Student Spotlight: Help Conservatory Grad Anthony Bonazzo Become a Festival Finalist

Beginning Improv and Conservatory Grad Anthony Bonazzo was recently pre-selected in the Montreaux Comedy Festival and is currently in the Top 5 in voting. The contest takes the Top 4 and the winner is awarded the opportunity to perform in Switzerland. Check out his stand-up clip and help him make the cut by voting for him here

About Anthony:
Anthony graduated both the Conservatory and Music Improv Conservatory's at Second City, performed in the Del Close Marathon, has starred in videos for The Onion, and was recently a Semi Finalist in the NBC Stand Up for Diversity contest. He can be seen performing Stand Up and Improv in various venues throughout Chicago.

Student Spotlight Podcast: Callie Johnson in 'Evil Dead The Musical' - In Chicago til Oct. 12

Improv for Actors and Dramatic Improv Grad, Callie Johnson, is starring in 'Evil Dead The Musical' - playing at Chicago's Broadway Playhouse until October 12th. Callie and the cast stopped by the Training Center for a Q & A session with our Rob Holmes.

Listen to the Q & A podcast and find out 'behind the scenes' secrets, more about the cast and what the stage blood tastes like.

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Student Spotlight with Mollie Rehner and Chicago Women's Funny Festival

The Chicago Women's Funny Festival - Chicago's THIRD annual festival celebrating women in comedy - has lots of Second City students and grads performing this year. One of our favorites is the wonderful Mollie Rehner, Conservatory student and Head Writer for the de Maat Theater's 'The Midnight Parade' Saturdays at Midnight. We were able to talk to Mollie about the festival and more.

What will you be performing at the Women's Funny Festival and when?
Sketch and musical comedy with my group Prostitute Tears on Thursday June 5 @9pm in The Pro Theatre, Stage 773.

Tell us about your group!
Prostitute Tears is very talented and every person in the group has a ton of creativity. With our shows you can expect music, dance numbers, and material that exposes the comedic seediness of every day life. We are so excited to be performing in this year's Chicago Women's Funny Festival and we are honored to have been selected!

What other shows are you excited to see at the festival?
The Cupid Players, The Fruit Flies, and Brouhaha: An Improvised Puppet Musical

What training have you went through to be where you are today?
I was a producer and writer of a sketch comedy show called Sideshow Comedy at Michigan State University, in which we won an Emmy award. I have also done entertainment reporting and hosting, and made some pretty sweet home movies when I was little. In Chicago, I have trained in The Second City's Conservatory program and at iO Theatre. I have also studied at the The Lincoln Lodge and perform regularly at Stage 773.

What's the coolest thing that has happened to you on stage as a performer in Chicago so far?
I tripped and fell during my very first stand up show. I guess that's what I get for making fun of people.

If you had to give a Chicago newbie comedian one piece of advice, what would it be?
Find a group of people that share your ambitions and passions. I believe if you put in the hard work and have a good attitude, opportunities will present themselves.

Where can we see you performing after the festival's run?
Stage 773! My group Prostitute Tears will be performing all summer!

Anyone you want to shout out to and make them feel special?
Brian Posen and the hard working staff at Stage 773, my Prostitutes, and of course all of the groups performing in this year's Chicago Women's Funny Festival!

For more festival info, click here: http://www.chicagowomensfunnyfestival.com/

Student Spotlight with Ricky Lee Barnes

We talked with Level E grad and current 'The Reel Deal' contestant, Ricky Lee Barnes about his time at Second City and more. Help him become a finalist on 'The Reel Deal' by voting on his Finalist Page here: http://thereeldeal.tv/ricky-lee-barnes/

Where are you from and what made you move to Chicago?
I grew up in Moraine, Ohio which is a small suburb of Dayton. I knew I wanted a bigger life than I was living and when I was presented with a job opportunity in the city I packed up the Winnebago and took to the open road. …Which was actually a U-Haul and Highway 90.

What did you think of Chicago when you first moved here?
I thought it was beautiful and super big. I remember thinking, “This is a city and they have TREES too!?” I also couldn’t believe that I lived in a neighborhood where I could walk to a bar. The only thing you can walk to in my old neighborhood is an abandoned elementary school and a Pentecostal church.

