Second City Gift Cards: #1 On Everyone's Wish List

As we all start to prepare for the annual holiday shopping extravaganza, we suggest you think about how you can make this easier on yourself - gift cards. Who doesn't love a night out filled with fun and laughter? Does someone you know think they're hilarious and want to take a comedy class? A gift card sure would be a thoughtful gift, wouldn't it? Who knows, you could give the gift card that kickstarts the next Tina Fey's comedy career. We think that's just swell. If you do too, you can order gift cards online or call 312-337-3992.

Second City Alumni Katie Rich Added to SNL Writing Staff

Congratulations to Katie Rich on her move from The Second City Mainstage in Chicago to the writing staff of Saturday Night Live, NBC's Emmy Award-winning late-night comedy showcase, currently in their 39th Season.

"After writing and performing in three exceptional revues for The Second City Mainstage, we are thrilled that Katie has an opportunity to join the writing staff of SNL. Katie is a terrific talent and we wish her all the best in this next stage of her wonderful career," states Andrew Alexander, CEO & Executive Producer of The Second City, Inc.

SC Training Center Graduate Jay Leggett Passes Away

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Jay Leggett - actor, improviser, director and screenwriter. Jay graduated from The Second City Training Center in Chicago before moving to Los Angeles to join the cast of Fox TV's "In Living Color." Jay wrote and produced for film and television, and directed Toronto's long-running production of "Tony N' Tina's Wedding." Services have not yet been announced.

The Second City Announces 2013 Lineup for 24-Hour Improv & Music Marathon

The Second City That Never Sleeps: 24 Hour (formerly known as The Second City That Never Sleeps: Letters to Santa) runs non-stop from Tuesday, December 17th, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. until Wednesday, December 18th at 6:00 p.m. in The Second City e.t.c. Theatre, 1608 N. Wells Street, 2nd floor of Piper’s Alley.

Prepare to fa-la-la-la-la all day and all night with an all-star lineup of comedy and music powerhouses: SNL vet and Portlandia’s Fred Armisen will join a host of Second City performers and alumni for the improvised festivities. Internet phenomenon Lil Bub (the world’s most amazing cat) will make her long-awaited Second City debut.

Musicians ready to rock include: Bob Mould (Husker Dü, Sugar), Bonnie Prince Billy, Sally Timms (The Mekons), Chicago’s own J.C. Brooks & The Uptown Sound and The Hungry Pilgrims. Jeff Tweedy (Wilco), Bush and St. Vincent will join the party live via video chat, as will Louise Post and Nina Gordon (Veruca Salt) for their first performance together in 15 years.

One-of-a-kind items up for auction at 24 Hour include two tickets to an SNL taping and a recording session with prolific music producer Steve Albini at his private Chicago studio.

Audience members of 24 Hour will have first access to purchase tickets to an exclusive evening at the Up Comedy Club on January 6th, 2014, featuring improv and sketch comedy from SNL cast members and distinguished Second City alumni, followed by an intimate “living room”-style performance by Jeff Tweedy. Ticket sales will also support Onward Neighborhood House.
Tickets to The Second City That Never Sleeps: 24 Hour are $20 and will be sold at the door throughout the event as long as seats are available. Doors open Tuesday, 12/17 at 5:00 p.m. The event will also be streamed LIVE at letterstosantachicago.com or gigity.tv. Donations via PayPal are appreciated. 24 Hour is an all-ages show. Chicago liquor and curfew laws apply.

For more information, updates and the complete schedule, visit secondcity.com, facebook.com/secondcity24hour, or contact The Second City Box Office at (312) 337-3992. Follow @TheSecondCity on Twitter. Onward Neighborhood House empowers families and individuals in need to achieve their full potential in a community-based setting.

Ethan Krupp (Current Student) and Kimmie Companik-Warner (Faculty Member) Get Commercial Retweeted By President Obama

Congrats to current Musical Improv Conservatory student, Ethan Krupp, and Beginning Improvisation faculty member, Kimmie Companik-Warner, on their national commercial featured on BuzzFeed, CNN and retweeted by President Obama! Watch the video below.

