The Second City Chicago profile picture

The Second City Chicago

Your white slave baby just ran through here...

About Me

Comedy theater with locations in Chicago, Toronto, Detroit, Las Vegas, New York, and Los Angeles. Check back from time to time to view our blog (under construction) and be sure to visit secondcity.com for videos, info, and more.

Attention MySpacers!

We now have a Comedy MySpace ! Go ahead and click the link to request to be our friends over there as well!

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!

This is Jack McBrayer's Bobblehead doll (aka Kenneth from NBC's 30 Rock). This doll is headed for adventure on the high seas and anything else that comes his way.

Vegas, baby...Vegas:

Checkin' out the Stardust Showroom:

On deck in St. Thomas:

New Show Journal

April 11th, 2008

Cast member Andy St. Clair opens up about losing ground in his early days of improv and the after effects of a memorable cast dinner.

If you want to learn more about Andy and the rest of The Second City e.t.c. cast, visit the cast .

April 4th, 2008

New e.t.c. Cast Member, Tim Mason, talks about his early days of improv in Kansas City, his class time with Susan Messing and writing "Lynchburg" with Amber Ruffin.

If you want to learn more about Tim and the rest of The Second City e.t.c. cast, visit the cast .

March 26th, 2008


Laura Grey, new cast member to the e.t.c., talks about her favorite scene as well as her unexpected favorite touring destination.

If you want to learn more about Laura and the rest of The Second City e.t.c. cast, visit the cast .

March 18th, 2008


New e.t.c. Cast Member Megan Grano points out a few ways to not be called back in an audition as well as writing a scene with her touring company.

If you want to learn more about Megan and the rest of The Second City e.t.c. cast, visit the cast .


March 11th, 2008


New e.t.c. Cast Member Tom Flanigan talks about his early days in improv, traveling the world with the touring company and creating new material on the road.

If you want to learn more about Tom and the rest of The Second City e.t.c. cast, visit the cast .


March 6th, 2008


Cast Member Amanda Blake Davis opens up about her early days in improv, her history of auditioning at The Second City and her experiences with Norm Holly.

If you want to learn more about Amanda and the rest of The Second City e.t.c. cast, visit the cast .


February 25th, 2008


New cast member Emily describes the terror of understudying for The Second City, her early experiences in improv and more words of wisdom and encouragement from Jack McBrayer.

If you want to learn more about Emily and the rest of The Second City Mainstage cast, visit the cast .


February 18th, 2008


Amber talks about the magic of the first time, moving to Chicago to pursue a career in improv and uses a terrible date to create a brilliant scene.

If you want to learn more about Amber and the rest of The Second City Mainstage cast, visit the cast .


February 8th, 2008

Special Event - Wednesday, February 20th - Post Show Discussion with the Cast and Director

Join the Cast and Director of Between Barack and a New Show for a post-show discussion on Wednesday, February 20th!

This is a great opportunity to see a Second City show in process, preview new material and ask questions about The Second City rehearsal process. Questions will be answered by the cast and director at the conclusion of the improvised third act of the show.

To reserve your tickets, click here or contact our box office at 312-337-3992.

February 7th, 2008


Brad talks about visiting Second City in the eighties, turning to improv as a life choice and watching Senator Obama from backstage.

If you want to learn more about Brad and the rest of The Second City Mainstage cast, visit the cast .


January 31st, 2008


New cast member Shelly Gossman remembers her first show at The Second City, her early experiences in improv and the inspiring words of alum Jack McBrayer.

If you want to learn more about Ithamar and the rest of The Second City Mainstage cast, visit the cast .


January 24th, 2008


Ithamar talks about his first experiences at The Second City, the teachers that inspired him, karma and one of his favorite scenes.

If you want to learn more about Ithamar and the rest of The Second City Mainstage cast, visit the cast .


January 18th, 2008


Mainstage cast member Joe Canale talks about auditioning at The Second City, his first show and his favorite cast fight of all time. He also models the latest in Second City fashion – to get your own, visit our merch page .

If you want to learn more about Joe and the rest of The Second City Mainstage cast, visit the cast .


January 11, 2008

One of the most exciting times to visit The Second City is when a resident cast is in the process of rehearsals and performing new material with scenes from the previous revue. We are all very excited to get started on Between Barack and a New Show.

If you work here, it’s wonderful because we all live in anticipation of what the next new scene is going to be. As a student, it’s a first hand look at what happens during a “process” at The Second City (for more information on the “process,” visit Jim Carlson’s Director’s Journal .

