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.

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.

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.

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.




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