes in ghosts and more! Check out their sketch show at The Gorilla Tango on Fridays at 8pm (December 6th ,9th ,16th). Find out more at deliriousconfetti.com.

The cast: Natalie Burris, Sean Godsey, Eli Golden, Alex Hancock, Michael Lackos, William Meincke, Chris Siefer

To listen to this podcast and all others, please visit our TC Spotlights page!

Next UP! Chicago's Best Stand-Up Comic Search

The UP Comedy Club is proud to announce our first ever stand-up comedy search: Next UP! Chicago is full of stand-up talent and we want to find the best local comics and have them perform on our new stage. There are 2 ways to enter and everyone who wins will receive a performance slot in our Next UP! Comedy Showcase on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 7pm. The best stand-up in the January 12 showcase will receive an opening slot performing for one of our headline stand-up comics. The UP Comedy Club is located at 230 W. North Avenue on the 3rd floor of Piper's Alley.

Enter Online:
Enter a video of your best 3 minutes of stand-up in the content tab hosted on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/upcomedyclub?sk=app_95936962634

Submissions begin on December 5 and close at the end of the day on December 18. Voting begins on December 19 and closes at the end of the day on December 29.

The top eight videos with the most 'votes' by the end of the day on Friday, December 29, 2011 win a slot in our Next UP Chicago Showcase Show on Thursday, January 12, 2012 in UP!

Audition Live:
Come to the UP Comedy Club on January 3, 2012 at 230 W. North Ave, 3rd Floor of Piper's Alley and audition live. The sign up starts at 2:30pm, and we'll see comics from 3pm to 6pm. Judges will cast their votes and the top eight will get a slot in the Next UP Chicago Showcase Show on Thursday, January 12, 2012 in UP.

Contestants in the online and the live auditions are competing to win a slot in the Thursday, January 12 show and the winner of that showcase gets an opening slot for future headlining comic here at UP. There will be 8 separate winners in the online contest and 8 separate winners from the live auditions. Comedians who are not selected in the online competition are encouraged to audition live.

For more information, contestants can log onto UPComedyClub.com or e-mail: nextup@secondcity.com.

UP Comedy Club is Chicago's new premier comedy club. Featuring the best in headline stand-up comedy and a variety of original full length shows and improv revues created and presented by Second City Theatricals, UP Comedy Club is Chicago's hot new destination for comedy with shows 7 nights a week.

In addition to a diverse slate of original programming, UP Comedy Club also features a full service restaurant and bar with a Chicago-style menu that includes Lou Malnati's Deep Dish Pizza, Vienna Beef and Eli's Cheesecake.

Student Spotlight - Delirious Confetti

December 2nd, 2011 - Performance - Delirious Confetti
Delirious Confetti is comprised of an ensemble that met at The Training Center. Join hosts Nancy Fast and Andrew Thorp as they find out what makes Delirious Confetti click, how they structure a rehearsal, who believes in ghosts and more! Check out their sketch show at The Gorilla Tango on Fridays at 8pm (December 6th ,9th ,16th). Find out more at deliriousconfetti.com

The cast: Natalie Burris, Sean Godsey, Eli Golden, Alex Hancock, Michael Lackos, William Meincke, Chris Siefer

The Second City Training Center Open Mic

When: Saturdays at Midnight
Where: The de Maat Theater
Cost: Free to Training Center Students and guests

Starting December 1st, jump on stage and join Host and Training Center stand-up instructor Bryan Bowden for the Training Center stand-up open mic. For a 4-minute slot, email Andrew at Athorp@secondcity.com with your name and phone number. Please submit your slot request by 3pm on Friday. A set list will be posted Fridays at 6pm on the Donny's Skybox Facebook page. Day of registrations will begin at 11:45pm on the night of the show.

See you there!

Steve Carell Named GQ's Ham of the Year

Steve Carell was named the "Ham of the Year" in GQ's Men of the Year issue recently for his work on The Office and his new found role as movie star and producer. Tina Fey paid him tribute in the article. Check it out at GQ.

Groupon for UP Comedy Club tickets

In honor of Cyber Monday, we're offering a Groupon for tickets to our new UP Comedy Club for almost any show before March 11. So head on over to Groupon and catch this amazing deal!

Click here: $35 for up to $70 worth of tickets to UP Comedy Club

Headshot Day for Training Center Students!

The Training Center is hosting another discounted Headshot Day on Friday and Saturday, December 16th and 17th (9am-4pm) with guest artist Sally Blood (www.sallybloodheadshots.com). Sessions are 1 hour, which include a 15-minute corrective make-up session and 45-minute shoot. Each session is $200 (a $75 deposit is required at the time of reservation). Participants receive access to all unedited photos via a photo share gallery and can include one touched-up, full-color proof for an additional $30, to be arranged directly with the photographer. Reproductions are not included at this time, although there will be information on-hand for discounted reproductions. Email Andrew Thorp at athorp@secondcity.com with any questions or time requests.

Andrew Alexander Talks to The A.V. Club about UP

Second City CEO & Executive Producer Andrew Alexander sat down with Keith Ecker to talk about the opening of UP Comedy Club. Click here to check out their conversation at The A.V. Club.

Gift Cards Available – Get Ready for the Holidays

This Holiday Season, give the gift that will make everyone on your list happy – a Gift Card for The Second City. Second City Gift Cards are now available online for Chicago and Toronto.

In Chicago, your holiday spirit will be rewarded! Buy 4 Gift Cards exceeding a total value of $100 and receive a voucher for 2 FREE tickets to Chicago's Second City for shows on Tues-Thurs and Sun. This offer expires on December 18, 2011. Click here for more information.

In Toronto, give the gift that keeps on giving with a Season Pack – 3 Shows for only $54.00. Click here for more info.

Tonight on Chicago Live!

Tonight's your last chance this year to check out Chicago Live! Tonight's all star line-up includes:

• Actor John Mahoney (Rick Kogan interview)
• A roundtable of film critics featuring Chicago Tribune's Michael Phillips, Time Out Chicago's Ben Kenigsberg and The A.V. Club's Tasha Robinson
• Chicago cultural historian Tim Samuelson and location scout Al Cohn on the Chicago's many cameos in the movies (Rick Kogan interview)
• Horror movie maven Svengoolie (Rick Kogan interview)
• Facets Multimedia director Milos Stehlik (Rick Kogan interview)
• Director of Andrew Bird: Fever Year Xan Aranda (Jenniffer Weigel interview)
• Special musical guest Kids These Days (performance and Greg Kot interview)
• Chicago Live! Almanac
• Comedy from The Second City

After the show, join us for a cocktail and an opportunity to meet with all of the panelists. The show starts at 6:30p at the Chicago Theatre's Downstairs Stage. Tickets for the show are $20.

