The Second City’s Kelly Leonard and Tom Yorton have spent decades helping businesses succeed by using the principles of improvisation. Their work has helped countless companies elevate strategy and improve teamwork, and it all starts with the deceptively ordinary phrase, “yes, and.” Joined by Chicago Tribune chief theater critic and Sunday columnist Chris Jones, Leonard and Yorton will discuss their experiences in helping unleash creativity in the corporate setting as well as their new book, “Yes, And: How Improvisation Reverses ‘No, But’ Thinking and Improves Creativity and Collaboration.”
Audience Q&A and a book signing will follow the discussion and copies of "Yes, And" will be available for purchase.
More information here.
Event Details
Date and time: Wednesday, Feb. 4; doors, 6 p.m., program 6:30 p.m.
Location: Virgin Hotels Chicago, 203 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago
Tickets: $15. To register click here.
Advance registration required. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
The Second City Announces Auditions for Bob Curry Fellowship
After a successful program launch in 2014, The Second City is proud to announce the 2015 Bob Curry Fellowship program. Headshot and resume submissions will be accepted January 13-16, 2015. The program runs from March 31 – June 2.
The Bob Curry Fellowship program offers actors of color a unique eight week mentoring and development opportunity that includes training in improv, sketch comedy writing and acting. The program is funded by The Second City’s Outreach & Diversity program and named for Second City alumni, Bob Curry.
Many of the 2014 program graduates have been hired by The Second City. Contracts include The Second City e.t.c. (Lisa Beasley and Rashawn Nadine Scott), The Second City Touring Company (members Chucho Perez; understudies Ali Barthwell, Peter Kim, Dewayne Perkins, Rashawn Nadine Scott), Theatricals (Torian Miller, Niccole Thurman and Travis Turner) and Norwegian Cruise Lines (Lauren Malara and Patrick Rowland). Rashawn Nadine Scott and Travis Turner were also featured in this fall’s collaboration with Hubbard Street Dance, The Art of Falling.
The 2015 Fellowship class will work with acclaimed Second City directors and instructors including Matt Hovde (Artistic Director of The Second City Training Center; Jeff Award winning Second City Resident Stage Director), Anthony LeBlanc (Director for The Second City Touring Company), Dionna Griffin-Irons (Director of Outreach & Diversity, Second City Alumni), Andy Eninger (The Second City Training Center - Head of Writing Program), and Rachael Mason (The Second City Training Center - Head of Advanced Improvisation).
Auditions for qualified actors of color will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 by appointment only at The Second City Training Center. Headshots can be submitted by emailing outreach@secondcity.com for consideration January 13-16. Auditions are by appointment only. Audition candidates should have completed a conservatory level improv program, have a degree in theater, or extensive stage experience.
The Fellowship program begins Tuesday, March 31 with master classes starting Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00-7:00pm at The Second City Training Center. The program will culminate in a showcase performance at The Second City e.t.c. stage.
Bob Curry
Bob Curry was the first African American improviser to perform as a member of The Second City Mainstage in 1966. After his tenure at The Second City, he continued to develop as an artist. He was a Joseph Jefferson Award-winning actor and inspiring director who coached many actors of color in the Chicago theatre community including fellow Second City alumni Aaron Freeman on several projects and directing “Paul Robeson” at Kennedy-King College shortly before his death in 1994.
The Second City Outreach & Diversity Program
Created in 1992, the Outreach and Diversity program is Second City’s ongoing commitment to introduce the improv art form to new diverse voices, underserved communities and develop new talent by attracting exceptional performers and writers, teaching workshops to colleges and organizations and building new community partnerships.
The Second City
The Second City is the leading brand in improv-based sketch comedy. With theatres and training centers in Chicago, Toronto and Hollywood, 11 full time touring ensembles, thriving corporate communications and theatricals divisions as well as television and film operations, The Second City has been called "A Comedy Empire" by The New York Times. The Second City Training Center has a current student body of 3,500 per week and is the largest school of improvisation and sketch comedy in the world.
The Bob Curry Fellowship program offers actors of color a unique eight week mentoring and development opportunity that includes training in improv, sketch comedy writing and acting. The program is funded by The Second City’s Outreach & Diversity program and named for Second City alumni, Bob Curry.
