Bernie Sahlins gave me my first job in theatre. In classic Bernie fashion, he didn’t even have to foot the bill. He hired me to work at his new theatre “The Willow Street Carnival,” but since that opening was almost a year away, he got Joyce Sloane to give me a job washing dishes at The Second City, a job every bit as glamorous as it sounds. When Willow Street didn’t pan out, it was back to Second City, where I will have logged 25 years this coming October.

All thanks to Bernie.

Bernie Sahlins was charming, smart and influential. He used those gifts to not only create one of the theatre world’s most treasured institutions, he gave that institution the cultural fortitude to sustain itself through seismic sea changes in the way the world works.

When I started at The Second City, there were no computers. We had one electric typewriter; there was no box office system and we didn’t take credit cards. We didn’t just not have a website, we didn’t have print brochures.

But we had something more important than technology.

The DNA that Bernie infused in everything The Second City was – and is - includes nimbleness, craft, attention to detail, intelligence, portable content, interactivity, real-time innovation and an embrace of risk and failure as a by-product towards something truly original.

Taken in another context, you could think we were talking about a map of how the human brain works. Perhaps we are.

Bernie was always one of the smartest people in the room, but I’m fairly certain he had no idea that he was creating a creative ecosystem that is likely to live on well past those of us who are currently tending to its legacy.

Bernie brought joy to his work, and it’s an example we should all embrace. He was fast with a joke and even quicker with a smile. He married an incredible woman of grace and beauty and sophistication – Jane Nicholl Sahlins – making them a truly formidable pair. He had the respect of his peers and colleagues. He chose the ideal business partner to hand off The Second City to in Andrew Alexander. For every risk that didn’t pay off, every show that didn’t get a good review, there were plenty of other opportunities to relish in success.

When I was working for Bernie at The Willow Street Carnival, he had a vision for the show – which took the audience through the four seasons – that had snow descending on them as they entered the theatre. He kept talking about how that would immediately create the theatrical environment that he was looking for. Unfortunately, it cost a lot of money to rig up a system that would slowly drop fake snow over a 7,000-foot square space. By the first preview, I was backstage gently pulling on a rope that held the faux flakes in an old paint can tilted so that they would descend on stage in a single focused spotlight… the size of a paint can.

I remember Bernie walking by me and dropping the line, “Well, we can dream big.”

Kelly Leonard is the Executive Vice President of The Second City and President of Second City Theatricals. He has worked at The Second City since 1988, thanks to Bernie Sahlins.

The post Bernie Remembered appeared first on Second City Network.

Joy Koy talks about starting off in standup. He also makes fun of Chris for riding a bike.

The post Jo Koy on No Jacket Required appeared first on Second City Network.

Another year, another attempt at rebooting the Superman franchise. I can’t say I’m surprised. A new director, a new vision, a new actor donning the cape – in terms of actors playing the same role, we’re approaching Doctor Who territory, and that’s not a good thing.

But no one’s addressing the big problem with Superman: he’s an alien! Pretend he’s an all-American boy all you want, he’s still foreign and unapproachable. He needs something to humanize him. If only he had some kind of furry companion to make him more relatable.

And I’m not saying I need to be a huge part of it. I’m not asking for a big action sequence – just some side by side flying, a couple of laser eye-blasts, maybe a hilarious misunderstanding where Superman throws a stick and I bring back the Eiffel Tower.

Okay, now the creative juices are flowing. How about we make this thing more of a buddy comedy? He’s the the straight-laced crime-fighter; I’m the loose cannon. Like a superpowered Turner & Hooch. Like maybe we’re on a stakeout and Supes is all, “Krypto, are you paying attention?” and then he looks back and I’m peeing on his cape. That’s your trailer moment right there!

But I’m probably just kidding myself, right? You dumbasses are just going to put Superman on a fishing trawler, make him all moody, have Kevin Costner say some folksy bullshit and call it a day. Good luck with that. Can’t wait to see the next reboot in two years.

Give me a call when you’re ready to make a fucking Superman movie.

–KtS

Tim Ryder is an alumnus of The Second City National Touring Company. He can be seen in videos for The Onion and in the web series Game Bros. Find him online at thisistimryder.com and @timryder.

The post There’s Something Missing from These Superman Reboots: by Krypto the Superdog appeared first on Second City Network.

Being a lady is complicated. Take a lesson from Chelsea and Emily as they navigate life as modern women.

The post How to Take the Perfect Photo – Modern Women Episode 6 appeared first on Second City Network.

The Cast of the TBS sitcom Sullivan & Son stop by for a visit.

The post Sullivan & Son on No Jacket Required appeared first on Second City Network.

Whether you dream of hearing Don Pardo say your name every Saturday night or just want to improve your interpersonal relationships, improv classes are a great way to spend a ton of money on learning an art form that involves minimal rehearsal– and almost no outside dedication.

Here are 10 surefire signs that the $1,000+ you’ve already spent learning how best to create a work of art from the suggestion of “dildo” are definitely paying off.

Any improvisor who’s ever cracked a copy of Truth in Comedy knows the number one rule of improv is to always say yes, no matter what! “Should I pierce my nose?” “Yes!” “Will eating this entire Bloomin’ Onion help with my chronic indigestion?” “Yes!” “Anyone up for a scenic tour of all the areas in Baltimore featured on The Wire?” “Yes, AND I’ll bring my kids!”

Questions are a no-go in improvised scene work, and that means they’re a no-go with you! While this has made your day job waiting tables a little more difficult, you’ve found some great ways around it. Instead of, “What can I get for you folks today?” you say, “I’m going to bring you the chicken and you the steak.” Sure, it’s lead to a lot of comped meals and countless offended vegetarians, but you made a definitive statement, and that’s what counts!