- Purchase online through Ticketmaster.com.
- Purchase on the phone through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
- Purchase in person at the Chicago Theatre box office:

The Chicago Theatre (map)
175 N State Street
Chicago, Illinois 60601

Conservatory Student Michael Rose Publishes Novel!

Party Wolves Unleashed in Bizarro Debut Novel from Michael A Rose

Chicago, IL 11/14/11 - What happens when a man's eyeballs fall in love and leave their owner? When Norman Spooter's eyeballs steal his car and take off for parts unknown, he does what any of us would probably do in that situation... he goes back to bed, hoping it'll all resolve itself. Unfortunately, in the middle of the night, a pack of wolves moves in. The worst thing is, they're party wolves... so he decides he's going to get his eyeballs back. He joins forces with a mysterious woman named Zoe, She needs him too... She's on the run from her psycho ex-boyfriend, who happens to be a dangerous walrus. The road trip/chase novel is flipped on its head with a few stops in such places as the bizarre "Motel Sick" and a cult town in North Dakota. With violence and insanity nipping at his heels and a race against the clock to get his body parts back, this could turn out very badly for Norman Spooter.

Michael Allen Rose explores this bizarre premise in Party Wolves in my Skull (108 pp., tpb, $9.95), a bizarro road-trip novel brimming with imagination. Rose's plays have been seen in Chicago, as well as New York, Portland, Denver and other major cities. He's also been published as part of the anthology "Kizuna: Fiction for Japan," an international effort to bring relief to Japan in the wake of the 2011 tsunami. This project however, marks Rose's first turn as a published novelist.

Patrick Wensink, author of Black Hole Blues and Sex Dungeon for Sale! has this to say: "Supposedly, Hemmingway pulled the trigger after failing to finish the Great American Lupine Shindig Novel. Thankfully, Michael Rose picks up where Papa left off and saves a bullet in the process. Filled with runaway eyeballs, debauched wolves and a pill-popping man trying to keep it all straight, Party Wolves in my Skull is one furry keg stand of a book."

Garrett Cook, author of Jimmy Plush: Teddy Bear Detective and Archelon Ranch says the book is "Unusual. Special. A union of Rocko's Modern Life and The Coen Brothers oozing with creativity and heart."

Zack Parsons, Something Awful columnist and author of Your Next Door Neighbor is a Dragon says, "Party Wolves in My Skull reflects Michael Rose's unwavering commitment to the absurd."

Sex & The Second City Heads to Atlanta

Tickets are on sale now for Sex & The Second City 2.0: A Romantic Dot Comedy at Alliance Theater in Atlanta, GA starting November 11 through December 18! Featuring Angela Dawe, Ed Kross, Zach Muhn, and Amy Roeder, Sex & The Second City 2.0 received rave reviews for their recent run at the Denver Center for Performing Arts. Click here to book tickets and for more information about the Alliance Theater.

Second City Receives Spirit of Innovation Award

Last night, we were honored to receive the Spirit of Innovation Award at the 10th annual Chicago Innovation Awards presented at The Harris Theater in downtown Chicago. Owner/Executive Producer Andrew Alexander accepted the award. Additionally, the Chicago Innovation Awards recognized the 10 most innovative products and services introduced in the Chicago region in the past year.

"The Chicago Innovation Awards shine a bright light on the creative spirit of the Chicago region," said Thomas D. Kuczmarski, the awards' co-founder (with local journalist Dan Miller) and senior partner and president of the innovation firm Kuczmarski & Associates. "The recognition of and support for innovation in the Chicago region is growing fast and living up to its promise as the most powerful economic engine of the new economy."

The event drew more than 1400 attendees. Click for more information about the Chicago Innovation Awards.

Sky's the Limit (Weather Permitting) Wins Big at Jeff Awards

Congratulations to the cast and crew of The Second City e.t.c.'s Sky's the Limit (Weather Permitting)! Last night, they won multiple honors at the 43rd annual Jeff Awards including Best New Work, Best Production – Revue and Best Actor in a Revue for Tim Baltz.

The Jeff Awards 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. Congratulations to all of the winners from last night's show!

Click here to reserve tickets for Sky's the Limit (Weather Permitting).

Celebrities Performing at Second City Hollywood this November and December

The Second City Studio Stage in Hollywood welcomes many favorite celebrities in the coming weeks! Jim Belushi continues his run of performances wih Rob Belushi and John Barinholtz in "Sheldon" at 8pm Nov 14. Paul F. Tompkins will guest in "Late Night with Howie Kremer" Dec 9. Fred Willard's "MoHos" continue their monthly run at Second City Hollywood with an appearance in the "Twice as Nice" charity show Dec 10. Bob Odenkirk will also be appearing Dec 10 in the show "Second City This Week." And Molly Ringwald is the special guest host for "Second City This Week's" last show of the year on Dec 17!

Tickets for all shows are aavailable here.

Holland Taylor Speaks with Second City Students

Holland Taylor stopped by The Second City Training Center on Friday afternoon for a Q & A with our students, including students from The Second City Comedy Studies program. During their discussion, she talked at length about the creative process, Stella Adler and the business of acting - auditioning, memorizing lines and preparation.

In addition to being a featured cast member of "Two & a Half Men" on CBS, Ms. Taylor is currently in Chicago performing in "Ann," a play she also wrote. Click here to learn more about the play and reserve tickets. "Ann" runs through December 4 at the Bank of America Theater.

The Second City Connection – JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound

Not only are JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound one of the hottest bands in Chicago – they are also our friends! Check out all of the Second City connections in their latest video.

• Band member Billy Bungeroth is also a Second City Director. He most recently directed South Side of Heaven on Second City's Mainstage.
• Mainstage alum Tim Robinson is featured.
• Nate DuFort, an Associate Producer for Second City Theatricals, directed the video.

Click here for their tour schedule.

Q & A with Holland Taylor

This Friday at 3pm Donny's Skybox

Holland Virginia Taylor is an actress of film, stage and television. Her notable television roles include Ruth Dunbar in 'Bosom Buddies,' senator's wife Margaret Powers on Norman Lear's 'The Powers That Be,' Judge Roberta Kittles in 'The Practice' and Evelyn Harper in 'Two And A Half Men.'

Admission is free for current Training Center students who can also reserve a ticket for one guest. Anyone who is not a student can reserve tickets but will be required to pay the one-time $15 student membership. Space will be limited so reservations will be required.

Reservations will be available online only now through November 3rd, 2011, after which reservations can be obtained directly from the Training Center as well.

If event registration is full, some seats may be available on the day of the event on a first come first served basis only.

Visit the TC office or website or call 312.664.3959 for tickets!