What do you love most about the city?
The summer. There is a festival every weekend and people are always ready to let their hair down and celebrate.

What do you hate most?
The 9-month winter #SAD… Oh, and the smell of hot-pee on the redline round-about August 1st.

Did you have a nickname as a child/teen (that you dont mind sharing?)
My family is from Kentucky & Virginia so…Bubba. My parents actually still call me “Bub”. My grandpa used to call me "Pistol Pete with Stinkin’ Feet" but that one faded once I hit puberty.

What made you want to be a performer?
I always wanted to be but I was afraid to admit it. I wasted a ton of time getting a degree I’ll never use (wha, what Bachelors in Communications!?) and trying to live an idealistic, “successful” life. I knew when I moved to Chicago I would perform again but it wasn’t until I started classes at the Second City that the performer actually resurfaced.
I love to talk and tell stories and make people laugh. I always have. Performing allows me to move people and entertain them using nothing but me. It’s powerful to know that I am the only tool I need.

What Classes have you taken at the Second City?
I have taken Improv A-E and performed in the Writing 6 show “Never Change”. I know that’s not a class but I learned so much that I have to count it.

What is the coolest thing that happened to you in class so far?
Learning that everyone fails. Also coming to the realization that usually we each perceive our own failure as catastrophic when, in reality, it wasn’t thatterrible.

What is the silliest improv scene you have done in class so far?
Once I was a metrosexual business man arguing with my manicurist about her attitude while reminding her that I basically pay her Comed bill. Also when I was a 19-year old Hollister employee who couldn’t let his hair down because it was so sexy it would distract all the other employees.

If you had to give one piece of advice to someone just starting the Beginning Improv program, what would it be?
Don’t try to be good - just be real. And expect to be scared the first time you ask for a suggestion.

You are a semi-finalist on The Reel Deal! How has the experience been so far?
You know, I never thought I’d be on reality tv but when I read the description of The Reel Deal I thought it would be a great experience for a few reasons: I'd be a part of the film-making process from beginning to end AND I’d be able to showcase my personality. I'd get to be Ricky and Ricky Lee Barnes in the same show.

I made my personality video and so many people encouraged me and shared it and liked it on Youtube… It was moving. Coming to the realization that I have a support network that is willing to help me achieve a goal and pursue my passion is paramount. This process has shown me what I’m capable of and inspired me to continue to fight so that I can live the life I want rather than the life I thought I wanted.

i.e. It’s been a really amazing ride so far

Right now, The Reel Deal is collecting votes for each of the actors online - what can we do to help?
Each contestant was challenged to create an initial audition/personality video as well as filmed, monologue callback videos. You can view my submissions on my personal finalist page and click the “Vote for Me” button under my headshot.

Voting is done through Squerb and I am ranked in 6 categories: Person, Acting, Appearance, Life Story, Personality, and Social Media Savviness. This system is in place to allow a more comprehensive picture of each contestant rather than being a simple “like” contest. Words like “interesting”, “convincing”, “flawless” etc. are attached to each vote. It sounds confusing but just think of it as throwing darts at a dart board covered in opinions.

Voting is open until May 15th so I have until then to get as many votes in as many categories as I can!
Finalist Page: http://thereeldeal.tv/ricky-lee-barnes/

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

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

Nancy Fast Interviews Super-Intern Miguel Lepe On His Last Day

Nancy snagged Miguel from his post on his last day of interning to talk about what’s next in his life! Find out all about Miguel’s Production Company Digital Cake, his upcoming one-man show, his wonderful fiancé Ruby Vega and more!

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TC Spotlight with Super-Intern Meg McGuire

Andrew Thorp interviews Meg on her last day of a 2+ year internship before she goes off to get her Masters. Listen in for some of Meg's weirdest and most fun moments while interning and taking classes at The Second City Training Center. Stay tuned to see her 2-person show with fellow intern Katie Hughes!

