Chicago Improv Celebrity News

Ash starts blog

2012-01-30T15:04:00.000-08:00

Former mainstager Lauren Ash has started a blog.

Watch this..

2012-01-26T21:06:00.000-08:00

The Shit **** say movement made its way to Chicago and it comes from Taste The Bacon.

POB in NYT

2012-01-20T06:47:00.000-08:00

The New York Times profiled Pat O'Brien.

Newcity Stage Top 50

2012-01-19T07:48:00.000-08:00

Several Chicago improv/sketch comedy folks made the Newcity Stage list of the top 50 people that really perform in Chicago.

8. Mick Napier
17. T.J. Jagodowski and David Pasquesi
20. Billy Bungeroth
43. Jet Eveleth

SNL Showcase

2012-01-19T06:54:00.001-08:00

iO will be holding auditions for Saturday Night Live at 8 PM. It's free but come early because it will be full!

Best of luck to those auditioning!

UPDATE: I have a list of auditioners: Jo Scott, Patrick Rowland, Christine Tawfik, Greg Hess, Murial Montgomery, Brett Elam, Kate Collyton, Ross Kimball, Jet Eveleth, Kate Duffy, Jim Carlson, Kate Friedman, Daryl Walsh, Kate O'Brien, Timmy Mayse, Steve Waltien, and Lyndsay Hailey.

More sad news...

2012-01-16T20:12:00.000-08:00

Thoughts and prayers to the friends and family of Frank Payne.

Sad news

2012-01-13T06:43:00.001-08:00

Mike Enriquez passed away last night. My condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

Blogterview with Steve Waltien

2012-01-12T09:15:00.000-08:00

Daniel Solzman: Thanks for joining us today. How are things going in the Windy City?
Steve Waltien: Excellent. Thank you. Full disclosure: I am writing this from NYC right now where I just completed a run of Improvised Shakespeare. I'll be back in Chicago tomorrow and I expect it to be excellent as I left it.

DS: When did you decide to go into improv and sketch comedy? When did you have your “Second City” moment? Or IO moment?
SW: I think I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be in comedy. I always thought of myself as a comedian as far back as I can remember- I just didn't know what would be the best outlet for that until I got to college. I attended Middlebury College in Vermont and the night I first saw the on-campus improv troupe (The Otter Nonsense Players) was probably the moment I knew I wanted to pursue something that looked like that. I auditioned and got into the group the following semester. After college, I looked around for ways to keep doing improv. Chicago seemed like the place to be. There were three great improv training centers that I knew about. I also wanted to broaden my horizons a bit. I grew up in Vermont and went to college there as well, so going to a city in the mid-west seemed like it'd be a great life experience even if the improv thing didn't work out.

DS: Similarly, what is your first memory of Second City and what would be your favorite?
SW: I think I had heard about Second City when I was growing up as the place where a lot of my favorite actors and comedians got their start. My first time seeing a Second City show was when the touring company came to do a show at Middlebury. A favorite Second City memory is hard. I've had a lot of different jobs in that building. I love the touring experience and the bond that forges with people. I was lucky to tour with a lot of different collections of people at Second City through my time understudying the touring company, actually being on one of the companies and many many road shows for Second City Communications- the corporate wing of the company. The friendships forged in those situations are my favorite thing about Second City.

DS: What was your improv training like? Is there any particular thing that an instructor said that has really stuck to you?
SW: At Middlebury we were pretty self-taught. We had read Truth in Comedy, but beyond that we were figuring it out on our own. By the time I got to Chicago, I was hungry for instruction. iO teachers like Liz Allen and TJ Jagodowski got to me early on in my training and forced me to be more of an actor in improv. I was more of an intellectual player when I started. I still probably rely too much on trying to be clever, but my Chicago training has helped me learn to play from my heart as well as my head. Liz Allen was my level one teacher at iO and she was very strict with me in trying to get me to react emotionally to my scene partners instead of being focused on getting laughs. In truth, I didn't realize until years later how right she was about that. Thanks, Liz.

DS: When did you join the Second City National Touring Company--and how long were you touring with them?
SW: I officially joined the touring company in February of 2009. But I had been understudying for about a year and a half before that. I ended up only actually being in the company for about six months. I left in the fall of 2009 to do my second season of Friday Night Tailgate.

DS: When you were promoted to the Mainstage, what was your initial reaction?
SW: I found out about a month ago on December 20th. I was surprised and thrilled. It’s an emotional thing to get a job that you’ve essentially been auditioning for for ten years. It was also very surreal because I was told I was not allowed to tell ANYONE until the public announcement which ended up being a full 24 hours later. During that time where I wasn’t allowed to tell anyone I started to wonder if I had imagined it.

DS: Last year, I saw you performing in It Takes a Ville down in Louisville. What did you think of the city and did the allergies bother you at all?
SW: The allergies weren’t too bad. I don’t know why. I have pretty severe allergies that come and go, but Louisville didn’t bother me too much. I really liked the city. I drank some great bourbon. It’s a great post-show drink. The one thing that surprised me was how cold it was. This was last January and for some reason I thought I was going to be walking around all the time. I don’t think I even brought a very heavy jacket. It ended up being very cold. As a result, I think I explored the city less than I expected to. I’d like to go back in the summer or spring and see what it’s like in those months. But I found it to be a beautiful city with a really great culture and great people. And the tuna steak sandwich at Ramsi’s Cafe on the World is the best sandwich I’ve ever had.

DS: You know how there was the song about building bridges? One of the current bridges closed...so Louisville is down to 2 working bridges.
SW: You need to build more bridges. Like the song says.

DS: How did that experience compare to touring the Big Ten colleges?
SW: It was pretty different- mostly because we got to stay in Louisville for five weeks and I was only ever in a Big Ten town for usually 3 or 4 days. It's nice to stay in one place for more than a few days because you can get a feel for what it's like to live there. But the Big Ten towns are great. And since I went to all of them twice, I did get to know them a bit. Speaking of sandwiches, the second best one ever is at Zingerman's deli in Ann Arbor, MI. Also I rarely got down time during Friday Night Tailgate. In Louisville I was able to enjoy free days once the show was up and running.

DS: How did you get involved with the Big Ten Friday Night Tailgate?
SW: My good friend and writing partner Jordan Klepper had auditioned for the show and shot a season of it in 2007. When the 2008 season came around, they were looking for a road partner for him. He recommended me and I auditioned and got the part.

DS: The Big Ten expanded their conference to 12. If they consider expanding to 13, would this mean that IO is going to field an athletic team since they practically sponsor the network, right?
SW: Ha! We did have a run of iO talent doing some great stuff there for a while. I think Mike Hall is the only one left. I think the network is starting to be less interested in comedy which is too bad.

DS: What can you tell me about the revue process? When do you expect the new revue to open?
SW: We haven't started yet, so my knowledge is not first-hand, but basically the new cast starts on night one performing the old show- in this case the current revue South Side of Heaven. While we're still doing the show every night, we're also rehearsing and pitching and improvising new scenes during the day. We'll try some of these out in the improv sets at night and then slowly integrate them into the show as new scenes take the place of old ones. This goes on for about 8-10 weeks and then we have an entirely new show. In our case, we'll start this process on January 24th. An opening date is not set yet, but I'm guessing it will be the first week of April.

DS: What are some of your favorite characters to perform as during a show?
SW: I don't have a lot of recurring characters. I like to try and make them all different in improv. I suppose I have some defaults. I really enjoy playing characters with heavy accents who misappropriate the english language. I think those are fun and easy to escape into. There's also a kind of poetry in the way they talk. I enjoy playing women and children too. It's fun to change the way you hold your body. But I also have worked to get good at playing a version of myself- which is harder than it sounds. In fact, it may be the hardest thing to do and still have faith that it's going to be interesting.

DS: What do you usually tell new improvisers when they are just starting out?
SW: Relax and don't force the humor. That part arrives naturally. Just listen and react to your partner. Try to be as honest as you can. Genuine is a more valuable currency than clever.

DS: Andy was quoted in the AP about having to sign an autograph for an audience member and was flattered when they said they can't wait to see him on SNL. Has this ever happened to you?
SW: Yes. I think this happens a lot because many people see SNL as the top of the mountain in the comedy world. It's a nice way of people saying "I think you'll go as far as you can." Which of course is always a great compliment to get.

DS: Do you ever get recognized for your work on Friday Night Tailgate?
SW: Rarely but sometimes. Usually in Big Ten towns if I happen to be there. During the two years I was on the show I would sometimes get recognized for it in airports but not much anymore.

DS: Thanks again for joining Chitown Improv Celebrity News. Is there anything else you would like to add?
SW: Thanks for having me!

Brendan Jennings sets last night

2012-01-10T15:37:00.000-08:00

Brendan is moving on from the ETC stage. He posted a statement this afternoon:

In these tough economic times I feel now is the perfect time to become voluntarily unemployed!!! Come see me in my final two weeks on the Second City etc stage, and celebrate free food and booze style with me January 22nd.