Chicago Live! This Week

Have you made your cocktail hour plans for Thursday, November 2? Hopefully, they include Chicago Live! at 6:30p. This week you'll see:

• Chicago Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis
• Chicago Human Rhythm Project Co-Founder and Director Lane Alexander
• Attorney and author of "John Wayne Gacy: Defending a Monster" Sam Amirante
• Lyric Opera soprano Amber Wagner (performance and John Von Rhein interview)
• Beatbox performer Yuri Lane
• Chicago Live! Almanac
• Comedy from The Second City

Hang around after the show for a thirty minute cocktail reception with the guests. Chicago Live! is recorded in front of a live studio audience at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Chicago Theatre's Downstairs Stage. After each show, the audience is invited to a 30-minute reception with the cast, crew and guests.
Tickets for the show are $20.
- Purchase online through Ticketmaster.com.
- Purchase on the phone through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
- Purchase in person at the Chicago Theatre box office:
The Chicago Theatre (map)
175 N State Street
Chicago, Illinois 60601

Aaaand We’re Back – Join Us for Chicago Live! Tonight

Chicago Live! is back in the studio tonight with another fantastic line-up of guests including:

• U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (Rick Pearson interview)
• Former Chicago Bears safety Gary Fencik (David Haugh interview)
• World music ensemble Las Guitarras de España
• Singer and guitarist Nora O'Connor
• Museum of Contemporary Art Chief Curator Michael Darling (Lauren Viera interview)
• Smart Dating Academy founder Bela Gandhi (Jenniffer Weigel interview)
• Chicago Live! Almanac
• Comedy from The Second City

As always, stick around after the show for a cash bar cocktail reception with the guests. Tickets for the show are $20 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

Second City faculty members offer the AV Club some pointers on making it in Chicago’s world of comedy

Adult stand-up instructor, Bryan Bowden, talks with the AV club regarding Chicago's rich stand-up comedy scene while Writing Head, Andy Eninger, provides tips on being a comedic triple threat in Chicago. Check out the whole article here: Comedy 101:

How to make it in Chicago's sketch, improv, lit, and stand-up scenes.

ABC asks Sayjal Joshi, former student and touring company performer, and Jim Carlson, Head of the Advanced Improv Program at The Second City -Chicago,

Jim Carlson, Head of the Advanced Improv Program at The Second City Training Center – Chicago, tells ABC in a televised interview that women are just as funny as men. Former TC student and current touring company ensemble member, Sayjal Joshi, concurs. See Jim and Sayjal’s interview here.

Alums Nancy McCabe Kelly & Bruce Jarchow Open New Show

Second City alums Nancy McCabe-Kelly and Bruce Jarchow are set to present "Been There, Still There," their original one act theater piece at Donny's Skybox Theater in Pipers Alley (1608 N. Wells, 4th floor). "Been There, Still There" opens on Friday, Sept 30th at 9:00p and runs every Friday until Oct. 21st. Tickets are $13 ($10 for students) and can be purchased by calling 312-337-3992 or click here to purchase tickets online.

Join Us for Chicago Live! Tonight

Join us tonight at 6:30p for the next installment of Chicago Live! Guests on tonight's show include:

• Illinois Senate President John Cullerton (Rick Pearson interview)
• Folk musician Bonnie Koloc (Rick Kogan interview)
• Actor from the new Starz series "Boss" and Steppenwolf Ensemble Member Francis Guinan (Rick Kogan interview)
• "Fed Up With Lunch" CPS food blogger Sarah Wu (Monica Eng interview) | Read the story >>
• Stars of the Annoyance Theatre's "A Magic Evening" Jennifer Estlin and Mick Napier (Kevin Pang interview)
• Creators of the documentary series "Catholicism" Father Robert Barron and Mike Leonard (Manya Brachear interview) | Read the story > >
• Chicago Live! Almanac
• Comedy from The Second City

After the show, join us for a 30-minute reception with the cast, crew and guests.  Tickets are $20.00 and can be reserved by clicking here. (http://www.chicagotribune.com/about/chicagolive/tickets/chi-chicagolive-tickets,0,1403272.htmlstory)

UP Comedy Club Show Schedule Announced

UP Comedy Club, Chicago's premier Stand-Up and Comedy Cabaret Theater, is proud to announce its inaugural performance schedule. In addition to Up Comedy Club Presents... featuring the best in national and local Stand-Up talent, Second City Theatricals presents an eclectic line-up of shows for comedy connoisseurs of all ages. Preview performances are set to begin at UP Comedy Club (1608 N. Wells, 3^rd Floor of Piper's Alley) in December 2011. Tickets are now on sale at www.UPComedyClub.com.

Listed below is a complete schedule description of Second City Theatricals performances:

Up Comedy Club Presents
Up Comedy Club Presents... features the best Stand-Up talent in the country. Tickets are currently on sale for Orny Adams, Dov Davidoff and Gary Owen.

The Second City's History of Chicago
For over 50 years The Second City has been making fun of all things Chicago. From Ditka to Daley, Blago to the Bean - we have a civic history that is filled with characters and comedy. This show takes some of the absolute best material from the very first show in 1959 to the current revues on our stages right now to give audiences a hilarious history lesson of the Windy City.

Tickets $27.00; For ages 13 & up

Wednesday @ 7:30p
Thursday @ 1:30p
Saturday @ 2:30p
Sunday @ 1:00p

On Sundays, join us for a Chicago-style lunch featuring Lou Malnati's Pizza, Vienna Beef Hot Dogs and Eli's Cheesecake.

The Second City's Dysfunctional Holiday Show
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.

Tickets $22.00; For ages 16 & up

Tuesday @ 7:30p
Sunday @ 4:30p

The Second City's Improv All-Stars
See Chicago's finest improvisers under the direction of the legendary Mick Napier in an evening of unscripted and unequaled improvisational comedy. This show is highly interactive, hilarious and thoroughly original.

Tickets $16.00; for ages 18 & up

Monday @ 8:30p

Improv Extravaganza Explosion!
It's playtime! The Second City's performers lace up their sneakers and reach deep into their imaginations to present Improv Extravaganza Explosion! It's an hour of interactive, family-friendly improvisation and sketch comedy where we pull ideas straight from the audience, and make it all up on the spot. The best part is that you never know what might happen!

Tickets $11.00; for ages 8 & up

Wednesday @ 11:00p
Saturday @ 11:00p

UP Comedy Club is located in the former Tony & Tina's Wedding space in Piper's Alley which also houses The Second City e.t.c. Theatre and The Second City Training Center campus. Designed by Ryan Nestor of Barker & Nestor, the new space is a classic cabaret-style club featuring a bar and restaurant component. Programming for UP Comedy Club will include stand-up comedians, alternative comedy, performances of Second City Theatrical productions, alumni shows, and improv shows and will never charge a drink minimum.

This new club hopes to be an a fresh new addition to the Chicago comedy community and will compliment the experience with Windy City culinary favorites like Lou Malnati's Pizza, Vienna Beef, and Eli's Cheesecake.

Tickets are now on sale at UPComedyClub.com.

