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Old Town
230 West North Avenue, Chicago, 60610, US
Why You’ll Love It
For 65 years, Second City has been responsible for launching the careers of countless actors and comedians who have become household names. This makes it the oldest improvisational theater troupe continuously based in Chicago– providing training, education, and entertainment to people of all ages.
The jokes are all rooted in improv games developed by Viola Spolin, who then opened the small cabaret theater with her son and two others on a snowy Chicago night in 1959. Comedically enough, the name “Second City” was derived from an insult by a journalist from The New Yorker who had been comparing the city of Chicago to NYC. Perhaps the joke was really on them in the end, as it has become one of the most iconic and renowned theaters in the entire world, bringing names like Steve Carrell, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Chris Farley, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Stephen Colbert, Keegan-Michael Key, Jason Sudeikis, and so many more into the limelight.
Recommends
Age limit
13+
Word on the street
Shrtlst Team
Be sure to check out their class schedule for some extra fun! They have courses for youth, teens, and adults in a variety of categories, such as acting, improv, writing, and stand-up, which is the standard. However, they have also included more abstract courses such as public speaking, film and digital writing production, and even wellness and community classes like Improv for Anxiety! No matter what you choose, you will definitely be learning from some of the greats.
Special Events nearby
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Free
Festival
401 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, 60611, US
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Free
Show
111 North State Street, Chicago, 60602, US
Things to Eat/Drink nearby
Happy Camper Pizza
$$
Italian
1209 North Wells Street, Chicago, 60610, US
3 Arts Club Cafe
$$
Café
1300 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, 60610, US
Location
230 West North Avenue, Chicago, 60610, US
Phone
(312) 337-3992
Social
Website
https://www.secondcity.com/
