SNL Adds Mike O'Brien to Feature Cast and Cecily Strong Joins Weekend Update

Congratulations to Mike O’Brien on his move to feature cast and Cecily Strong for joining the Weekend Update desk on Saturday Night Live, NBC's Emmy Award-winning late-night comedy showcase, for their 39th Season.

"We are always thrilled with the success of our alumni and we wish them all the best this season on SNL," stated Andrew Alexander, CEO & Executive Producer of The Second City, Inc.

Mike O’Brien graduated from The Second City Training Center Conservatory Program.  He worked with The Second City Touring Company as a performer and director. In December 2008, he opened America: All Better! at The Second City’s legendary Mainstage Theater in Chicago.  The following summer, he was hired from The Second City stage to join the writing staff of Saturday Night Live.

After studying at The Second City Training Center in the Conservatory Program, Cecily Strong performed with Second City Theatricals and was a member of The Second City Touring Company when she was hired last season to Saturday Night Live.

View a video clip of Mike O'Brien on Second City Mainstage and our behind the scene interview with him.

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Interview with the Creators of the "Kickstart WWIII" Video

On Monday, September 9th, The Second City Network released the "Kickstart WWIII" parody video. SerialOptimist.com took a few minutes to chat with Jeph Porter and John Loos, the creative minds behind this insanely successful viral video. Take a look at what they had to say.

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SC Alum Mike Myers' Directorial Debut

SC Alum, Mike Myers, will be releasing "Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon,"his directorial debut film tomorrow. Read his interview with Deadline to learn more about the film and how he has brought to life all of these characters we have come to know and love.

Congratulations and best of luck Mike!

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SC Alum Kay Cannon Lands New CBS Pilot

SC Alum, Kay Cannon has teamed up with Jason Winer (Modern Family) to produce a new pilot for CBS, titled "The Runt."

"The Runt is a single camera comedy about a group of five adult siblings from the point of view of The Runt. Always the scrawniest and the butt of the joke, she’s now the most successful. And no matter how hard she tries, she can’t seem to break the family dynamics established when she was a kid."

Sounds like a great premise, we can't wait to see what's in store for these two, congratulations!

Read more here.

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Congratulations to SC Alum Bob Odenkirk on "Breaking Bad" Spinoff

SC Alum, Bob Odenkirk, will be playing Saul Goodman in "Breaking Bad's" new spinoff, "Better Call Saul." Congratulations on the new show Bob, we can't wait to see it!

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Help Kickstart WWIII

In response to recent world events, The Second City Network has joined forces to start a campaign to help President Obama kickstart WWIII. This "Kickstart WWII" video has become such a sensation that it reached over 1MM views within the first 72 hours of being live. It has also attracted the attention of Sean Hannity, from Fox News, as it aired on "Hannity" Wednesday evening, September 11th. The Daily Beast has also published a write up on the campaign to help promote our cause.

What an overwhelming response! Looks like we may just be able to help Obama kickstart WWIII afterall!

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Second City Communications On Using Humor To Make Online Training Stick!

Second City Communications On Using Humor To Make Online Training Stick!
Lessons in Social Learning Effectiveness at Training Magazine’s Online Learning Conference

Chicago, September 11, 2013 – Second City Communications (SCC) takes the stage at the annual Online Learning Conference 2013 to showcase how comedy and improvisation can drive stronger results in social learning programs.

The business solutions division of the world-renowned improvisation comedy theater, The Second City, is a featured presenter at the annual conference by Training magazine on September 18 in Chicago. The conference runs from September 17-19 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Lakeside Center.

"Improvisation and short-form comedy are great social learning solutions for breaking down barriers and getting people deeply engaged in training programs – both online and off,” said Tom Yorton, CEO of Second City Communications. “We live in a YouTube era of short attention spans – and humor’s a powerful tool for focusing on what’s really going on – speaking the truth and connecting with audiences. More and more training professionals now get that and are using it to engage audiences to drive training results,” Yorton added.

More information about Training magazine’s Online Learning Conference 2013 is at: http://www.onlinelearningconference.com

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SC Alum Valerie Harper to Appear on Dancing With The Stars

SC Alum Valerie Harper is scheduled to appear on the next season of "Dancing With The Stars." We're very excited for her!

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Second City Shows Pull in 7 Jeff Nominations

Congratulations to The Second City casts and crews of "Let Them Eat Chaos," "A Clown Car Named Desire" and "The Second City Guide to The Opera" on 7 Jeff Nominations! We're so excited and so proud!

The 45th Annual Jeff Equity Awards ceremony honoring excellence in professional theatre produced within the immediate Chicago area will be Monday, November 4 at Drury Lane Oakbrook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace.

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Bernie Sahlins Memorial Update

Thank you all for your inquiries regarding Bernie Sahlins' memorial. Please see below for more information and if you are able to attend, please RSVP at the link below.

September 30, 2013

6:30pm

Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier

800 E. Grand Ave. | Chicago, IL 60611

Click here to RSVP  or call the CST Media Office at 312.667.4968 by
Wednesday, September 25, 2013.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Colin Mochrie Releases New Book "Not Quite the Classics"

Second City Toronto alum, Colin Mochrie, just released a new book titled, "Not Quite the Classics." Colin Mochrie, a man known worldwide for working without a script, has penned a collection of stories destined to make its own mark in the literary community. Borrowing from a well-known improv game, Mochrie takes the first and last lines from familiar classics and reimagines everything in between. With the same engaging humour he exhibits on stage, television, and film, he takes the reader in bizarre and hilarious new directions, using the original writer's words as a launch and landing point. Imagine A Tale of Two Cities in which Wile E. Coyote gets his revenge on the Road Runner, Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat with zombies, or The Night Before Christmas with a time travelling twist. Imagine Sherlock Holmes devising a foolproof method for eliciting laughter and then taking the stage at a Victorian comedy club in Old London...

You can buy the e-book on Amazon now and the print edition will be available this Fall.

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Congratulations to This Year’s Emmy Nominees

Congratulations to this year’s Emmy Award Nominees including a host of Second City resident and touring company alumni including Stephen Colbert, Paul Dinello, Tina Fey, Joe Kelly, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Jane Lynch, Mike O’Brien, Amy Poehler, Tom Purcell, and Jeff Richmond. 

The 65^th Annual Emmy’s will be broadcast live on Sunday, Sept. 22 on CBS. Click here for a complete list of nominees.

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"America All Better" at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Extended

Woolly Mammoth announced that its fifth collaboration with Chicago’s Second City, America All Better!, is a box office hit, earning it a two week extension.

The all new revue now runs through August 18, 2013. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased online by phone – 202-393-3939 – via email at tickets@woollymammoth.net, and in person at the Box Office, located at Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC.

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The Second City Training Center Volunteer Team Celebrates Its 200th Event

In just 16 months, over 100 Second City students have participated in more than 200 events to help Chicago non-profit organizations and partners. Quick Stats

• Over 45 dogs walked and socialized with Safe Humane Chicago.
• Over 100 4-12 year-olds taught improv games at Chicago Cares, House of Good Shepherd, Lurie’s Childrens’ Hospital and more.
• Over 200 pounds of organic vegetables harvested with Ginkgo Gardens.
• Over 10 cat costume appearances at Treehouse Humane Society Events.
• Over $10,000 in volunteer credits redeemed for TC classes.

In late 2011, The Second City Training Center created ‘The Second City Dream Team,’ an organization that offers current students the opportunity to volunteer with The Second City and local non-profit partners and receive class discounts for each event worked. The Dream Team has become a huge hit and now participates in over 20 events a month all over the city. Non-profit organizations have found that asking students of comedy to lend a hand has provided great results. As skilled improvisers, Dream Team members think quick on their feet, are ready for any challenge, and always bring a positive attitude. And with their vast volunteer ensemble the Dream Team is always looking for new partners!
Safe Humane Chicago’s Executive Director, Cynthia Bathhurst, says, "Safe Humane Chicago has the privilege of having the continued and dedicated support from the amazing (and fun!) volunteers from the Second City Training Center. They play a crucial role in our Court Case Dog Program with Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC). They dedicate their time, kindness, compassion and attention to dogs who arrive at CACC as “evidence” in criminal court cases or investigations and become part of our program to socialize, train and improve the quality of their lives until we help transfer them to partner rescues and ensure their success in loving homes.