The Second City wins 2011 Canadian Comedy Award

(TORONTO, October 18, 2011) - The 2011 Canadian Comedy Awards were held last night at the Isabel Bader Theatre in Toronto. The Second City is honoured to have received the award for Best Comedic Play, Revue or Series for our recent mainstage revue Something Wicked Awesome This Way Comes..., which set new box office records when it appeared on our stage from August 2010 through February 2011.

The hit production was written and performed by Rob Baker, Dale Boyer, Adam Cawley, Inessa Frantowski, Caitlin Howden, & Kris Siddiqi. The show was directed by Chris Earle, with music by Matthew Reid, as well as Lighting & Sound by Stage Manager Steve Del Balso.

This is the fourth consecutive year that The Second City has won in this category, and tenth Canadian Comedy Award that The Second City has received overall since the annual comedy festival began in 2000.

Other winners included The National Theatre of The World (named 2011 Best Improv Troupe), which is composed of Second City alums Naomi Snieckus and Matt Baram, as well as 2011's Best Male Improviser, Rod Pederson.

The incomparable Jayne Eastwood, another Second City Toronto alumnus, was named this recipient of The Dave Broadfoot Award

We are also pleased that Picnicface, this year's winner of Best Sketch Troupe, will be performing on our Toronto stage on November 11 as part of the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival.

Congratulations to all of this year's winners and nominees!

Need a job? Come to our Job Fair Tuesday, October 18!

With the opening of our new venue, and lots of growing departments, Second City is holding a job fair for service positions, mainly on our bar and house staff.

There are both part and full time positions available. To see some of the positions we're hiring for, click here,

Second City Joins Sweep Dreams to Benefit Chicago House and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

The Second City will join the cast of Mary Poppins for a special performance to benefit Chicago House and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS on Tuesday, October 25, at the Mercury Theater in Chicago. The doors will open at 6:30pm for general admission, silent auction, and raffles. Curtain time is scheduled for 7:30pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on one of a kind memorabilia from the national tour of Mary Poppins, such as a custom framed autographed show poster and a backstage tour.

Tickets are $30 for general seating, and $50 for VIP. VIP guests will enjoy a special gift pack and post show reception with the cast. Cash Bar and Valet Parking are available. For tickets or information, visit the Mercury Theater website: www.mercurytheaterchicago.com. The Mercury Theater is located at 3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60613.

One More Weekend at The Arkansas Rep

The Second City Touring Company is at The Arkansas Rep for one more hilarious weekend. Read the rest of the glowing review in The Arkansas Times that says:

"...there's something sublime about material that is truly, honest-to-god funny."

Chicago Live! Returns – October 13

We're excited to partner with Chicago Live! for their new season. Chicago Live!, a weekly stage and radio show produced by the Chicago Tribune, returns to the Chicago Theatre's Downstairs Stage every Thursday at 6:30p from October 13 – November 17. Guests for this season include alt-country musician and artist Jon Langford, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton and world music ensemble, Las Guitarras de Espana. Click here for more information including a complete guest line-up.

Writer Salon with Dino Stamatopoulos

What: Writer Salon with Dino Stamatopoulos
When: October 21st – 5:30pm
Where: The Second City Training center (1608 N. Wells Ave – Chicago, IL 60614)

About the Writers Salon:
The Second City hosts a regular series of discussions with professional writers from the television, film and theater communities in a special series for Training Center students and their guests. Tickets can be reserved by students by calling 312.664.3959

About the Artist:
Dino Stamatopoulos is a television comedy writer, actor and producer. He has been a writer for a variety of shows including The Ben Stiller Show (for which he won an Emmy), Mr. Show, The Dana Carvey Show, Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Mad TV. With Robert Smigel he pitched the series TV Funhouse, a spinoff of the popular SNL cartoons, to Comedy Central. He also worked on Tom Goes to the Mayor with Mr. Show alumnus Bob Odenkirk. He is the creator of the Adult Swim programs Moral Orel and Mary Shelley's Frankenhole. Dino has recently been appearing in the role of Star-Burns on the NBC comedy series Community. He co-wrote Community's Claymation-themed Christmas episode which aired in December 2010.

"That Is All:" An Evening with John Hodgman

John Hodgman returns to The Second City to complete his vision of Complete World Knowledge with his new book That Is All. The bestselling author, NPR contributor and "Resident Expert" for The Daily Show will bring his fake trivia, overlong lists and beguiling narratives to The Second City's etc Theatre on Wednesday, November 2 at 8pm. Join America's favorite "minor television celebrity and deranged millionaire" for an evening of completely made–up amazing true facts – and perhaps some Malort. Click here to reserve your tickets.

Final weekend – Love, Sex & The Second City @ Denver Center

Don't miss Love, Sex & The Second City @ Denver Center for the Performing Arts this weekend! There are only 4 performances left through October 9. Click here to book tickets.

Nick Vatterott joins the Teen Jam on Saturday, October 22 at 6:00pm in the DeMaat Theater.

Nick Vatterott will be the special guest to conduct a Q&A session with The Second City Training Center's teen improvisers and stand-up comedians.

Nick himself is a former youth program instructor was named "Funniest Man in Chicago" by Chicago Magazine and has recently appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Nick has performed with The Second City's National Touring Company as well as understudied for Mainstage. He has written for MTV's What was I thinking? and had his work published in Chicago Magazine, Dig This and Reader's Digest. Nick, will also be performing as a featured comic at Zanies Chicago October 19-23.

Andy Cobb and Second City Launch Political Video Network

Andy Cobb and The Second City are happy to present a new online home for original satirical video by The Partisans --just in time for the nascent nastiness of the 2012 election cycle. The Partisans can be found on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/thepartisanscomedy.

Andy Cobb's politically charged videos have received over 10 million views and been called "a blast of cathartic humor" by Huffington Post, "must-see TV for inside the beltway bloggers and journalists" by Politico, and "brilliant" by Andrew Sullivan, and seen on CNN, MSNBC, FOX, NPR, ABC, Current, and many more.

The new site will feature alumni of the legendary Second City in rapid reaction, topical comedy for the current campaign season, with the motto "harsh satire for dangerous times."

Yep, We’re One of the Best – Even in DC!

The Washington Post Going Out Guide has named our upcoming engagement with Woolly Mammoth as one of the best events for the rest of the year in DC! Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies, directed by Billy Bungeroth and featuring James Alfred, Aaron Bliden, Scott Montgomery, Jessica Frances Dukes, Maribeth Monroe and Travis Turner, will be presented at Woolly Mammoth Theatre on December 6 – January 8. Click here to purchase tickets.

Josephine Forsberg – Memorial Update

A memorial service has been planned for Josephine Raciti Forsberg on Saturday, October 8th in The Second City e.t.c. Theatre (1608 N. Wells, 2nd Floor of Piper's Alley) from 2:00-5:00p. All are welcome to attend.