As an audience member, it is absolutely amazing. You have the opportunity to see favorite scenes from the previous show, but you also see history in the making as the cast presents new scenes. If you stay for the improvised third act, your suggestions may just end up in the next revue - it is really an exciting time.

So, to gear up for rehearsals, which begin on January 15th, we have started this New Show Journal. We will post video interviews with members of The Second City mainstage ensemble, pictures of the set and costumes as they are being built and finalized, as well as special event information such as Question and Answer sessions with the cast and that all important night for us all – opening.

Thanks for checking us out! We hope you will visit us each week to find out what’s new with Between Barack and a New Show .

NEWS:

Updated 05.15.08

The Second City's Quarantine Presents: Killer

Killer

Updated 05.09.08

The Second City is proud to host a Double Feature of solo performances: Split! & Shatter. This dual set features Second City e.t.c. alumnus Nicky Margolis in Split! and current Second City Touring Company cast member Pat O’Brien in Shatter.

Split! is written and performed by Nicky Margolis; she plays with themes of self-indulgence, over-indulgence, and over-indulging in herself. The evening is filled with show-stopping musical numbers, audience interaction, and horny old ladies.

Shatter is written and performed by Pat O’Brien; in his new one man show he portrays a cornucopia of characters, shattering your image of live theater. He also shatters a world record each show. Literally.

The show opens May 27, 2008 in The Second City e.t.c. theatre and runs on Tuesdays at 8:30pm until July 1. Tickets for Split! & Shatter are available by phone at 312-337-3992 or on-line at www.secondcity.com .


Split!


Shatter!

Ryan Miera

Updated 05.06.08

NEW PODCAST POSTED

Download the latest episode of "We'll Be Right Back" with Ruby Streak at The Second City. Ryan Miera; hey he's not just a Second City bartender.


Send your questions and comments to Ruby at wbrb@secondcity

Claudia Wallace

Christina Anthony

Steve Waltien

Updated 04.29.08

2 NEW PODCASTS POSTED

Download the latest episodes of "We'll Be Right Back" with Ruby Streak at The Second City. We have TWO to post this week:

First off, Steve Waltien tells us about Trading Spaces--hey we all have a crush on this guy. The next podcast has Claudia Michelle Wallace and Christina Anthony as our esteemed guests to celebrate our 100th podcast!


Send your questions and comments to Ruby at wbrb@secondcity

Updated 04.25.08

Free Event! Del Close: The Funniest One in the Room – Tuesday, April 29

Come and hear myths, legends, and incredible true stories from Del’s friends and former students—including author Kim “Howard” Johnson and luminaries of Chicago comedy.

Alums Tim Kazurinsky and Michael Gellman are scheduled to perform an unfinished one-act, written by Del and found in one of his notebooks after he died. It features Del and his friend, hipster-poet John Brent, discussing life, drugs, and the then-recent Kennedy assassination. It's Del and John as Del saw them--very funny and very politically incorrect. In other words, pure Del. And to the best of our knowledge, it's never been performed before anywhere!

Books will also be available for purchase.

Tuesday, April 29 • Del Close at Second City: The ’60s & ’70s

The Second City e.t.c. Theatre (1608 North Wells St.)

Doors open at 5:45 p.m., event begins at 6 p.m.

Guests include: Tim Kazurinsky, Joyce Sloane, Michael Gellman, and Andrew Alexander

Updated 04.17.08

The Second City e.t.c. Readies for Campaign Supernova!, or How Many Democrats Does It Take to Lose an Election?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2008 Chicago, IL ----- The Second City e.t.c. is proud to announce the opening of its 31st revue "Campaign Supernova!, or How Many Democrats Does it Take to Lose an Election?," on Thursday, May 8, 2008, at 8:00pm at The Second City e.t.c. Theatre (1608 North Wells Street, 2nd Floor of Piper's Alley).

Change is no longer a slogan but a promise as we get ready for the upcoming election. In"Campaign Supernova!, or How Many Democrats Does it Take to Lose an Election?," The Second City e.t.c. takes a smart and hilarious look at our options, both political and personal, to discover what happens when you take two political parties and divide them by three candidates in a presidential election year. "Campaign Supernova!, or How Many Democrats Does it Take to Lose an Election?" is directed by Matt Hovde, who also directed The Second City's hit revue, "Between Barack and a Hard Place."

