What is The Second City Network?
The Second City Network is the new media department of The Second City. Here we post videos, podcasts and writing of the talented students, graduates, and Alumni of The Second City. Peruse our archives of SCTV clips, learn more about our alumni and see what’s new! For a daily dose of comedic ingenuity, follow Second City Network on Twitter, Facebook and visit our YouTube channel.

What is The Second City?
For over 50 years, The Second City has been a training center and theatre — and the starting ground for some of comedy’s biggest stars and funniest sketches. The Second City is the largest school of improvisation and sketch comedy in the world. Now in Chicago, Toronto and Hollywood, our training centers offer both classes and shows year round, in addition to our three National Touring Companies, consisting of 5 Second City students and alumni each.  To learn more about our history, how to see our shows, or start training with us, visit www.secondcity.com.

Who are our alumni?
The list is long! From directors to writers to actors, Second City alumni have been making their mark on comedy and entertainment for the past 50 years. Here are a few of the illustrious graduates you might know: John Belushi, Chris Farley, Joan Rivers, Alan Arkin, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Mike Myers, Steve Carell, John Candy, Eugene Levy, Tina Fey, Dan Akroyd, Ed Asner, Harold Ramis, Rachel Dratch, David Koechner, Rick Moranis, Amy Poehler, Martin Short and Horatio Sanz.  And there’s more!  See the full list at secondcity.com’s Our History.

Where are we?
The Second City first opened in Chicago in 1959, but we’ve since stretched our legs, opening training centers in both Toronto and Hollywood as well. Whether you’re looking to fine tune your funny, or have a good laugh, each location offers classes and sketch comedy performances everyday of the week. Visit www.secondcity.com and look under The Training Center to see the latest shows and class offerings at each location.

What is SCTV?
Second City Television was founded in 1976 as a sketch comedy show out of Toronto.  Featuring players from Second City’s Canadian branch, the concept surrounded a ficitional television station (SCTV) that exclusively aired public programming.  From melodramatic soap operas, to game show and movie spoofs, SCTV created some classic sketches and characters.  The show’s run ended in 1984, but the sketches live on!  Visit The Second City Network’s SCTV page to see some of our favorites, and don’t forget to visit our Facebook page and tell us yours!

Can I contribute to The Second City Network?
Most of the videos on Second City Network are produced by Second City students and alums, but anyone can be involved in 7 Day Shorts, a weekly short film competition held at our Hollywood training center.  Every Thursday, we give you a theme and 7 days to turn that theme into a 2 minute video.  Screening parties are held the following Saturday and winners are posted on the Network. For official rules and this week’s theme, visit 7 Day Shorts on Facebook.

How can I be involved with business opportunities?
Contact Michael Damanskis, mdamanskis@secondcity.com