Annoyance anniversary set

2012-01-09T14:12:00.001-08:00

Save the date!

The following was in the latest email blast from Mick Napier and crew.

We are very pleased to announce that The Annoyance will celebrate its 25th Anniversary this year. A big milestone deserves a big party, so on August 18, 2012, we will host an event at ParkWest from 7PM-midnight. Tickets and show specifics are still to come but we look forward to celebrating with all the people who have made it possible and hope you'll hang on to the date.

Sam's last night

2012-01-08T18:18:00.001-08:00

Sam Richardson's final night on Mainstage is this evening.

TourCo in the News

2012-01-02T14:22:00.000-08:00

Daniel Strauss was profiled by the Beaver County Times.

“We’ve been known to pull audience members on stage,” said Daniel Strauss, one of the performers. What Strauss enjoys most about the improvised portion of the show is that it allows the cast “to take a break from remembering lines and cues and goof off.”

Strauss took an interest in improv comedy at the age of 15 when he saw a show during a trip to Chicago. After moving to Chicago roughly four years ago and trying to gain recognition by performing in the area, he was hired to perform on a Norwegian Cruise Lines ship for four months with The Second City. Now he’s touring with the group nationally.

“I think the coolest part is going to other places I wouldn’t otherwise go to,” he said. “I have an excuse to travel the country.”

The South Florida Sun Sentinel profiles John Hartman.

Best Buy commercial

2011-12-21T03:53:00.001-08:00

Pretty sure that Emily Wilson is in a Best Buy commercial.

Second City's 100th Mainstage revue

2011-12-21T03:42:00.000-08:00

Looks like it's that time again...I saw this tweet from Mike Hall this morning as I woke up:

Tim Baltz, Steve Waltien- 2 BTN (Tailgate) alums will be on the cast of the 100th Second City revue ever! Couldn't have more pride for em

There's more. I saw on Steve's facebook status from yesterday with this statement:

In response to the influx of texts questioning these cryptic congratulations, I am pleased to confirm that I will be joining my friends Katie Rich, Holly Laurent, Mary Sohn, Tim Baltz, Edgar Blackmon, Julie Nichols, Craig Taylor and Matt Hovde to create the Second City Mainstage's 100th revue. Thanks for your support, everyone.

Katie Rich in Wal-Mart ad

2011-11-27T05:55:00.001-08:00

Katie Rich was in a Wal-Mart Black Friday ad.

Mayne Street

2011-11-20T19:21:00.000-08:00

Tim Robinson, Greg Hess, and Mark Raterman were on the newest edition of Mayne Street.

Book now for sale

2011-11-16T14:34:00.001-08:00

I just finished this the other day and you can now buy it online at Create Space or Amazon!

Last night's SNL

2011-11-13T15:58:00.000-08:00

If you have good eyes, it's likely that you caught Shelly Gossman in the background of the bridal shower during last night's SNL hosted by Emma Stone.

Jeff Award winners

2011-11-08T03:48:00.000-08:00

PRODUCTION – REVUE: "Sky's the Limit (Weather Permitting)" – Second City e.t.c.

ACTOR OR ACTRESS IN A REVUE: Tim Baltz – "Sky's the Limit (Weather Permitting)" – Second City e.t.c.

NEW WORK – MUSICAL OR REVUE: Tim Baltz, Aidy Bryant, Jesse Case, Matt Hovde, Brendan Jennings, Jessica Joy, Michael Lehrer and Mary Sohn – "Sky's the Limit (Weather Permitting)" at Second City e.t.c.

Comedy pilot ordered

2011-11-05T17:26:00.000-07:00

A comedy pilot was ordered by Comedy Central featuring Tim Robinson, Mark Ratterman, and Andy Miara.

Comedy Central has ordered My Mans, a comedy presentation from the Chicago writing/acting team of Tim Robinson, Mark Raterman and Andy Miara. The three co-created and are writing/executive producing the project, which stars Robinson and Raterman as two best friends, one who is constantly getting into trouble, and the other who is always bailing him out. The narrative series offers a twist on sketch comedy as it weaves in and out of stand-alone sketches.

RIP Jo Forsberg

2011-10-04T16:02:00.000-07:00

Jo Forsberg passed away recently. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifay she rest in peace.

Nora Dunn coming to Second City

2011-09-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

Nora Dunn will be speaking to students of the Second City Training Center.

Actress Nora Dunn will be visiting the Training Center on Tuesday, September 20 at 2pm for a free Q&A session for Training Center students.[...]

This event is free to current and former Second City students; non-students of The Second City Training Center can pay the $15 student membership fee to attend.

Catching up...

2011-09-16T08:08:00.000-07:00

The Daily Herald profiled Carisa Barreca.

Colin Quinn dropped by to visit Second City.

Late Live Show cancelled

2011-09-03T18:29:00.000-07:00

I know I'm slow on posting this...that's what happens when you work on getting a book self-published within a short time frame. Anyway, Second City announced the cancellation of The Late Live Show. It's one of those shows that I wished I had the chance to have seen in person.

Here's what the AV Club notes on the matter:

According to the show’s co-creator and host Joe Kwaczala, the reason given for the cancellation was that the show’s producers were “using the Second City name to further the show.”

In other Second City news, the Up theater is gaining steam on opening. I'm gonna be interested in seeing just how it can compete with Zanies as far as stand-up goes.

One final thing to note: Adam Peacock replaced Tim Robinson in the Mainstage cast.

Blogterview with Chris Witaske

2011-08-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

Daniel Solzman: Thanks for joining us today. How are things going in the Windy City?
Chris Witaske: Hi Daniel! Chicago is great. Enjoying the summer while it's still here.

DS: When did you decide to go into improv and sketch comedy? When did you have your “Second City” moment? Or IO moment?
CW: The first show I ever saw at Second City was Slaughter House Five Cattle Zero. I was in Jr. High. It was like nothing I'd ever seen, so funny. I was hooked.

DS: What was your improv training like? Is there any particular thing that an instructor said that has really stuck to you?
CW: I started taking classes at Second City in High school. My favorite teacher ever was Mick Napier at the Annoyance.

DS: When did you join the Second City National Touring Company?
CW: I've been touring for about a year now and before that I lived on a cruise ship for Second City.

DS: Earlier this year, I saw you perform in Murderers with a few of Chicago's talented improvisers. How did this show come into being?
CW: Murderers is my favorite show to do. It's a long form improv show that John Hartman and I started. It's a super fun cast of funny people.

DS: What are some of your favorite characters to do?
CW: My favorite Character is called Aunt Joyce. It's a mix of all my Chicago aunts pitching comedy ideas to me at a forth of July party.

DS: What do you usually tell new improvisers when they are just starting out?
CW: Don't take it seriously. You'll have bad shows if you're busy freaking yourself out.

DS: What's your first memory of Second City, or even IO, and what would be your favorite?
CW: My favorite SC performers are Bill Murry and Ed Furman.

DS: Last summer, you were one of several comedians from Chicago to audition for SNL. What was that whole experience like?
CW: It was the scariest/most exciting experience of my life.
DS: Lazy Tuesday or Lazy Sunday?
CW: TUESDAY BABY!

DS: Thanks again for joining Chitown Improv Celebrity News. Is there anything else you would like to add?
CW: Numbers.

MTV Movie Awards

2011-06-22T14:41:00.002-07:00

If you looked closely, the guy playing Bob the Boulder looked familiar. That's because it was Pat O'Brien!

What is $2?

2011-06-22T14:41:00.001-07:00

Scott Goldstein was a contestant on Jeopardy! when it aired yesterday. Unfortunately, he was $2 short of tying the winner.

Witaske talks improv

2011-06-12T06:06:00.000-07:00

Apologies for slacking but I recently caught this article where Chris Witaske talks about improv.

“The long-form improvisation is doing 15 minutes from just one suggestion from the audience,” said Witaske, who appears in The Second City’s “Fair & Unbalanced” on May 21 at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora. “You strive to get good at the long form. The true talent in Chicago is being well versed in the long form of improvisational comedy.

“In long form,” Witaske continued, “you can have an ‘on’ night when you kill it and then an ‘off’ night when you dive bomb and you are performing to silence.”[...]

“We have 50 years of Second City scenes to draw from,” said Witaske about the show. “Second City has a staff of producers who watch the sketches and decide what we will do, but we all do have a voice. There is some original material written by us. We have maybe three or four original scenes in the first two acts.”

Witaske gets great satisfaction from making people laugh.

“There is nothing better,” he said. “You think you are funny and people also think you are funny.”

He also finds the collaboration of fellow comedians exhilarating.

“When you are with a group for a while it becomes like well-oiled machinery and you know each other’s sensibilities and who they are,” said Witaske, who has performed with Second City for about one year. “It is like a good basketball team. You get ‘in the zone’ when you perform. It is a true ensemble process.”

