Inside the second city: history, alumni and contemporary training

Introduction: Why second city matters

The second city is widely recognised as a formative institution in modern comedy and improvisation. Its importance lies in launching the careers of numerous performers and in shaping approaches to improvisational theatre, sketch writing and comedy training. Contemporary audiences and aspiring performers still look to the company for shows, classes and corporate programmes, making its ongoing activity relevant to both culture and professional development.

Main body: History, alumni and current activity

Documentary and film connections

The 2006 documentary Second City: First Family of Comedy, directed by Sharon Bartlett and alum Dave Thomas, traces the origins of The Second City in Chicago and profiles the life and success of notable alumni. The company’s influence is also visible in feature film work: Want Someone to Eat Cheese With (2006), written, directed, produced and starring Jeff Garlin — himself a former Second City performer — includes scenes shot within The Second City’s Chicago theatre and features alumni such as Mina Kolb, David Pasquesi, Amy Sedaris, Richard Kind, Dan Castellaneta, Tim Kazurinsky and Bonnie Hunt.

Notable alumni and media presence

The Second City counts many household names among its alumni. Sources highlight figures including Tina Fey, Mike Myers, Ryan Stiles, Patrick McKenna and Martin Short; the organisation’s own media channels also point to icons such as Steve Carell as having roots connected to the company. These alumni underpin The Second City’s reputation as a launchpad for careers in television, film and comedy.

Performance evolution and training

On the touring front, the Touring Company continued to perform greatest-hit shows on the road. In 1982, with the assistance of producer Joyce Sloane — and reportedly without Sahlins’s knowledge — the company staged an original revue that became the theatre’s second stage, known as Second City e.t.c. Today The Second City operates a Training Center that offers classes in improv, acting, comedy writing and stand-up, and a commercial arm, Second City Works, which provides improv-based executive education, talent development and corporate entertainment. Recent programming cited includes the Mainstage 114th Revue, Improv Supernova: e.t.c. 50th Revue and Best of The Second City. The organisation’s official channels remain active and cite a 2026 copyright.

Conclusion: Significance and outlook

The second city continues to combine live performance, training and corporate work, sustaining its historical role while reaching new audiences. For readers interested in comedy careers, theatre history or corporate training, the company offers both a legacy of notable alumni and practical opportunities through classes and programmes. Given its ongoing Mainstage revues, training offerings and corporate services, the second city is likely to remain a prominent influence in improvisation and sketch comedy.