The cast of "Campaign Supernova! or How Many Democrats Does it Take to Lose an Election?" includes Amanda Blake Davis, Tom Flanigan, Megan Grano, Laura Grey, Tim Mason and Andy St. Clair. Chad Krueger is Musical Director and Shane Oman is Stage Manager. Set Designer is Camellia Koo and Stylist is Lindsay Aberegg. The producing team for "Campaign Supernova! or How Many Democrats Does it Take to Lose an Election?," includes Proprietor and Executive Producer for The Second City Andrew Alexander; Vice President of The Second City, Kelly Leonard; and Co-Producers Robin Hammond and Alison Riley.

Tickets for "Campaign Supernova! or How Many Democrats Does it Take to Lose an Election?" are available by phone at 312-337-3992 or on-line at www.secondcity.com . The show schedule and ticket prices are as follows:

Thursday, 8:00 pm, $19.00
Fridays and Saturdays, 8:00pm & 11:00pm, $25.00
Sundays, 7:00pm, $19.00

Updated 04.08.08

Free Event! Del Close: The Funniest One in the Room

Come and hear myths, legends, and incredible true stories from Del’s friends and former students—including author Kim "Howard" Johnson and luminaries of Chicago comedy. Books will be available for purchase.

Tuesday, April 29: Del Close at Second City: The ’60s & ’70s

The Second City e.t.c. Theatre (1608 North Wells St.)

Doors open at 5:45 p.m., event begins at 6 p.m.

Guests include: Tim Kazurinsky, Joyce Sloane, Michael Gellman, and Andrew Alexander

Brooke Bagnall

NEW PODCAST POSTED

Download the latest episode of "We'll Be Right Back" with Ruby Streak at The Second City. Brooke Bagnall of GreenCo defines the Austrian term "handy" and spring explodes in the windy city...although it could still snow.


Send your questions and comments to Ruby at wbrb@secondcity

Shad Kunkle

Updated 03.18.08

NEW PODCAST POSTED

Download the latest episode of "We'll Be Right Back" with Ruby Streak at The Second City. BlueCo member Shad Kunkle talks about his first name and auditioning 10 times to get this job.

Send your questions and comments to Ruby at wbrb@secondcity

The Second City is proud to announce the opening of its 95th revue No Country for Old White Men on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 7:00pm at The Second City Mainstage Theatre (1616 North Wells Street).

As the face of the American Presidency readies for a change, The Second City realizes that there are no clean getaways in No Country for Old White Men. From a You Tube electorate grabbing their 15 minutes of fame to a rare US visit by the British House of Commons, No Country for Old White Men is trading in its Cadillac and country club membership for some sweet, soul food and a side of girl power.

Directed by Jim Carlson, the cast of No Country for Old White Men includes Joe Canale, Ithamar Enriquez, Shelly Gossman, Brad Morris, Amber Ruffin and Emily Wilson. Ruby Streak is Musical Director and Craig Taylor is Stage Manager. Set Designer is Camellia Koo and Stylist is Colleen Murray. The producing team for No Country for Old White Men includes Executive Producer and Proprietor for The Second City, Andrew Alexander; Vice President of The Second City, Kelly Leonard; and Co-Producers Robin Hammond and Alison Riley.

Tickets for No Country for Old White Men are available by phone at 312-337-3992 or online at www.secondcity.com . The show schedule and ticket prices are as follows:

Tuesday - 8 pm - $19.00
Wednesday - 8 pm - $19.00
Thursday - 8 pm - $19.00
Fridays and Saturdays - 8 pm & 11 pm - $25.00
Sundays - 7 pm - $19.00

For More Information, Contact: Robin Hammond, Co-Producer, The Second City - Chicago
Second City: 312-664-4032
E-Mail: [email protected]

My Interests

NOW SHOWING!

click on a show for more info

I'd like to meet:

artists. muscians. improvisers. fans. alumni.

feel free to leave a comment below. extremely large graphic-based comments will be deleted and please try to refrain from "thx 4 the add" comments as that's a little too 2005. happy posting.

Heroes:


Name: T.J. Shanoff

Current Position and amount of time in that position at The Second City:

Composer/Lyricist/Director for Second City Theatricals (6 years), Director for NCL Ships (1 year), Director/Musical Director for Biz-Co (9 years).

Have you had other jobs at The Second City? If so, what were they?

BlueCo & GreenCo Musical Director, "Big Bad Wolf" Composer/Musical Director, Training Center Musical Director

Favorite Second City Sketch:

Grandma's Records, hands down. Still haven't laughed that hard as when I saw it the first time in "Paradigm Lost". (Which is also my favorite show, not that anyone asked.)

Favorite current Second City performer:

I'd like to punch Joe Canale in the balls if that's what this question is asking. (And stop whining, Joe, you'll get your fantasy hoops money soon...)

