The Second City

Founded in 1959, The Second City emerged from the ashes of the Compass Players, a pioneering improvisational theater group. Its founders, Bernard Sahlins, Howard Alk, and Paul Sills, envisioned a more sophisticated and satirical form of comedy. They established The Second City in a former Chinese restaurant on North Wells Street in Chicago, a location that would become synonymous with groundbreaking comedic performance.

From its inception, the theater focused on improvisational sketches and revue-style shows, often drawing inspiration from current events, social commentary, and the human condition. This commitment to topical and intelligent humor, combined with the unpredictable nature of improv, quickly set it apart and laid the foundation for its enduring legacy as a cultural institution.

The Second City's most significant contribution to the entertainment industry is its unparalleled ability to discover, nurture, and launch comedic talent. Its stages have served as the formative training ground for an astonishing number of actors, writers, and comedians who have gone on to achieve international fame. The list of alumni reads like a who's who of modern comedy and acting: Joan Rivers, Alan Arkin, Harold Ramis, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, John Candy, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Steve Carell, Jordan Peele, and Stephen Colbert, among many others.

The rigorous training programs and the demanding performance environment at The Second City instill a unique blend of quick wit, collaborative spirit, and fearless creativity that prepares performers for the highest levels of the industry.

At its core, The Second City is a masterclass in improvisational theater. Unlike scripted performances, improv relies on performers creating scenes, characters, and dialogue spontaneously, often based on audience suggestions. This requires an exceptional level of active listening, quick thinking, adaptability, and trust among cast members.

The theater has developed a sophisticated methodology for teaching improv, emphasizing principles like 'yes, and,' which encourages performers to accept and build upon each other's ideas. This approach not only fosters comedic brilliance but also cultivates valuable life skills such as problem-solving and effective communication, making its training programs highly sought after globally.

The influence of The Second City extends far beyond its Chicago home. The theater has successfully translated its comedic prowess to television, most notably with the Emmy Award-winning sketch comedy series SCTV (Second City Television), which aired from 1976 to 1984 and featured many of its alumni. They have also produced other television programs and specials, demonstrating their versatility.

With training centers and theaters in Toronto and New York, The Second City maintains a significant presence in major entertainment hubs. The recent acquisition by ZMC in 2021 signals a new chapter, with the potential for further expansion and innovation while aiming to preserve the core artistic integrity that has defined this iconic comedy institution for over six decades.