“Black by Popular Demand” showcases common experiences from a Black viewpoint, resulting in some hilarious moments.
The Second City
February marks Black History Month and cultural institutions around Chicago are hosting events celebrating the city’s art and culture scene. Here are a few events you should check out.
A member of Chicago’s famed Second City comedy troupe, Arkin was an immediate success in movies and peaked late in life with his win as best supporting actor for the surprise 2006 hit “Little Miss Sunshine.”
Chicago’s Second City comedy theater — where performers including Bill Murray, Steve Carell and Jordan Peele honed their skills — has been put up for sale.
The improv comedy institution has a new leader after accusations of racism led to a shake-up. We check in with Anthony LeBlanc, the theater’s interim executive director.
Andrew Alexander, the CEO and co-owner of famed The Second City improv theater, said he is stepping down after a former performer leveled accusations of racism against the comedy institution.
The author, actor and former “Saturday Night Live” cast member tells us about her new stand-up residency at The Second City.
Comedian Peter Kim talks about the state of stand-up comedy, and why he recently left a hit show at The Second City.
Second City cast members report racist audience outbursts, and some cast and management have left the venerable theater. We take a closer look at recent changes with theater critic Chris Jones.
The head honchos at The Second City discuss their book about the importance of improv in everyday life.
The Second City is accepting applications for its Bob Curry Fellowship, which is named after the first African-American Second City performer. We revisit our story about the fellowship’s inaugural class.
Chicago native Sheldon Patinkin, who was part of the first generation of Chicago improvisers, died Sunday at the age of 79.
Meet the first group of Fellows in Second City’s new Bob Curry Fellowship. Named after the first African-American Second City performer, the fellowship offers intense training to help these funny people find their voices.
Bernie Sahlins died at the age of 90 this past weekend. We talk with the close friends and colleagues of The Second City legend about the man who helped shape American comedy. Watch a 2004 interview with Sahlins from our archives.
Bernie Sahlins, co-founder of The Second City and mentor to John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Bill Murray, died over the weekend at age 90. We remember Bernie Sahlins in his own words – from his visit to WTTW studios in February 2004. Watch his appearance from our archives.
What happens when The Second City teams with the Lyric Opera of Chicago? We find out from some of the principal planners of this meeting of musical and comedy minds.