Every Saturday, you can see SC students pulling weeds and planting organic crops at Ginkgo Gardens, an organization that gives its organic harvest to low-income residents carrying HIV. If you see a human-sized cat waving to you at a Treehouse Humane Society event, chances are it’s a Dream Team volunteer helping kitties find homes. Stop by for a Second City Training Center student show and odds are a Second City Dream Team member is helping you get tickets.

About The Second City Training Center: 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, offerings courses for all ages and experience levels.

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Jeff Garlin to Debut New Film "Dealin' With Idiots" in Chicago

Curb Your Enthusisam's Jeff Garlin will be in Chicago this weekend for the opening of his new film "Dealin' With Idiots" at The Music Box Theatre. Showings will be at 7:20pm both Friday and Saturday evenings. Garlin directed, co-wrote, and stars in the film along with Gina Gershon, Jami Gertz, Christopher Guest, Bob Odenkirk, Nia Vardalos and Fred Willard. Watch the film trailer here. 

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Second City Returns to Woolly Mammoth Theater - Jul 9 - Aug 4

Following sell-out runs of "Barack Stars: The Wrath of Rahm," "A Girl's Guide to Washington Politics" and "Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies," we're thrilled to return to Woolly Mammoth Theatre in Washington, DC, with "America All Better!" Performances begin this week on and continue through. Click here for more information.

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PJ Torokvei

It's with great sadness that we heard today of the passing of Second City alum PJ Torokvei. In addition to being an incredibly talented screenwriter, actor and producer, she was a dear friend and a wonderful part of The Second City community and family. Our thoughts are with her family.

Click here for more information about PJ Torokvei's career and here for the Hollywood Reporter's article about this loss.

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Jon Langford Joins Mainstage Cast on July 4th

This Thursday, acclaimed musician, Jon Langford, is joining the Mainstage cast during their improv set at the end of the show. With Jon's musical prowess and the array of talent the Mainstage cast has to offer, this is guaranteed to be an incredible performance. "Jon Langford has grit in his voice and melody in his soul. A punk-rock pioneer, a leading light of alt-country, a troubadour for our times, a musicians' mentor, a visual artist of uncommon skill, a singer-songwriter who writes with the authority of having lived a life rather just having imagined it..." (Chicago New City). Get your tickets today for this one night only event.

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"A Clown Car Named Desire" Opens to Rave Reviews

The Second City e.t.c.'s new revue, "A Clown Car Named Desire," opened to rave reviews and also received a Jeff Recommendation. Tickets are on sale now for "A Clown Car Named Desire." Click here to book your tickets.

Check out the great reviews:

A Clown Car Named Desire

 “4 out 4 Stars…a hot young cast… funny, high-stakes show.”
Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 4-star review

“magic…bring a pair of oversized floppy shoes and enjoy.”
Jason Heidemann, Chicago Magazine

“…it’s more than funny. It’s hilarious. Consistently, uproariously hilarious.”
Zach Freeman, New City Stage

“…puts absurd new bents on familiar set-ups.”
Kris Vire, Time Out Chicago

“…combines a particularly talented ensemble with contemporary takes on some of the company's most time-honored bits.”
Kelly Kleiman, Huffington Post 

“…full of sight gags, deliberately hammy performances, and bits of crowd-pleasing audience participation.”
Matt Byrne, Chicagoist

“Highly Recommended…evening of raucous comedy…let yourself go and have a ball.”
Alan Bresloff, Around The Town Chicago

“…non-stop laughs. The stage chemistry and wonderful comic timing along with the instant smart ad-libs produced a tightly spun revue.”
Tom Williams, Chicago Critic

“Recommended…surrealistically-tinged...”
Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times

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"The McCarthy's" Pilot by Brian Gallivan Back in Play at CBS

Splitsider.com reports that CBS has commissioned a multi-cam pilot shoot of "The McCarthy's," created by Second CIty alumni Brian Gallivan. "The McCarthy's" follows the gay son of a sports-crazed Irish-American family in Boston. Click here for the full story.

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Bernard Sahlins – 1922-2013

Bernard Sahlins died peacefully at his home after a short illness. In 1959, Sahlins founded The Second City with Howard Alk and Paul Sills and served as the theatre’s longtime producer and director until 1984. He produced multiple television productions in the UK and the USA, as well as SCTV in Canada. For the past eight years, he worked with the Poetry Foundation directing staged readings – the most recent of which was Comic Poetry. Honors include the Sergel Prize for playwright, several Jeff Awards for directing and the Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Chicago for his contributions to the theatre.

“Bernie Sahlins made no small plans and his legacy will be felt for generations to come” states Andrew Alexander, CEO/Managing Partner of The Second City. “As producer and co-Founder of The Playwrights Theatre Club, The Second City, The University of Chicago’s Off-Off Campus, the International Theatre Festival of Chicago and the Lithuanian International Theatre, Bernie was a true theatrical impresario. His passion for the theatre was only equaled by his tremendous capacity for laughter. No one was quicker with a joke than Bernie and he remained an indefatigable figure in the Chicago theatre scene as a writer, director and lecturer. Although we mourn the loss of Bernie Sahlins, he will forever be remembered as a giant in the industry and a true friend and colleague to generations of Chicago theatre artists.”

Sahlins was born in Chicago and studied at the University of Chicago before he turned to theatre. In 1953, he became a producer of Playwrights Theatre Club which is celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. In 1956, he took over the empty downtown Studebaker Theatre which presented, among other things, the Chicago premiere of “Waiting for Godot.”

He remained a prolific presence in the Chicago arts community and when he was presented with an honorary doctorate from Columbia College in 2006, Sheldon Patinkin wrote “his legacy to theater and, in particular, to comedy in America, is secure and clearly permanent.”

Funeral services will be private. A Memorial Service will follow at a later date.

Biography for Bernard Sahlins:
Director, author and producer Bernard Sahlins is the founder of the world-renowned The Second City, where he also served as a longtime director and producer. Sahlins also co-founded The International Theatre Festival of Chicago and The Lithuanian International Theater Festival, and has directed and/or produced various shows in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, London, and Toronto. He is also the co-creator and producer of “SCTV.” Sahlins’ directing credits include his own adaptation of “The Mysteries” for the Court Theatre, “The Wasteland” for the Chicago Humanities Festival & The Arts Club, “The Cure at Troy” at Steppenwolf Theater, “The Shoemakers Holiday,” “The Knight of the Burning Pestle” and “The Burial at Thebes” at Chicago Shakespeare and multiple readings for the Poetry Foundation, among myriad other productions. He has written and directed several works, including “See the Light” for the Museum of Science & Industry, “The History of Comedy, Part 2” for the University of Chicago and “A Woman for All Seasons,” “Jane Addams,” and “Dylan Thomas” for the Chicago Humanities Festival. He has been a consultant for the Lithuanian Ministry of Culture and the Lithuanian National Theatre, The Disney Company, The Market Theatre: Johannesburg, The Museum Campus, USIS: Rumania, Lithuania, The University of Chicago arts programs, and The British Council. He is the author of “Days and Nights at The Second City: A Memoir.” Sahlins is the recipient of The Sergel prize for playwriting, The University of Chicago Professional Achievement Award, The Chicago Drama League’s Professional Achievement Award, Joseph Jefferson Awards for directing and professional achievement, The Illinois Arts Alliance “Legend” award, and the Chicago Improv Festival gave him a CIF Lifetime Achievement Award. He served on the Advisory Board of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the Board of Directors for The Arts Club of Chicago, and the Board of Directors for the DePaul School of Drama.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

The Second City Alumni Fund
1616 N. Wells St
Chicago, IL 60614

The Poetry Foundation
61 W. Superior St.
Chicago, IL 60654

Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
800 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611

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Second City Vegas Alum Joe Boyd Stars in Indie Feature: A Strange Brand of Happy

A Strange Brand of Happy will be released in 42 cities across the country on September 13th. Joe Boyd is not only starring as the lead, but is also producing this feature film. A Strange Brand of Happy also features Holly Walker and Academy Award winner Shirley Jones. Jones has been in 77 films and has never been allowed to improvise until this one! Check out the video interview below as well as the movie trailer.

