Second Citizens

Comedy

In 1952 The New Yorker Magazine published an article about Chicago and mockingly titled “The Second City”. Who could have foreseen the irony that the publication that was started by and published the great wits of their day, Dorothy Parker, Alexander Woollcott, James Thurber and George S. Kaufman would end up christening the greatest incubator of comedy talent in show biz history? In 1959 on North Wells Street in that famed “second city”, for the price of $1.50 you could watch a revolution. The Second City has written and re written the history of comedy in America. It has been creating comedy and comedians whose influence would reach far beyond the walls of the theater into American culture. Beyond being a laboratory for modern improvisation they have also set the standard for contemporary satire in America AND Canada. But they are best known for the countless comedy geniuses who have cut thier teeth while working for the second city. From Alan Arkin to Bill Murray to Tina Fey to Tim Robinson and on and on, the list of comedy giants with ties to the Second City is seemingly endless. On The second citizens podcast, we interview Alums of the second city stages about their time working at the theater. Friendships made, lessons learned both good and bad, we set out to chronicle the formative years of our comedy heroes, before they were household names and try to get to the beating heart of an institution that thrives on creatives, but has been consumed by the corporate world. Join us as we talk to these talented second citizens.

Location:

United States

Genres:

Comedy

Description:

In 1952 The New Yorker Magazine published an article about Chicago and mockingly titled “The Second City”. Who could have foreseen the irony that the publication that was started by and published the great wits of their day, Dorothy Parker, Alexander Woollcott, James Thurber and George S. Kaufman would end up christening the greatest incubator of comedy talent in show biz history? In 1959 on North Wells Street in that famed “second city”, for the price of $1.50 you could watch a revolution. The Second City has written and re written the history of comedy in America. It has been creating comedy and comedians whose influence would reach far beyond the walls of the theater into American culture. Beyond being a laboratory for modern improvisation they have also set the standard for contemporary satire in America AND Canada. But they are best known for the countless comedy geniuses who have cut thier teeth while working for the second city. From Alan Arkin to Bill Murray to Tina Fey to Tim Robinson and on and on, the list of comedy giants with ties to the Second City is seemingly endless. On The second citizens podcast, we interview Alums of the second city stages about their time working at the theater. Friendships made, lessons learned both good and bad, we set out to chronicle the formative years of our comedy heroes, before they were household names and try to get to the beating heart of an institution that thrives on creatives, but has been consumed by the corporate world. Join us as we talk to these talented second citizens.

Language:

English

Website:

https://www.kmrtalent.com/digital-media

Episodes

Dave Razowsky

1/11/2023

For our Season Two finale, Second City "Jack of all trades" Dave Razowsky talks with us about......nearly everything you can regarding The Second City. And with good reason, considering that Dave performed on the Northwest Stage as well as the ETC and Main Stage in Chicago AND he directed shows in Chicago AND was the first Artistic Director of the Second City Los Angeles! (RIP). I've even left out a bunch of stuff so you'll have to listen to find out! -And talk about timing! Mr. Razowsy has just written a book on improv!!! pre-order it at bio.site/DavidRazowsky And thanks to all of our season 2 listeners! If you haven't rated and reviewed us, could you please? The more 5 star ratings and snarky reviews we get, the quicker we will be back for season 3! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondcitizenspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecondCitizens_

Duration:01:16:02

Rebecca Allen

1/4/2023

Rebecca Allen is part of a mounting pile of evidence that suggests the best thing to do at the Second City is to get sent away early on and brought back shortly afterwards which I would think gives one a sense of satisfaction (of course our host has a way of finding that sense often). She describes her up and down and up and wha? journey at the Second City, as well as correcting any errors in Joe's version of their second city touring company audition, from which they were both hired. She also mentions touring the world on a Second City cruise ship and what happened when she got back on dry land. Also other topics!!! We're wrapping up season 2 and hoping the promise of season 3 makes you rate and review us at your soonest convenience, And Happy New Year! if you are into that. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondcitizenspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecondCitizens_

Duration:00:56:06

Inessa Frantowski

12/21/2022

Throughout our rollicking conversation Inessa reminded me of so many of my Second City friends. We explored more of the Toronto Comedy Scene before ping ponging into a number of comedy topics that Inessa tackles with her tremendous energy. It really was a great time and hopefully now that we've had a few Canadians on it will prime the pump so we can bring you more stories from Toronto, which is nice because our host can't pretend like he knows what he's talking about. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondcitizenspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecondCitizens_

Duration:01:04:43

Jason Derosse

12/14/2022

We welcome our first Canadian Second citizen of the 21st century with Jason Derosse, who reminds Joe of their improbable first meeting on the Toronto Main Stage and also gives us a great account of what the comedy scene in Toronto was in the 2010's. Later on Joe gets envious about the respect improvisers are paid up north and makes a big deal about remembering the name of a comedy producer in Toronto. Did you remember to rate and review us? (I'm assuming you are a subscriber at this point) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondcitizenspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecondCitizens_