It’s hard to believe there was a time when you used to just sit and converse with someone about their life, their hobbies, or their interests without first finding someone nearby to offer you a suggestion of anything at all (please). Conversations are much more fun and personally rewarding now that you can use them as opportunities to try out new material and work on your new improv form, “The Slowly Deteriorating Relationship.”

6. You’ve Gained 10 Pounds in Beer

Why only have drinks after class when you can have them all the time?

“Are you gonna eat that bagel?” “Why? Do you think I’m fat?!” “Did you get a haircut?” “I can’t believe you’d ask that after the week I’ve had!” “Did I get any mail today?” “I’M LEAVING YOU.”  A good improvisor makes sure that whatever is said is important to them and impacts them on an emotional level, leaving everyone you interact with under the impression you’re schizophrenic!

10. You Do Everything For Free

Truly, improv is an art form so enthralling and rewarding for the performer that there is no need whatsoever for any form of financial compensation. You make sure to steer as far away as possible from the almighty dollar. This allows you to keep your mind solidly on your craft, which consists of deciding whether you want to eat regular or Cool Ranch Doritos, followed by eight straight hours of watching Netflix.

Daniel Strauss is an alum of the Second City touring company and performs at various theaters in the Chicago area. He also makes fun videos about video games that can be found at gamebroswebseries.com. Daniel is on Twitter @danielstrauss. 

The post 10 Surefire Signs Those Improv Classes Are Finally Paying Off appeared first on Second City Network.

It’s not just a number. What does your Chicago Blackhawks jersey say about you?

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Toews #19: “This is my first game, and the tag is still on my jersey. Go Toes!”

Kane #88: “Lincoln Park is my Shangri-La. After the game I’ll be at Stanley’s, pounding Bud Light Platinum.”

Amonte #10: “My mullet speaks to the years of suffering I spent waiting for this team to get good again.”

Probert #24: “Not only do I enjoy meth, but I will kill you as soon as look at you.”

Hull #9: “I am over 50, but I enjoy not being sober as much as the kids wearing #88. See ya at River Shannon after the game.”

Keith #2: “I keep my NHL dreams alive by playing beer league hockey at Johnny’s Ice House on Tuesday nights at 10:50 p.m.”

Sharp #10: “I am a lady.”

Hossa #81: ”I bought my fiancee a Patrick Sharp jersey for her birthday last year.”

Chelios #7: “I remember when you could smoke in the concourse at the old stadium. My jersey is stained with tears and chili.”

Seabrook #7: “Hockey isn’t all about scoring goals. It’s about strong defense, crisp passes out of the defensive zone, and a good golf game in the off-season.”

Carcillo #13: “If you are wearing any other team’s sweater, I will fight you.”

Hjalmarsson #4: “I excel at spelling, enjoy different cultures and shop at Ikea.”

Shaw #65: “While guys use the urinal between periods at the United Center, I will scream and yell ‘Hawks’ at the top of my lungs directly in their ears.”

Saad #20: “Hi, my name is George. My brother Brandon gave me his game-worn jersey.”

Oduya #27: “I’m into white chicks.”

Belfour #30: “ I understand all that is good and true in life.”

Eager #55: “I blew 300 bucks on this thing. Stupid Free Agency.”

Byfuglien #33/#52: I once ate thirteen Juicy Beefs from Johnnie’s in Elmwood Park. In one sitting! Had an Italian ice to top it off, too!

And…what does your Bruins jersey say about you?

Chara #33: “I got my ass kicked  by a guy wearing a Carcillo jersey after watching Boston lose Game 1 to the Hawks.”

The post What Does Your Blackhawks Jersey Say About You? appeared first on Second City Network.

The realities of Hollywood set in on two aspiring actresses as they enjoy a day at the beach.

The post Character Actors appeared first on Second City Network.

11.  Instead of a Father’s Day card, send him a happy birthday card. Or eight happy birthday cards– one for every birthday of yours he forgot.

10.  Tell him you’re picking him up at 7:00 to take him to his favorite restaurant. Never show. Send a strange adult to come stand with him while he waits. Pay the stranger to awkwardly pat his back and say “I’m sorry” every now and then.

3.  Tell him his “gift” is that you buried all your money in your backyard, and when he asks for some, threaten he’ll have to take you to court for it.

2.  Pick him up in your new car, then swerve all over the road and scream, “I bet you wish you would have taught me how to drive now, huh!?!” For added fun, drive off a bridge yelling, “Driving’s for boys! Now go make yourself pretty, or you’ll be good for nothing!”

1.  Do nothing. Live a happy and successful life, and get a shit-ton of therapy. Take solace in the fact that you are probably happier than he is.  And even if you’re not, it’s not like you talk to him anymore — you’ll never find out.

Chelsea Devantez is a member of The Second City Touring Company and performs in The Second City’s Improv All-stars and Improv Extravaganza Explosion. She and her bff created the series Modern Women, and their pilot, www.stupidbitchsyndrome.com, is a finalist in the Comedy Central-New York Television Festival. http://devantez.tumblr.com/ 

The post 11 Shitty Ways to Wish Your Shitty Father a Happy Father’s Day appeared first on Second City Network.

Michael and John share the screen with the Crazy Taco. Also they talk about the Diorites Tacos Locos from Taco Bell. Plus John has some tips for the fast food restaurants out there, if they only made him the CEO.

The post Taco Bell Tacos Locos Review: Heat Lamp Hot Episode 5 appeared first on Second City Network.