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Teacher Spotlight: Nancy Fast interviews Writing Program Teacher David Wolinsky

Listen in as Nancy learns all kinds of interesting information about one of The Second City’s newest and most sought after Writing Program teachers, David Wolinsky. (Teaser: David wrote for Rolling Stone and The Onion and dressed up as a professor in his band.)

About David

David Wolinsky is an internationally published writer, critic, and the co-author of a book from The Onion's A.V. Club, the straight journalism side of one of the nation's biggest and most respected satire publications. He's also part of the management editorial teams at NBC Chicago and adultswim.com. His degree is in music business (not writing) from Middle Tennessee State, which is why he also thinks anyone who wants to write for a living can, if they're determined enough. He's also co-authoring another book, a web series, and writing a handful of scripts (including an hour-long drama pilot about 9/11). Between all that, he freelances for publications as far-flung as Wired and Maxim to Funny or Die and @GAMER. You can follow David on Twitter @davidwolinsky.

David teaches 'Humor Writing For The Internet' and 'Across The Finish Line' at The Second City Training Center. For more information, call 312.64.3959 or visit Secondcity.com/tc

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Teacher Spotlight: Nancy Fast Interviews Training Center Music Director and Teacher Amanda Murphy

Think you’re tone deaf or can’t sing? You’re wrong! Listen in as Nancy and Amanda talk about Second City’s Musical Improv and Vocal classes, Carol Burnett, guinea pigs and much more!

About Amanda:
Amanda has studied and worked in comedy and musical theater throughout Toronto, Chicago, and New York. She is a composer and lyricist for several groups, including the award winning musical four play which she also co-wrote. She music directs at iO, ComedySportz, the SCTC, and the Annoyance, and freelances for several groups around the city. She is also a performer, playing in both MIHE and SongCo, and in BattleProv at CSz. She has many musical theater credits and sings professionally with both choirs and big bands.

Work with Amanda in Vocal Basics: Song and Character! - (Click Here for more info) Focus on vocal technique, both sung and spoken. The curriculum includes group study as well as substantial individual attention. Perfect for those who want to strengthen their singing and speaking voice, improve range, flexibility, and power.
$150, 4 weeks, 3 hours

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Student Spotlight: Karen Revekant

Andrew Thorp sits down with Karen Revekant, December's 'Student in the Spotlight'. Karen is a graduate of the Training Center's Improv and Acting programs, a member of the Dream Team Volunteer Organization, a cast member of 'The Mighty Ted' and an all-around cool lady. Listen in to find out which Second City teacher Karen wouldn't mind being stuck on a desert island with, what bugs scare her and who introduced her to Second City classes!

For More Information on Classes, Visit: http://www.secondcity.com/tc/
For More Information on The Second CIty Dream Team, Visit: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Second-City-Dream-Team-Chicago/337941269565316
For more Information on 'The Mighty Ted', Visit: www.themightyted.com/

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Performer Spotlight with 'El is for Love' Cast Members Sam Roos and Stephanie Weber

Nancy Fast interviews Sam Roos and Stephanie Weber, cast members of HouseCo's 'El is for Love'. Coincidentally, Stephanie and Sam are both graduates of Columbia's 'Comedy Studies' program, which takes place at The Second City Training Center. Listen to the interview to find out more about their journey and then check them out live on Saturdays at 10:30pm in The Second City’s de Maat Theater.

To buy tickets, call 312.337.3992 or visit secondcity.com/tc

Performer Spotlight with New Twisty Members Sean Cooley and Alan Linic

Nancy Fast interviews members of the new Twisty cast Sean Cooley and Alan Linic! Learn about The Second City Training Center’s House Teams, auditioning, Alan’s thoughts on food tiers, Sean’s apocalyptic survival plans and more!

You can see Twisty every Saturday at 9pm in the de Maat Theater. To buy tickets visit Secondcity.com/tc or cal 312.337.3992

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Teacher Spotlight with Tyler Dean Kempf

Nancy Fast interviews Faculty Member and Directing Student Tyler Dean Kempf in our latest Teacher Spotlight. Tyler’s web series, Door to Door, is airing now on doortodoorseries.com or facebook.com/doortodoorseries. The series features student alumnus Tommy Reard and current Faculty members Micah Philbrook and Lauren Dowden.
Listen in to find out what motivated Tyler to write the series and how he managed to audition a kid on the street!
The Second City Training Center offers classes in Improv, Comedy Writing, Acting, Stand-up and More. Term 6 begins on October 22, 2012. For more info, visit secondcity.com/tc or call 312.664.3959

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Student Spotlight Podcast with Kate Cohen and Matthew Van Colton!