Many of the 2014 program graduates have been hired by The Second City. Contracts include The Second City e.t.c. (Lisa Beasley and Rashawn Nadine Scott), The Second City Touring Company (members Chucho Perez; understudies Ali Barthwell, Peter Kim, Dewayne Perkins, Rashawn Nadine Scott), Theatricals (Torian Miller, Niccole Thurman and Travis Turner) and Norwegian Cruise Lines (Lauren Malara and Patrick Rowland). Rashawn Nadine Scott and Travis Turner were also featured in this fall’s collaboration with Hubbard Street Dance, The Art of Falling.
The 2015 Fellowship class will work with acclaimed Second City directors and instructors including Matt Hovde (Artistic Director of The Second City Training Center; Jeff Award winning Second City Resident Stage Director), Anthony LeBlanc (Director for The Second City Touring Company), Dionna Griffin-Irons (Director of Outreach & Diversity, Second City Alumni), Andy Eninger (The Second City Training Center - Head of Writing Program), and Rachael Mason (The Second City Training Center - Head of Advanced Improvisation).
Auditions for qualified actors of color will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 by appointment only at The Second City Training Center. Headshots can be submitted by emailing outreach@secondcity.com for consideration January 13-16. Auditions are by appointment only. Audition candidates should have completed a conservatory level improv program, have a degree in theater, or extensive stage experience.
The Fellowship program begins Tuesday, March 31 with master classes starting Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00-7:00pm at The Second City Training Center. The program will culminate in a showcase performance at The Second City e.t.c. stage.
Bob Curry
Bob Curry was the first African American improviser to perform as a member of The Second City Mainstage in 1966. After his tenure at The Second City, he continued to develop as an artist. He was a Joseph Jefferson Award-winning actor and inspiring director who coached many actors of color in the Chicago theatre community including fellow Second City alumni Aaron Freeman on several projects and directing “Paul Robeson” at Kennedy-King College shortly before his death in 1994.
The Second City Outreach & Diversity Program
Created in 1992, the Outreach and Diversity program is Second City’s ongoing commitment to introduce the improv art form to new diverse voices, underserved communities and develop new talent by attracting exceptional performers and writers, teaching workshops to colleges and organizations and building new community partnerships.
The Second City
The Second City is the leading brand in improv-based sketch comedy. With theatres and training centers in Chicago, Toronto and Hollywood, 11 full time touring ensembles, thriving corporate communications and theatricals divisions as well as television and film operations, The Second City has been called "A Comedy Empire" by The New York Times. The Second City Training Center has a current student body of 3,500 per week and is the largest school of improvisation and sketch comedy in the world.
Friday, January 2, 2015
New Cast Announced for e.t.c's 39th Revue
The Second City e.t.c. is proud to announce the cast and crew for the 39th revue. Second City Touring Company director and Mainstage alumni Anthony LeBlanc directs his first resident stage revue with returning ensemble members Carisa Barreca, Eddie Mujica,Tim Ryder, Kyle Anderson (Stage Manager), and Alex Kliner (Musical Director).
They will be joined by new cast members Lisa Beasley, Scott Morehead, and Rashawn Scott.
Please join us in congratulating the cast of the 39th e.t.c. revue.
They will be joined by new cast members Lisa Beasley, Scott Morehead, and Rashawn Scott.
Please join us in congratulating the cast of the 39th e.t.c. revue.
Top L to R: Rashawn Scott, Scott Morehead, Carisa Barreca
Bottom L to R: Eddie Mujica, Lisa Beasley, Tim Ryder
Monday, December 29, 2014
"Yes And" Listed #1 on Washington Post's Leadership Books in 2015
The Second City's EVP, Kelly Leonard, and The Second City Communications' CEO, Tom Yorton, have teamed up to put together what Washington Post declares the #1 leadership book to look out for in 2015! Check out "Yes And" coming February 2015 - we have to say...we're pretty excited!
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Panic on Cloud 9 Reviews Are In...
The Second City's 103rd Mainstage Revue, Panic on Cloud 9, opened last Thursday and the reviews are in, not too shabby...
