Student Spotlight: T. L. Williams

Check Out The Second City's Student Spotlight! Get to know these awesome students and what makes them tick! Do you know a SC student that deserves the limelight? Email Andrew Thorp at athorp@secondcity.com with your recommendation.

1. Who are you?

I'm T. L. Williams

2. Where are you from?

I'm from Chicago's south suburbs

3. Why did you start taking classes with The Second City?

I decided that I wanted to act and be a performer, but first I wanted to find a good school where I can learn to do that. As soon as I started looking I found Second City Chicago's Training Center.

4. What do you like most about the class you are taking this term?

This term I'm in level 2 of The Conservatory, and I'm really starting to learn what it means to have great scene editing and to manipulate beats. I'm also learning how to draw great characters from my own personal experiences.

5. Who is your current instructor?

Norm Holly

6. Who are some of your past instructors?

I had a great mix of instructors. I got the chance to learn from people like Craig Uhlir, Kimme Companik-Warner, Jay Stiegmann, Rebecca Hanson-Ryder, Jason Ball, & Micah Philbrook.

7. How has your experience here helped outside of the classroom?

A lot of the things I learned in the classroom I applied it to my everyday life, and it has made life so much more fun. Even my family & friends noticed a change in my personality! I'm also a recording artist, and the knowledge I received from SC has also helped me in that part of my life as well.

8. What’s your favorite book?

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss...must've read it a least a gazillion times. I even wrote a thesis about it in college (got an A+ too!)

9. What is your favorite band?

Coldplay...I can't wait for their next LP!

10. If you were stuck on an island with one Second City alum, who would it be and why?

Steve Carrell...while we're working to get rescued I would pick his brain about the inspiration behind my favorite "Office" episodes and movie characters...hopefully he doesn't get annoyed and try to kill me.

11. What's the funniest thing someone did in your class?

As soon as the scene started, one of my classmates pulled out a [improv] gun and immediately shot his scene partner...the suggestion was "piano movers"! Watching this guy try to move a grand piano by himself was insanely funny to me.

12. Who is your favorite Second City related comedian presently?

I love what Tina Fey is doing with 30 Rock, The feel, the pace, and the timing of the writing keeps me laughing non-stop througout the show.

13. What do you love most about Chicago?

I love the experiences and the opportunities the city has to offer. The Atmosphere is beautiful. I don't know why they call it "The Second City"..it's really second to none.

14. What do you hate most about Chicago?

Some of the people can be snobby, unfriendly, and down-right mean...not all of them...but some of them.

15. Any shows you are in or would like to plug?

I am currently in a new play at the Viaduct Theatre entitled "Homegoing". This May I will be in a Second City Writing 6 show entitled "The Truth And Other Lies"..I'm also a singer/songwriter/producer and you can hear me and see my videos on my new website www.whoistlwilliams.com. Check it out!

Tina Fey Wins Best Comedy Actress at the Comedy Awards

Second City Alum Tina Fey took home the Comedy Award for Best Comedy Actress for her performance in Date Night, beating out other amazing nominees, like Helen Mirren.

In her speech, Fey said: "The only thing I knew for sure while we were making this movie was that I was so fucking crushing Helen Mirren at acting."

As for her co-star Steve Carell: "Steve, you're a prince among men, you make it easy to improvise. When I was a student at Second City, I used to sit on a bench in the theater and watch Steve onstage, and if you had told me that someday I would be in a movie with him and I would be paid almost half of what he was making... thank you."

Read more about the ceremony here.

Naked Fridays Celebrates 50th Show!

Naked Fridays is a 1950's style variety show featuring live music, improv and sketch from Conservatory students, Second City Alumni and special guests. Each week there is also a screening of 7 Day Shorts - 2 minute short films are created by students and alumni based on an audience suggestion from the week before.

On April 1st the Naked Fridays team will celebrate their 50th show in the John Candy Box Theatre. Join host Ben Johnson and sidekick Chris New as they give a nod to The Golden Age of Television!