Sadly, Josephine Raciti Forsberg passed away on Monday, October 3rd. Jo studied at the hand of Viola Spolin and was instrumental in the teaching of thousands upon thousands of young actors and improvisers. She founded the Player's Workshop which became one of the first formal schools of improvisation in the world and also produced dozens of Children's Theatre shows at The Second City. We offer our condolences to her whole family – especially her son Eric and daughter Linnea.

Student Headshot Day - October 14th and 15th

The Second City Training Center will be offering a discounted Headshot Day for students on October 14th and October 15th (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.

Second City Featured in American Way

If you're flying with American Airlines, check out our feature in this month's American Way Magazine! It's part of their humor issue which also features a cover story on Second City Touring Company alum, Jane Lynch. Even if you're not flying this month, you can still click here to check out the full story and photos.

Josephine Forsberg

The Second City was saddened to hear of the passing of Josephine Raciti Forsberg this morning. Jo studied at the hand of Viola Spolin and was instrumental in the teaching of thousands upon thousands of young actors and improvisers. She founded the Player's Workshop which became one of the first formal schools of improvisation in the world and also produced dozens of Children's Theatre shows at The Second City. We offer our condolences to her whole family – especially her son Eric and daughter Linnea.

Click here for more information.

New "TC SPOTLIGHT" Posted!

October 3rd, 2011 - Performance - Tiffani Swalley and Robert Jenkins - ensemble members of SongCo!

Tiffani Swalley and Robert Jenkins, members of The Second City Training Center’s 'SongCo' ensemble, join Nancy Fast for a podcast filled with music, laughs, and special guests! Listen in and find out how cast members of the current ensemble create material, deal with fame, choose show shoes and impress potential mates!

To listen to this podcast and all others, please visit our TC Spotlights page!

Student Spotlight - Tiffani Swalley and Robert Jenkins

October 3rd, 2011 - Performance - Tiffani Swalley and Robert Jenkins - ensemble members of SongCo!
Tiffani Swalley and Robert Jenkins, members of The Second City Training Centers SongCo ensemble, join Nancy Fast for a podcast filled with music, laughs, and special guests! Listen in and find out how cast members of the current ensemble create material, deal with fame, choose show shoes and impress potential mates!

Help Us Write a Show about Chicago

The Second City is writing a new show all about the history of Chicago and we need you to help us write it! Beginning Saturday, September 17th, 2011, at 2:00pm, through Sunday, October 2nd, Second City Theatricals presents The Second City's History of Chicago: Live and Under Construction at the Chicago History Museum (1601 N. Clark St).

The Second City is creating a new revue that lauds and lampoons the greatest city on earth: Chicago. In addition to drawing on 52 years of fantastic archival material, our cast will be working with the folks at the Chicago History Museum to develop new scenes that celebrate the best and – often – most infamous parts of our cities present and past.

Each performance will include classic scenes from The Second City's storied past. Additionally, audience members will be asked to provide ideas and input into what has to be a part of a show about Chicago. The finished show will debut in December at our new venue - The UP Comedy Club.

Tickets for The Second City's History of Chicago: Live and Under Construction are available by phone at 312-642-4600 or online at www.chicagohistory.org. Tickets are $15.00 and the show schedule is as follows:

Saturday,	9/17 2:00pm
Sunday,	9/18 2:00pm
Thursday,	9/22 7:30pm
Friday,	9/23 7:30pm
Sunday,	9/25 2:00pm
Thursday,	9/29 7:30pm
Friday,	9/30 7:30pm
Sunday,	10/2 2:00pm

"Second City Spoofs Baltimore to Hilariously Accurate Effect"

The Second City: Charmed and Dangerous just opened in Baltimore, and the critics were thrilled at how well our writers were able to unlock the comedy in Baltimore. Tim Sniffen, a writer/performer in the show, spoke with Baltimore Fishbowl and gave them some insight into how the writing process worked. Read his interview in The Baltimore Fishbowl.

SC Touring Company Alumn and LA Faculty Member featured on Two and A Half Men

Our own Monika Smith is heading to CBS' Two and Half Men. The former prankster on MTV's Disaster Date is scheduled to guest star on the Oct. 24 episode as Kiki, a girl Walden (Ashton Kutcher) and Alan (Jon Cryer) meet at a bar. Monika is a teacher in our Hollywood training center where she assisted in the development of our Long Form program and currently teaches in our Improv, Conservatory and Long Form levels.

Check out the announcement in The Hollywood Reporter.

Congratulations Monika!

Comedy Desk: E-book Influence Speaks Volumes

Click to enlarge the latest Second City Comedy Desk from the Chicago Tribune

Nora Dunn Visits with Second City Students

Today, students of The Second City Training Center and Comedy Studies Program had the opportunity to attend and participate in an exclusive hour long Q&A session with Nora Dunn. An alum of Saturday Night Live, Nora Dunn is currently performing in Broadway in Chicago's Love, Loss & What I Wore through December 4th at the Broadway Playhouse. Click here for more information and ticket information.

Click here for more information about our Training Center.

"Love Lift Them Up Where They Belong" a Benefit for Judy Fabjance

On September 21, the Second City Training Center in Chicago will be holding a benefit for Judy Fabjance, one of our long time faculty members and an inspiration to all our employees, students, and friends.

"Love Lift Them Up Where They Belong" will include improv, sketch, music, and fun all around. There will also be a silent auction. All proceeds from the event will go to benefit Judy's medical costs. For more information, click here.

Second City gets Mile High Rave for Denver production of "Love, Sex and The Second City: A Romantic Dot Comedy"

Our production of Love, Sex, and The Second City got a rave review from Westword. Read Not for the faint of heart: Second City delivers a romantic comedy for the iPhone age.

The show runs through October 9 at the Garner Galleria Theatre of the Denver.

Social Media Week – Join Us for Improvised Innovation: The Chicago Tribune and The Second City – Sept. 20

Join us for a free Social Media Week event on September 20th – "The Improvised Innovation: The Chicago Tribune and The Second City."

A 150 plus year old powerhouse newspaper and a 50 plus year old legendary comedy institution wouldn't seem to have much in common, but a closer look at the two companies and their unique partnership provide a fascinating look at how the landscape of new media has fostered unprecedented collaborations and innovation.

The Second City has developed an improvisational methodology to create short form content and has applied this expertise to web-based entertainment properties and has integrated social media into its live stage productions. Further, Second City Communications – Second City's corporate solutions division – has developed a slew of branded entertainment vehicles that have blended improvisation, social media applications and customized content in unique and provocative ways.