"the cast spends the majority of this two-hour show delivering hilarious hit after hit"
- Zach Freeman
"Largely Successful, Unexpectedly Touching"
- Jim Kopeny
"a true comic experience"
- Alan Bresloff
"hot fun on a cold night"
- Lawrence Bommer
"I don’t recall when I have seen a better acted show."
- Dan Zeff
"grinding out laughs at a manic pace"
- Tom Williams
Tickets available here.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Twist Your Dickens Extends Run at Goodman Theatre
Due to high demand for tickets, Goodman Theatre extends Twist Your Dickens, Or Scrooge You!, The Second City’s version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, with seven additional performances through January 3, including a special bar package on New Year’s Eve. Tickets start at $20 for the added performances (prices are subject to change) and can be purchased at GoodmanTheatre.org/Twist, by phone at 312.443.3800 or at the box office (170 North Dearborn). Twist Your Dickens is appropriate for adults and savvy teens age 16+. Please be advised that the show incorporates the use of strobe lights, smoke and haze.
Additional performances include:
Monday, December 29 at 4pm and 8pm
Wednesday, December 31 at 6pm and 10pm*
Friday, January 2 at 8pm
Saturday, January 3 at 4pm and 8pm
*Additional $40 New Year’s Eve package includes beverages pre-show through intermission, a champagne toast at midnight and party favors with promo code NEWYEARS.
The seven-member cast includes Francis Guinan as Scrooge (note: Brian Boland replaces Guinan for all performances starting December 26); Frank Caeti as the Ghost of Christmas Past; Peter Gwinn as Jacob Marley; Sayjal Joshi as Tiny Tim; Beth Melewski as the Ghost of Christmas Present; Robyn Scott as Mrs. Cratchit; and Tim Stoltenberg as Bob Cratchit. The creative team includes Tom Buderwitz (sets), Rachel Lambert (costumes) and Gina Patterson (lights). Mara Filler is the Production Stage Manager. Headshots and bio information, along with rehearsal and production photos can be found in the Press Room.
Additionally, the show includes a special Chicago-based celebrity guest in a cameo role at each show, though audiences won’t know who appears in this spot from night to night. Newly confirmed appearances include chef Rick Bayless; musician JC Brooks, author Aaron Freeman; comedian Shad Kunkle; Orange is the New Black’s Adrienne C. Moore; comedian Eddie Mujica; hip-hop artist Che Smith aka “Rhymefest”; comedy duo TJ and Dave; NPR’s Peter Sagal; Windy City Live’s Ji Suk Yi; co-owner of The Hideout Tim Tuten; and actor Jonathan Weir (a former Scrooge in A Christmas Carol). As previously announced, other expected appearances include comedian and Vocalo host Brian Babylon; WBEZ’s Niala Boodhoo; WXRT’s Lin Brehmer; Senator John Cullerton; actor Allen Gilmore (Scrooge alternate in A Christmas Carol); chef Stephanie Izard; Chicago Tribune’s Candace Jordan; Chicago Cubs’ Len Kasper; WBBM-TV’s Bill Kurtis; musician Jon Langford; Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, B96’s Showbiz Shelly; and sommelier Alpana Singh.
Written by former The Colbert Report writers Peter Gwinn and Bobby Mort and directed by Artistic Director of The Second City Training Center Matt Hovde, Twist Your Dickens—a “riotous havoc” (Los Angeles Times) that blends legitimate theater, parody, sketch comedy and improvisation, including the integration of audience “misdeeds” that are written in the lobby preceding the show—finds Scrooge and Tiny Tim hopelessly mixed up with characters from the Peanuts holiday special, the Island of Misfit Toys and even Little Orphan Annie. While the set and costumes reflect The Second City’s minimalist aesthetic, audiences can expect to see backdrops of their favorite holiday television specials and the ensemble sporting “business casual Dickensian” wear inspired by ugly sweaters and other pop culture icons.
