ABC Buys Family Comedy From SC Alum Brian Gallivan

ABC just purchased a "single-camera comedy" from The McCarthy's creator and Second City alum Brian Gallivan and co-executive producer Will Gluck.

The untitled project reunites the auspices behind CBS pilot The McCarthys: writer/executive producer Gallivan, Sony TV and executive producer Will Gluck and his Sony-based Olive Bridge Prods. The new project centers on an overworked father dreaming of being “on vacation all year” who decides to uproot his family from the city and move them to New Hampshire where they open a group of tourist cottages. And where they rarely, if ever, feel like they’re on vacation. Gallivan, who hails from New England (he grew up in the Boston area where he taught middle school language arts before embarking on a comedy career), will write the script and will executive produce with Gluck and Olive Bridge’s Richie Schwartz.

Read the full story here.

Actor Kevin Allison to Lead Storytelling Masterclass

Kevin Allison, founder of The Story Studio, RISK! podcast, and ensemble member of MTV's The State, will visit the Chicago Training Center to show students how to wow a crowd with their story. Students will learn how to select compelling story topics, use the “five beat” structure to build suspense, and tap into the larger thematic meaning of their ideas.

This one-day workshop will be held on Thursday, September 26 from 10am-5pm. Registration is open to everyone. For more information, visit the class information page.

Kevin Allison has been a regular on VH1's hit series Best Week Ever and was a writing and performing member of The State, the legendary sketch comedy group best known for The State on MTV, which The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Details called the funniest sketch show on the air. Recent film and TV appearances include Reno 911!: Miami, The Ten, The Next Girl I See and HBO's Flight of the Conchords.

*You can also see Kevin and RISK! at UP Comedy Club the night before at 8pm. Details here.

Congrats to Second City Student and Volunteer, Tunisha Hubbard, for Booking a Ford Commercial

When she isn’t acting in high-profile commercials, Tunisha Hubbard can be found welcoming new students to the Training Center, working the box office for student shows and improvising with friends. Tunisha’s kindness and ability to think quick on her feet make her a valuable volunteer and fun scene partner. You can check out her Ford Focus commercial here:

The Second City Training Center is now registering students for classes in Improv, Acting, Comedy Writing and more. Visit Secondcity.com/tc for more info

Comedian Ever Mainard to Lead Class on Riffing

Comedian, Ever Mainard, is slated to lead a two-hour workshop called "Get Riffed! Riffing for Stand-Ups and Storytellers." Techniques in this course will give performers the confidence to take a topic and run with it. Participants will use improvisation to find new angles, expand old jokes and connect with the audience.

This workshop will be offered on Saturday, September 14 at 4pm. Registration is open to all students, but previous improv or stand-up experience is recommended. For more information, visit the class information page.

Ever Mainard is one of Chicago’s top stand-up comedians. Chicago Magazine named her one of the top 100 comics and Gaper’s Block credited her as one of the Most Influential Women in Chicago Comedy. She performs regularly at The Beat Kitchen and is a co-producer and host of “The Shit Show.” Ever has worked with Maria Bamford, Nick Thune, Greg Berhandt, Bill Dwyer, and many others, and her work has been seen on Jezebel.com, The Apiary, NPR, and The Onion’s A.V. Club.

Second City on Freakonomics Podcast

Yesterday's "Middle of Everywhere" Freakonomics Podcast was all about Chicago and they talked about The Compass Players and the beginning of Second City. Listen to the full podcast for complete details.

Get Ready: Chicago Air and Water Show - Aug. 17 & 18

If you're planning on coming to a show this weekend or take a class, remember that the Chicago Air & Water Show is scheduled this weekend (August 17 & 18) from 10:00am - 3:00pm at North Ave. Beach. Give yourself a little extra time to get to the theater and since parking will be limited in the area, click here to find the best public transportation options or take a cab.

Still need to book your tickets for this weekend? Click here for a complete list of performances.

SC Continues Laughter with "The Good, The Bad and The I-5"

Chicago Second City Theatricals team has sent out a dynamite cast to takeover the La Jolla Playhouse from August 6 - September 1 with an original, sidesplitting tribute to San Diego, about San Diego - "The Good, The Bad and The I-5." It has been getting rave reviews from a number of publications and we just wanted to send our congratulations to everyone out on the west coast!

"THE SECOND CITY COMES THROUGH WITH AN AVALANCHE OF LAUGHS."
– Gary Zeidner, Boulder Weekly

"THEY ARE THE GOLD-STANDARD FOR SATIRICAL REVUES."
– Ted Pappas, Artistic Director Pittsburgh Public Theatre

Second City Skewers San Diego

The Good, the Bad, and the I-5 at La Jolla Playhouse

Second City Pokes Fun at All Things SD