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Congratulations to Second City alum and Tony Award winner Andrea Martin!

Last night, Second City alumnus Andrea Martin won a Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role Musical for Pippin The Musical currently running at the Music Box Theatre on Broadway. Congratulations to her and all of our friends from Chicago that took home awards last night! Click here for a complete list of winners.

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e.t.c. Gears Up for New Show - "A Clown Car Named Desire"

The Second City e.t.c. is proud to announce the opening of their 37th Revue, "A Clown Car Named Desire." Reviewing press are invited to attend the show on Friday, June 21, 2013, at 8:00 p.m. at The Second City e.t.c. Theatre (1608 N. Wells Street, 2nd floor of Piper’s Alley). A Grand Opening is scheduled for Sunday, June 23, 2013, at 7:00 p.m.

Join the limber and handsome cast of "A Clown Car Named Desire" for a spectacular night of illusion featuring brave, multitasking mothers expressing themselves; hyper hipsters competing for the ultimate in cool; and long term monogamous couples desperately trying to remember how they got that way. Its a night to remember and the perfect antidote to that mundane and troublesome state called reality.

Jeff Award-winning director Ryan Bernier (We’re All in This Room Together) returns to The Second City e.t.c. Theater to lead a mix of new cast members including Carisa Barreca (The Second City’s Guide to the Opera), Brooke Breit and Punam Patel, with veterans Mike Kosinski (Jeff Nominated for Best Actor - Revue), Michael Lehrer and Chris Witaske. Alex Kliner makes his debut behind the baby grand as Musical Director/Composer and Kyle Anderson returns as Stage Manager. The producing team for "A Clown Car Named Desire" includes CEO/Managing Partner for The Second City, Andrew Alexander; Executive Vice President, Kelly Leonard; Producer, Alison Riley; and Associate Producer, Jeremy Smith.

Tickets for "A Clown Car Named Desire" are available by phone at 312-337-3992 or online at www.SecondCity.com.

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Planning Reminder - Old Town Art Fair This Weekend

As you plan your trip to The Second City this weekend, please note that on Saturday and Sunday, our neighborhood hosts the Old Town Art Fair and Wells St. Festival. If you're planning to see a show, please take some time to enjoy the art fair or street festival.

During this time, Wells Street will be closed off to traffic from North Avenue south to Division for the Wells Street Art Festival. The Old Town Art Fair will also be taking place north of us on the streets immediately west of Lincoln and Wells which will decrese parking availability. If possible, please opt for alternative transportation such as taxi, CTA (maps.google.com can help you find the best route!) or bike.

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Offstage with Rachel LaForce

Rachel LaForce performed her entire life, but she was always landing what she called the, "Kathy Bates Characters," doing comic relief. So when she discovered Second City, she knew were she had to be.

How did you first get involved in The Second City?
Everyone has a similar story - saw my first Second City show and had that Wayne's World moment - you know when Wayne goes and looks at the guitar he wants and repeats, "Oh yes, you will be mine." I moved to Chicago nine months later.

Tell us about some of the voiceover work you do
I was lucky to be introduced to voiceover work my freshman year of college. Voiceover is a really great way to make money as an actor. My agents are very knowledgable and come out to support me at shows, which is really awesome. Naked Voices. Check them out! I have mostly booked industrials so far. I am still praying for that McDonald's money!

What else are you working on right now?
Casey Whitaker and I are writing our second two women show as LaForce & Whitaker for The Women's Funny Festival at Stage 773 in June. Our show is titled, "Copy. Edit. Paste." and directed by Scott Goldstein. We are trying new styles and it is a whole new format for us, come see it! Saturday, June 8th, 10pm. Whitaker and I are also half of a sketch group called, Wildcard. Carmen Christopher and Greg Worsley make up the other 50%. We are always challenging each other creatively. Worsley and I are currently shooting a webseries titled, "Fights In Cars." We dated for 2 years and are still good friends, so we have a lot of material for relationship based arguments. I have always wanted to write a one women show. I finally gave into myself. The working title is, "I Carried A Watermelon" inspired by one of my favorite lines from Dirty Dancing.

What are some of your hobbies?
I recently read, "It's good to have hobbies. They give without taking. There is no pressure. They're like church" . . . I love to paint. I am not very good at it, but it's relaxing. I LOVE thrifting. You can find the coolest stuff for great deals, and I love the thrill of the hunt. I've been reading a lot more, which feels great. I've really gotten into Ted Talks. It is interesting to get a glimpse into worlds I don't know much about. Is dining out a hobby? I love trying new restaurants . . . Large farm tables, candles, bottles of wine and great friends. Perfect.

What movies, TV shows, etc. influence your comedic style?
My favorite movie for inspiration right now is "Bridesmaids." I am loving watching the ladies of SNL right now. Cecily Strong and Aidy Bryant are so fun to watch. Aidy and I improvised together in college and I was always in awe of her. I love "Parks and Rec" - I mean, come on. If you don't watch, "The Mindy Project," I suggest giving it a shot. Louis C. K. is unreal. I'm late to the GIRLS train, but I love it.

What other comedians inspire you?
Lately I have been really inspired by . . . the ladies of Fanny (Claire Mulaney, Blair Beeken, Sarah Shook and Lily Sullivan) I love watching them play. Kristen Schaal. Bobby Moyniham's Drunk Uncle. Barry Hite's references. Tig Notaro. "Let Them Eat Chaos" - good lord this show is fantastic. Anna Kendrick - follow her on Twitter. Mindy Kaling. Aubrey Plaza. The ladies of Superhuman. Lee and Matt Baratts. . . Life long inspirations: Chris Farley. Diane Keaton. Maya Rudolph. Kristen Wiig. Carol Burnett. Ellen. Billy Crystal.

When you’re not acting, improvising or writing, what are you doing?
Sleeping. Ha. That is the most honest answer. I love sleep. It's the best. I mostly make time for my girlfriends that arn't in the community. My girls from college live within 2 blocks from me in Wicker Park. I am lucky to have 2 of my best friends from high school live here as well. I love hanging out with them. It feeds my soul.

By Pamela Birchard

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"The Second City Guide to the Opera" is Jeff Recommended!

Lyric Opera of Chicago and The Second City opened the summer run of The Second City Guide to the Opera at the Civic Opera House this weekend and received a "Jeff Recommendation." "Jeff Recommended" indicates at least one element of a production was deemed excellent by opening night judges. The entire production is then eligible for nomination at the end of the season. See http://www.jeffawards.org/ for full list.

For more information, to see the trailer for The Second City Guide to the Opera, or to purchase tickets, please visit Lyric Opera.

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Second City Offers Exclusive New Video Course in Partnership with Funny or Die

Two of America's top comedy creators, The Second City and Funny Or Die, have collaborated on an exclusive new video course. The pilot program will launch at The Second City Training Center's Hollywood campus (6560 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028) beginning July 2, 2013. Similar programs will be launched at The Second City Training Centers in Chicago and Toronto in the Fall of 2013.