Additional performances include:
Monday, December 29 at 4pm and 8pm
Wednesday, December 31 at 6pm and 10pm*
Friday, January 2 at 8pm
Saturday, January 3 at 4pm and 8pm
*Additional $40 New Year’s Eve package includes beverages pre-show through intermission, a champagne toast at midnight and party favors with promo code NEWYEARS.
The seven-member cast includes Francis Guinan as Scrooge (note: Brian Boland replaces Guinan for all performances starting December 26); Frank Caeti as the Ghost of Christmas Past; Peter Gwinn as Jacob Marley; Sayjal Joshi as Tiny Tim; Beth Melewski as the Ghost of Christmas Present; Robyn Scott as Mrs. Cratchit; and Tim Stoltenberg as Bob Cratchit. The creative team includes Tom Buderwitz (sets), Rachel Lambert (costumes) and Gina Patterson (lights). Mara Filler is the Production Stage Manager. Headshots and bio information, along with rehearsal and production photos can be found in the Press Room.
Additionally, the show includes a special Chicago-based celebrity guest in a cameo role at each show, though audiences won’t know who appears in this spot from night to night. Newly confirmed appearances include chef Rick Bayless; musician JC Brooks, author Aaron Freeman; comedian Shad Kunkle; Orange is the New Black’s Adrienne C. Moore; comedian Eddie Mujica; hip-hop artist Che Smith aka “Rhymefest”; comedy duo TJ and Dave; NPR’s Peter Sagal; Windy City Live’s Ji Suk Yi; co-owner of The Hideout Tim Tuten; and actor Jonathan Weir (a former Scrooge in A Christmas Carol). As previously announced, other expected appearances include comedian and Vocalo host Brian Babylon; WBEZ’s Niala Boodhoo; WXRT’s Lin Brehmer; Senator John Cullerton; actor Allen Gilmore (Scrooge alternate in A Christmas Carol); chef Stephanie Izard; Chicago Tribune’s Candace Jordan; Chicago Cubs’ Len Kasper; WBBM-TV’s Bill Kurtis; musician Jon Langford; Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, B96’s Showbiz Shelly; and sommelier Alpana Singh.
Written by former The Colbert Report writers Peter Gwinn and Bobby Mort and directed by Artistic Director of The Second City Training Center Matt Hovde, Twist Your Dickens—a “riotous havoc” (Los Angeles Times) that blends legitimate theater, parody, sketch comedy and improvisation, including the integration of audience “misdeeds” that are written in the lobby preceding the show—finds Scrooge and Tiny Tim hopelessly mixed up with characters from the Peanuts holiday special, the Island of Misfit Toys and even Little Orphan Annie. While the set and costumes reflect The Second City’s minimalist aesthetic, audiences can expect to see backdrops of their favorite holiday television specials and the ensemble sporting “business casual Dickensian” wear inspired by ugly sweaters and other pop culture icons.
Monday, December 1, 2014
Old Town Tree Lighting - 12/2 @ 5:30pm
Old Town Merchants and Residents Association will be holding a Tree Lighting ceremony at the Burton Place park (1501 N. Wells) this year!
On Tuesday, December 2nd join your neighbors and friends at Burton Place Park for the annual tree lighting shortly after dusk (approximately 5:30pm).
Local shops are providing hot chocolate, candies and other sweets for the event.
New this year is the Old Town Storefront Stroll! Between 2pm-8pm many Old Town businesses up and down Wells, from Division to St. Paul, will hand out goodies and have GREAT DEALS!!!
Holiday decorations — as well as all 2014 street plantings and landscaping on Wells Street — are installed by Old Town Gardens, through a shared contract between SSA 48 Old Town and the Old Town Merchants & Residents Association.
On Tuesday, December 2nd join your neighbors and friends at Burton Place Park for the annual tree lighting shortly after dusk (approximately 5:30pm).
Local shops are providing hot chocolate, candies and other sweets for the event.
New this year is the Old Town Storefront Stroll! Between 2pm-8pm many Old Town businesses up and down Wells, from Division to St. Paul, will hand out goodies and have GREAT DEALS!!!
Holiday decorations — as well as all 2014 street plantings and landscaping on Wells Street — are installed by Old Town Gardens, through a shared contract between SSA 48 Old Town and the Old Town Merchants & Residents Association.
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