Second City Toronto | Toronto

The Second City Toronto is a renowned comedy theatre and improv troupe that has become an iconic part of Toronto’s entertainment scene. Known for its sharp wit, bold humor, and innovative approach to comedy, The Second City has played a significant role in shaping both Canadian and international comedy. It's part of the larger Second City network, which has theaters in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Toronto, and is celebrated for launching the careers of many famous comedians.

Overview

Address: 51 Mercer Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (located in the Entertainment District of downtown Toronto).

Founded: The Toronto location of The Second City opened in 1973, making it one of the longest-standing comedy institutions in the city.

Type of Comedy: Primarily known for improvisational comedy and sketch shows, The Second City focuses on creating original, unscripted, and satirical performances. The theatre often touches on political and social topics, using comedy to comment on current events and cultural issues.

Capacity: The theater seats approximately 250 people, offering an intimate setting where audiences can experience live, unscripted performances.

History

Origins: The Second City began in Chicago in 1959, founded by Imogene Coca, Bernie Sahlins, Paul Sills, and Howard Alk. Its Toronto location opened in 1973 as part of a larger expansion of the comedy brand.

Over the years, The Second City Toronto has become one of the city’s most influential comedy theatres, serving as a launchpad for many successful comedians, actors, and writers.

Toronto's Impact on Second City’s Legacy: The Toronto theatre quickly gained recognition as a hub for satirical sketch comedy and improvisational performances. It became an essential part of the Canadian entertainment landscape and continues to play a significant role in shaping the local comedy scene.

Notable Alumni

Many prominent comedians, actors, and writers have gotten their start at The Second City Toronto. Some notable alumni include:

John Candy

Martin Short

Eugene Levy

Catherine O’Hara

Dave Thomas

Dan Aykroyd

Andrea Martin

SCTV Cast Members: Many Second City Toronto performers became part of the celebrated SCTV (Second City Television) comedy sketch series in the 1970s and 1980s, which aired on Canadian and American television.

The Second City has long been a training ground for comedians who went on to have successful careers in film, television, and stand-up comedy.

Key Features and Highlights

1. Improv and Sketch Comedy

Improv Comedy: The Second City Toronto is known for its commitment to improvisation and its high-quality, live, unscripted performances. These performances can range from spontaneous skits to longer, improvised scenes that keep audiences laughing with their quick wit and clever humor.

Sketch Comedy Shows: The Second City is also famous for its original sketch comedy shows, which often combine sharp satire, political commentary, and hilarious character-driven comedy. These shows feature a mix of musical numbers, physical comedy, and smart, edgy humor.

Interactive Audience Engagement: One of the distinctive features of Second City performances is the audience participation aspect of improv, where the actors might ask for suggestions or engage directly with the crowd, making each show unique.

2. Performances and Productions

The Second City Toronto’s shows often feature a combination of scripted material and improvisational elements, with actors coming up with quick-witted responses and jokes on the spot based on audience suggestions.

Shows at The Second City typically focus on satire, pop culture references, and political humor, often offering a hilarious take on current events and societal issues.

Over the years, the theatre has staged many successful productions, such as "Second City: Theatrical Improv" and "Second City: 50th Anniversary Show", which celebrate its legacy and comedic influence.

3. The Second City Training Centre

The Second City Toronto is not just a theatre but also a hub for aspiring comedians and performers through its Second City Training Centre. This center offers courses in improvisation, sketch writing, comedy, and performance.

It has programs for all levels of experience, from complete beginners to professional comedians. The training centre helps develop new talent and gives students a solid foundation in comedic timing, improvisation skills, and writing.

The Improvisation Program and Sketch Writing Workshops are among the most popular courses, where students can learn from experienced instructors, many of whom have performed or written for Second City’s stages.

4. Cultural Impact

Influence on Comedy in Canada and Beyond: The Second City Toronto has had a massive influence on Canadian comedy, shaping the style and tone of comedic performances throughout the country. The Second City approach to improv and sketch comedy has influenced generations of performers, comedians, and writers.

Political Satire and Social Commentary: The Second City’s commitment to political satire and social commentary sets it apart from other comedy venues. The performances often reflect and comment on contemporary issues in a way that is both insightful and hilarious, making the theatre a cultural touchstone.

5. Location and Atmosphere

Located in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District, The Second City Toronto is surrounded by vibrant restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. The area offers plenty of options for a night out before or after the show.

The theatre itself has a cozy, intimate atmosphere, with a focus on creating a shared experience between the performers and the audience. The setting encourages a lively and engaging environment where humor is spontaneous and constantly evolving.

Key Shows and Productions

Over the years, The Second City Toronto has produced many memorable and successful shows, including:

"The Second City: 50th Anniversary Show" – A celebration of Second City’s impact on comedy, featuring a mix of classic sketches and improv.

"The Best of The Second City" – A showcase of some of the most popular sketches and performances from the company’s long history.

"Comedy Lab" – A showcase of new material and experimental shows created by Second City performers.

"The Second City Mainstage Shows" – These rotating productions feature new sketches, comedy routines, and improv performances that reflect the most current cultural and political events.

Conclusion

The Second City Toronto remains a cornerstone of Toronto’s comedy scene and one of the city’s most cherished cultural institutions. Known for its improv comedy, satirical sketches, and unique brand of humor, it continues to attract both seasoned comedy lovers and newcomers to the world of live performance. With a rich legacy of alumni who have shaped comedy in Canada and beyond, The Second City remains at the forefront of live entertainment, offering an unforgettable experience for all who attend its shows. Whether you’re looking for sharp political satire or just a good laugh, The Second City Toronto provides an unparalleled comedy experience.