The first course offering focuses on DIY or guerilla-style filmmaking with an emphasis on creating short form comedic video content. The course curriculum includes pitching video ideas, scripting and on-location coaching. Basic cameras, lighting equipment and editing software will be provided by The Second City. Students are encouraged to use their own equipment as well.

Course curriculum has been co-created by Funny Or Die Creative Director, Andrew Steele, and Second City Training Center Artistic Director, Joshua Funk. Course will be taught by Mr. Steele, Mr. Funk and other key Second City and Funny Or Die talent.

"While The Second City has perfected the process for creating theatrical material," states Andrew Alexander, CEO/Managing Partner of The Second City, "our friends at Funny Or Die have been perfecting the formula for creating funny, edgy and satirical short form videos. In the current comedy environment, it pays to be prolific. Having the right tools and coaching for short form digital content is an important asset for any writer and performer."

"It makes perfect sense to us. No one teaches short form sketch comedy better than Second City and we think we're pretty good at translating that form to the web," states Andrew Steele, Creative Director for Funny Or Die. "We were kind of stunned that they would come to us but I guess they know what they're doing. I hope they know what they're doing." He added, "This is a natural fit for us. We both have short form comedy in our DNA. And it gives us the added bonus of maybe stealing some of their better talent."

Course Description
Creating Video for Funny Or Die is a 12 week course in creating comedic digital shorts. Each student receives weekly feedback from Funny Or Die creative staff and has weekly check-ins with a Second City writing instructor and director. After completion of the 12 week course, each student will have his or her own fully produced digital short. Funny Or Die will post all student content on their main site under a section specifically designated for Second City Training Center student works.

10 classes meet over 12 weeks
$995
Prerequisite: None

Class meets at the Second City Training Center Hollywood, 6560 Hollywood Blvd.
Tuesdays beginning July 2. Class runs through September 17. 6:30-10:00pm

Register for the class here.

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Congratulations to Brian Gallivan on His Overall Deal with Sony TV

Congratulations to Brian Gallivan on landing an overall deal with Sony TV. He will be continuing with his current project, "The McCarthys" and create new projects for the studio. Read more at Deadline.com

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The Second City Guide to the Opera opens this weekend!

The Second City Guide to the Opera opens this weekend!

Tickets are on sale now for this smart and hilarious collaboration between The Second City and Lyric Opera of Chicago. The Second City Guide to the Opera "had the crowd whooping with laughter...a smart script and the manic exuberance of the cast roasted the sacred cows of opera with a light yet loving touch." Chicago Tribune

The show will run from May 31 through June 30. Tickets are selling fast, so don't miss your chance to sit on the legendary Civic Opera House stage and see The Second City Guide to the Opera starting on May 31. Learn more about the performances and reserve your tickets today at http://www.lyricopera.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13922.

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The Second City’s Walking Tour Is Back for the Summer

The Second City’s Neighborhood Tour returns for the summer starting this week! Written by Margaret Hicks, an experienced Chicago tour guide and author of Chicago Comedy: A Fairly Serious History, The Second City’s Neighborhood Tour both entertains and informs while highlighting the architecture, history and development of Old Town as well as various Second City alumni haunts and the stories that go with them.

Tours can have up to fifteen guests and advanced reservations are recommended. The tours are every Sunday at 10:30am and Wednesday at 4:00pm and last from one hour and 30 minutes to two hours. The walking pace is suitable for all ages. For more information, or to make reservations, call The Second City Box Office at 312-337-3992 or reserve online at www.SecondCity.com.

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The Second City Celebrates Playwrights Theatre Club’s 60th Anniversary

The Second City is pleased to host a free event celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Playwrights Theatre Club on Sunday, June 23, 2013 in UP Comedy Club (230 W. North Ave, 2nd Floor of Piper's Alley) at 3:00 p.m. This special event will reunite the original members of The Playwrights Theatre Club, which was the precursor to The Compass and The Second City.

During this special reunion event, Chicago Tribune's Chris Jones will moderate a panel of Playwrights Theatre Club original members including: Ed Asner, Helen Axelrood, Rolf Forsberg, George Goritz, Zohra Lampert, Sheldon Patinkin, Bernie Sahlins, and David Shepherd, along with Joyce Piven, Carol Sills and Joann Shapiro.

The Playwrights Theatre Club was started in Chicago in the early 1950s by a group of young theater pioneers. Founded by David Shepherd, Paul Sills and Eugene Troobnick, Playwrights Theatre Club appeared on the scene in June 1953 with a production of Bertolt Brecht's The Caucasian Chalk Circle. In two years, the company presented nearly thirty productions, with the company members, several of whom lived in the theatre, making all sets and costumes themselves. In addition to show rehearsals, company members regularly played Theater Games (now considered the basis of improvisational theater) created by Sills' mother, Viola Spolin. This training prepared the group for their rechristening as The Compass Players in 1955. The Compass Players opened their doors in a new, larger and air-conditioned space on July 5, 1955, presenting regular improvisational theater shows, the predecessor to the legendary form The Second City is known for today. Roger Bowen, Elaine May and Barbara Harris are among the many notable performers in the original Compass Players.

Tickets for the event are free. For reservations, call The Second City Box Office at 312-337-3992 or reserve online at www.SecondCity.com.

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Second City Featured on NBC's Today Show

The Today Show stopped by Chicago today for on the Great American Road Trip. While they were in town, they featured Second City including interviews with Andrew Alexander, Anne Libera and Second City Touring Company alum and current SNL cast member Cecily Strong. Watch it below:

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Jeff Garlin Joins ABC Fall Line-Up with "The Goldberg's"

Jeff Garlin joins the ABC Fall line-up with a new family sitcom, "The Goldbergs." Set in the '80's, "The Goldbergs" also features Wendy McClendon-Covey. Click here to check out the trailer.

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Peter Grosz to Star Off Broadway in "A Kid Like Jake" with Carla Gugino

Second City alumni Peter Grosz has been cast to star in the world premiere of Daniel Pearle's new play, "A Kid Like Jake," at the Claire Tow Theater as part of Lincoln Center Theater's LCT3 initiative devoted to emerging artists. Performances begin June 2 with the official opening set for June 17. Click here for more information.

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Congratulations to Drama Desk Award Winners Andrea Martin and Richard Kind!

This year's Drama Desk Award Winners including Second City alumni Andrea Martin for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical ("Pippin") and Richard Kind for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play ("The Big Knife"). Click here for a complete list of winners.

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Second City Alums Join "The Big Live Comedy Show" This Weekend on YouTube

Keegan-Michael Key of Key & Peele and Jack McBrayer join the line-up on YouTube's "The Big Live Comedy Show" on Sunday, May 19 at 7 pm Central. Click here for more info.

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Jane Lynch Stars in "Annie" on Broadway

Alumni of The Second City Touring Company Jane Lynch began performances as orphanage matron Miss Hannigan in Broadway's "Annie" on May 14. Click here for more information about the production and ticket information.

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Martin Short Joins the Cast of Paul Thomas Anderson's "Inherent Vice"

Second City and SCTV alum Martin Short is set to star in Paul Thomas Anderson's new movie "Inherent Vice," an adaptation of the 2009 Thomas Pynchon novel of the same name. Click here to read the full story from Splitsider.

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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!

Listen to the Podcast!

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Andrea Martin Wins Outer Critics Circle Award for Pippin'

Congratulations to Second City alumni Andrea Martin on her Outer Critics Circle Award win for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical in "Pippin'." Awards winners will be recognized at the 63rd Annual Outer Critics Circle Awards on May 23 at Sardi's Restaurant in New York. Click here for a complete list of winners.

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Shannon Skinner Shares Life Lessons from Her Second City Class on Huffington Post

Talk show host and author, Shannon Skinner, shares her experience and four life lessons she learned taking a class at the Second City Training Center. Read it on The Huffington Post.