Murderers

2011-04-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

I saw Murderers at IO on Wednesday night.

The group features Amanda Blake-Davis, John Hartman, Chris Witaske, Lauren Dowden, Tim Stoltenberg, and featured special guest Andy St. Clair on Wednesday. Aidy Bryant was supposed to be in the show but seeing as how she just promoted to ETC, it is very unlikely she'll be in a future show so Andy filled in for her last night.

The show starts by asking the audience to pick a number between 1-6. The next thing the audience is asked for is a location.

The introductory scene was in an elevator shaft and I was laughing so hard and almost fell out of my chair. Chris Witaske's shouting and slaps added to the hilarity of the evening.

Time Out Chicago lists the show as a Critics' Pick. I agree. It was very funny when I went.

Murders, for the time being, performs at 10:30 on Wednesdays in the Del Close Theater at IO, right after Dummy.

Dummy

2011-04-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

I saw Dummy on Wednesday night over at IO.

Dummy features both Colleen Doyle and Jason Shotts.

I saw Jason perform back in June 2009 in what was easily one of the most hilarious shows I've ever seen. I believe he was with Whiskey Rebellion at the time. Christian Bale was the suggestion and from there, it got crazy hilarious.

The suggestion on Wednesday was conspiracy theories and the scenes were at a Half-Price Books, a doctor's office, and a date. What if you read a full book and got to the last page to find out that it had all been a dream? All the scenes tied into each other in some way or another.

Dummy performs at 10:30 on Wednesdays in the Del Close Theater at IO.

ETC creating new revue

2011-04-21T07:08:00.000-07:00

ETC is starting it up again. Brendan Jennings, Tim Baltz, and Mary Sohn stay on board. Joining them in the cast are Aidy Bryant, Jessica Joy, and Michael Leher.

Time Out profiles Bungeroth

2011-04-13T19:35:00.000-07:00

Time Out Chicago profiled Billy Bungeroth, director of both the recent ETC and Mainstage revues at Second City.

Here's this excerpt:

Whether Bungeroth’s initial landing at the Second City was predetermined is debatable, but one thing is for sure: South Side of Heaven, a dark, emotionally charged assault on audience expectation, revels in the idea of destiny. “This is a show about how everything that’s happening is absolutely meant to happen,” says Bungeroth in March while sitting down to discuss the show’s progress toward opening.

When we speak, the eager ensemble—which includes newcomers Edgar Blackmon, Holly Laurent and Katie Rich alongside veterans Timothy Edward Mason, Sam Richardson and Tim Robinson—is about eight weeks into a process that has largely been informed by a tumultuous string of events. In January, Mary Scruggs, the head of the writing and education programs for the Second City Training Center, died suddenly. Several weeks later, longtime producer Joyce Sloane passed away just days after the theater shuttered its doors for the first time in years because of the February 1 blizzard.

It was a dark time at North and Wells, but it inspired the cast to go to edgy places normally reserved for its experimental sibling, the e.t.c. “There’s an expectation here,” says Bungeroth, acknowledging that the Mainstage’s constant nod to its esteemed alumni means audiences enter the theater with preconceived notions. “We’re aware of that and working very hard to set them up a little differently so we can do some of the stuff that we do next door.”

SNL cast members in town

2011-04-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

According to Charna, Vanessa Bayer is in Chicago during the SNL hiatus. She will perform with Revolver on Friday night at 10:30 PM.

Paul Brittain is in town, too. At 8 PM tonight, he will perform at The Playground with former IO house team Rattlesnake High School.

Over at IO tonight, Murderers opens up at 10:30 PM with Dummy.

South Side of Heaven

2011-04-11T14:45:00.001-07:00

I had the chance to attend last night's opening of South Side of Heaven. I give it two thumbs up. If I had more thumbs, I would give it more. I've seen Red Scare, America: All Better, Taming of the Flu, Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies, and now the 99th Mainstage revue, South Side of Heaven. This current revue gives the others a run for their money. Second City has managed to outdo itself with the new one.

Newcomers Holly Laurent, Katie Rich, and Edgar Blackmon join the three holdovers from Spoiler Alert: Timothy Edward Mason, Tim Robinson, and Sam Richardson.

Sam Richardson's impression of Barack Obama gives Fred Armisen a run for his money.

Mason's TSA agent is one of the highlights of the night.

The way that they paid tribute to former Mayor Richard Daley was hilarious. Different than I expected but still funny nonetheless. How will we survive?

After directing the recent ETC hit revue, The Absolute Best Friggin' Time of Your Life, Billy Bungeroth was asked to direct the newest Mainstage hit.

Tribune critic Chris Jones gave it 3.5 stars. I give it four out of four stars.

ETC news

2011-04-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

Tim Ryder announced his last night on ETC via Twitter. Tim has been filling in for Tom Flanigan, who departed Second City to be a writer for SNL.

Well friends, this is it. My last night on the etc stage is April 17. So if you've waited seven months to see me, you now have two weekends.

Matthew Craig hired by SNL

2011-03-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

Saturday Night Live has hired Matthew Craig as a writer. Congrats!

Second City to open new revue in April

2011-03-22T14:56:00.001-07:00

South Side of Heaven, the 99th Mainstage revue at Second City, will open on Sunday April 10, 2011. The revue, directed by Billy Bungeroth and featuring Julie Nichols as Musical Director, features the following in the cast: Edgar Blackmon, Holly Laurent, Timothy Edward Mason, Katie Rich, Sam Richardson and Tim Robinson.

The synopsis:

South Side of Heaven is a thought-provoking, irreverent and hilarious new show from The Second City exploring the many fates that propel our world and universe. From the cultural divide between Cubs and White Sox fans to the delicate distinction between dancing and stripping, South Side of Heaven rejoices in the earthly and ethereal. A President, an outgoing Mayor and a creepy TSA agent are all just part of the natural flow of South Side of Heaven.

Brad Morris cast in NBC pilot

2011-03-12T17:43:00.000-08:00

Brad Morris was cast in an untitled multi-camera sitcom pilot for NBC. Via Deadline:

Brad Morris has landed a co-starring role in NBC's untitled Dan Goor pilot. The multicamera comedy, from writer/exec producer Dan Goor, centers on Adam Foote (Andrew J. West), a young doctor who joins his parents’ medical practice and spends as much time tending to his family as to his patients. Morris, recently out of Chicago's Second City, will play Adam's older brother Matt, the only non-doctor in the family. Morris is with Innovative and 3 Arts.

New York Television Festival

2011-03-03T17:43:00.000-08:00

The New York Television Festival is hosting an event in Chicago on March 21st, and Chicago area comedians are encouraged to find out about what opportunities await them.

Here's the press release:

ATTENTION COMEDIANS OF CHICAGO: The New York Television Festival is coming to the Windy City and we want to meet you!

On Monday, March 21st, join Festival staffers and alumni for networking, cocktails and a chance to learn more about the NYTVF - including current development opportunities with FOX ($25k script deal - comedy), FX ($25k development deal - comedy pilot), IFC ($25k development deal - comedy pilot) and MTV (two $5k development deals for comedic animation).

WHEN: Monday, 3/21, 6 pm - 9 pm
WHERE: The Spot (4437 N. Broadway Avenue)
RSVP: RSVP@NYTVF.com

You can register for the event via Facebook. It's a fun time for all.

TV Squad interviews Vanessa

2011-03-03T17:42:00.000-08:00

Vanessa Bayer was interviewed by TV Squad. She spoke about Miley, the audition process, not having cable in Chicago, etc.

Vanessa and Paul talk SNL

2011-02-28T13:54:00.000-08:00

In the Chicago Tribune, featured cast members Vanessa Bayer and Paul Brittain talk about their experiences so far on Saturday Night Live.

When "Saturday Night Live" returns March 5 after a two-week hiatus, the host will be Miley Cyrus, a celebrity who has recently been the subject of repeated mockery on the long-running NBC comedy series. A recurring sketch called "The Miley Cyrus Show" debuted on the second episode of the season, featuring new cast member Vanessa Bayer playing Cyrus as an incomprehensible teenage motormouth talk show host who rolls her eyes whenever dad Billy Ray pipes in with a lame comment.

In an uneven season, it is a head-turning performance that stands out, and it got Bayer — who joined the show a few months ago after an audition at iO Theater here in Chicago — noticed early on. Cyrus' appearance next week on the show will no doubt be the culmination of Bayer's nascent career in television.

"She's so fun to do," Bayer said, talking by phone from her East Village apartment in New York on Tuesday, midway through her brief vacation from the weekly grind. She has spent the last several days mostly catching up on sleep. This is the first in-depth interview that she has given since joining the show. Even six months into the new gig, she said, "There's always a part of me that's, like, freaking out."[...]

