Monday, April 22, 2019

Second City Chicago Improv Classes And Training Centers

By Ruth Carter


Improvisation is one of the toughest art forms when it comes acting and comedy. While this is the case, some of the most well seasoned actors and comedians made it big in Hollywood after participating in Second City Chicago improv classes and programs. As such, Second City is often considered one of the best training programs when it comes to those interested in learning improv.

The Second City enterprise is known for producing the first improvisational acting troupe in the country. For, it was on December 16, 1959 when the most prolific, influential and respected theater was first founded. After which, Barbara Harris, Sill's former partner and Compass Player sang Everybody's in the Know during the first performance. The admission to the theater at the time, $1.50.

Having producing such big television hits such as Next Comedy Legend, Second City Presents and SCTV, the group now has a large following. In addition, the theater has produced several well known actors, comedians, directors, producers and others in show business. Some of these individuals include, Amy Poehler, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, Steve Carrel, Mike Myers, Ryan Stiles, Nia Vardalos, Catherine O'Hara, Eugene Levy, Del Close, Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Gilda Radner and Bill Murray. While having trained and performed with Second City, many of these individuals have gone on to become ongoing cast members on Saturday Night Live, or have appeared in well known movies or television shows.

The Chicago school and theater is currently located at 1616 North Wells Street. The troupe's name comes from an article related to A. J. Liebling in the New Yorker Magazine in 1952. A name which was chosen as a self-mocking tribute to those whom started the theater.

The founders include Bernard Sahlins and Paul Sills, and Sills mother Viola Spolin who taught the first students of what is now the SC theater. After more students showed an interest in improv, Ms. Spolin began training more comedians and actors. After which, the three were largely responsible for starting the training programs and theater.

Upon completion of the first round of classes, the three founders began hosting actors, comedians and musicians in Chicago. The productions included the first Second City premiere at which Barbara Harris, Compass Player and Sill's ex-wife sang Everybody's In The Know as part of the program and a tribute to the founding members, the admission, $1.50.

Following the founding of the theater 1959, it has became an active place where improvisational scenes and stories are acted out on a regular basis. The methods and techniques used in the process, those taught by Viola Spolin in the beginning days of the theater.

More recently, Second City and the training centers have been producing shows for Norwegian Cruise Lines. While this is the case, the troupe still tours, having recently launched a national tour upon completing a contract with the cruise line. Now, with a number of actors and comedians having moved on to greener pastures, the theater is looking for individuals interested in learning improvisational acting and comedy. If this is the case, more information about the Second City comedy troupe, improv classes, training centers and SCTV can be found on the SCTV or Second City website.




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