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Edgar Blackmon and Holly Laurent from our Mainstage Cast on WBEZ

Edgar Blackmon and Holly Laurent from our new Mainstage show "Let Them Eat Chaos" stopped by WBEZ's Afternoon Shift to talk Chicago news and oversharing.

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Are You Ready for Mother's Day?

Haven't found the perfect Mother's Day gift yet? We're pretty sure she'd appreciate a good laugh. Treat her to something she'll enjoy - spending time with her wonderful child (that's you) and laughing harder than she has for years. Tickets are selling fast but still available for performances this Sunday. Click here to make her proud and plan ahead!

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Offstage with Brianna Baker

When Brianna Baker first moved to Chicago, she had three different bosses recommend The Second City to her within a week. "The first time someone said it, I just smiled and nodded. The second time, I asked what The Second City was and pretended that I had known the entire time. By the third, I went to The Second City's website and signed up for a class," she said. Since then, she has done a handful of student and Outreach & Diversity shows, sailed on the NCL Pearl and now performs at UP Comedy Club in "What The Tour Guide Didn't Tell You." We talked with Brianna about some of her other projects, her grandma and what she does for fun.

Tell us about The TOMKAT Project.
The TOMKAT Project is the brainchild of my good friend, Brandon Ogborn. The play is about those two relatively well-known actors and The Church of Scientology, but it's also about so much more than that. It deconstructs our fascination with celebrities, why we want to know about them, what we think we know about them, why we think we are so well informed, and more importantly, it presents the audience with some pretty big questions about all of the above.

What are some of your favorite characters to play?
My Grandmother, Phyllis - She is in my solo show Bede. She is a pistol. I just say her catchphrases, or ones that I imagine she would say.

My Grandmother, Emmie - She is in my solo show as well, but such a contrast to Phyllis. She died when I was in 8th grade, so it feels good to embody her and keep her with me, even if on stage.

Yera, A Hermaphrodite Orca Whisperer - This one is new, and I think the title explains why I like to play it.

Fionica - I originally thought of her when I was on a ship for Second City, and I would play her when I was interviewing contestants for games. She was then a meter maid in my Conservatory show, and I've since used her in many different sketches.

How was your solo show Bede?
My solo show Bede has been the most personally fulfilling project I've done thus far. It centers around my child self, Bede, and my gender-nonconforming childhood. It was a show that I've known I should write for years. I'll be performing it at Stage 773 for the Chicago Women's Funny Festival on June 8th at 9pm.

What else are you working on right now?
I am going to be performing at the Awkward Phase Summer Series at the Annoyance. The show is sponsored by Tumblr. My Improv team, 3 Peat, has a run at the Playground Theater on Fridays at 10pm. I'm working on a project that involves my grandmother, Phyllis. I'm really excited about it.

What comedians inspire you?
I grew up idolizing Jerry Lewis and Jim Carrey. I can thank these two men for having each and every on-camera teacher tell me to stop playing everything so big. Amy Sedaris, David Sedaris, Molly Shannon, Steve Carrell, Cheri Oteri, Maya Rudolph, Steve Martin, Toni Collete. These are some of the people that strike a chord in me comedically. Jet Eveleth started as my idol, then my mentor, and now my friend. I still can’t get over her art. Of all of the people I’ve listed above, no one has had an impact on my comedy like she does. She is one of a kind.

When you're not acting, improvising or writing, what are you doing?
Any of the following: Folding laundry, hanging out with my radical parents, visiting my radical grandma, camping, hanging out with my radical friends around Chicago, visiting my parents radical dogs, taking pictures, staring at pictures, inline skating, watching Annie Hall, riding a bike, or trying to figure out the combination to a lock I bought.

By Pamela Birchard

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Second City Toronto's Education Company in Intelligencer

Second City Toronto's Education Company has been bringing the power of improv and comedy to students everywhere. Check out this article in Intelligencer on a recent visit to Bayside Secondary Schoold.

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Offstage with Margaret Hicks

The Second City has been giving walking tours of Chicago's historic Old Town neighborhood for five years. When Margaret Hicks returned to Chicago from New York in 2001, she told herself "I will never take Chicago for granted again." She started as a docent for the Chicago Architecture Foundation and now uses her improv skills to give tours with her company Chicago Elevated. We talked to Margaret about comedy in Chicago, her tour and her connection with The Second City.

Tell us about the process of writing your book Chicago Comedy: A Fairly Serious History.
That was a process. It's funny, when we think of comedy in Chicago, for a lot of us improvisers, it usually starts with Second City. So my want was to go all the way back, to the beginning. When I give Second City tours I always ask myself and the tourees, "Why Chicago?" What is it about this city that was a perfect womb for The Second City? So I started there. I started with what entertainment and comedy looked like in 1837. Then through Vaudeville and radio and TV and that Chicago naturalness, it's always there, even in the beginning.

Tell us about some of the highlights of your Second City Neighborhood Tour.
So the highlights of the walking tour are varied, which is why it's such a neat tour. Old Town is one of our most historic neighborhoods. There are these houses that are from right after the fire. So there's this really historic feeling with St. Michael's church and the balloon-frame houses, but then there's Old Town Ale House and the gentrification of Wells Street. And everyone at Second City has been so great, so I have some really great gossip I let fly.

Are you doing any writing/acting/improvising right now?
I am writing a show with my friend Sabrina Harper! She's the Second City box office manager and my best friend! We're writing Sweetie Maude - it's an all-lesbian version of Sweeney Todd. It will go up in September. I'm really excited about that! And I'm constantly writing new tours and learning new information about the city and trying to figure out new ways to connect the information.

What plans do you have for the summer in Chicago?
My plans are to work. It's a busy season which I think is excellent. My winters tend to be sort of quiet and introspective, so it's fun to get out and work in the summer.

What are some of your other hobbies?
I go to the movies a lot. I like the movies. I read. I ride my bike and run a little. Hang out. Dinner. I'm really big on dinner.

Who are some of your biggest comedic influences?
My comedic influences were definitely all of Whose Line. That's when I thought "I can do that." Honestly? My high school friends. Stand-ups like Dennis Miller. Oh man, back in the day he was so good! Almost more the people around me, my family and friends were so funny, they sharpened my brain as I grew up.

What you’re not acting, writing or walking, what are you doing?
I'm probably at home with my pup and my husband. Probably eating dinner.

By Pamela Birchard

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Second City's Tour of Old Town Returns for Fifth Season

The Second City is proud to announce the return of "The Second City's Neighborhood Tour." This humorous and historic walking tour of Chicago's beautiful Old Town neighborhood will begin on Sunday, May 26th, 2013 at 10:30am and will continue every Sunday and Wednesday through Wednesday, October 30th, 2013.

Written by Margaret Hicks, an experienced Chicago tour guide and author of Chicago Comedy: A Fairly Serious History, "The Second City's Neighborhood Tour" both entertains and informs while highlighting the architecture, history and development of Old Town as well as various Second City alumni haunts and the stories that go with them.

The walking tour begins outside The Second City theatre on North Wells Street and winds its way through the historic Old Town neighborhood. The tour ends inside The Second City theatre and gives guests a chance to view the lobby photo display documenting over 53 years of comedy at The Second City.

Tickets for "The Second City's Neighborhood Tour" are $15.00 per person. They may be purchased directly from The Second City Box Office by phone at 312-337-3992 or online here. Tours can have up to fifteen guests and advanced reservations are recommended. The tours are every Sunday at 10:30am and Wednesday at 4:00pm and last from one hour and 30 minutes to two hours. The walking pace is suitable for all ages.

Additional days/times are available for groups -- call Group Sales at 312-664-4032 for more information or to request a special reservation for larger groups.

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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!

Listen to the Podcast!

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Congratulations to Outer Critics Circle Nominees!