Halpern only gives 15 performers a slot in the showcase. "Vanessa had about five different characters ready to go, including Miley Cyrus, and I could see that they were things that Lorne could take and use tomorrow," Halpern said. "That's what he wants — he wants to see characters and pieces that he can use right away and put into the show. When he's here, the new season is literally just a few weeks away, so he wants to see something where he goes, 'There it is. I got something we can use for the show.'"

Among the rookies this season, Bayer seems to have had the most airtime, playing characters featured prominently in a large number of sketches. The same hasn't been true of Brittain, who tends to show up in most sketches as human filler. (Bayer honed her comedy chops locally at iO and the Annoyance Theatre, and both she and friend Brittain are veterans of Second City's four-month Norwegian Cruise Line tours.)[...]

As for the disparity in airtime, there doesn't appear to be any tension between the Chicago rookies. "I don't know who has gotten more or less airtime, but I will say that it is so luck of draw what scenes get in," said Bayer. "There will be scenes that make it to dress rehearsal but get cut for the show, so it's such a random thing. Like, I remember when I used to watch the show, you think there's 10 scenes that are written for the show, when really there are 40 or 45 scenes that are written; 12 get picked for rehearsal and then 10 get into the show."

Brittain's patience is likely to pay off, colleagues said.

"He's a real easygoing guy," said Bayer, "which is exactly the energy that I need as someone who can be a little high-strung." And in the opinion of iO's Halpern: "Paul is going to be the dark horse if Lorne uses him right. He's a real ball of energy, but he's not pushy. He really can play anything."

Cast member Jason Sudeikis (who also trained at iO and Second City) said: "Paul just has a quiet confidence to him that I wish I could steal a little bit from, and Vanessa, I don't think I've ever seen her not smiling. They're both doing great. But it's so interesting, it's only like their first six months — and yet they probably feel like it's been three years."

The Chicago connections help. One of the biggest challenges for new performers, Halpern said, is "getting the writers on staff to write for you. And I think because Vanessa and Paul already know some of the writers from Chicago" — the aforementioned Gossman and Flanigan, as well as Michael Patrick O'Brien, who was hired from Second City in 2009 — "they probably have a slightly easier time of it."

On the Russell Brand episode this month, Bayer worked with Gossman and Flanigan on a sketch called "Livin' Single" that featured Bayer as an upbeat talk show host/single gal enthusiastically grinding against Brand.

Second City to open theater for stand-up

2011-02-22T14:44:00.000-08:00

Even though Zanie's is right down the street on Wells, Second City has announced that they are opening a theater for stand-up comedy.

Andrew Alexander, CEO/Executive Producer of the legendary Second City has partnered with Robert Hartmann, CEO of Levity Entertainment, to create Chicago's newest Stand-Up and Comedy Cabaret theatre located in Piper's Alley. The new theatre is scheduled to open October 1st, 2011.

The theatre will be located in the former Tony & Tina's Wedding space in Piper's Alley which also houses The Second City e.t.c. Theatre and The Second City Training Center campus. Designed by Ryan Nestor of Barker & Nestor, the new space will be a 280-seat classic cabaret-style theatre featuring a bar and restaurant component. President of Second City, Diana Martinez and Vice President Kelly Leonard are working on programming and operations which will include headline comedians, performances of Second City theatrical productions, alumni shows, and improv shows.

"With the addition of this theatre, we are truly turning Piper's Alley into an exciting Entertainment destination. This club will be a great home for stand-up, sketch artists and alternative comedy. With its retro nightclub feel, this space will evoke the memories of the days of Mr. Kelly's and the Gaslight Club," said Andrew Alexander, CEO/Executive Producer of The Second City.

Cash Cab Chicago starts today

2011-02-14T15:57:00.000-08:00

I just finished watching Cash Cab Chicago and it's nice to see the scenery of Chicago on TV. It's also nice to see one of our fellow improvisers, Beth Melewski, hosting the game show.

The Sun-Times spoke with her about the show recently. From the article, it appears that she will be going back to the ETC stage for good until the beginning of April.

The new “Cash Cab Chicago,” debuting Monday on Discovery, follows the New York installment weeknights, with the same concept: Contestants must answer trivia questions for cash as Melewski drives them to their destination. If they miss three questions, they’re ejected from the vehicle — no matter where they are.

“I think weather has been kind of a hilarious factor,” Melewski says. There are no consolation parting gifts of umbrellas or boots.[...]

If texting and driving is a bad idea, game-show hosting and driving is even more difficult. But Melewski is proud of her driving record. “I tapped a valet sign once,” she admits.

Before filming, she had to pass taxi certification tests. “It was really the hardest thing I’ve ever had to study for,” she says. “It’s a tough process. Be nice to your cab drivers because they went through hell. And tip well.”

It’s thoroughly entertaining to watch a group of hipsters en route to Schubas trying to come up with the names of seven founding fathers. But any humiliation is minimal.

“There’s nothing really negative about the show,” Melewski says. “You pick people up, and they can win money. It’s such a basic, amazing premise. People either haven’t heard of the show, or they absolutely love it. It’s all about feeling good and rewarding people for knowledge.”

Melewski left Second City’s e.t.c. stage for three months to tape 40 episodes. She couldn’t resist. “I got to stay in town and shoot a national television show,” she says. “That never happens. Put some more icing on that cake.”

Now that the show’s wrapped, though, she’ll be back at Second City to perform the show she co-wrote, “The Absolute Best Friggin’ Time of Your Life.”

“I’ll be there till the beginning of April,” Melewski says.

Despite rattling off question after question for months, Melewski says she retained “just nuggets” of information. But that doesn’t mean she didn’t learn anything.

Another tribute

2011-02-10T19:47:00.000-08:00

Mainstage alumnus and current Second City instructor Tim O'Malley pays tribute to Joyce Sloane over at his blog.

Cash Cab Chicago debuts Monday

2011-02-10T14:48:00.000-08:00

Beth Melewski was interviewed by Chicagoist. Word has it that she will be performing on the ETC stage on February 17th.

Cash Cab Chicago debuts Monday on Discovery Channel.

A moving tribute video

2011-02-09T18:50:00.000-08:00

I don't know where they dug up the footage from Stephen Colbert's last night on Mainstage at Second City but here is a very moving tribute to the late Joyce Sloane.

I won't lie. It brought tears to my eye. Watch it and then go share it with your friends.

Groupon

2011-02-08T15:49:00.000-08:00

Chances are you watched the Super Bowl and saw the Groupon ad. Furthermore, chances are you saw Conan last night and saw the parody ad featuring Brian Stack.

Groupon employees a large number of the improv community in Chicago.

From entry-level scribes and senior managers to its front-desk receptionist, Groupon’s roster boasts visual artists, musicians and comedians. Improv actors, in particular, abound — many of them in the customer service department.

“It’s a starting point for people to build rapport here and to bond,” With says. “And I think it feeds into the work.”

Groupon’s artist-friendly atmosphere is old news in Chicago’s creative community.

“If you were to trace the lineage of every customer service and editorial employee referral, and list the outside accomplishments of each individual employee,” customer service rep and improviser Andrew Smreker says, “you would basically have a diagram of Chicago culture’s central nervous system.” He goes further, claiming that “every person in every Chicago scene either knows a Groupon employee or is a Groupon employee, and everyone has at least applied.”

There’ve been some notable breakouts, too, including recent “Saturday Night Live” hire and erstwhile Chicago improviser Paul Brittain, who temped at Groupon in 2009, and stand-up comic C.J. Toledano, a new Conan O’Brien script intern. Onetime staffer Amanda Velez now works for Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball Tour.

“Collaboration is huge at Groupon,” says Toledano, who’s “still involved with Groupon,” via e-mail during a “Conan” break. “Everyone is constantly doing ‘bits.’ And it’s not like other work environments, where there’s that one unfunny guy who keeps trying to be funny and no one likes him, because everyone who has been hired has more than likely been referred by a friend or collaborator. Thus, they check out and their humor has been approved. I hosted and produced a late night talk show called ‘The Late Live Show’ at Second City, and I can say that about 95 percent of the writing staff is working at Groupon in some capacity. If you go to an improv or sketch show, I guarantee you would see four or five people who work at Groupon either onstage or in the crowd supporting. It’s an amazing environment that makes going to work fun. I can count so many times where I or a co-worker have said something like, ‘Man, I have tomorrow off, but all my friends are at work. I’d rather just go in.’ ”

Tributes flow in...

2011-02-08T15:41:00.000-08:00

Jonathan at Jewlistic pays tribute to the late Joyce Sloane.

Outside of the many status updates on facebook, you can do a search on twitter for other tributes.

Statement from Andrew Alexander

2011-02-04T08:11:00.000-08:00

Kelly Leonard just posted this:

Joyce Sloane’s impact on the Chicago theatre community cannot be measured. She nurtured thousands of young performers – she encouraged them, fed them, even housed them when needed. She was the mother of The Second City and she cannot be replaced. The loss is monumental but Joyce Sloane’s legacy carries on forever in the work of the artists of whom she was so proud.

