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.
Second City is known for producing the first improvisational performance in the United States. While based in the windy city, there are classes and programs now available in Toronto and Los Angeles and at the original training enter in Chicago. Since December 16, 1959, the theater and training programs have become some of the most respected outlets in the country.
With producing such comedy television shows as SCTV, Second City Presents and Next Comedy Legend, the theater and troupe now have a rather large following. In addition, there are a number of well known comedians and actors, directors and others which have been cast members or students at Second City. These actors, comedians and students include, Amy Poehler, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Eugene Levy, Del Close, Nia Vardalos, Catherine O'Hara, Ryan Styles, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, Steve Carrel and Stephen Colbert.
The original Chicago location's theater, school and Second City theater troupe are currently located in the Near North Side on North Wells Street. The troupe adopted the name from an article by A. J. Liebling which appeared in the New Yorker in 1952. The name, acquired as a tribute to the theater's founders.
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.
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.
In recent years, the troupe has been producing and directing sketch shows for a major cruise line. The troupe also launched an American tour and was on tour most of the 2000s. Now, the Second City theater and training centers are seeking individuals interested in learning the art of improvisation in acting and comedy. If interested in such an opportunity, more information can be found on the Second City and SCTV websites.
Second City is known for producing the first improvisational performance in the United States. While based in the windy city, there are classes and programs now available in Toronto and Los Angeles and at the original training enter in Chicago. Since December 16, 1959, the theater and training programs have become some of the most respected outlets in the country.
With producing such comedy television shows as SCTV, Second City Presents and Next Comedy Legend, the theater and troupe now have a rather large following. In addition, there are a number of well known comedians and actors, directors and others which have been cast members or students at Second City. These actors, comedians and students include, Amy Poehler, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Eugene Levy, Del Close, Nia Vardalos, Catherine O'Hara, Ryan Styles, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, Steve Carrel and Stephen Colbert.
The original Chicago location's theater, school and Second City theater troupe are currently located in the Near North Side on North Wells Street. The troupe adopted the name from an article by A. J. Liebling which appeared in the New Yorker in 1952. The name, acquired as a tribute to the theater's founders.
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.
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.
In recent years, the troupe has been producing and directing sketch shows for a major cruise line. The troupe also launched an American tour and was on tour most of the 2000s. Now, the Second City theater and training centers are seeking individuals interested in learning the art of improvisation in acting and comedy. If interested in such an opportunity, more information can be found on the Second City and SCTV websites.
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.