RSVP here

Second City Returns to Baltimore for Charmed & Dangerous

We are thrilled to return to CENTERSTAGE Theater in Baltimore for Charmed and Dangerous, an all new, customized show created just for Baltimore running September 15 – October 16. Tickets are on sale now including VIP tickets to a special Opening Night Event with the cast. Click here for more information or call their box office at 410.332.0033

Training Center Chicago Q&A with Nora Dunn for Training Center Students

Actress Nora Dunn will be visiting the Training Center on Tuesday, September 20 at 2pm for a free Q&A session for Training Center students. Nora is best known for her performances over five seasons on Saturday Night Live and three seasons on NBC's Sisters. Nora is currently appearing in Love, Loss, and What I Wore at the Broadway Playhouse Water Tower place running through October 23.

This event is free to current and former Second City students; non-students of The Second City Training Center can pay the $15 student membership fee to attend.

Read more about the Q&A

New "TC SPOTLIGHT" Posted!

September 13th, 2011 - Performance - 'Infinite Sundaes' Cast Member Spotlight!

Join host Nancy Fast as she talks with Lisa Burton, cast member of the Training Center’s Musical House Ensemble "Infinite Sundaes." Nancy and Lisa talk classes, shows, and power animals!

To listen to this podcast and all others, please visit our TC Spotlights page!

Tim O'Malley's Phantasmagorical 3 Ring Comedy Side Show Circus

The Beverly Arts Center Presents

Tim O'Malley's Phantasmagorical 3 Ring Comedy Side Show Circus

The Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. Saturday Sept 24th at 8pm Tickets $20 and 18 for BAC Members call 773-445-3838 or online at www.beverlyartcenter.org
Chicago comedian and playwright Tim O'Malley will emcee a great night of comedy variety. The show includes the comedy sketch troupe: "Shoelace Academy", "Clowning to Infinity" Clowns, and "RK47" Improv Comedy Duo.

Show Bio's
Emcee Tim O'Malley, is a Beverly native, and alum of the Second City Chicago where he wrote and performed in five original revues on the main-stage in the 90s. His original play "Godshow" ran for four years to sold out audiences, including two at the BAC, and he recently finished his second play "9210 South Winchester"He can be seen in the films "Return to Me," "Bad Meat," "Shift" and "Black Days."

Sketch Comedy:
Shoelace Academy has performed at Donny's Skybox, the Underground Lounge and more. They recently placed third in the Gorilla Tango improvisation competition. Team members have trained at the Second City Conservatory, iO, the Annoyance Theater and more. The Shoelace Academy cast is: Warren Arnold, Patrick De Nicola, Ariel Dumas, Diane Harvey, Zach Hislip, Sam Martin, Vanessa Menton, Kevin Nickolai, Ilana Plen, Jenny Sherman, Jessie Stegner and Maureen Winston.

The Clowns:
"Clowning to Infinity" have been clowning together since the spring of 2010. They have performed at the Second City Training Center. They are happy to bring you delight and joy. They believe pies are for throwing, not eating.

Improv Comedy Duo
"RK47" is the improv duo of Karisa Bruin and Ryan Heywood. Having performed together for 4 years. They have performed in improv festivals in New York City, Chicago and Kalamazoo. They believe in emotional truths on stage and the organic creation of characters. Karisa can also be seen in her other improv projects: ButchMax, Counter Productive Lover and KC Redheart. Ryan's other projects include Burrito Wilson and was recently seen in Artistic Home Theatre's production of Marisol.

Student Spotlight - Lisa Burton

September 13th, 2011 - Performance - 'Infinite Sundaes' Cast Member Spotlight!
Join host Nancy Fast as she talks with Lisa Burton, cast member of the Training Center’s Musical House Ensemble “Infinite Sundaes”. Nancy and Lisa talk classes, shows, and power animals!

Second City Heads Back to Denver

Second City is headed back to Denver with Love, Sex & The Second City: A Romantic Dot Comedy at the Galleria Theater at Denver Center for the Performing Arts from September 13 – October 9. Featuring Angela Dawe, Ed Kross, Amy Roeder and Zach Muhn, Love, Sex & The Second City: A Romantic Dot Comedy is an all new play about relationships in the age of social networking. Tickets are now on sale at www.denvercenter.org.

Join Us for the Wells St. Fall Festival – Sept 10-11

If you're coming to a show or class this weekend, add some extra time to check out the Wells St. Fall Fest on Saturday, September 10 – Sunday, September 11 on N. Wells St. between North Ave and Schiller to enjoy great music, fantastic art, local cuisine and more. Parking will be tight, so take public transportation or a taxi, if you can. For more information about the festival and a complete entertainment schedule, click here.

Toronto Training Centre Open House October 1st!

We're opening our doors for FREE workshops, shows, prizes, food and more!

Have you always wanted to try improv, writing or stand up? Have you ever walked by 70 Peter Street and wondered "What's in the basement of that office building?" Well now you can find out!

We have classes for:
Adults (Improv, Writing, Stand Up, Conservatory, Singing)
Youth & Teens (Winter, March Break & Summer Camps, weekly improv classes, bi-weekly performances in The John Candy Box)
Shows: Every night of the week!

Every 15 minutes there is a show, drop in class, or prize giveaways!

No preregistration required!

There is lots for current students too! Try our Writing for TV class, or our Stand Up Drop In. If you are a current student, bring a friend! If they sign up for a class on Open House Day, you get $25 off your next class!

We'll also be unveiling our NEW merchandise!

See you October 1st!!

Planned Parenthood Posts "Birth Control Ninja"

Everyone loves the Birth Control Ninja – including Planned Parenthood! Yesterday, Planned Parenthood posted a link to Birth Control Ninja from their Facebook page.

Time Out Chicago Features UP

Jason Heidemann from Time Out Chicago takes a tour and sits down with Diana Martinez to talk about our new comedy club, UP, as part of their Fall Preview Issue. Click here to read the story.

Q&A With Colin Quinn For Training Center Students!

Free to current and former Second City students; Non-students of The Second City must pay $15 student membership fee to attend.

Thursday, September 8

1-2pm, Donny's Skybox Theater

More info can be found HERE

Another great review for Toronto's "Dreams Really Do Come True (and other lies)"

Read this recent review from The Globe and Mail, which include highlights like:

"With Dreams Really Do Come True!, a stream of sharp funny presented by a charismatic cast, most all reasonable wishes are granted."

Read the full review

Mainstage & e.t.c. Shows Receive Jeff Nominations!

Congratulations to the cast and crew of South Side of Heaven and Sky's the Limit (Weather Permitting) on their 6 Jeff Award nominations!

Nominations include:

Best Revue – Sky's the Limit (Weather Permitting)

Ensemble – Sky's the Limit (Weather Permitting)

Best New Work – South Side of Heaven, Sky's the Limit (Weather Permitting)

Best Actor in a Revue – Tim Baltz for Sky's the Limit (Weather Permitting), Sam Richardson for South Side of Heaven

The Jeff Awards honor excellence in professional theatre produced within the immediate Chicago area. The 43rd Annual Jeff Awards will be presented on Monday, November 7, at Drury Lane Oakbrook. Click here for more information.