Faculty members Kate Cohen and Matthew Van Colton talk with Nancy Fast about their new musical opening in Manhattan and their upcoming Chicago preview! Listen in to find out how the group enjoyed performing in the Training Center’s House Company ‘Infinite Sundaes’ and how far their friendships go back (it will warm your heart). For more information on this podcast, classes, workshops and more, call 312.664.3959 or visit secondcity.com/tc.

More Info on Kate Cohen (Instructor in Improv and Teen/Youth Programs, HouseCo Alum):
Kate Cohen has been improvising in Chicago since 2004 and performs regularly with ComedySportz Chicago, Laugh Out Loud Theater and as one-half of the musical improv duo Kate & Mike: The Musical. Other credits include Chicago Sketchfest, Infinite Sundaes, and ImprovArcadia in Bar Harbor, Maine. Kate performed for The Second City at sea aboard the Norwegian Jewel and Gem and toured Chicago schools with SCTC's Educational Touring Company. Kate is also an instructor for ComedySportz Chicago and has taught improv workshops aboard NCL and for the Chicago Jewish Community Centers. Kate has a BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Arizona and is a graduate of The Second City Training Center's IFA, Conservatory and Musical Improv Conservatory programs.

More Info on Matthew Van Colton (Instructor in Music Program, HouseCo Alum):
Matthew Van Colton is a Chicago-based director, teacher and performer. Beyond Second City, he has worked with Chicago Dramatists, Northlight, Annoyance, Playground, Victory Gardens, iO and TUTA theatres among many others. In addition to the Music Conservatory, he has most recently taught or coached for Evanston Township High School, Acting Studio Chicago, Happy Karaoke Fun Time and Clown Car to Sicily. Most recently, he directed for Citizen’s Relief Theatre Company and for Vampeero Productions. He is a member of Infinite Sundaes, and Mansical (www.mansical.net), of which he is one of the founders. He is a member of Actor’s Equity.

More Info on ‘One Night Only’:
Chicago-style Improv is hitting Manhattan September 11-15 with the musical One-Night Only as part of the 2012 Araca Project. Faculty members Kate Cohen, Michael Girts and Matthew Van Colton will be joined by student alumi Katie Dufresne, Nicole Hastings, and Kevin Sciretta in the cast.

How This Happened:
In April of 2012, a group of Chicago improvisers flew to New York and pitched an idea for a new musical to The Araca Group (Wicked, Urinetown). The cast made up a musical right there on the spot for Broadway producers in the middle of their conference room. A week later, One Night Only was selected to appear Off-Broadway as part of the 2012 Araca Project.

How You Can Help:
By making a tax-deductible contribution to Men One Night Only, you can help the cast and artistic team travel to New York City and make this Off-Broadway production a reality. Please visit Indiegogo.com/onenightonlynyc and donate today.

Who The Araca Project Is:
The Araca Project is an initiative of The Araca Group, a Broadway production company responsible for Wicked, Urinetown, Rock of Ages and many other hit musicals. Mike Girts, our producer, submitted an improvised musical for consideration back in April and a group of us flew to NYC to pitch the show to the Araca producers, improvising a 20-minute musical in their conference room. About a week later, we were selected to participate in the project.

The Second City Training Center is currently enrolling students in Improv, Acting, Comedy Writing, Stand-up, Clowning, Tv/Film Writing and more for Term 5. Call 312.664.959 for more details!

Student Spotlight Podcast with Ted Waltmire and Nancy Fast!

Listen in to one of our favorite interviews yet! Ted Waltmire visits Nancy Fast and discusses his experiences at the Training Center, recovering from a stroke and his upcoming show! Truly inspiring stuff.