Congratulations to this year's Outer Critics Circle Nominations! Nominees include Second City alumni Andrea Martin for Featured Actress in a Musical in "Pippin" and Richard Kind for Featured Actor in a Play in "The Big Knife." Also, "Grace," directed by alum Dexter Bullard, has been nominated for Best Play. The winners will be announced May 13, and the annual awards ceremony will be held on May 23. Click here for more information.

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Offstage with Rachel Mason

Rachael Mason started improvising the second she could talk. She's been doing it for so long that it almost seems natural to her. She recently started as the The Second City Training Center's Head of Advanced Improvisation and loves teaching longer, more grounded improv. We talked with Rachael about Improv All-Stars, teaching and the training center.

When did you first start improvising?
Officially, In college in 1993. I was part of the Skidmore Ad-Liberal Artists and performed in The National College Comedy Festival. Both of which were founded by David Miner.

You're the official Head of Advanced Improvisation at the Second City Training Center. How'd you get that title?
I've worked tirelessly to hone my craft and voice. I ran the iO Training Center for 8 years writing curriculum and training teachers. At Second City I toured, wrote, and taught and helped to created the Advanced Improv curriculum under Jim Carlson. When he left I was thrilled to be interviewed for the position and even more excited to get the job.

Tell us about some of the classes/workshops you teach here.
I teach classes in Improv A-E, Writing 1-6, Musical Conservatory, and Advanced Improv. My most favorite classes to teach are Scenic Improv and Dramatic Improv, both of which deal with a more grounded type of scene work.

What's your favorite part about teaching?
I love watching someone get it. Comedy is such an abstract thing to try and convey so when someone gets a light bulb over their head it turns me on too. Gross.

How is Improv All-Stars at UP Comedy Club different from some other performances you've done?
The running order was masterfully crafted by Mick Napier. Its challenging to this old timer in the best way. There's fast and funny as well as long and grounded. There's music and games and scenes. I freakin' love it.

What's one piece of advice you could give any potential future student?
Don't beat yourself up over the last crappy scene you were in. It's already gone.

Who are some of your biggest comedic influences?
My parents, Lenny Bruce, Monty Python, George Carlin, Carol Burnett, Del Close, Mick Napier, Susan Messing.

When you're not performing or teaching, what are you doing?
I am playing with my young son... so I'm never not performing or teaching.

By Pamela Birchard

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New: Scholarships for Adult and Youth and Teen Classes

Scholarship forms are now available for all courses at the Second City Training Centre.

Adult Scholarships

Youth and Teen

Youth and Teen Camps

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Offstage with Sarah Shook

Sarah Shook has been all over The Second City this past year, performing as an understudy in Touring Company and holiday shows, and at UP Comedy Club in Improv Extravaganza Explosion and Four Girls (And A Guy). She's now a full-fledged member of the Touring Company, and is slated for a summer show at UP. We talked with Sarah about understudying, her love for pies and her biggest female influences.

What have you worked on with Second City, and what’s next for you?
The first things I really did for Second City were Twisty and BenchCo and then got hired to understudy the Touring Company. Understudying was awesome 'cause I got to do so many different shows and work with seasoned Second City folks as well as the up-and-comers like me. I ended up going in for two weeks once. And then a month later, I had to learn 3 different shows in one week. Understudying can be super stressful, but it's totally worth it.

You're a transplant of Maryland. How did you get into acting and improvising?
Oh man, I really had no intention of coming to Chicago. I wanted to move to New York with my best friend from home and she was the one that mentioned Chicago. I hated the idea. But I did theatre in college and I remember a girl in my class talking about Second City. And then one of my professors suggested I move here. I still wasn't convinced but the seed had been planted. I knew no one. I had never done improv and didn't even really know what Second City was. I've been here just over 3 years and I love it.

What are some of your hobbies?
Pie! I love baking pies, thinking of new recipes, reading about them. I'm a pie nerd. I used to bake a different pie every week and bring it to my conservatory class. I even have a website: crosspied.weebly.com. I'll move onto another hobby before I start to sound too pie-thetic. And there we go...

What movies, TV shows, etc. influence your comedic style?
Oh man, I don't really know. I have movies that I love, like What About Bob and Waitress.

What other comedians inspire you?
Oh geez, so many! Growing up I watched I Love Lucy like it was my job. I was a huge Nick at Nite nerd. So I love the classics Lucille Ball, Lily Tomlin, Gilda Radner. More recently, Jet Eveleth. I remember my conservatory teacher telling me to go watch her because she plays strong female characters. I think Jet is the only person in Chicago whose bits on stage have made me cry laughing. And of course the girls I play with. My friends who are out there just gettin' it done! Punam Patel, Claire Mulaney, Blair Beeken, Lily Sullivan. Seeing those girls work hard and kill it and knowing I work with them is inspiring.

When you're not acting, improvising or writing, what are you doing?
Probably talking to my cats. Or sitting on the couch with my roommate talking about my cats. I also like french films a lot or just good movies, ones that make you feel something. I LOVE being outside too. It's getting warm out, so you know I'll be trying to hit the beach for some beach volleyball. I just got a new bike. Trying new ice cream flavors. Baking pies. I like beers too, and karaoke!

By Pamela Birchard

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The Second City Training Center Now Offering Viewpoints Immersions

The Second City Training Center will offer three levels of Viewpoints during upcoming Summer Immersion sessions. Used in rehearsal processes at Steppenwolf and The Gift Theatre, The Viewpoints are a physical approach towards listening and responsiveness in the moment and a method for creating original works of theatre. Each session is taught by Michael Patrick Thornton (TV's Private Practice) and Norm Holly (Conservatory Program Head), available from 10am-5pm; $550 each session.

• Viewpoints 1--This class is an introduction to the Viewpoints, a physical approach to performance/theatre-creation which fosters high responsiveness in the moment. Students will discover and utilize these alternative approaches to performance in order to become more active, listening, and contributory scene partners and artists.Available in Session 1. Prerequisite: Previous acting or improvisation experience is highly recommended.
REGISTER

• Viewpoints 2--"Compositional work": Using The Viewpoints to create both individual and group works of original theatre. Compositions will be created both in and outside the classroom with a focus on intentionality with regard to the use of space, time, and source material. Available in Session 2. Prerequisite: Viewpoints 1 or instructor approval.
REGISTER

• Viewpoints 3--Viewpoints in performance: The ensemble will create a group composition in class and then perform it in front of an audience. Act One of the performance consists of that group composition. Before intermission, the ensemble will conduct a Second City-style “pad set” with the audience in order to generate an ingredients list for a new composition. Intermission will be spent devising that composition based on the audience’s suggestions and then performing it for Act Two. Act Two’s composition will be discussed at the next class, re-performed, mashed-up with Act One, and re-performed as the new Act One in front of an audience, etc., etc., in order to create an ever-evolving work of art. Available in Session 3. Prerequisite: Viewpoints 2 or instructor approval.
REGISTER

Specialty Immersions are courses in a particular topic often with special guest instructors. The Specialty Immersions run concurrently with our regular Improv and Writing Immersions. These are available as half-day or full-day sessions depending on the course.

Specialty Immersions Tuition: Each course is priced individually. Check the course details for pricing.

Prerequisites: Each Specialty Immersion will have its own prerequisites or acceptance can be given by permission of the program head. Previous training will be considered toward the prerequisites. Contact Adult Program Coordinator Stephanie Gruender at sgruender@secondcity.com or call the Training Center at 312-664-3959 to obtain permission.

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The Second City Partners with The Onion to Offer New Writing Program

The Second City and The Onion, two of America's finest comedic institutions, have partnered to present a completely new writing program at The Second City Training Center's Chicago campus (1608 N. Wells, 4th Floor of Piper's Alley).

The first course offering, "Basic Writing with The Onion," a one-of-a-kind writing course taught by founding editor of The Onion, Scott Dikkers, which outlines The Onion's unique system of generating comedy ideas and stories, sold out in 30 minutes.