New Second City Toronto Show Opens to Rave Reviews

Second City Toronto's new revue, Dreams Really Do Come True! (and other lies) opened Tuesday and rave reviews are already rolling in. Check out this one from The Toronto Star:

"You're not even a minute into the latest Second City show, Dreams Really Do Come True! (and other lies), when the belly laughs start coming, as they did at the final preview I attended on Saturday night."

and

"The bottom line is that this is a smart, sharp, snappy show with a bite that's even better than its hilarious bark.

You'll laugh your head off while it's on and then you might stay up all night thinking about what you've just seen. That's what Second City comedy at its best can do and that's what Dreams Really Do Come True! (and other lies) accomplishes time and time again."

Read the full review

Final Chicago Live! for the Season – Its all Sports!

Chicago Live! celebrates their final installment of the season on Thursday with an all-sports themed show.  Guests this week include:

Northwestern University football head coach Pat Fitzgerald (interview with Teddy Greenstein)
• Chicago Blackhawks president John McDonough (interview with David Haugh)
• Chicago Bears veteran tight end Desmond Clark
  
    Former Chicago White Sox player Ron Kittle (interview with David Haugh)
  
    Members of the Chicago Women's Golf Club celebrate the club's 75th anniversary (interview with Teddy Greenstein)
• Chicago rock band Tributosaurus | Read more >>
• Chicago Live! Almanac
• Comedy from The Second City

Chicago Live! is recorded in front of a live studio audience at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Chicago Theatre's Downstairs Stage. After each show, the audience is invited to a 30-minute reception with the cast, crew and guests.

Tickets for the show are $20.
- Purchase online through Ticketmaster.com.
- Purchase on the phone through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
- Purchase in person at the Chicago Theatre box office:

The Chicago Theatre (map)
175 N State Street
Chicago, Illinois 60601

Wheelchair seats, companion seats, aisle seats and Assistive Listening Devices are available.
For more information, call 312-462-6301.

UP Next: Chris Jones of the Tribune Talks About New Theater

In today's Chicago Tribune, Chris Jones talks to Diana Martinez about our new venue in Piper's Alley – UP Comedy Club – scheduled to open on December 1. He writes, "Intended as a riff on stand-up comedy and the upstairs locale, the two-letter name will signify a new 300-seat theater carved from the space that used to house the long-running production of 'Tony n' Tina's Wedding.' But the ambience, said Second City president Diana Martinez, will be very different from that former pasta-and-comedy attraction."

Click here to check out the full article.

Cougar Lesbians Wins Worldwide Short Film Festival in Toronto

The Second City Network's original short, Cougar Lesbians featuring Megan Grano, Molly Erdman & Celeste Pechous and directed by Joshua Funk, has won the SHORTSNONSTOP festival is presented by TELUS and is an exciting initiative of the Canadian Film Centre's WORLDWIDE SHORT FILM FESTIVAL. Click here for more information and to check out the other winning videos.

Chicago Live's Rick Kogan Featured on Fear No Art

While waiting behind the scenes at Chicago Live! for an interview with Director and Producer, Steve James, and Producer, Alex Kotlowicz, of the ground-breaking film, The Interrupters (below), Fear No Art snuck in a little interview with Chicago Live! host, Rick Kogan (above). Click here to check out the interview.

This week is the last episode of Chicago Live! for the season and features guests from Chicago's sports scene. Click here for show information and to book tickets.

30 Rock's John Lutz Returns to Second City to Teach Workshops – August 23rd – 26th

John Lutz, star of 30 Rock and Emmy-nominated writer for Saturday Night Live, will be returning to Second City to teach workshops in improv and writing to current and former students! With a range of workshops open to students with various levels of experience, Lutz will be able to offer something for everyone.

ADVANCED IMPROV WORKSHOP $150
August 23rd from Noon-6

Sometimes as improvisers, we complicate things. We start to try too hard to be funny and interesting, rather than just relax, take in information and react. This workshop is about letting go of trying to be funny and going back to focusing on being a good improviser. Listen and react. Look for patterns. Commit to the reality you’ve created. All of these simple things will create complex and amazing improv.

IMPROV BASICS: $75
August 25th noon-3

The foundation of all good improv is a solid scene. John Lutz will watch your scenework and give you constructive notes on how to improve your skills as an improviser.

Registration is open for these classes and a limited number of spots are available. Click here for more information.

IF YOU CAN IMPROVISE, YOU CAN WRITE: $150
August 26th from Noon-6

Just because you are sitting in front of a computer, doesn't mean you can't improvise as you write. In this class, you will learn how to take ideas from improvisation, write them up, and use the same skills of improv to help shape and rewrite your scenes.

Toni Preckwinkle Joins Chicago Live! on Thursday

Chicago Live! is back with an all star line-up of guests including Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and WGN Radio's Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini. Here's a complete line-up of this week's guests:

• WGN Radio's Mr. Fix-It Lou Manfredini (interview with Jenniffer Weigel)
• Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle(interview with Rick Pearson)
• Chicago Air and Water Show announcer Herb Hunter
• Chinese Fine Arts Society President Julie Tiao Ma
• Chicago rock supergroup Candy Golde
• Andy Lawfer and James Zoccoli of The Game Show Show...and Stuff
• Chicago Live! Almanac
• Comedy from The Second City

Chicago Live! is recorded in front of a live studio audience at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Chicago Theatre's Downstairs Stage. After each show, the audience is invited to a 30-minute reception with the cast, crew and guests.

Tickets for the show are $20.
- Purchase online through Ticketmaster.com.
- Purchase on the phone through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
- Purchase in person at the Chicago Theatre box office:

The Chicago Theatre (map)
175 N State Street
Chicago, Illinois 60601

Check out this month's 'Student In The Spotlight', Jaclyn Sorci!

Jaclyn is a current Level D student, a huge fan of Harry Potter and well-loved by her peers!

Click the following play button to hear her interview with Nancy Fast

Student Spotlight - Jaclyn Sorci

August 16th, 2011 - Student - Jaclyn Sorci
Jaclyn is a current Level D student, a huge fan of Harry Potter and well-loved by her peers!

Second City Named One of Best at Sea by Frommer's

Frommer's, one of the bestselling travel guides in America, has named Second City one of the 7 Best Entertainment Acts at Sea. We're currently traveling on seven Norwegian Cruise Line ships including the Norwegian Dawn, Pearl, Gem, Spirit, Star and Epic. Click here for more info.

You Don’t Need an Excuse, But This is a Pretty Good One

The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association and MasterCard are sponsoring inFashion: The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival August 26 – September 8. This is a great opportunity for back to school shopping, early holiday shopping or just a great excuse to hang out downtown and take advantage of some great deals. Click here for special hotel, dining, retail, spa, and culture & entertainment offers including tickets to Second City.