What was your College Major?

Journalism/Communications (Emerson College, '96)

Have you ever left your mark on The Second City (such as a backstage wall quote, photo in lobby, gum under table, etc)? If so, please describe.

David Pompei wrote a quote of mine on the e.t.c. wall when we were understudying "RIverants": "If there was a God, there wouldn't be a song called ‘My Posse's On Broadway'".

What has been your favorite backstage moment at The Second City?

Getting absolutely wasted with Horatio, Matt Dwyer, and Aaron Carney during intermission of the "Riverants" New Years show, and really being in no condition to play (or, more accurately, remember) the "Dream Song" reprise. I was very professional back then.

If you were trapped at the Old Town Ale House at 2:00am, which three alums would you like to be with you?

Fantasyland answer? Bill Murray, Catherine O'Hara, Fred Kaz. Real life answer? Pete Grosz, Abby Sher, Tim Kazurinsky.

Did you have a childhood nickname?

Not technically, but I always referred to myself as "The Real Fifth Beatle". Sadly I'm not kidding.

FOR PREVIOUS "STARS", PLEASE VIST OUR ARCHIVE .

My Blog

Easy Writer Tour Blog - 02.25.08 - HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS

HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS02/25/08"This place feels like a really cool garage," I thought as we hung out in the black box space at the Ferguson Center for the Arts, on the campus of Christopher Newport ...
Posted by The Second City Chicago on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:54:00 PST

Easy Writer Tour Blog - 02.14.08 - WHEN’S NOVEMBER AGAIN?

WHEN'S NOVEMBER AGAIN?02/14/08"Wow, it just dawned on me that his life right now is kind of like ours," Boaz said as we lay on our hotel room beds, watching Barack Obama deliver a stump speech live fr...
Posted by The Second City Chicago on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 08:42:00 PST

Easy Writer Tour Blog - 02.14.08 - WHEN’S NOVEMBER AGAIN?

WHEN'S NOVEMBER AGAIN?02/14/08"Wow, it just dawned on me that his life right now is kind of like ours," Boaz said as we lay on our hotel room beds, watching Barack Obama deliver a stump speech live fr...
Posted by The Second City Chicago on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 08:42:00 PST

Easy Writer Tour Blog - 02.12.08 - 18-1

18-102/12/08It should have been the end to a great weekend.  Hanging out at Anthony's house with his wife  and Boaz, watching the Super Bowl two hours behind on his DVR, a stomach full ...
Posted by The Second City Chicago on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:50:00 PST

Easy Writer Tour Blog - 01.30.08 - THE WRAP UP

THE WRAP-UP1/28/08Do you remember what it was like when you got back to school in September, inevitably faced with the question, "How was your summer?"  Some wide-grinned kid staring at you with ...
Posted by The Second City Chicago on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 02:31:00 PST

Easy Writer Tour Blog - 01.17.08 - 22 HOURS IN BUDAPEST

22 HOURS IN BUDAPEST01/17/08Pat and Beth spent their last day in town on Saturday, as we  made our way through the Naschmarkt checking out the fresh produce and meeting  an effusive Austrian...
Posted by The Second City Chicago on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:29:00 PST

Easy Writer Tour Blog - 01.11.08 - VIENNA PART 1: A HANDY PROCESS

VIENNA PART 1: A HANDY PROCESS01/11/08Well friends it's been a while, and a lot has gone down. I'll try to get you up to date as quickly as possible...During our run at the Beverly Arts Center we were...
Posted by The Second City Chicago on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 02:08:00 PST

Easy Writer Tour Blog - 01.03.08 - MURPHY’S LAW

MURPHY'S LAW01/03/08Good tidings for you and your kin readers! Hopefully the post-holiday malaise finds you well and your list of resolutions is long and forgetful. At present I am holed up in my frig...
Posted by The Second City Chicago on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 01:14:00 PST

Easy Writer Tour Blog - 12.19.07 - SETTING THE SCENE

SETTING THE SCENE12/19/07Mrs. Bagnall is probably pissed off.We met Brooke's parents in Red Bank, NJ and she expressed concern that a new posting of this blog was delayed, wondering whom she could con...
Posted by The Second City Chicago on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 11:52:00 PST

Bit Tripper Tour Blog - 12.18.07

Bit Tripper December 18th, 2007Dear Blog,This is my last blog. We have come to the end of the road. The producers have removed me from touring and out of the city of everyday operations. Everyone agre...
Posted by The Second City Chicago on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:47:00 PST