Comedy icons The Second City celebrate 65 years of funny with a stop in Morgantown for an all-new show and workshops with students
Celebrating its 65th anniversary, the world’s most influential name in comedy, The Second City, is coming to the West Virginia University College of Creative Arts and Media (CCAM) October 1 at 7:30 p.m. with their new show, “Laugh Harder, Not Smarter.”
“Laugh Harder, Not Smarter” is a celebration of legendary American comedy 65 years in the making. Featuring a hilarious array of classic sketch comedy and songs from the company's rich history, fresh new favorites, as well as the signature brand of irreverent improv that made The Second City famous.
This innovative and interactive performance, brought to life by the dynamic Second City Touring Company, is a celebration of the comedic genius that has graced stages for six and a half decades. With alumni such as Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, and Keegan-Michael Key, The Second City has an unmatched track record of launching the careers of comedy superstars.
In addition to the public performance on October 1, Second City performers will host a series of masterclasses for students in the School of Theatre and Dance. Masterclasses include two Intro to Improv workshops for students in the freshman and sophomore/junior acting classes, Musical Improv, Auditioning with Improv, and Intro to Writing.
A sixth masterclass titled "Imployed" will be held September 30 from 3 - 4:30 p.m. in the Media Innovation Center and is open to any WVU student. This highly interactive workshop provides an opportunity for attendees to work with Second City performers to learn tools of improvisation and tactics to manage nervousness, be better networkers and keep a sense of humor in the face of the unexpected. Students may register for the Imployed workshop online.
“What an incredible opportunity for our students to get this kind of small group training from professionals who are commanding the Second City stage,” said Leland Blair, associate professor of Acting and Musical Theatre at WVU. “It is a way for the students to gain new skills in improvisation, adding to their tools and talents as actors. Second City's storied history and their place in the entertainment industry adds even more to the students' experience.”
Second City Cast in Chicago. Photo Credit: Timothy M. Schmidt.
The Second City opened its doors in 1959 as a small comedy cabaret and has since grown to become the world's most influential name in improvisation and comedy. Celebrating its 65th year in business on December 16th, 2024, The Second City's stages, Touring Companies, and Training Centers across North America have proudly been the launch pad and artistic home for many of the funniest performers, writers, directors and comedic minds on the planet.
The illustrious alumni list includes John Belushi, John Candy, Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Keegan-Michael Key, Eugene Levy, Tim Meadows, Bill Murray, Mike Myers, Suzy Nakamura, Catherine O'Hara, Amy Poehler, Gilda Radner, Sam Richardson, Joan Rivers, Amber Ruffin, Jason Sudeikis and Steven Yeun, among countless others.
Tickets for “Laugh Harder, Not Smarter” are available for purchase at go.wvu.edu/second-city or by calling 304-293-SHOW (7469). Tickets may also be purchased at the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media box office, located in the main lobby of the Canady Creative Arts Center. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. and Noon – 5 p.m. Prices range from $10 - $30 plus fees, and the student ticket rate is $10.56 including fees; students should login with their WVU ID to receive this rate. This show is recommended for ages 17 and older as it may contain adult or mature themes.
“Laugh Harder, Not Smarter” is being presented as part of the Canady Chamber Series produced by the West Virginia University College of Creative Arts and Media. For a full list of events, visit go.wvu.edu/ccam-events.