The Legacy of Second City: A Comedy Pipeline to Stardom
Chicago has long been a breeding ground for comedic talent, and The Second City is at the center of it all. From legendary alumni like Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Mike Myers to a new generation of stars like Aidy Bryant, Tim Robinson, and Cecily Strong, the improv and sketch comedy theater has become a direct pipeline to the big leagues, including Saturday Night Live (SNL). While its famous graduates go on to national fame, the magic of Second City lies in its unwavering commitment to the craft and the unique comedic ecosystem of Chicago.
The Power of Ensemble and Process
Second City’s co-owner and CEO, Andrew Alexander, believes the secret to its success is its focus on the ensemble. Unlike the individual-driven, product-focused entertainment industries in New York and Los Angeles, Chicago values the collaborative process. Second City’s training center, with thousands of students in Chicago, Hollywood, and Toronto, is a testament to this philosophy. It’s a place where aspiring comics can hone their craft, and even non-performers like lawyers and executives can develop social skills, manage stress, and find their unique voice.
According to artistic director Matt Hovde, while you can’t teach someone to be a comedic genius like Bill Murray, you can teach them to find the funny in their own lives. Whether you’re a natural performer or a gifted writer, the training focuses on helping you find your point of view and connect with an audience. As Mainstage member Katie Rich explains, humor is a byproduct of revealing truth and tension in a situation. The Chicago audience understands this, and they are famously more forgiving than their coastal counterparts. As Second City e.t.c. ’s Chris Witaske points out, “Our baseball team is the Cubs for goodness sake,” a humorous nod to Chicago’s patient and supportive nature.
Explore Chicago’s Thriving Comedy Scene
While Second City is a comedy landmark, it’s just one part of Chicago’s rich and diverse humor landscape. The city is home to a number of other top-notch comedy clubs and theaters.
Chicago Comedy Club Highlights
- Beat Kitchen (Roscoe Village): This popular bar transforms into an underground comedy lab on Tuesday nights, showcasing emerging talent.
- The Comedy Bar (River North): Co-owned by comedy legend Jim Belushi, this stand-up joint offers high-quality shows on weekends in the heart of the city.
- Zanies (Old Town): A Chicago comedy staple for over 30 years, Zanies has hosted countless stand-up legends on its stage.
- The Annoyance Theatre & Bar (Uptown): Known for its no-holds-barred approach, The Annoyance Theatre tackles any topic with satirical and often absurd humor.
- iO (Wrigleyville): Founded by improv pioneers, iO is credited with developing long-form improv and remains a go-to spot for unscripted comedy in the city.
