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.
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.
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 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 founders include Bernard Sahlins and Paul Sills, and Sills mother Viola Spolin who taught the first students of what is now the SC theater. After more students showed an interest in improv, Ms. Spolin began training more comedians and actors. After which, the three were largely responsible for starting the training programs and theater.
Shortly after the first set of classes ended, the group began hosting occasional performances in Chicago. Then, the first Second City show premiered at 1842 North Wells with Sill's with Barbara Harris, Sill's ex wife and Compass Player singing Everybody's in the Know. The admission for that first show, one dollar and fifty cents.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 founders include Bernard Sahlins and Paul Sills, and Sills mother Viola Spolin who taught the first students of what is now the SC theater. After more students showed an interest in improv, Ms. Spolin began training more comedians and actors. After which, the three were largely responsible for starting the training programs and theater.
Shortly after the first set of classes ended, the group began hosting occasional performances in Chicago. Then, the first Second City show premiered at 1842 North Wells with Sill's with Barbara Harris, Sill's ex wife and Compass Player singing Everybody's in the Know. The admission for that first show, one dollar and fifty cents.
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.
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.
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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