Second City Comedy (Improv Theater) Shows in Chicago
Second City Mainstage Theater is the premier place to see sketch comedy shows in Chicago and possibly the nation. (Tickets are always sold out!) They have produced shows for over 40 years (it opened in 1959 so it’s almost 50 years now) based on a unique formula for writing content and sketches for their shows. They generate written sketches from Improvisation. They also use political comedy, satire, blackouts, musical comedy, call backs and a host of characters to entertain audiences.
Every show I have seen there in the past 15 years has been great. I have only seen about 6 mainstage shows and 2 ETC shows, but I laughed a ton at all of them. It is one of the quintessential Chicago places to take people when they visit Chicago and a popular destination for suburbanites that take a night out in the City and enjoy world class comedy and entertainment. The Mainstage shows are mostly scripted, but they have some areas of the show that are improv as well. I always think those are the funniest. The content for the show is developed from improv in a workshop situation where they develop scenes into written material. It is a recipe for very funny shows that has been working for years and still comes up with timley, relevant and entertaining sketches.
Some of the most notable Second City Alumni are: John Belushi, Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, Ugene Levy, Shelly Long, James Belushi, Bonnie Hunt, Mike Meyers, Chris Farley, Tim Meadows, Steve Carell, Steven Colbert, Rachel Dratch, Tina Fey, Horatio Sanz and Amy Sedaris.So even if you don’t know much about Improv, Theater or Shows it is important to go see the Mainstage and ETC shows because they have some of the most talented performers in Chicago and the future stars of TV, Movies and Comedy in the next few years. It is a stepping stone on the way to greatness for performers. The competition for Mainstage and ETC spots is fierce with many actors and improvisers living on waiting tables while doing performances around Chicago waiting for their big break. When you get Mainstage it’s mostly the first real (living wage) paying gig that guarantees a packed house to perform for every night. Then doors start to open everywhere once Second City is on your acting resume.
Second City also has a training center where they provide classes where they teach the fundamental theories and basics of Improv. The Beginning Improv Program starts from zero with no acting or comedy experience required. The Conservatory program is an acceptance by audition only program that gives students a chance to work on writing material from improv and to start creating shows of their own. The Donny’s Skybox Theater hosts many of these shows. Unfortunately after that program you are kind of on your own in getting to perform on mainstage. It takes 2 years to complete the training center programs and may take 5-7 years of experience performing before people make mainstage (sometimes more) so that means a lot of other performing is needed before you can reach the level that the mainstage and ETC groups require. Many people go over to IO Theater and take classes and perform there, or to Annoyance Theater or The Playground Theater also. Or they produce, write and star in their own shows around Chicago. There is great comedy and Improv shows in Chicago 7 nights a week in many theaters.
Second City also has theaters in Toronto, LosAngeles, Detroit and LasVegas. (And is of SCTV and The Next Comedy legend fame in Canada) Additionally there are many “Tour-Co” Second City touring groups who travel all over the US to do shows at Schools, Colleges, Universities and theaters in smaller towns just about anywhere. To get tickets for the Chicago Theaters call 312-337-3992 or buy online through their Second City web site. Tickets are routinely sold out for Mainstage (Between a Barack and a Hard Place) and ETC a few weeks in advance, so buy tickets early and come see the stars of tomorrow!