"The assets required of writers at The Second City and The Onion are very compatible - they need to be smart, funny and satirical," states Andrew Alexander, CEO/Executive Producer of The Second City. "While our writers take these assets and use improvisation as a tool to create content, The Onion has crafted their own unique system to produce ideas and stories. This system is a perfect complement to the core curriculum of our writing program."

"Aside from being America's Finest News Source, The Onion is the most literate, most entertaining, most influential and most profitable publication in the United States of America, including Texas," said Steve Hannah, CEO of The Onion. "Partnering with the Second City, we will--for the first time in recorded history--share the mysterious creative secrets that have made The Onion a three-time Nobel Prize winner.

"Plus, upon completion of the course, you will be much smarter, much cooler, more attractive to members of the opposite sex and immensely more interesting at parties. That alone is worth the price of tuition."

Additional levels will be added to this writing program including Intermediate and Advanced writing as well as a Master Class. The next term at The Second City Training Center is scheduled for June 24 - August 25. Early registration begins Friday, May 24, 2013. Visit www.SecondCity.com for more information.

The Onion
Since its humble beginnings as a Madison, WI student-run newspaper in the late-'80s, The Onion has become the America's most recognizable and prominent source of satirical commentary. With daily coverage of politics, technology, sports, business, entertainment and more, theonion.com welcomes over 8 million unique monthly visitors.

The Second City
The Second City is the leading brand in improv-based sketch comedy. With theatres in Chicago and Toronto, Training Centers in those cities as well as 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.

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"Let Them Eat Chaos" Wins Jeff Recommendations and Rave Reviews

The new show at The Second City's Mainstage Theater, "Let Them Eat Chaos" opened to rave reviews from the critics and earned a prestigious Jeff Recommendation.

Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune gives "Let Them Eat Chaos" three stars (out of four) and says, "...very funny...This cast is excellent." Hedy Weiss of the Chicago Sun Times Recommends this production and states, "stylistic experimentation...infused with music and projections and literary conceits."

The designation of "Jeff Recommended" is given to a production when, after the opening night of its run, at least ONE ELEMENT of the show was deemed excellent by the opening night judges of the Joseph Jefferson Committee. The entire production is then eligible for nomination for awards at the end of the season.

Tickets are on sale now for "Let Them Eat Chaos" and available online. Click here for more information about the show.

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Chicago Improv Festival Starts Tonight!

Celebrating their 15th anniversary, this year's Festival is their largest yet with more than 150 teams in over 90 shows on 20 different stages. The Second City is excited to host 3 great shows from the Chicago Improv Festival starting this week.

Tuesday, April 2, 8pm
Headliners: Lucas Neff & Craig Cackowski
Opening Act - Virgin Daiquiri
Second City e.t.c stage
Tickets: $20
GET TICKETS

Wednesday, April 3, 8pm
Headliners: Scott Adsit & Jet Eveleth
Opening Act - Cook County Social Club
Second City e.t.c. stage
Tickets: $20
GET TICKETS

Sunday, April 7, 8pm
Headliners: 30 Rock show with Scott Adsitt, John Lutz & Kay Cannon
Opening Act - Improvised Shakespeare Co.
UP Comedy Club
Tickets: $25
GET TICKETS

Tickets to all shows can be purchased by calling 312-337-3392 or online at secondcity.com

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Offstage with Chelsea Devantez

One of the perks of being on The Second City Touring Company is travelling all over the country. Chelsea Devantez hates travelling. She says she gets severe panic attacks on flights. But somehow she makes it work. Because she loves being on the road with Second City. She tours for the satisfaction of those two hours spent on stage. And of course, her castmates. "Every single person on my company is just the best. They are all such good people, who are smart, collected and hilarious. I feel really lucky to tour with them," she says. We talked to Chelsea about how she got into comedy, what inspires her and of course, her best friend.

How is performing Improv All-Stars at UP Comedy Club different for you than a Touring Company show?

Well our TourCo shows are 90-percent scripted and we always perform with the same close knit cast, while the All-Stars are completely improvised and the cast is rotating. But some of my favorite improvised pieces ever are in the All-Stars show: a slow, patient 7-minute improv scene and an improvised musical.

Tell us about your new pilot, Stupid Bitch Syndrome.

We just launched it two weeks ago! Here’s the basic pitch: Blue Ivy Carter, daughter of Beyonce and Jay-Z, travels from the future to change the ways of two emotionally destructive, busted best friends in order to save the world. Tawny Newsome, who is on The Second City mainstage, plays Blue Ivy and she's incredible in it. There are dozens of moments in the series that came from our actual lives.

How has going through the Chicago improv world with your best friend helped you succeed?

I've been so lucky to go through the comedy scene with Emily Walker. We met in our level 1 improv class, we did our first job for Second City performing on a cruise ship together and then got touring companies within months and now we are roommates. The business is brutal, sometimes in very subtle ways, but Emily and I keep each other strong; we pick each other up when we are failing and ugly-crying, we are front row when the other is succeeding, we're just always at each other's side. The best blackout I wrote this year happened because I told Emily I had an idea that would never work. So she starts acting it out in front of me, and I'd throw out the lines and she'd walk across the kitchen just trying them on, tinkering with it until it was perfect. Our friendship is insane because as humans in the real world we are opposites, but as comedians we are so similar it’s haunting. Watching tape of us improvising you’ll see us make the exact same joke at the same time, we sigh together, laugh at the same time, we both take the stage like tornados. We have other eerie similarities too.

On your blog, you have a lot of videos of you singing. Tell us about some of the songs you write and perform.

I would give anything to play an instrument. Andy Miara in the comedy studies program said something about being a blue collar comedian in the sense of – make it work, find a way. So I started finding free loops online and borrowing unlicensed stuff and piecing music together on Garage Band.

What are some of your hobbies?

Forcing strangers to move past small talk quickly. Seeing really shitty movies drunk. Reading business books -- I love them, they are self help books without the bullshit. And Zumba, I’m a certified instructor and only slightly ashamed.

What comedians inspire you?

I saw Amy Poehler in a lot of Asssssscat shows when I was in school in New York. That show is what got me into comedy. She is so strong onstage and also really playful. She makes really smart, strong moves but is having so much fun at every moment. Stand-up comedian Maria Bamford is my idol.

When you’re not acting, improvising or writing, what are you doing?

I watch shows like Dexter, Downton Abbey or the Bachelor, just ‘cause they are the ones where my brain turns off, there’s no analyzing of structure or jokes. I'll go dancing with friends, brunches, or skype with friends who are far away like my other bestie Jo Feldman. And I often sit with Emily in the kitchen just bullshitting and covering our nails in glitter.

By Pamela Birchard

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Second City CEO Andrew Alexander Talks to The Grid

Check out Andrew Alexander in The Grid talking about pranks and the state of modern comedy. Read it at The Grid.

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The Importance of Improv

"Why is this study so important?" this is a question we are asked often at the Training Centre. Whether or not you come to us because you want to be an actor or because you just want to improve your social skills, the importance of improv comes from the philosophy of "Yes and". Everyone fits in here and offers of all kinds are meant to be accepted. It is a happy place where everyone can agree and learn to accept each others offers. As former Second City Chicago Artistic Director Martin De Maat says "Greet everything with 'yes,and...'" "Make statements instead of putting the burden on others with questions." "Stay in the present, as opposed to focusing on the past or future." and "The fun is always on the other side of a yes." People come to The Second City Training Centre to live a more positive lifestyle and we are happy to be a part of it.

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The Second City Training Center is Calling Stand-up Comics for April 19th Showcase in Donny's Skybox

Attention all stand-up comics who have ever taken a class (ANY class in ANY program) at The Second City Training Center:

The Second City Training Center is accepting applications to perform at The SCTC Rapid-Fire Stand-Up Showcase.

This one-time event will take place on Friday, April 19th, 2013, at 11pm in the Skybox Theatre. It'll be a short show -- no more than 50 minutes. Tickets will be free.

