The Second City
American improvisational theatre troupe
About
The Second City is an improvisational comedy enterprise. It is the oldest improvisational theater troupe to be continuously based in Chicago, with training programs and live theaters in Toronto and New York. Since its debut in 1959, it has become one of the most influential and renowned in the English-speaking world. In February 2021, ZMC, a private equity investment firm based in Manhattan, purchased the Second City.
The Second City has produced television programs in both Canada and the United States, including SCTV, Second City Presents, and Next Comedy Legend. It has been a starting point for many comedians, award-winning actors, directors, and others in show business, including Joan Rivers, Alan Alda, Harold Ramis, Bill Murray, John Candy, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Chris Farley, Mike Myers, Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Stephen Colbert and Jason Sudeikis.
Nearby
More to see within walking distance
James Charnley House
Historic house in Chicago, Illinois
0.5 mi away
Near North Side, Chicago
Community area in Chicago, Illinois
0.7 mi away
Lincoln Park Zoo
Zoo in Chicago, Illinois, United States
0.7 mi away
Cabrini–Green Homes
Public housing development in Chicago, Illinois, United States
0.8 mi away
Saint Valentine's Day Massacre
1929 gang shooting in Chicago, US
0.7 mi away
Newberry Library
Private research library in Chicago, Illinois, USA
0.8 mi awayPlaces to eat nearby
Finding places to eat…
Traveler reviews
Tickets & tours
Tickets and tours for The Second City
We may earn a commission from some of these links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Photos from Unsplash, Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA); facts from Wikipedia; maps © OpenStreetMap contributors, weather from Open-Meteo. Huginn’s tips are AI-written — check prices, hours and entry rules before you go.