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.
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 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 location of the theater and school is located at 1616 Wells Street in the Near North section of the city. Second City was chosen as the name in relation to a 1952 article by A. J. Liebling in the New Yorker magazine. While then name self-mocks the theater troupe, all whom attend the training program or perform at the theater take the opportunity very seriously.
The first group of students gathered in 1955 at The Compass bar. The first group of students included Paul Sills and Bernard Sahlins who began a commedia del arte based program instructed by Viola Spolin, the mother of Sills. Once more and more students showed interest in the games and direction of Spolin, the group began training more and more actors and comedians. Then, once having becoming well known, began setting up official training centers.
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 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 location of the theater and school is located at 1616 Wells Street in the Near North section of the city. Second City was chosen as the name in relation to a 1952 article by A. J. Liebling in the New Yorker magazine. While then name self-mocks the theater troupe, all whom attend the training program or perform at the theater take the opportunity very seriously.
The first group of students gathered in 1955 at The Compass bar. The first group of students included Paul Sills and Bernard Sahlins who began a commedia del arte based program instructed by Viola Spolin, the mother of Sills. Once more and more students showed interest in the games and direction of Spolin, the group began training more and more actors and comedians. Then, once having becoming well known, began setting up official training centers.
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.
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