When it comes to improvisational performances, some of the best can be found in Chicago. For, Chicago improv classes are often related to acting or comedy. One training center in the area was established by a group known as Second City.
The Second City enterprise is known for producing the first improvisational acting troupe in the country. For, it was on December 16, 1959 when the most prolific, influential and respected theater was first founded. After which, Barbara Harris, Sill's former partner and Compass Player sang Everybody's in the Know during the first performance. The admission to the theater at the time, $1.50.
Having produced such amazing television programs as Next Comedy Legend, SCTV and Second City Presents, the theater and troupe have gained a huge following over the years. In addition, there have been several well known producers, directors, comedians and actors whom started out as part of the Second City training program or comedy troupe. These individuals include, Bill Murray, John Candy, Dan Aykroyd, Del Close, Catherine O'Hara, Gilda Radner, Ryan Stiles, Mike Myers, Steve Colbert, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey.
The original Chicago location's theater, school and Second City theater troupe are currently located in the Near North Side on North Wells Street. The troupe adopted the name from an article by A. J. Liebling which appeared in the New Yorker in 1952. The name, acquired as a tribute to the theater's founders.
The founders first gathered at the Compass Bar in 1955. The group, made up of only two people at the time, were Bernard Sahlins and Paul Sills. After which, Sills' mother developed a del arte style training program. Once more students started to show an interest in improv, Spolin began training more actors and comedians. Then, once having become better known, the three sat up the original Second City theater and training center in 1959.
Shortly after the first set of classes ended, the group began hosting occasional performances in Chicago. Then, the first Second City show premiered at 1842 North Wells with Sill's with Barbara Harris, Sill's ex wife and Compass Player singing Everybody's in the Know. The admission for that first show, one dollar and fifty cents.
Shortly after Barbara Harris' performance, the theater became a place where scenes and stories would be created on the spot, a method of acting which later became known as improv. The methods and techniques used during the process were those taught by Ms. Spolin. After which, the teachings became known as Theater Games, a class directed and produced by Paul Sills.
More recently, Second City and the training centers have been producing shows for Norwegian Cruise Lines. While this is the case, the troupe still tours, having recently launched a national tour upon completing a contract with the cruise line. Now, with a number of actors and comedians having moved on to greener pastures, the theater is looking for individuals interested in learning improvisational acting and comedy. If this is the case, more information about the Second City comedy troupe, improv classes, training centers and SCTV can be found on the SCTV or Second City website.
The Second City enterprise is known for producing the first improvisational acting troupe in the country. For, it was on December 16, 1959 when the most prolific, influential and respected theater was first founded. After which, Barbara Harris, Sill's former partner and Compass Player sang Everybody's in the Know during the first performance. The admission to the theater at the time, $1.50.
Having produced such amazing television programs as Next Comedy Legend, SCTV and Second City Presents, the theater and troupe have gained a huge following over the years. In addition, there have been several well known producers, directors, comedians and actors whom started out as part of the Second City training program or comedy troupe. These individuals include, Bill Murray, John Candy, Dan Aykroyd, Del Close, Catherine O'Hara, Gilda Radner, Ryan Stiles, Mike Myers, Steve Colbert, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey.
The original Chicago location's theater, school and Second City theater troupe are currently located in the Near North Side on North Wells Street. The troupe adopted the name from an article by A. J. Liebling which appeared in the New Yorker in 1952. The name, acquired as a tribute to the theater's founders.
The founders first gathered at the Compass Bar in 1955. The group, made up of only two people at the time, were Bernard Sahlins and Paul Sills. After which, Sills' mother developed a del arte style training program. Once more students started to show an interest in improv, Spolin began training more actors and comedians. Then, once having become better known, the three sat up the original Second City theater and training center in 1959.
Shortly after the first set of classes ended, the group began hosting occasional performances in Chicago. Then, the first Second City show premiered at 1842 North Wells with Sill's with Barbara Harris, Sill's ex wife and Compass Player singing Everybody's in the Know. The admission for that first show, one dollar and fifty cents.
Shortly after Barbara Harris' performance, the theater became a place where scenes and stories would be created on the spot, a method of acting which later became known as improv. The methods and techniques used during the process were those taught by Ms. Spolin. After which, the teachings became known as Theater Games, a class directed and produced by Paul Sills.
More recently, Second City and the training centers have been producing shows for Norwegian Cruise Lines. While this is the case, the troupe still tours, having recently launched a national tour upon completing a contract with the cruise line. Now, with a number of actors and comedians having moved on to greener pastures, the theater is looking for individuals interested in learning improvisational acting and comedy. If this is the case, more information about the Second City comedy troupe, improv classes, training centers and SCTV can be found on the SCTV or Second City website.
About the Author:
Chicago improv classes provide acting and drama training to children over the age of 6, teens, and adults. Come and sign up now via http://www.actorscraftwisconsin.com/classes-services.
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