When it comes to improvisational performances, some of the best can be found in Chicago. For, Chicago improv classes are often related to acting or comedy. One training center in the area was established by a group known as Second City.
With an extremely talented and well known group of actors and comedians, the outlet is known for producing the first ever ongoing improvisational acting troupe. While based in Chicago, the enterprise now has training programs in Los Angeles, Toronto and of course, Chicago. Second City was founded and opened on December 16, 1959 and has become one of the most respected, prolific and influential theatres focusing on comedy not only in the United States but the world.
Having produced such amazing television programs as Next Comedy Legend, SCTV and Second City Presents, the theater and troupe have gained a huge following over the years. In addition, there have been several well known producers, directors, comedians and actors whom started out as part of the Second City training program or comedy troupe. These individuals include, Bill Murray, John Candy, Dan Aykroyd, Del Close, Catherine O'Hara, Gilda Radner, Ryan Stiles, Mike Myers, Steve Colbert, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey.
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 first gathered at the Compass Bar in 1955. The group, made up of only two people at the time, were Bernard Sahlins and Paul Sills. After which, Sills' mother developed a del arte style training program. Once more students started to show an interest in improv, Spolin began training more actors and comedians. Then, once having become better known, the three sat up the original Second City theater and training center in 1959.
Once the first set of students graduated, the group began with actors, comedians and musicians occasionally performing in Chicago. The first of such shows is considered the founding of the SC theater troupe, training programs and theater. Since that time, the troupe has gone on to become of the most prestigious improvisational groups in the United States.
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.
Most recently, Second City, along with training centers and theaters began producing sketch and improvisational shows for Norwegian Cruise Lines up until 2017. Whereas, throughout the 2000s, the troupe launched productions in local theaters around the country. Now with many actors moving on to Hollywood and Broadway, Second City is extending a warm welcome to new students interested in attending training at any one of the three training centers in the country.
With an extremely talented and well known group of actors and comedians, the outlet is known for producing the first ever ongoing improvisational acting troupe. While based in Chicago, the enterprise now has training programs in Los Angeles, Toronto and of course, Chicago. Second City was founded and opened on December 16, 1959 and has become one of the most respected, prolific and influential theatres focusing on comedy not only in the United States but the world.
Having produced such amazing television programs as Next Comedy Legend, SCTV and Second City Presents, the theater and troupe have gained a huge following over the years. In addition, there have been several well known producers, directors, comedians and actors whom started out as part of the Second City training program or comedy troupe. These individuals include, Bill Murray, John Candy, Dan Aykroyd, Del Close, Catherine O'Hara, Gilda Radner, Ryan Stiles, Mike Myers, Steve Colbert, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey.
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 first gathered at the Compass Bar in 1955. The group, made up of only two people at the time, were Bernard Sahlins and Paul Sills. After which, Sills' mother developed a del arte style training program. Once more students started to show an interest in improv, Spolin began training more actors and comedians. Then, once having become better known, the three sat up the original Second City theater and training center in 1959.
Once the first set of students graduated, the group began with actors, comedians and musicians occasionally performing in Chicago. The first of such shows is considered the founding of the SC theater troupe, training programs and theater. Since that time, the troupe has gone on to become of the most prestigious improvisational groups in the United States.
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.
Most recently, Second City, along with training centers and theaters began producing sketch and improvisational shows for Norwegian Cruise Lines up until 2017. Whereas, throughout the 2000s, the troupe launched productions in local theaters around the country. Now with many actors moving on to Hollywood and Broadway, Second City is extending a warm welcome to new students interested in attending training at any one of the three training centers in the country.
About the Author:
Chicago improv classes provide acting and drama training to children over the age of 6, teens, and adults. Come and sign up now via http://www.actorscraftwisconsin.com/classes-services.