Andrew Alexander
The Second City

May Joyce Sloane rest in peace.

IO news

2011-01-18T14:43:00.000-08:00

This comes via Tara and sounds like an awesome IO venue if it happens:

here's what i can say: lakeview. diff ward. cool facade. build out would be: 3-4 classrooms, 2-3 theatres, greenroom, full for-real bar, offices, and parking lot. size of an airplane hangar. structurally great, looks like Saw III now. close to nightlife, el, bus. yes. lots of legal coming and another building looked at too, but this would be a joint to be real stoked about, improvisers.

My guess is it would be somewhere in Lincoln Park but I don't know for sure.

TourCo...

2011-01-18T14:42:00.000-08:00

Lyndsay Hailey has been hired by the Second City Touring Company as member of BlueCo. Congrats.

BlueCo loses another...

2011-01-17T15:17:00.000-08:00

Meghan Teal's last night with BlueCo is tonight on the Second City Mainstage. Her last night with BlueCo was follows both Shad Kunkle and Katie Rich. Have a great last night, Meghan!

Interview with TJ Miller

2011-01-17T03:48:00.000-08:00

Daniel Solzman: Thank you for joining the Chicago Improv Celebrity News today. How are you doing?
T.J. Miller: Okay.

DS: You've had a rather busy year with She's Out of My League, How to Train Your Dragon, Get Him to the Greek, Unstoppable, Yogi Bear and Gulliver's Travels being released in 2010. Were you trying to compete with Jonah Hill and Amanda Seyfried for the most movies in 2010?
TJM: Nah, I don't consider myself in the same league as those two. I'm far further along than they are.

DS: With all these movies, how do you find the time to perform stand-up tour?
TJM: Whenever I'm not doing a movie, I'm doing stand-up or working on my own stuff. I don't see any alternative. I have to do as much stand-up as I can because other comics don't have to take time off if they don't want to. I have no choice, so I'm always playing catchup to the comics that are just doing stand-up. So I'm basically working all the time unless I take a concentrated period of time off on purpose. Which I rarely do. Except for something like brain surgery.

DS: You made a YouTube video to obtain your part for Yogi Bear, right? Did you ever think it would work?
TJM: I did not make a YouTube video to obtain anything. I did it as a joke. I thought it would be funny to send a video of me with a real bear to Warner Bros. and pretend it was real. They obviously knew it wasn't, I wasn't pining for the part or anything, I auditioned sort of as a joke, made the video as a really silly joke, and then when they offered the part I said "what is the funniest ending to this story/joke? to be in the movie." So I did the movie. So the whole thing was really based on comedy bleeding into life...

DS: Having seen you perform at a venues such as Lakeshore Theater in Chicago (may it rest in peace) and Comedy Caravan in Louisville, which is your favorite type of venue to perform in? The larger theater or the smaller one?
TJM: I like any size room as long as it's well run and the audience is into it. The bigger the room the easier to get laughs (when it's full) but a small crowd in a good venue is just as fun. It's about the audience not the venue usually. I like a venue about 300-500 though, that is pretty sweet because my subtle stuff still goes over but it feels like a huge crowd.

DS: When did you get the itch to go into comedy for a career? Was it while living in Denver? Or while a student at George Washington University?
TJM: Comedy as a career came when I was in receSs at GW. Those guys were the first ones to make me understand that comedy was it's own thing. I didn't have to be an actor who did comedy, I could be a comedian and just a comedian. And that is more than enough. Way fucking hard.

DS: What sort of training did you undergo in Chicago as far as improv and sketch is concerned?
TJM:Annoyance Theater, iO, and I took like one class at Second City and then they rejected me from the conservatory. Later they hired me after my first audition to understudy and later tour. So they don't always know what is going on. A rejection from them should be seen as one from the prettiest girl in town. She's flighty, flaky, and will eventually come around once other people want you.

DS: Is there any thing that has stuck out from any instructors that you have had?
TJM: Everything Mick Napier has said. I think really standing behind your instincts is important. I also think someone somewhere must have said something akin to "do what you think is funny and will make you laugh." Because that's usually where I start.

DS: What teams were you on at IO?
TJM: Sturgis and Bullet Lounge.

DS: When did you join the Second City National Touring Company and how long were you with them?
TJM:I think in '05 maybe. I toured for a little over 2 years.

DS: What was the Tour Co experience like?
TJM: Amazing. It was the first real reps I got on the road, the first time I had to start performing for people from all over, not just peers in Chicago. That was extremely helpful and an invaluable learning experience.

DS: Have any favorite characters that you like to do at gigs?
TJM:I have a new one I like but people aren't into it as much, a guy who is really pushy about whether or not you're going to take a bite of his banana.

DS: I want to talk about Carpoolers. Do you think the series would have lasted longer if the strike didn't get in the way?
TJM: Maybe. Maybe a back order, but I don't know if it could have gone many seasons because ABC didn't have a comedy brand then, and now they do with Modern Family and such. I think it was tough timing no matter what.

DS: Variety named you as one of the top ten comics to watch in 2008. How did that make you feel? Pressured?
TJM: No. Most awards and accolades are appreciated but not much more than that. Comedy isn't really about awards, it's about laughs and respect from the peers you respect. If you're getting that, and you're happy with your work, then I don't give a fuck what list I'm on, I'm still going to keep ascending in one form or another. I'll never try and get an academy award, I'll never want to be taken seriously. That list is usually just hype around town anyway...

DS: What do you tell beginning improvisers?
TJM: Do as much as you can all the time. Perform as much as you can, take as many classes, start your own group. All comedians: Your work ethic is one of the few things you have complete control over.

DS: Thanks again for joining us. Is there anything else you would like to add?
TJM: No. Thank you.

Customized shows...

2011-01-15T21:51:00.001-08:00

An article appeared in the New York Times about the customized shows that are being performed across the country.

RIP: Mary Scruggs

2011-01-12T14:51:00.001-08:00

I never had the chance to have a class with Mary Scruggs but my heart aches for her family, friends, and the many students that had her as a writing teacher.

If you have any favorite memories that you wish to share, please feel free to do so.

Mainstage News

2011-01-10T15:13:00.000-08:00

With the depatures of Emily Wilson and Allison Bills from the mainstage cast, it was only time before we knew who would be promoted for the next revue.

Katie Rich, Holly Laurent, and Edgar Blackmon are confirmed to be joining the cast for the next revue.

Katie's last night

2011-01-10T10:42:00.000-08:00

Katie Rich has set her last night with BlueCo for tonight.

Furman speaks

2011-01-03T07:42:00.000-08:00

Eddie Furman was interviewed by Louisville's Courier Journal about Second City's Louisville-based revue, It Takes a Ville!

Q: Were you the sole writer on “It Takes a 'Ville” or was it a collaboration?
A: It's a two-person team, me and Tim Baltz, who's a very funny guy. We went down to Louisville for four days to learn all we could about the great city. Louisville has a great theater tradition, so I think it seemed like a natural fit, and people were genuinely excited to tell us things and show us things. It's a city both Tim and I really fell in love with, so the pressure was really on. We wanted to write a really great show for you.

How long does it take to write one of these shows?
You try to write quickly while everything's fresh in your mind, so it was about two weeks for ideas and treatments for scenes, with some shorter scenes written out, then meeting with Mick Napier, our director and a Kentucky native, and the producer to see which scenes are worth fleshing out. Then there's another two weeks of writing, before we handed off the script. There will be an improv element, too — we wrote a Louisville-specific improv piece for the show.

What did you do on your four-day cultural immersion tour of Louisville?
Bourbons Bistro. We met a lot of cool people there. We went to Yum! Foods headquarters and visited Colonel Sanders' grave (in Cave Hill Cemetery). The immersions are a funny thing because we want to see the things Louisville is famous for, but we also want to do the things that locals do.[...]

So what did you learn about Louisville and Louisvillians?
An interesting thing about Louisville is the dichotomy of it being the northern-most Southern city or the southern-most Northern city. You have the mega-churches and the Bible belt, but you also have bourbon and horse racing. It's very tolerant and everybody seems to get along and have a good time. I think more cities could benefit from that lesson.

What is Louisville's biggest idiosyncrasy?
Something you have in common with other cities where you are geographically — how you treat snow or bad weather. It didn't snow while we were down there, of course, but hearing the stories about how people react to an inch of snow in January. They're shooting the weak and the elderly and burying them in shallow graves so they don't have to endure the harsh winter, and the next afternoon it's 75 degrees again.

What's the big joke about Louisville?
I think it always comes back to people and how human nature manifests itself. That said, I think the biggest joke in Louisville is actually Southern Indiana.

Ouch! Why is that?
I don't know, but you all don't seem to be particularly fond of each other. It's a classic cross-river rivalry.

