Working In The Theatre: Second City

This episode of Working in the Theatre was featured in our new book, "American Theatre Wing, an oral history: 100 Years, 100 Voices, 100 Million Miracles." Learn more about the book at a.co/d/9A5qc9a.
The Second City opened its doors on a snowy Chicago night in December of 1959. No one could have guessed that this small cabaret theatre would become the most influential and prolific comedy theatre in the world. With its roots in the improvisational games of Viola Spolin, The Second City developed an entirely unique way of creating and performing comedy. With a list of alumni too expansive to name, the Second City has been training some of the most recognizable names in comedy for 56 years. Use #SecondCityFamily to share your memories of Second City.
To learn more about the Second City, visit www.secondcity.com.
American Theatre Wing’s Working in the Theatre documentary series features the most fascinating people on the stage, behind the scenes, and in the audience. From Tony Awards® and Obie Awards® winning artists to the next generation of theatre makers, we capture theatre’s inner-workings, industry luminaries, and unique stories that surround important work.
American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards® and home of and the Obie Awards®: for more information visit americantheatr....
#WorkingInTheTheatre #Season37
--Support Working in the Theatre--
Help us continue to freely distribute Working in the Theatre by becoming a Patreon member! We’ll take you behind the scenes with some of your favorite theatre artists, onto the red carpet at the Tony and OBIE Awards, and give you opportunities to interact with industry luminaries. The proceeds from your Patreon membership will be invested in grants, scholarships, and content that supports the theatre community across the country.
Play a key role in our industry and join now: / americantheatrewing

[@karlyrothenberg347]

#SecondCityFamily I was so very lucky to have been taught by and raised by Avery Schreiber, who shared all of his wonderful stories of how Viola used to teach her class in a hotel conference room to the Compass Players, once Paul Sills had recruited them to come play. Jack and Avery created the Cab Driver Sketch, and The Computer Sketch…which became one of my favorites as a kid! When I studied with Ave and Dick Schaal in Santa Monica, I got to meet Mina Kolb and Severn Darden which was like meeting royalty! I now proudly teach Avery’s Basic and Advanced techniques at AMDA College in Los Angeles. Avery always holds a special place in my heart and I do my best to pass on the history of Viola, and the work done by those who have come before to young up and coming improvisers!

[@richardhamlish7757]

Second City originated in 1953 at University Theater at the University of Chicago under the direction of Paul Sills. After being located in several locations on the Near North Side, they settled on Armitage & Clark. After that it was all history and success.

[@jordannickel-dubin9851]

I performed in the Second City show Detention Hall for almost three years, after completing the Youth and Teen Conservatory.

[@jakegripp7289]

It’s my dream to preform on that stage, and to preform in a show of Second City

[@jakegripp7289]

Sheridan Isashitstain it’s not ready... yet

[@geri2112]

What's the name of the blond actor in a blue shirt performing?

[@kileyfitzgerald6792]

That jonestown scene made my heart soar!