Global InformationThe Second City information
 | This article may be written from a fan's point of view, rather than a neutral point of view. (February 2024) |
| The Second City | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | Sketch comedy Improvisation |
| Date of premiere | 1959 |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Creative team | |
| Co-founder | Paul Sills |
| Co-founder | Bernie Sahlins |
| Co-founder | Howard Alk |
| Executive producer | not designated |
| Official website | |
The Second City is an improvisational comedy enterprise. It is the oldest improvisational theater troupe to be continuously based in Chicago, with training programs and live theatres in Toronto and Los Angeles. The Second City Theatre opened on December 16, 1959, and has become one of the most influential and prolific comedy theatres in the English-speaking world.[1] In February 2021, ZMC, a private equity investment firm based in Manhattan, purchased the Second City.[2]
The Second City has produced television programs in both Canada and the United States, including SCTV, Second City Presents, and Next Comedy Legend. Since its debut, The Second City has been a starting point for many comedians, award-winning actors, directors, and others in show business, including Del Close, Alan Alda, Alan Arkin, Harold Ramis, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, John Candy, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Dave Thomas, Chris Farley, Tim Meadows, Colin Mochrie, Ryan Stiles, Mike Myers, Nia Vardalos, Steve Carell, Jordan Peele, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Stephen Colbert, Cecily Strong, Mae Martin, and Aidy Bryant.[3]
- ^ Christiansen, Richard (2004). "Second City Theatre". In Grossman, James R.; Keating, Ann Durkin; Reiff, Janice L. (eds.). The Electronic Encyclopedia of Chicago. Chicago Historical Society. p. 744. ISBN 0-226-31015-9. Retrieved March 7, 2008.
- ^ Chris Jones (February 18, 2021). "Column: On Second City, private equity and the sad lack of a Chicago comedy savior". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "Leadership". The Second City.