Rave Reviews for "Sex & The Second City" at Metropolis

Sex & The Second City: A Romantic Dot Comedy opened at The Metropolis Performing Arts Center in Arlington Heights. Check out what the Niles Herald-Spectator had to say about the show:

"The satirical show, directed by BJ Jones, offers nonstop uproarious fun with a decided adults-only slant."

"A superb no-holds-barred ensemble — Shad Kunkle, Jimmy Carlson, Amanda Blake Davis and Carisa Barreca — tackles the subject with gusto as Second City alumnus and consummate funnyman Fred Willard, through a series of video appearances, shares questionable folk wisdom and introduces audiences to a dubious new Internet dating service, iLove."

Tickets are available at www.MetropolisArts.com.

Read the full review at the Niles Herald-Spectator

Cocktails and Conversation at Chicago Live! this Thursday

Join us for another great night of cocktails and conversation at Chicago Live! this Thursday.  Guests this week include:

• Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard (Noreen Ahmed-Ullah interview)
• Steve James and Alex Kotlowitz, filmmakers behind The Interrupters
• Bluegrass music with a comedic twist from The Famous Brothers
• Chicago writer Gillian Flynn, author of "Sharp Objects" and "Dark Places"
• Paul W. Hamann, president of The Night Ministry (Manya Brachear interview) | Learn more >>
• Chicago Live! Almanac
• Comedy from The Second City

Chicago Live! is recorded in front of a live studio audience at 6:30 p.m. at the Chicago Theatre's Downstairs Stage. After each show, the audience is invited to a 30-minute reception with the cast, crew and guests.

Tickets for the show are $20.
- Purchase online through Ticketmaster.com.
- Purchase on the phone through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
- Purchase in person at the Chicago Theatre box office:

The Chicago Theatre (map)
175 N State Street
Chicago, Illinois 60601

The Second City Outreach & Diversity is pleased to announce their 2nd year partnership with sportlifestyle brand PUMA.

The partnership will award 10 full year scholarships in late 2011 -2012 to talent that apply. (Click here to learn more).

Deadline is August 26, 2011 with two designated application drop offs at Chicago PUMA stores:
Thursday, August 25 – 6-8PM Chicago PUMA store – 1051 North Rush Street
Friday, August 26 – 6-8PM Chicago PUMA store – 108 N. State Street

No Phone calls. E-mail inquiries only to outreach@secondcity.com

Applicants are required to submit a completed application along with a DVD of a 30 second "PUMA Comedy bit" similar to creating an original and a 1-2 minute original comedic monologue or stand up routine. You-tube links and USB sticks can also be provided in leui of a DVD.

Visit PUMA store on designated application "drop off nights" for special in-store incentives, meet former PUMA/Second City scholars , receive Second City Outreach & Diversity show passes to new fall show and more....

"PUMA has an obligation, as a fun, creative, global brand, to support and cultivate talent. It is an honor us to offer these scholarships to young people, giving them a chance to unleash their talents and potentially help launch a new rising star." Jay Piccola, President and General Manager of PUMA North America

"This is an incredible opportunity for new talent to train and hone their comedic chops at the world’s premiere comedy theatre. A scholarship to young, up and coming talent is one of the best introductions into our world of sketch comedy and improv." Dionna Griffin-Irons, Director of Outreach & Diversity, The Second City

Sex & The Second City Begins Tonight!

Stop checking your texts and updating your Facebook status! Sex & The Second City: A Romantic Dot Comedy begins tonight at Metropolis Performing Arts Center in Arlington Heights. Tickets are on sale at www.metropoliarts.com or by phone at 847-577-2121. Featuring Carisa Barreca, Jim Carlson, Amanda Blake Davis and Shad Kunkle and a special video appearance by alum Fred Willard, Sex & The Second City: A Romantic Dot Comedy is all about the technologies that are supposed to make our lives easier, but really make us pull out our hair.

To read more about the show and cast, check out these articles from Morton Grove Champion and The Daily Herald. Sex & The Second City: A Romantic Dot Comedy runs through September 17.

Foodie Alert – Graham Elliot Joins Chicago Live! This Thursday

Chef Graham Elliot joins an all-star line-up of Chicago Live! this Thursday. Guests include:

• A performance by The Andreas Kapsalis & Goran Ivanovic Guitar Duo
• A preview of Lollapalooza with Tribune rock critic Greg Kot
• Chicago chef and Lollapalooza culinary director Graham Elliot (Mark Caro interview)
• 14-year-old singer/songwriter and Kidsapalooza performer Kate Diaz
• Chicago Artists' Coalition executive director Carolina Jayaram and artist Tim Anderson preview the upcoming Starving Artist event (Lauren Viera interview)
• RedEye/Metromix's Ernest Wilkins sits down for "A Beer With" Alderman Proco "Joe" Moreno (1st)"
• Chicago Live! Almanac
• Comedy from The Second City

Chicago Live! is recorded in front of a live studio audience at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Chicago Theatre's Downstairs Stage. After each show, the audience is invited to a 30-minute reception with the cast, crew and guests.

Tickets for the show are $20.
- Purchase online through Ticketmaster.com.
- Purchase on the phone through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
- Purchase in person at the Chicago Theatre box office:

The Chicago Theatre (map)
175 N State Street
Chicago, Illinois 60601

A list of Beatles and White album references in Southside of Heaven.

1) Side 2 of Abbey Road plays in its entirety during house mix.
2) Stage is stark white in contrast to its predecessors a la the White
Album cover.
3) Cast first appears together when TR, KR, TM, and EB are walking
together in Abby Road pose in Fait Accompli.
4) Clothes original imagined to mirror Whtie Album era promo pic of Fab
Four.
5) Revolutuion #9 sound collage is weaved into sound collage in New
Fucked.
6)I'm Menthol, Katie wears a Black Flag patch - in Billy's bio it falsely
gives him credit for directing the Lyric Opera's version of the White
Album performed by Black Flag.
7) Bill is Dead - Bio also alludes to Bills fake death a la the Paul is
Dead hoax/misunderstanding.
8) Daley - opens with a bit in which the mugging falsetto singing bass
player tries to take over the song.
9) Confidence, Radiohead, and More Blood- all mini songs to keep the
audience engaged but disoriented like the White Albums short songs.
10) Helter Skelter runs us into intermission.
11) Plane takes off at top of Raterman is an Allusion the plane in Back
in the USSR. Misplacement of crash an allusion to I Want You/Polythene
Pam edit.
12) Bloody hand in Curse equals Bloody glove on cover of Sgt. Pepper's.
13) Goodnight - final song on White Album brings in the final scene
which builds into the caucophony of "A Day in the Life".
14) Show closes with final Chord from Day In The Life.
15) Outro music - The End from Abbey Road - linking back to house music.