Comedy Desk: Slosh Gordecki

Click to enlarge the latest Second City Comedy Desk in the Chicago Tribune by John Cates

Sex & The Second City: Version 2.0 Opens in Tucson Tonight!

After a critically acclaimed run in Phoenix, Sex & The Second City: Version 2.0 is headed to Tucson with the Arizona Theatre Company. The Arizona Republic described it as "all your favorite hits...funny." Tickets are on sale now. Performances begin March 23 and run through March 27.

Comedy Desk: Stuck in a Hot Spot

Click to enlarge the latest Second City Comedy Desk in the Chicago Tribune by Seth Weitberg.

Second City Mainstage Paves the Way to the South Side of Heaven

The Second City is proud to announce the opening of its 99th Mainstage revue South Side of Heaven on Sunday, April 10th, 2011 at 7:00pm at The Second City Mainstage Theatre (1616 N. Wells St).

South Side of Heaven is a thought-provoking, irreverent and hilarious new show from The Second City exploring the many fates that propel our world and universe. From the cultural divide between Cubs and White Sox fans to the delicate distinction between dancing and stripping, South Side of Heaven rejoices in the earthly and ethereal. A President, an outgoing Mayor and a creepy TSA agent are all just part of the natural flow of South Side of Heaven.

After directing The Second City e.t.c.'s hit revue, The Absolute Best Friggin' Time of Your Life, Billy Bungeroth joins the Mainstage to direct South Side of Heaven, written and performed by Edgar Blackmon, Holly Laurent, Timothy Edward Mason, Katie Rich, Sam Richardson and Tim Robinson. Julie Nichols is Musical Director and Meghan Teal is Stage Manager. Stylist is Logan Vaughn. The producing team for South Side of Heaven includes Chief Executive Officer & Executive Producer for The Second City, Andrew Alexander; President, Diana Martinez; Executive Vice President, Kelly Leonard; Producer, Alison Riley and Associate Producer, Monica Wilson.

Tickets for South Side of Heaven are available by phone at (312) 337-3992 or online at www.SecondCity.com. The show schedule and ticket prices are as follows:

Tuesday	8 pm	$22.00
Wednesday	8 pm	$22.00
Thursday	8 pm	$22.00
Friday and Saturday	8 pm & 11 pm	$27.00
Sunday	7 pm	$22.00

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

Get Social with Second City's New Movie

Second City is producing its first feature film, BuzzKill. The movie will be released later this year, but you can connect with BuzzKill now on Facebook and Twitter.

Get special BuzKill content on Facebook

Share your biggest buzz kill moments on twitter with @buzzkillmoment

BuzzKill is the story of a struggling writer, Ray Wyatt, who acquires fame in an unusual way when a notorious serial murder, named the Karaoke Killer, steals his car and the newest draft of his script.

Drop In Improv Class – in French!

If French is your first language (or you are bilingual) come to our French Drop In Improv Class.

Learn how to think on your feet, build your communication and listening skills and learn what Second City is all about!

Our French Drop In Class is led by Second City Conservatory Graduate and Montreal Native, Sonia D’Amico.

Every Wednesday at 6pm starting March 23. $5

Read a full description en Francais!

Chicago Live! Final Show on Thursday

Dontt miss this week's final installment of Chicago Live! from the Chicago Tribune on Thursday, March 17 at 6:30p. As always, we've got a great line-up of guests scheduled and ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day including:

• Paddy Homan, Irish singer/musician
• Catherine O'Connell, former St. Patrick's Day Parade Queen and "Chicago's Irish Diva" with this year's Queen, Sarah Gorecki
• Chicago Teachers Union president Karen Lewis
• Country/folk singer Robbie Fulks returns
• Chicago comedian Pat McGann
• 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

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

From all of us at The Second City, Happy St. Patrick's Day! Here are a couple of reminders to help you enjoy the best of Chicago’s favorite holiday.

