Thursday, April 25, 2019

Second City Chicago Improv Classes And Training Centers

By Ruth Carter


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.

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 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 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.

Shortly after Barbara Harris' performance, the theater became a place where scenes and stories would be created on the spot, a method of acting which later became known as improv. The methods and techniques used during the process were those taught by Ms. Spolin. After which, the teachings became known as Theater Games, a class directed and produced by Paul Sills.

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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