Louisville cast announced

2011-01-02T18:20:00.000-08:00

The cast and musical director for Second City: It Takes a Ville has been named. They are as follows: Anthony Irons, Steve Waltien, Mitchell Fain, Lauren Dowden, Matthew Cohen (musical director), Jennifer Estlin, and John Hartman.

Of course, Mick is directing it.

I'm telling everyone I know about this show...being a native of Louisville but my heart is most definitely in Chicago.

Tim Ryder in ESPN

2010-12-30T18:46:00.000-08:00

Tim Ryder was in ESPN Magazine for an Anchorman photoshoot with Danica Patrick.

The Baltimore show

2010-12-27T15:35:00.000-08:00

TJ Shanoff and Megan Grano spoke to the press in Baltimore about the upcoming show, The Second City Does Baltimore.

Grano and Shanoff are aware that they are treading on sensitive ground. “What’s a little tricky—and we’re anticipating this in Baltimore—is that we’re gonna have reviewers come in saying, ‘Who the hell do these people think they are?’” Shanoff says. “We’re not trying to say we’re experts. But Second City has a certain pedigree, a certain way of doing things that’s very unique.”[...]

Shanoff has learned that you can’t always predict how a joke will go over. In Atlanta, one scene bombed so badly it was pulled from the show. The skit concerned a Georgia theme park called Stone Mountain. “It’s funny because it used to be the home of the Klan,” Shanoff says. “Now it’s where families—Hispanics, blacks, whites—all hang out and watch laser light shows and listen to classic rock music. But the gift shop had all these super racist items, like Mammy salt-and-pepper shakers and Confederate flag magnets.” So the comedy team wrote a scene spoofing on the gift shop; it included a line to the effect of, “Honey, we’re out of swastika magnets.” No one laughed.

Shanoff hopes to avoid falling flat in Baltimore by running jokes by locals prior to opening night. “Here’s an example,” he says. “I desperately wanted to find a piece that would rake Michael Steele over the coals and [the staff at Center Stage] wound up saying that even when Michael Steele was lieutenant governor nobody cared about him.” Despite his recent bid for re-election, the Republican National Committee chairman will not be appearing in the upcoming show.

Melewski joins Chicago Cash Cab

2010-12-21T20:41:00.000-08:00

NPR News informs us that Beth Melewski is going to be in the Chicago spinoff of Cash Cab on Discovery.

The Discovery Network show that turns a New York City cab ride into an instant game show is launching a spinoff version based in Chicago next spring. Comic Beth Melewski, a "Second City" cast member, will be behind the wheel.

The expansion comes after a triumphant year for "Cash Cab." The series, itself a remake of a British TV's similar game based in London, won its second Daytime Emmy award for best game show. Ben Bailey won his first Emmy as best host.[...]

Melewski had the combination of smarts and knowledge of her city to work well in the cab, he said.

"Beth feels real-deal Chicago," he said. "You've got to have, for these shows at least, a feel for the city."

He doesn't expect expansion beyond these two cities in the United States, Bunting said. Other "Cash Cab" versions air in Canada, Japan and Australia.

The Chicago shows will begin airing within the two-hour block of four "Cash Cab" episodes that Discovery airs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time, probably after the broadcast networks end their season in May. Bailey has been taping fresh New York episodes that will begin airing earlier. He's already made more than 200 since the game began in 2005.

Duffy talks Second City

2010-12-14T03:46:00.000-08:00

Kate Duffy was interviewed last week a few days ahead of TourCo's stop at the Ridgefield Playhouse. She talks about how she got her start with Second City, amongst other things.

Q: How did you start performing with Second City?

A: It's funny, because if you asked every actor that, their paths and their journey would probably be different. I'm from the East Coast. I'm from Massachusetts originally and I've always wanted to be an actor or a comedian, and I knew Second City was the launching pad for all the greats. After college I tried to live in Boston for a while and have a normal 9 to 5 job and it just didn't stick, so I packed it all in and headed out here (to Chicago), and I just started by taking classes there actually, about 10 years ago now. So I went through their training center and then I started teaching there, and then I started touring with them about eight months ago.

Q: What's the show like?

A: The show is a two-act. In any show that we do you're going to have archive scenes from the last 50 years; these are best-of scenes that our past casts have written. We also do some of our original stuff that we're writing as a cast. And you'll probably get a little bit of music and some improvisation, as well. And Second City is known for its political and social satire, so nothing is sacred and we poke fun at just about everything.

Q: So many comedians have gotten their start at Second City and then gone on to "Saturday Night Live" and stardom. Is that something the cast is conscious of?

A: I think for a lot of people in Chicago, Second City is often the destination they're going for. There's always the what's next and what's after, and the great thing about Second City is that it has been such a launching pad for such talent, that people do come there to look for talent quite a bit. So you will have Lorne Michaels coming through Second City once a year if he's looking, or L.A. producers will come out, so there is a great opportunity for connections.

Q: Any favorite sketches that you're performing in?

A: Right now a sketch that we're doing is an archive scene that Tina Fey and Rachael Dratch (the "Saturday Night Live" alumna who played Debbie Downer) did back in the '90s called "Wicked." It's basically a mom and a daughter that go shopping at the mall and it's a very Boston-based scene; they have very thick Boston accents. It's really fun for me because I'm from Boston and I know a lot of people that sound like that, but it's also just a very well-written scene that Tina and Rachel put together.

Public Service Announcement

2010-12-12T07:23:00.000-08:00

Dress warmly and in layers. Wind chills being called for 25 below zero tonight.

Free show at IO Next Wednesday

2010-12-09T19:45:00.000-08:00

Via IO:

TJ & Dave will be taking a rare night off next Wednesday, and seeing as they're irreplaceable, we'll be bringing inone of our favorite performers for a free solo set starting at 10:30. iO fans will recognize Steve Waltien from the Improvised Shakespeare Company, Whirled News Tonight, and Bullet Lounge/Chaos Theory. Steve will be presenting material from his new one man show, "Stand-Up to Live: A Work In Progress", partially inspired by the sudden death of his father this past April.

Shad leaving BlueCo

2010-12-08T21:42:00.000-08:00

Shad Kunkle is moving on from the Second City Touring Company. His final show with BlueCo will be Monday, December 20, 2010.

Beard promoted

2010-12-06T16:47:00.000-08:00

Karla Beard has been promoted to the Second City ETC stage with Christina Anthony's depature last week. She was previously in Rush Limbaugh: The Musical.

O'Brien helped write bar sketch

2010-12-06T14:36:00.000-08:00

If you had your suspicions that someone from Chicago was involved with the bar sketch at the end of this weekend's SNL with Robert DeNiro, you'd be correct. Pat O'Brien said he was 1/3 responsible for it. You can view the "It's a Living" sketch at NBC.com

Yeah...

2010-12-04T21:23:00.000-08:00

Unless I am losing it, Brad Morris can currently be seen in a Blockbuster commerical and a Sony commercial.

Pat O'Brien appeared during the monologue segment of tonight's episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by Robert DeNiro.

Shelly speaks.

2010-11-28T12:15:00.000-08:00

Shelly Gossman recently spoke with her alma mater's newspaper.

Ghostbusters to audition in Chicago

2010-11-22T14:28:00.000-08:00

Given the Second City connections, Chicago improvisers probably have a leg up with casting for Ghostbusters 3. Auditions will take place in Chicago but I don't know when for sure.

The long awaited "Ghostbusters 3" is finally set to go into production early 2011. Initial casting for the film's main characters will take place in Los Angeles, and additional casting will be conducted in Chicago, where filming is to take place.

Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd will reprise their onscreen roles, as well as serve as executive producers and character writers. Academy Award nominated director Ivan Reitman will return to direct the third Ghostbusters film. In addition to directing the Ghostbusters movies, Reitman has also directed such films as Twins, Kindergarten Cop, Junior, Dave, Fathers' Day, Six Days Seven Nights, My Super Ex-Girlfriend. As a producer, Reitman has been involved throughout all phases of the filmmaking process in over 45 productions.

Christina Anthony leaving ETC cast

2010-11-20T21:30:00.000-08:00

Christina Anthony is leaving the ETC cast after a few revues to head out to Los Angeles.

Her last night has been set for December 2nd. We wish her the best.

Xmas Smackdown

2010-11-18T20:55:00.000-08:00

Also, via IO:

A Christmas Show For People Who Hate Christmas!
Mark Nutter (The Bicycle Men) returns to iO from the golden shores of Hollywood with Christmas Smackdown, a musical anti-celebration of America's Favorite Holiday®, co-written by Cynthia Carle and starring Lyndsay Hailey, Tim Soszko, Molly Todd, and David Wrigley. Watch in joy/horror as the cast presents an evening of festive holiday songs about suicide, furries, cannibalism, and more. Come slam yuletide sentiments to the mat in a reverse Argentine death choke every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8:00 from November 30th through December 22nd.

Tickets are $15.