Also, you've got one more day to take advantage of our special St. Patrick's Day $17 tickets! Use the code COUNTDOWN when you purchase your tickets online at www.secondcity.com or by phone at 312-337-3992.

One More Great Reason to attend C2E2 This Weekend!

Danny McBride will be at C2E2! Writer, producer and actor, McBride has been in Pineapple Express, Tropic Thunder and was recently seen starring in HBO's Eastbound & Down, which he wrote and executive produced with Jody Hill and Ben Best, along with executive-producing partners Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Chris Henchy. Visit the Dark Horse booth (#601) at 1:00pm on Saturday, March 19 to see him. Visit www.c2e2.com for event details & ticket info.

Spend Spring Break at the Chicago Training Center!

Students ages 8-18 can spend Spring Break at The Second City working out their creative energies in one of our weeklong Intensives. They will learn new skills, meet new friends and enjoy hanging out in the Training Center. Each intensive is a five day session held Monday, April 18 through Friday, April 22, from 10:00am to 3:30pm each day.

Students ages 11-18 can participate in a combination of either Improv & Singprov or Improv & Stand-Up.

Improv: Study the fundamentals of improvisation through exercises that help to develop strong ensemble and character work. Develop stage presence as well as patience, self confidence, good communication skills, and a respect for other performers and their creativity.

Singprov: Explore world of musical improvisation. Students cover the basics of singprov--from learning the art of "selling-it" to discovering the world of impromptu rhyming. Singers and non-singers alike will enjoy diving into short-form games, and even improvised musicals. No training in voice or music is required.

Stand-Up: Come develop your personal style as a stand-up comedian as we focus on developing original material, stage presence, delivery and honing in on your sense of humor.

For more information visit our Spring Break Intesives for 11-18 year olds.

Students ages 8-10 experience a combination of Improv & Clowning.

Clowning: Through the experience of imagination, creativity, innocence, and play, we invite the talented youth to discover his or her sense of gravity and levity, range of breath, physical awareness and emotional connection. Experience the pleasure of the clown nose and the freedom and joy in the unknown.

For more information, visit our Spring Break Intensives for 8-10 year olds.

Registration is also open for Summer Camps!

Brad Morris Cast in NBC Pilot

Second City alumni Brad Morris has landed a co-starring role in NBC's untitled Dan Goor pilot. The multicamera comedy, from writer/exec producer Dan Goor, centers on Adam Foote (Andrew J. West), a young doctor who joins his parents’ medical practice and spends as much time tending to his family as to his patients. Morris, recently out of Chicago's Second City, will play Adam's older brother Matt, the only non-doctor in the family. Morris is with Innovative and 3 Arts.

Student Spotlight - Ever Mainard

March 14th, 2011 - Student – Ever Mainard
Nancy Fast and Ever Mainard chat about Ross Bryant’s awesome rap workshop “Yes Yes, Ya’ll”. Listen in and then check Ever out as she hosts the Stand-up Open Mic at the Training Center’s open house on October 15th!

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

Comedy Desk: On the Bubble

Click to enlarge the latest Second City Comedy Desk in the Chicago Tribune.

Toronto Mainstage, This Party's a Riot, Opens to 4-star Reviews

The Second City Toronto's 67th mainstage revue, This Party's a Riot!, earned huge laughs and glowing praise on opening night in Toronto.

In his four-star review, The Toronto Star's Richard Ouzounian writes, "When a Second City show really clicks, it's a joyous thing to see, and This Party's a Riot!...this is definitely one of their best. ...the whole thing hits the bull's eye time and time again. It's fast, funny and fantastic!" (Read the full review).

More Reviews

"comic gold... Smart material and a smart cast to deliver it." - Toronto Star

"both hilarious and touching... with a brilliant surprise that practically T-boned the crowd" - Toronto Sun

"terrific post-show buzz. You'll definitely be talking about this one on the way out." - NOW Magazine

"a very good night out" - National Post

This Party's a Riot!
Tickets $24 - $29

Tuesday to Friday at 8:00pm
Saturdays at 8:00 & 10:30pm
Sundays at 7:00pm

Order tickets online, or call the box office at 416-343-0011.