Click here for more info or to buy tickets to Ted's show in The Donny's Skybox.

Student Spotlight with Nancy Fast and Ian Abramson

Nancy Fast interviews student, Dream Team volunteer, and co-host of The Midnight Melt - Ian Abramson! Listen in as Ian shares info about his improv group Jamonella, his web-series 'Talent Scouts Honor', and which comedian he would like to be stuck with on a deserted island.

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The Second City Training Center Spotlight with Kelly Bolton!

Nancy Fast interviews the wonderful Kelly Bolton about her comedy experiences in Chicago, her role with the awesome Chicago Women's Funny Festival and more!
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The Second City Training Center Spotlight with Mark Pfeffer!

The Second City Training Center interviews Mark Pfeffer, Director of the Panic/Anxiety Recovery Center, in the latest Training Center Spotlight. Mark teamed up with The Second City TC to develop 'Improv for Anxiety', a program designed to help sufferers of various forms of anxiety recover by using a combination of improvisation and therapy. Visit Mark's website for more information: www.beyondanxiety.com.

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About Mark Pfeffer, M.S. LMFT
Mark Pfeffer is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Illinois and California. He is Director of the Panic/Anxiety Recovery Center in Chicago. PARC is a specialized outpatient program that provides comprehensive treatment for anxiety and related disorders. Mark received his Master's degree in Psychology from Boston University with additional post-graduate work at UCLA. He also served as the Commissioner of Social Services for the City of Santa Monica and is an active clinical member of the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) and International OCD Foundation (IOCDF).

Mark has appeared on multiple episodes of the A&E's Emmy® nominated show Hoarders, the Discovery Channel, and the National Geographic Channel. He has been featured and quoted regarding mental health issues in various media outlets including: ABC7 Chicago; CBS2 Chicago; NBC; CLTV Chicago; Chicago Tribune; Pioneer Press, WGCI-FM and Home & Garden magazine. He has also authored numerous publications, and was a recipient of the 2002 "Golden Bell" award from the Mental Health Association of Illinois for an article he co-authored on Panic Disorder.

Congrats To Training Center Faculty Member John Hildreth On His 2012 Jeff Nomination!

The Jeff Committee, honoring excellence in Chicago theatres, selected John Hildreth as a nominee in the "Best New Adaptation" category for his work on "Watership Down" at Lifeline Theater. John teaches in the Improv, Writing, and Conservatory programs at The Second City Training Center and is running a specialty class called "Games! Games! Games" starting this Friday. For more information on classes, call 312.664.3959. To see the list of this years nominees, click here

About John Hildreth
John Hildreth is an alumnus of The Second City appearing in three revues at The Second City, Northwest including Casino Evil, three revues at The Second City, e.t.c. including White Water for Chocolate, and directing five consecutive revues for The Second City, Detroit including Generation X-Files. More recently he directed Second City...In Color at Theatre on the Lake and three revues with The Second City's Diversity and Outreach Program including Wii the People. John also recently appeared for The Second City as Roland Burris in Rod Blagojevich Superstar!, in Apparently Heaven Can't Wait: The Best of Jim Zulevic at The Second City, and in Disgruntled Employee Handbook: A Musical.

About The Second City Training Center
Chicago is the world capital of improvisation (improv) and sketch comedy, and The Second City is in the heart of it. For over fifty years The Second City has created a wealth of comedic material from a legendary group of performers. The Training Center follows the traditions developed by these groundbreaking and innovative men and women while encouraging the continued growth and development of the art forms of comedy and improvisation. Today, The Second City Training Center is the largest school of improvisation and sketch comedy in the world.

About the Jeff Awards
The Jeff Awards has been honoring outstanding theatre artists annually since it was established in 1968. With 50 members representing a wide variety of backgrounds in theatre, the Jeff Awards is committed to celebrating the vitality of Chicago area theatre by recognizing excellence through its recommendations, awards, and honors. 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. The Jeff Awards evaluates over 250 theatrical productions and holds two awards ceremonies annually. Originally chartered to recognize only Equity productions, the Jeff Awards established the Non-Equity Wing in 1973 to celebrate outstanding achievement in non-union theatre.