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The Second City Theatre

Neighbourhood:
downtown, entertainment district
Activity:
comedy, live performance, theatre
Venue type:
club, theatre
Scene:
comedy, 19+, performance art
Food/Drink:
 
Music:
 
Cost:
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The Second City Theatre
51 Mercer Street
Toronto, ON M5V 1H2

416-343-0011

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The Second City Theatre
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yelp.ca
The Second City Theatre
photo from
yelp.ca
The Second City Theatre
photo from
yelp.ca
The Second City Theatre
photo by
Ryan Jones
The Second City Theatre
photo by
Ryan Jones
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  1. Nusrat Jahan wrote on March 11, 2010:

    Helpfulness 18      
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    According to the owner:
    Few cultural institutions in Toronto have the staying power of Second City, whose comedy revues and improvisational events are now held next door to Wayne Gretzky’s restaurant. The troupe’s legacy dates back to Chicago in 1959, with its Toronto outpost opening at the Old Firehall theatre in 1973. The list of Second City alumni remains a staggering cross-section of North American comedic legends, including cast members of Saturday Night Live, the creators of the Broadway show The Drowsy Chaperone and those responsible for the offshoot television series SCTV from the mid-1970s through mid-1980s. The next generation of talent can always be glimpsed on the Second City stage, whose main production includes satirical skits inspired by current events and relationship foibles, along with biting parodies of popular music and media.
    Second City also operates a renowned training centre that helps breed talent for its main stage and touring companies, while providing an opportunity for anyone to explore their own comedic potential. Corporate workshops incorporate a series of exercises dedicated to helping employees foster teamwork outside of the office environment. There’s also an outreach and diversity division dedicated to nurturing talent from a diverse group of faces and programs that provide intensive workshops for youth and a teen improv program with its own troupe. The Second City Canadian Touring Company performs in smaller cities, but returns to the Toronto stage each Monday to put their funniest faces forward.
    Live improvisation is at the core of all Second City creations and there’s an opportunity to watch the cast try out new comedic ideas after each main stage show, often drawing from audience suggestions. This spontaneous performance method was key in establishing the careers of Toronto alumni like Dan Aykroyd, Eugene Levy, Colin Mochrie, Mike Myers and Martin Short. For those seeking some food with their comedy, a dinner package is available in conjunction with Wayne Gretzky’s, which can also be designed to accommodate larger groups.