About Kimmie Companik-Warner : Kimmie moved to Chicago in 1993 to pursue her one true passion, improvisation. She is a graduate of The Second City Conservatory, iO, and The Annoyance. Currently, Kimmie is an associate faculty member of The Second City Training Center and teaches with The Second City Artist in Residence program. She instructs at Act One Studios and Emerald City Theater, and also participates in the Chicago Public School system's mentoring program. She has performed countless shows in Chicago's premiere comedy circuits and has also directed at various venues across the city. She is a founding member of two sketch comedy groups, Dolphins of Damnation and The Smart Set. Kimmie firmly believes that the principles of improv can make people happier, communities healthier, and the world a better place.

SCTV Alum Andrea Martin to Star in New NBC Comedy

NBC is co-producing 12 half hour episodes of Working the Engels, starring SCTV alum Andrea Martin. Read the full story here.

Key & Peele Talk About Time at SC on The Daily Show

Check out SC alum Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele on The Daily Show talking about their time in Chicago and at Second City!

SC Alum Keegan Michael-Key and Jordan Peele Team Up With Judd Apatow

It's happening. SC alum Keegan Michael-Key and comedy partner, Jordan Peele, are teaming up with Judd Apatow to write an untitled feature comedy to star Key and Peele. Read more here.

TBS Orders Police Procedural Spoof Pilot from SC Alum Steve Carell

It was just announced that TBS has ordered a "police procedural spoof" from SC alum Steve Carell and his wife, Nancy Carell. The satirical comedy is titled "Tribeca" and will be written and produced by Steve and Nancy Carell, directed by Steve Carell. Read more here.

Second City Takes Home Two Jeff Awards

Last night we attended The 45th Annual Jeff Awards and we are so honored to say that we won for both Best Production - Revue and Best Director - Revue for "The Second City's Guide to the Opera."What a great evening and congratulations to all winners and nominees!

Student Focus Night with Derek McGrath 11/6

Join us at The Second City Training Centre on Wednesday, November 6th at 9pm for STUDENT FOCUS NIGHT!

Have your questions answered and hear stories told by one of Canada's legendary actors in this FREE evening in The John Candy Box Theatre

McGrath was born in Timmins, Ontario. He is known for his roles in Cheers as "Andy-Andy" Schroeder (the would-be strangler of one Diane Chambers), Dr. Benjamin Jeffcoate in My Secret Identity, Crewman Chell in Star Trek: Voyager, and as Dr. Derek Hebert in Doc. McGrath also played Buck the dog in a fantasy sequence in a second season episode of Married... with Children and a mutant in the 1993 comedy film Freaked. He most recently appeared in a recurring role as the character of Anglican priest Duncan Magee in the CBC Television sitcom Little Mosque on the Prairie. In 2002, he narrated the National Film Board of Canada short The Hungry Squid, which won the Genie Award for Best Animated Short.[1] In the 1970s, he was a prominent actor on TVOntario educational programming, most notably Mathmakers. He currently voices Mr. McFeely in Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood.

To reserve a spot, please email: areoch@secondcity.com

Check out the Facebook event.

Student Spotlight: Writing 6 Grads Talk About Skybox Show 'Kiss My Past' with Nancy Fast

Writing 6 Grads Christina Honan, Katie Stasiak and Jill Frank stop by the Training Center Office to talk with Nancy Fast about their latest Skybox show, 'Kiss My Past'
Saturdays at 7:30 PM Oct 26, Nov 2, 9 & 16

Listen to the Podcast!


Starring: Sheena Laird, Damian Jason White, Miguel Lepe, Chris Hauser, Lauren Summers, Laura Marsh and Meg Grunewald
Written by Hot Town Comedy: Amanda Fawley, Jill Frank, Christina Honan, Matt Lynch, Abbie Lynch, Kevin O'Brien, Katie Stasiak and Ruby Vega
Directed by: Aaron Sjoholm
Musical Director: Tilliski Ramey
Technical Director: Keri Mack
Saturdays at 7:30 PM ｜Oct 26, Nov 2, 9 & 16
Tickets: $13 General Admission, $10 for students, $8 for SCTC students