Paul Brittain at IO next week

2010-11-18T20:54:00.000-08:00

Via IO:

SNL's Paul Brittain Returns To iO
SNL's breakout star and recent iO alumn Paul Brittain returns to iO for a very special reunion show with his longtime collaborators TOPAZ. This amazing group will strap on their trademark denim jumpsuits one more time on Tuesday November 23rd at 8:00, opening for Cook County Social Club. TOPAZ is as high-energy and physical as improv gets. You do NOT want to miss this.

The show is at 8 and tickets are $12 if they are not already sold out.

Joy promoted

2010-11-18T20:48:00.000-08:00

Jessica Joy was promoted to the Second City ETC stage following Beth's departure.

Buckle

2010-11-17T18:55:00.000-08:00

Sunday nights at 9:30 PM over at The Annoyance, check out Kate Duffy in

BUCKLE: A One-Woman Emotional Car Wreck Driven by Kate Duffy and Directed by Scott Goldstein.

The show runs November 21 - December 26. Tickets $10

Check it out sometime.

For just $15....

2010-11-09T15:30:00.000-08:00

At Second City this Friday:

Friday, November 12, 5:30-7:30pm

Our first guest for the Writer's Salon is Reinhold "Reiny" Weege, the Creator/Executive Producer/Writer/Director of the Emmy Award-winning series Night Court, Producer/Writer of Barner Miller, and Writer of multiple episodes of M*A*S*H. Reiny will share his views on comedy and sketch writing, offer up some interesting stories, and treat attendees to a viewing of some of his favorite clips.

Tina Fey to be presented Mark Twain Prize

2010-11-09T15:27:00.001-08:00

At the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC tonight, actress-comedian-writer Tina Fey will be presented with the Mark Twain Prize for humor.

Beth Melewski sets last night

2010-10-21T15:44:00.000-07:00

Beth Melewski has set her last night on the Second City ETC stage for Sunday, October, 24. Set starts around 9ish.

Lampooning Rand Paul

2010-10-19T21:50:00.000-07:00

I wrote and directed this.

Help find a cure

2010-10-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

Help EJ Scott in his mission to raise $100,000 for the Choroideremia Research Foundation.

Second City Updates...

2010-10-09T18:20:00.001-07:00

Amanda Blake Davis replaced Shelly Gossman in the Mainstage cast.

Tim Ryder replaced Tom Flanigan in the ETC cast.

Comiskey at UCB

2010-10-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

Comiskey comes to New York's UCB Theater.

If you are in New York and want a taste of Chicago, go see Comiskey on Monday at UCB.

Via POB:

Come out for the first ever improv show from this group of friends from Chicago who have relocated to work in television in NYC. "Comiskey" includes myself, Vanessa Bayer, Paul Brittain, Tom Flanigan and Shelly Gossman. With special guest John Lutz and possibly more!!

I'll be warming the crowd up with 20 minutes of solo material as well, for those of you who missed my solo show at UCB this spring.

Bullet Lounge at IO Tonight after Armando

2010-10-04T15:26:00.000-07:00

Via IO:

BULLET LOUNGE'S "ALMOST GRAND FINALE" SHOW

Please join us at 10:30pm tonight- Monday, October 4th for a very special performance by veteran house team Bullet Lounge, as current and original members all get together for one last blow-out before the team shuffles on out to greener pastures. Many members of the team will continue to hold down the Saturday 10:30 time slot they have occupied for many years now, while others move on from the group. This "Almost Grand Finale" show should not be missed as it will be one last chance to see the whole gang back together one last time!

This show is free and reservations are not required.

IO to host SNL watch party

2010-09-21T16:44:00.001-07:00

IO will be hosting a watch party for the new season of Saturday Night Live this Saturday. The party is free and no reservations are needed.

The iO Theater and its community of writers and performers invites you to join them in celebrating the success of new Saturday Night Live hires and iO alumni Vanessa Bayer and Paul Brittain with a viewing party at iO.

Bayer and Brittain are following in the footsteps of recent iO hires like writer Michael Patrick O’Brien and SNL Legends like Tina Fey and Mike Myers. While we celebrate every year that an iO troupe member is hired for SNL, this night will be an event to remember.

The episode will be shown on our large projector screen in The Del Close Theater. Admission will be free and seating will be on a first come first served-basis, with the house opening at 10:00 PM.

That Denver show...

2010-09-21T16:38:00.000-07:00

A few articles have hit the internets with regards to the limited engagement run in Denver, Colorado.

The first profiles Micah Sherman:

Among the talented touring Second City ensemble is Micah Sherman. Denver is the second city where Sherman has performed with Second City, and he said he has enjoyed working with the group of talented people who make up the ensemble.

“I love performing with the cast, everybody is really funny,” he said.

Sherman has been doing improv comedy since he was 15 years old. Like any activity, there was a steep learning curve at first, but Sherman enjoyed the process enough to stick with it.

“It’s the highest I’ve ever been, it’s a thrill,” he said. “A lot of people like to skydive and all that (stuff), I do improv.”

The second article also profiles Micah Sherman. Something tells me that it will not be too long before we see Micah performing regularly on the ETC or Mainstages.

Here's how Sherman explains it:

"Let's say I'm a congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives," he said. "You wouldn't assume that I was, say, Alexander Hamilton. I am your local, contemporary congressman. I'm someone the entire country hasn't heard of yet . . . but I still have a promising political career in front of me."

The problem with his analogy: "There are no congressmen who are funny the that I am funny," he admits. "They're funny the way congressmen are funny, in that we like to laugh at them."[...]

"All of the sketches that we will be performing in Denver were written by people like Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey and Dan Castellaneta (the voice of Homer Simpson)" Sherman said. "So while the material was written by people you have heard of, it's all being performed by people you haven't — like Micah Sherman."

He describes the evening as a journey through Second City's storied past, with narration peppered throughout explaining who was responsible for writing what scenes. He says one sketch written by Arkin in 1961 "is amazing for how well it still plays."

The limited run in Denver ends on October 10th.

Big Ten Tailgate

2010-09-05T18:47:00.001-07:00

For those wondering what happened to all the correspondents from the Big Ten Friday Night Tailgate appearing on the Big Ten Network presented by iO, I know for a fact that Tim Baltz is appearing on the Second City ETC stages these days.

Jordan Klepper, I'm not so sure about. Nor am I sure with Steve Waltien. Other than performing regularly at IO.

The other difference this season is that Mike Hall is on the road as opposed to being in studio.

A POB Interview

2010-09-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

No, I didn't interview POB but Live from New York, It's Saturday Night did. Here's an excerpt:

What advice, if any, do you have for aspiring comedy performers/writers?
Everything I've ever gotten has come to me when I stopped trying to get things, and focused on finding and performing in my own voice. So, make sure the bulk of your time is spent on projects that are truly unique to you and keep you up at night with excitement, not projects that showcase your cast ability. I'd also say don't get married to one path. I see a lot of people who let the fact that Second City or SNL has not hired them cause them to become bitter and/or quit comedy. I think it's healthier to set goals like, "I want to be working with friends and producing interesting comedy for a living some time soon," than "I need to get Second City main stage by 2012 and SNL by 2015 or I've failed."

Lastly, don't spend any energy worrying about what other comedians have been hired for, whether they deserve it, whether their last joke was good or not... Just worry about your own stuff and do your best to enjoy all the hilarious people out there without judgment. All easier said than done.

Jeff Nominees announced

2010-08-31T03:25:00.000-07:00

PRODUCTION – REVUE
“The Absolute Best Friggin’ Time of Your Life” - The Second City e.t.c.

ACTOR IN A REVUE
Sam Richardson - “Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies” - The Second City

ACTRESS IN A REVUE
Christina Anthony – “The Absolute Best Friggin’ Time of Your Life” - The Second City e.t.c.

Improv(e) Humanity

2010-08-30T15:56:00.000-07:00

This Thursday is a benefit for the American Cancer Society.

You can find more info at Facebook.

Have you ever had $12 and thought to yourself, "I could either donate this $12 to the American Cancer Society OR I could go see a comedy show..." What a dilemma! Now you can do both! Join us for an evening full of genius by Ken Barnard, high-energy improv from Fart City, music by Courageous Rue, and all hosted by the lovely and always quirky Cameron Esposito.

It takes place Thursday, September 2, 2010 at Gorilla Tango, located at 1919 N. Milwaukee.

Vanessa Bayer and Paul Brittain hired by SNL

2010-08-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

Vanessa Bayer and Paul Brittain have been hired as a featured player for Saturday Night Live.

Joining them as a featured player is Groundlings' Sunday Company cast member Taran Killam.

Tom Flanigan to write for Saturday Night Live

2010-08-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

Second City ETC veteran Tom Flanigan has been hired to write for the upcoming season of Saturday Night Live.

Flanigan joins a staff featuring his brother-in-law Pat O'Brien.

Tom's last show will be August 29th.