We are seeking applicants who would like to perform a short set at the show. Set length will likely be 2.5 minutes. (We will also have two headliners -- also SCTC alumni -- who will do 7-minute sets, but they are already booked. You can only apply to do a short set.)

You can apply here. FYI, here's the info that the application form will ask you for:

• Your first and last name
• Your stage name if it is different
• One-paragraph performer's bio and/or one-paragraph description of what you've done stand-up wise
• One-paragraph description of classes/programs you've taken at the SCTC
• (Optional) Link to a video of you doing stand-up. Even if the production quality is not high, if you've got decent video, send it so we can see you doing stand-up.

We are accepting applications now, and will stop accepting applications at 12 noon on Wednesday, April 10th. Note that we only have a small number of slots available. We will e-mail ALL applicants with our decisions, by 12 noon on Friday, April 12th. If you have questions, please email openmic@secondity.com. Please use subject line "Rapid-Fire Showcase" in your email.

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Student Focus Night with Jen Whalen!

Join us in the John Candy Box Theatre on Wednesday April 3rd at 9pm for a FREE Q&A session with JENNIFER WHALEN and get a preview of what Bruce Pirrie's WRITING IV class is working on!

To reserve your spot email: areoch@secondcity.com
Spaces are limited, so it's first come first served!!!

Jennifer Whalen is a Toronto based writer and Second City Alumni.

She wrote for five seasons on “This Hour Has 22 Minutes,” two of them as Head Writer. In addition she's worked on “The Ron James Show,” ”The Jon Dore Show” and the critically acclaimed “Gavin Crawford Show.” Jennifer co-created, wrote and produced “The Bronte's” an animated children’s show for Disney as well as developing “Little Mosque On The Prairie” and “Instant Star.” Most recently, she returned to her comfort zone: shows with some guy’s name in the title and wrote on “Gavin Crawford’s Wild West”.

She has been nominated for three Geminis, four Canadian Comedy Awards and won both a WGC Award and a Canadian Comedy Award for her work on “This Hour Has 22 Minutes.”

According to IMDB she danced the lead in Swan Lake in 2005. She wishes this were true. AND FYI... The answer to your question is YES. YES SHE IS KEVIN WHALEN'S SISTER.

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The Second City Finds 101 Ways to Let Them Eat Chaos

The Second City is proud to announce the opening of The Second City's 101st Revue, Let Them Eat Chaos. Reviewing press are invited to attend the show on Sunday, April 7, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. at The Second City Mainstage Theatre (1616 N. Wells Street). A Grand Opening is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at 8:00 p.m.

For better or worse, we're someone to everyone. Sometimes the title is friend and sometimes the title is enemy - unfortunately, we can't always dictate our role nor can we control our path through the world. The cast of The Second City Mainstage invites you to grab the people that mean the most to you and take a journey with them from the high seas of the Atlantic to the bohemian home of Panamanian poets. Let's leave the rest and let them eat chaos.

Jeff Award-winning director Matt Hovde (Studs Terkel's Not Working, Sky's the Limit (Weather Permitting)) returns to The Second City's legendary Mainstage Theater to lead a veteran cast including Edgar Blackmon (Jeff Award-winner - Best Actor - Revue), Holly Laurent, Tawny Newsome, Katie Rich, Steve Waltien and new cast member Ross Bryant. Julie N. Nichols returns to the keys (and mandolin, gong and Wurlitzer) for Let Them Eat Chaos and Craig Taylor returns as Stage Manager. The producing team for Let Them Eat Chaos includes Chief Executive Officer & Executive Producer for The Second City, Andrew Alexander; Executive Vice President, Kelly Leonard; Producer, Alison Riley; and Associate Producer, Jeremy Smith.

Tickets for Let Them Eat Chaos are available by phone at 312-337-3992 or online at www.SecondCity.com. The show schedule and ticket prices are as follows:

Tuesday	8 p.m.	$23.00
Wednesday	8 p.m.	$23.00
Thursday	8 p.m.	$23.00
Friday and Saturday	8 p.m. & 11 p.m.	$28.00
Sunday	7 p.m.	$23.00

Profiles

	EDGAR BLACKMON (Ensemble) is from Richton Park, IL. This is his third revue for The Second City Mainstage. He was a member of The Second City's Outreach & Diversity Ensemble and later toured with The Second City Touring Company. He is also a part of the comedy duo "Mad Highentists." Follow Edgar on twitter at @edgarblackmon.
	ROSS BRYANT (Ensemble) travelled the world with The Second City Touring Company, co-wrote and performed the revue One Nation Under 1% in UP Comedy Club, and appeared in The Second City's Guide to the Opera at Lyric Opera. He is an ensemble member of Baby Wants Candy and The Improvised Shakespeare Company, with whom he has performed all over the USA and Canada.
	HOLLY LAURENT (Ensemble) is a member of the longstanding improv group The Reckoning and is a consulting writer for The Onion News Network. She trained at iO Chicago, the Annoyance Theater, 500 Clown, and toured with The Second City Touring Company. Holly holds an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts from Columbia College. She was a member of the Jeff–nominated Mainstage revues South Side of Heaven and Who Do We Think We Are. This is her third Mainstage revue. Follow Holly on Twitter @laurentholly.
	TAWNY NEWSOME (Ensemble) was most recently in The Second City e.t.c.'s 36th revue We're All in This Room Together. A DePaul Theatre School graduate, Tawny has performed with several Chicago theatre companies including Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Writer's Theatre, and Porchlight Music Theater. Tawny can also be seen with her band Jon Langford and Skull Orchard, and she's just finished her first solo album and would love to talk to you for way too long about it. You can learn more about Tawny at tawnynewsome.com.
	KATIE RICH (Ensemble) studied at Northwestern University before traveling with The Second City Touring Company and performing in the 99th Mainstage revue, South Side of Heaven. Katie improvises at iO Chicago, and her solo work has been seen at iO West, TBS' Just for Laughs Festival, and the Paper Machete. Commercial credits include: Walmart, Sonic Drive-in, Lexus, Radio Shack and more. Movie credits include: Martin Short's Let Freedom Hum and with Abigail Breslin in Janie Jones. Follow her @katiemaryrich. Go Bears!
	STEVE WALTIEN (Ensemble) is thrilled to be part of his second revue on The Second City Mainstage. Steve has performed regularly at the iO Theatre for years and toured the world with numerous improv shows including The Improvised Shakespeare Company and Whirled News Tonight. Favorite scripted shows include Jordan and Steve are Steve and Jordan, Respectively; The Late Night Late Show; and his solo show Scenes With Ghosts.
	MATT HOVDE (Director) Directing credits include Sky's The Limit (Weather Permitting), Studs Terkel's Not Working (Jeff Award Winner – Best Director); Chicago Live!; America: All Better!; Rod Blagojevich Superstar!; Campaign Supernova; Between Barack and a Hard Place; How I Lost My Denverginity; and The Best of The Second City. He is the Artistic Director of The Second City Training Center, and is a founder of the Galileo Players sketch group. Matt was born in Chicago, grew up in Omaha, and graduated from TCU.
	JULIE B. NICHOLS (Music Direction, Original Incidental Music, Sound Design) is thrilled to be part of the Second City Mainstage. This is her third Mainstage revue. Previous credits include Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies and the Jeff-nominated South Side of Heaven. Prior to life on the Mainstage, Julie was the associate musical director for Boom Chicago in Amsterdam. Prior to that, Julie toured with The Second City Touring Company and was lucky enough to perform and compose for The Annoyance Theater. Julie serves as the musical director for The New Colony and her pet project is the hit NPR parody podcast, The Fraudkast (fraudkast.org), for which she serves as producer, composer, and editor.
	CRAIG TAYLOR (Stage Manager) has stage managed more than 35 revues for The Second City and has been asked to provide the impossible for numerous Second City directors.

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