Sex & The Second City: Version 2.0 Extended!

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Sex & The Second City: Version 2.0 on their opening at Arizona Theatre Company! Due to audience demand, Arizona Theatre Company has added a performance of Sex & The Second City: Version 2.0 on Sunday, March 27. For a complete schedule of performances and to purchase tickets, click here.

Yesterday, the cast also joined the Chicago Cubs to sing the 7th inning stretch at their Spring Training game in Mesa, AZ. Let’s go Cubbies!

Made your plans yet? Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day @ The Second City

We're gearing up for St. Patrick's Day with special ticket prices and drink specials through Thursday, March 17.

Tickets for The Second City Mainstage are only $17.00 each on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday when you book with the discount code COUNTDOWN. These discounted tickets are only available through March 17th, 2011.

Tickets can be purchased online at SecondCity.com or by phone at 312-664-4032.

Don't forget to spend some time before or after the show with some of our neighbors. Corcoran's Grill & Pub (right across the street at 1615 N Wells) and O'Brien's (just down the street at 1528 N Wells) are celebrating all week with drink and food specials.

Student Spotlight: Mary Brannen

Check Out The Second City's Student Spotlight! Get to know these awesome students and what makes them tick! Do you know a SC student that deserves the limelight? Email Andrew Thorp at athorp@secondcity.com with your recommendation.

• 1. Who are you?
  a. Mary Brannen
• 2. Where are you from?
  a. Wisconsin - Brookfield
• 3. Why did you start taking classes with The Second City?
  a. I wanted to be less shy around people.
• 4. What do you like most about the class you are taking this term?
  a. I trust everybody. That sounds silly, but I can make a complete ass out of myself in class and no one is judging me.
• 5. Who is your current instructor?
  a. Kevin Reome
• 6. Has your class helped you outside of the classroom? How?
  a. Yes. I am much more open to talking to strangers (which may not be a good thing, now that I think about it.)
• 7. What's your favorite book.
  a. I just read and loved Enders Game.
• 8. What is your favorite band
  a. Man-Heavy, Muse
• 9. If you were stuck on an island with one Second City alum, who would it be and why?
  a. Amy Sedaris. She is very crafty and hilarious. She has two books about it. Not about being stuck on an island, but about craftiness.
• 10. What's the funniest thing someone did in your class?
  a. A student pretended to be on roller skates while picking up ladies. He fell a lot. It was so funny I almost cried.
• 11. What is something you did in class that got the most laughs?
  a. My swearing gets laughs because I am somewhat reserved. (We here at the SC don't recommend cussing unless you are as reserved as Miss Brannen.)
• 12. Who is your favorite Second City related comedian presently?
  a. The trio Stephen Colbert/Paul Dinello/Amy Sedaris. (I think she wants us to stop asking her to pick favorites.)
• 13. What do you love most about Chicago?
  a. The people I've met. (Awwwwww.)
• 14. What do you hate most about Chicago?
  a. The Blue Line smells like pee.
• 15. Any shows that we can see you in coming up?
  a. I will be making my improv debut in my upcoming level C show.

Sex & The Second City: Version 2.0 Premieres in Phoenix - March 10!

Second City Theatricals is thrilled to return to the Arizona Theatre Company with the premiere of Sex & The Second City: Version 2.0 with 10 performances scheduled in Phoenix from March 10-20 and six performance in Tucson from March 23-27. Written by Second City alums Kirk Hanley and Maribeth Monroe and directed by award-winning director, BJ Jones, Sex & The Second City : Version 2.0 is a new comedy about the search for love in the digital age. Sex & The Second City features Carisa Barreca, Jimmy Carlson, Kirk Hanley and Maribeth Monroe.

For more information and to book your tickets, visit the Arizona Theatre Company.