Way to go, Brendan!

2010-08-21T19:48:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Brendan Jennings on his recent Tribune honor.

Brendan Jennings, 32
Second City has a lot of slick comics with savvy smarts. But in Brendan Jennings, it also has an emotional well. Jennings, making his debut on the Second City's e.t.c. stage, says that the new gig is “a dream come true” for this graduate of Xavier University in Cincinnati. He has paid his dues — touring with Second City for more than two years until it got too tough to match up with fatherhood. All this 32-year-old needs for discovery is an old-fashioned TV or movie executive to understand the deepest laughter needs risk and heart. We hope Jennings sticks around town. He's the latest in that long and distinguished Second City line of big, funny, needy men who are willing to risk everything at every moment — and thus become the souls of whatever revue they perform.

SNL called some back

2010-08-03T20:00:00.001-07:00

Word has it that a few were asked to go to New York so if anything comes of it, we'll know soon..

SNL hires Shelly Gossmann

2010-08-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

I will have a link up later but Shelly Gossman of Second City Mainstage has been hired as the newest writer of the long running sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live.

Lorne Michaels and several writers were in Chicago last week scouting for new cast and writers.

Shelly's last night on mainstage has beem set for August 18th.

Here is a blurb from Time Out Chicago:

In the wee hours of the morning O’Brien informed Gossman that she’s been tapped to join the writing team for the venerable sketch comedy show and have her final performance at Second City on August 18. We can’t imagine the current Mainstage revue Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies without Gossman’s outstanding contributions. Between her bit as a hapless and overbearing mom and a fully-improvised monologue based on accessories submitted by the audience, she’s one of the show’s driving forces and will be missed.

Congrats again, Shelly!

Mainstage sets opening night

2010-06-27T10:56:00.001-07:00

Second City Mainstage has set the opening night of the 98th Mainstage revue, Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies, for July 14, 2010. It's a Wednesday night, and also, the only day that there is no activity in sports save for the AAA all star game.

In the blockbuster of human life, we all know the outcome - no spoiler alert needed. In spite of this inevitable ending, we continue to live our lives, find joy and understand the world around us. Sometimes our path leads us to save the world and sometimes our path is to simply remind our husband where they left their keys - it's what you make of it and how you deal with it that matters. From cold feet on your wedding day to the comfort of viewing the comic misadventures of others on Reality TV, Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies reminds us that in the end, we are all in this together.

Directed by Matt Hovde (2009 Joseph Jefferson Award Winner for Best Director and Best Revue), the cast of Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies includes Allison Bills, Shelly Gossman, Timothy Edward Mason, Sam Richardson, Tim Robinson and Emily Wilson. Julie Nichols is Musical Director and Craig Taylor is Stage Manager. Stylist is Claire Tuft. Set Design by Amy Jackson. The producing team for Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies includes Chief Executive Officer & Executive Producer for The Second City, Andrew Alexander; Chief Operating Officer, Diana Martinez; Executive Vice President, Kelly Leonard; Producer, Alison Riley and Associate Producer, Monica Wilson.

Mikhail Prokhorov has more to say...

2010-06-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

Check it out:

Beer Shark Mice at IO

2010-06-10T18:44:00.001-07:00

Beer Shark Mice will be at IO during the Just for Laughs festival in Chicago. The group consists of David Koechner (Anchorman, Snakes On A Plane), Neil Flynn (Scrubs), Mike Coleman (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Pat Finn (Seinfeld), and Pete Hulne (American Body Shop). Tickets will sell out.

Show Dates And Times

Wednesday, June 16 at 8 p.m.
Opening Act: 3033

Wednesday, June 16 at 10:30 p.m.
Opening Act: Deep Schwa

Thursday, June 17 at 8 p.m.
Opening Act: Middle Age Comeback

Thursday, June 17 at 10:30 p.m.
Opening Act: The Reckoning

All Tickets Are $24.

For the movie lovers

2010-05-24T14:01:00.001-07:00

I don't know how many within the improv community frequent Webster Place or City North 14 but as of May 25, 2010, those theaters will no longer accept the Keresotes Five Buck Club card for discounted movies. As you may recall, Keresotes sold all but two theaters to AMC. AMC has subsequently sold these particular theaters to Regal Cinemas.

Here's the email that Keresotes sent out:

Dear Five Buck Club Member of City North 14 and Webster Place,

I wrote you recently about AMC's acquisition of the Kerasotes Theatres. In a subsequent transaction, AMC has sold the City North 14 and Webster Place to Regal Cinemas. Regal will take over management of these two locations effective May 25, 2010.

We have been asked by Regal to inform you that they will not be honoring Five Buck Club cards after they assume operation of these locations on May 25, 2010.

Interview with Susan Messing

2010-05-21T16:18:00.000-07:00

Daniel Solzman: Thank you for joining us today. How are things going in the Windy City?
Susan Messing: Besides the fact that the infrastructure of the Chicago Public School system is crumbling, great.

DS: Congrats again on winning Improviser of the Year at this year's Chicago Improv Festival. How does it feel?
SM: Awkward but very kind of Jonathan Pitts and the rest of the gang. It's strange to have that kind of acknowledgement when I know that any success I have is due to my friends making me look good and the simple fact that I wouldn't give up, even when I wanted to do just that.

DS: How did you discover improv and sketch comedy?
SM: I was a theatre major @ Northwestern University. There were auditions for the Meow Show, a campus revue with short form and sketch. It was directed by Dan Patterson (I think that was his name) the guy who ultimately created the original "Whose Line is it Anyway." Sophmore year. Didn't get cast. The next year I heard about some improv audition off campus and it was @ ImprovOlympic on Wilton Street in Chicago. Didn't get cast. Still, it must have stuck out in my mind after I graduated, because I started @ ImprovOlympic.
Sketch was always around- Monty Python, SNL, SCTV. Finally discovered SC when I was studying @ ImprovOlympic and took classes there too.

DS: When did you start performing Messing with a Friend?
SM: 2005? Ask Jack Farrell @ Second City because the opening night @ Second City's Unhinged Series was also the day that Jack almost died in my class. Since he's still alive, he's probably hep to that day. After that run, I did two runs @ iO and we're almost at the four year mark @ The Annoyance.

DS: What about Children of a Lesser G-d? When did that start? Any chance of a new run in the future?
SM: COALG was just a bunch of awesome lady friends who felt like playing together. Charna had nothing going on upstairs after student shows on Sundays and gave us the slot so Rachael, Kate, Emily and I grabbed it. It's a nice time slot. I'm bad with dates- 2007? 08? It ran for about a year and a half and then Rachael made a baby, Kate went on a SC boat, and Em moved to San Fransisco. We had a fun reunion during CIF this year and I'm sure we'll meet again onstage together in the future.

DS: How did Pleasant Valley start?
SM: Jet and Holly have done my show before and we missed each other so threw it together. Fun is winning.

DS: You created the level 2 curriculum at IO, right? How did that happen?
SM: After years of performing, I felt like I had enough experience to teach. Mick had me teach a class @ the Annoyance with Jodi Lennon and when I approached Charna, she told me that I had to coach first. I was annoyed because people who started years after me were already given teaching opportunities but I plowed ahead. For a year I coached three teams simultaneously and made up exercises that I thought would support them. Wrote it out on some yellow lined people, handed it to Charna, and thankfully, she liked my curriculum.

DS: You're one of the founding members of The Annoyance. How did that come about?
SM: Mick was one of the first three improvisors I met @ ImprovOlympic. He was working with some people creating new forms- it was called Nimbus under the banner of Metraform. He'd get someone like Noah to direct a bunch of newbies, give us a theme like "clown" and then walk away and have us figure it out. At the same time he was directing a show called "Splatter Theatre," which was hysterical. When he did "Splatter Theatre II" I auditioned. I think I had to walk into a room and scream. That show was a pain in the neck, too many people, money mismanagement, bad landlord, whatever. At the end there were about ten people who Mick could stomach and we created a musical called "Co-Ed Prison Sluts." We were still under the banner of Metraform, but when we got our own space on Broadway/Briar, it was renamed The Annoyance.

DS: What did you think of your Mainstage experience at Second City?
SM: It was great and humbling. Never thought that I'd have the opportunity to work there. I knew that it would be one of the hardest and best jobs that I would ever have- you walk into the building and you can feel the history. I don't think I did my best work there, which I regret, but I think I always feel that way- that I can still do better. That said, I learned an unbelievable much about myself and about the work. Invaluable. I am very grateful to Mick, who was my director, and everyone who produces and works for Second City for the experience.

DS: What were the 50th anniversary celebrations like?
SM: Surreal and lovely.

DS: What advice do you give to beginning improvisers?
SM: Don't give up. Learn table manners. Put your blinders on and take the hard note. Don't give up.

DS: Thanks again for speaking with the Chicago Improv Celebrity News? Is there anything else you would like to add?
SM: Thanks for having me.