Duration:00:58:52

Emily Wilson

12/7/2022

Emily Wilson comes on to trade insults with the host, in order to maintain consistency in their relationship. She also talks about her non-typical road to the main stage, the pressure to perform (especially for the 50th anniversary show) and the various ways we go about motivating ourselves. *Trigger Warning: this episode contains scenes of alcohol consumption and also one of the most touching and simultaniously disgusting stories in the history of backstage pranks. You know what isn't a prank? Us asking you to Subscribe Rate and Review! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondcitizenspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecondCitizens_

Duration:01:00:14

Tracy Thorpe

12/1/2022

Tracy Thorpe delights us with sooooo many great stories from her years at the Second City, including our second eyewitness account of the TourCo van that almost went over the Mountain! In fact, she had so many great stories that we didn't even GET to talking about the most epic bizco gig in history, we may need a part 2! *Tracy also corrected our host (off air) on the authorship of the brilliant song "Helium". Apologies to John Hildreth, the writer of the greatest song ever about a noble gas. Speaking of... it would be noble of you to Subscribe Rate and Review! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondcitizenspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecondCitizens_

Duration:00:52:16

Maribeth Monroe

11/28/2022

After numerous attempts to schedule this episode we finally tracked down Maribeth Monroe! Joe Gets his most embarrassing moment at Second City (amongst many) out of the way up top before a rollicking romp through Maribeth's Second City years. From her precocious start in Detroit to the......mixed reaction she and some others got upon arriving in Chicago including stories of mystery and intrigue and stalkers! *to any concerned listeners everything works out in the end and no improvisers were harmed in the recording of the episode or in the stories they tell. Happy belated Thanksgiving (no matter when you read this) and we would be thankful if you would Subscribe Rate and Review Please! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondcitizenspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecondCitizens_

Duration:01:19:21

Jamison Webb

11/16/2022

Jamison Webb (no relation to Webb Telescope) joins us to talk about the Webb telescope. We also discuss the many Florida Gator contributions to the improv community which makes Joe mention the 96 Fiesta bowl. We also talk about the post 50th anniversary years and the wealth of talent in that era. We also hope each of you listeners are able to book a national commercial that runs for years.... Subscribe Rate and Review! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondcitizenspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecondCitizens_

Duration:01:07:21

Suzy Nakamura

11/9/2022

Today's episode exemplifies the idea of the Second City "family". Although Joe and Suzy had never actually met beyond introductions before our recording, within seconds they immediately began back and forth banter like siblings or old pals. Joe talks about how Second Citizens don't take shit from anyone and Suzy immediately proves it by schooling Joe on the real reason behind some of those behaviors. We also get a first hand telling of the most infamous Tourco story EVER! I'm talking about the tourco Van that almost fell off a mountain!! It's a real fun time! Also fun?(for us): Subscribing Rating and Reviewing! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondcitizenspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecondCitizens_

Duration:00:58:14

Brendan Jennings

11/2/2022

Brendan Jennings jumps onto the show to talk about the pros and cons of going into a Second City show as a long term understudy, and how he dealt with keeping expectations at bay. We also ruminate on not believing what people tell you and how Brendan eventually got to write his own shows on the ETC! We also believe that Brendan and our host are the only people in Second City History to understudy one another for the same parts in the same show. We didn't talk about Subscribing, Rating and Reviewing, which is why I'm reminding you to do those things in print! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondcitizenspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecondCitizens_

Duration:00:51:17

Rob Janas

10/26/2022

After some technical difficulties in our first crack at an episode our host and Rob Janas sit down for take two to talk about Northwestern University and it's lengthy improv roster, the IO road show and of course the Second City! You may ask why I even mention that this was a second recording and it's because the improv chemistry between Rob and Joe that only comes from performing thousands of free shows together makes it SEEM like it's a first episode. *Except for any parts where we might mention that it's a second attempt. I'm guessing you won't need a second attempt to subscribe, rate and review! Because you are such a smart listener! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondcitizenspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecondCitizens_

Duration:00:41:13

Dwayne Colbert

10/19/2022

*NOTE* This episode was recorded a few weeks before The Second City announced that they will be opening a New York theater in 2023 (Hooray!), while at the same time removing all evidence of the Los Angeles theater from their website without alerting any of the Second Citizens still teaching for them out here. (BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!)- on with the show. The Second City Los Angeles has contributed mightily to the comedy output of the company and no one was more vital to the LA theater than Dwayne Colbert. He joins us to talk about discovering improv, the highs and lows of the Second City Network, how he found his way to the Second City Advisory Board (Thanks Amber Ruffin!) and what he plans to bring to that role. We also have a brief discussion on what it means to be a "Second Citizen". I can't think of a better person to represent the Second City LA, no matter what the future holds. We've been getting some snarky reviews and are loving it. Keep em' coming with those 5 star ratings! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondcitizenspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecondCitizens_