Lupe Fiasco Joins Chicago Live! This Thursday

Chicago Live! is back this Thursday with another all star guest line-up including:

• Hip-hop artist Lupe Fiasco (Greg Kot interview)
• Cleetus Friedman, owner/founder of City Provisions sustainable catering and deli
• Eboo Patel, founder and director of Interfaith Youth Core (Manya Brachear interview)
• A performance by the winner of the Kyles Files Track-off (Kyra Kyles interview)
• Ronit Bezalel, Brenda Schumacher and Mark Pratt, filmmakers behind the Voices of Cabrini documentary
• 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

Alum Dave Pasquesi Interviewed by The Onion AV Club

Second City Alum Dave Pasquesi, and one half of the acclaimed improv duo TJ & Dave, will be taking the stage at The Goodman Theatre in God of Carnage. The Onion AV Club spoke with him about the transition between improv and scripted work and how his improv background helps his scripted work.

Read the interview on The Onion AV Club.

Alum Tina Fey Featured in the New Yorker

In this edition of the New Yorker, Tina Fey talks about her experiences writing for SNL, which sketches were her favorite (like the one below) and how that affected her current projects like 30 Rock.

Read more about her article online at the New Yorker.

Screening Times Announced for South by Southwest

Second City Network's "The Announcement" has been chosen to screen at the South By Southwest Film Festival in Austin, TX, March 11-19, 2011.

Reveling in the hysterical aftermath of one woman's exciting news, "The Announcement" stars Second City Alumni Rebecca Sage Allen, Megan Grano, Molly Erdman, Bridget Kloss in addition to Katie Nahnsen & Amanda Tate. "The Announcement" was created exclusively for The Second City Network and directed by Joshua Funk, produced by Mark Kienlen and was crewed by Meghan O'Brien.

Screening times and locations for "The Announcement" at South by Southwest are:

Saturday, March 12th, 11am
Alamo Lazar A
1120 S. Lamar Blvd

Tuesday, March 15th, 3:30pm
Alamo Ritz 2
320 E. 6th St

Wednesday, March 16th, 11am
Alamo Lazar A
1120 S. Lamar Blvd.

The SXSW® Film Conference and Festival is a uniquely creative environment featuring the dynamic convergence of talent, smart audiences and industry heavyweights. A hotbed of discovery and interactivity, the event offers invaluable networking opportunities and immersion into the art and business of the rapidly evolving world of independent film.

Alum Alan Arkin Releases New Book

Second City alumni Alan Arkin has released a new memoir – Alan Arkin: An Improvised Life. Check out this funny interview with him on The Chicagoist.

Joyce Sloane Memorial Scheduled for Los Angeles – March 1

A special memorial service honoring Joyce Sloane has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 1 at 7:00pm at the El Portal Theatre (5269 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91601).

If you would like to attend, please take a moment to click the link below to RSVP. Please excuse the accompanying language and ads on the ticket, as it is embedded into the system.

Reserve Tickets

Your RSVP will show the address for The Second City Training Center in Hollywood instead of the El Portal Theatre (5269 Lankershim Boulevard, San Fernando Valley, CA 91601). Unfortunately, this is a glitch within our box office system. Please note we are definitely confirmed for the El Portal Theatre.

Please note there is limited parking at the El Portal Theatre located at the Lankershim Elementary School lot (free) or $4 secured parking at 5250 Weddington East of the Theatre (2nd building from the traffic light). For additional information regarding the venue, please visit El Portal Theatre.

Tom Ricketts Joins Chicago Live! This Thursday

Chicago Live! is back this Thursday with an all-star line-up of guests including Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts. The full guest line-up includes:

• Desiree Rogers, CEO of Johnson Publishing and former White House social secretary (Phil Rosenthal interview)
• Rob Stone, blues musician
• John Robinson and Kerry Tamura of Chicago Sake talk about sake cocktails and their efforts to make sake the new drinking sensation. (Lauren Viera and Rick Koganinterview)
• Kevin Coval and Louder Than A Bomb high school slam poetry competition finalists
• Marc Smith, creator of the poetry slam (Rick Kogan interview)
• 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