Duration:00:50:13

Lance Kinsey

10/12/2022

Lance Kinsey (whom we've decided to call Uncle Lance- you'll hear) joins us to talk about how improv and the second city method influenced the writing and directing of his movie "All Stars" (Featuring multiple Second City Alums), and how it continues to inform his process today. Lance's interview was recorded shortly after the passing of his good friend and Second City Legend Mike Haggerty (Joyce had to find him another job so he would stop doing Second City shows) and this episode is dedicated in memory of Haggs. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondcitizenspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecondCitizens_

Duration:00:55:21

Amanda Blake Davis

10/5/2022

Amanda Blake Davis worked on multiple oceans and multiple deserts before ABD (as she's known) hit the ETC. She shares her stories from all of these wet/dry climates, as well as the temperate midwest (ha.). Jobs are a theme as the financial sacrifice of working for tourco comes up as well as how sometimes you have to move away from Chicago so that you can move back to Chicago. And though this episode was recorded a while ago, I think I remember us talking about the grinding world of theater league, co-ed, FLAG FOOTBALL! (ABD is a 2X TLCFF champion) And you will be a Champion if you Subscribe, Rate and Review! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondcitizenspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecondCitizens_

Duration:00:41:51

Harry Murphy

9/28/2022

Following up on last week's ETC origin story, we welcome Harry Murphy to share his thoughts on that transitional time in The Second City's history. He describes the freedom and fun of creating your own company and operating with relatively little oversight, and how the "promotion" to the Main Stage didn't bring that same energy. We also touch a little bit on some of the early attempts at establishing a foothold in LA, and also some of the middle attempts. Not much on recent attempts. And don't forget how much we love when you Subscribe Rate and Review! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondcitizenspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecondCitizens_

Duration:01:17:21

Jane Morris, Jeff Michalski & Bill Applebaum

9/21/2022

For over 30 years the Second City ETC (Experimental Theater Company) has been pumping out hilarious shows in Pipers Alley, right next door to its older sibling, the Chicago mainstage. In that time the ETC has produced as much quality comedy as any Second City stage. Today we are delighted to have the three actors who were the driving force behind the creation of the ETC. Jane Morris, Jeff Michalski, and Bill Applebaum were members of the touring company who wanted to put up an original show in the empty theater behind the Main Stage. The obstacles they had to overcome and the pushback the received from ownership made the eventual success of their show that much sweeter. These Second Citizens join us to tell their own personal stories and for the first time, they share their collective memories about the creation of the ETC theater. As you might guess, there are some memories that it takes all three plus our host to put together. After all it was a looooooong time ago. This is a must listen for comedy history buffs! Other buffs too! Don't forget how much we love it when you Subscribe, Rate & Review! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondcitizenspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecondCitizens_

Duration:01:14:36

Todd Stashwick

9/14/2022

Actor/Writer/Producer Todd Stashwick joins us to share stories about his short but eventful time working at the Second City. Todd was one of the last people hired by legendary producer Joyce Sloan, and the way she hired him reminds us of a simpler time. Todd was part of an incredibly talented (and tall) generation, working at second city during the emotionally charged "changing of the guard" in management. He also was there in the early days of the Detroit Theater and he tells us about the many many lessons learned in his short stint there. He also got fired by the owner of the company (something even our host was unable to do, try as he might) All of this and more within! Don't forget the rule of 3! Subscribe, Rate &Review! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondcitizenspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecondCitizens_

Duration:00:49:50

Craig Cackowski

9/7/2022

When our host first moved to Chicago, he made a point to try to watch Craig Cackowski improvise whenever he could. Today that very same Craig Cackowski joins us to... 1. explain his initial reluctance to appear on the show (hint: it was Joe) 2. tell us some of his favorite people to watch/ improvise with. 3. talk about his appreciation for fundamentals 4. deny accusations that he has a list of the greatest improvisers ever 5. much much more! and despite this list of 5 always remember the rule of 3 Subscribe, Rate & Review! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondcitizenspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecondCitizens_

Duration:01:14:56

Stephnie Weir

8/31/2022

Improv Legend Stephnie Weir joins the show and after we get through the awkwardness of our host getting her name wrong for 25 years things really pick up! Steph shares her long journey to discovering improv and then her much shorter journey to the top of the improv mountain. Did you know that Stephnie has the shortest tourco run of anyone who's ever had a tourco run? Do you even know what a tourco run is? Have a listen and find out! (*keep in mind any and all "statistics" in this podcast are really more like "guestimates") And don't forget the rule of 3... Subscribe, Rate, Review! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondcitizenspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecondCitizens_

Duration:00:58:55

Andy Cobb

8/24/2022

Andy Cobb joins us to talk about injecting politics into sketch comedy, marrying a second citizen and making people laugh immediately after 9/11. Listen to the show and tell us which one was the hardest to pull off successfully!*Also some valuable information about auditioning for commercials (don't be afraid to swear!) Subscribe, Rate and Review! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondcitizenspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecondCitizens_

Duration:01:02:52