The Second City Toronto

Toronto

The Second City Toronto: A Comedy Institution
Must-See Shows at The Second City Toronto
Tips for Getting Tickets
What to Expect at a Second City Toronto Show
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
The Second City Training Center: Unleashing Your Inner Comic
The Second City Archives
The Second City's Impact on Toronto
Where to Eat Before or After a Show
Getting to The Second City Toronto
Accessibility
The Second City Toronto Gift Shop
Insider Tip

The Second City Toronto: A Comedy Institution

The Second City Toronto is a legendary comedy theater that has been a cornerstone of the city's arts and culture scene for over 50 years. Founded in 1973, it is part of The Second City network, which has produced some of the most iconic comedians of all time, including John Candy, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, and Tina Fey. The Second City Toronto's unique format combines sketch comedy, improvisation, and audience participation to create a hilarious and unforgettable experience. Its impact on the comedy world has been immense, helping to shape the careers of countless comedians and inspiring comedy troupes around the globe.

Must-See Shows at The Second City Toronto

The Second City Toronto is constantly creating new shows, so there's always something fresh to see. Some of the most popular shows currently playing include "The Second City's Mainstage Show," which features a mix of sketch comedy, improvisation, and audience participation, and "The Second City's Next Comedy Legend," which showcases up-and-coming comedians.

The Second City Toronto also hosts a variety of special events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, which brings together some of the best sketch comedians from around the world. The festival features a variety of shows, workshops, and parties, and is a great opportunity to see some of the most cutting-edge comedy in the world.

In addition to its regular shows, The Second City Toronto also tours its shows to other cities in Canada and around the world. This is a great opportunity to see The Second City's brand of comedy if you don't live in Toronto.

Tips for Getting Tickets

To ensure a spot at one of The Second City Toronto's hilarious shows, it's advisable to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular performances or special events. This will guarantee your entry and save you the disappointment of a sold-out show. Moreover, keep an eye out for discounts offered to students, seniors, or groups, which can help you save some money while enjoying a great night of comedy.

For those who prefer spontaneity, The Second City Toronto also offers rush tickets, which are discounted tickets sold on the day of the show. However, these tickets are limited and subject to availability, so it's essential to arrive early to secure your spot. Additionally, you can conveniently purchase tickets online through The Second City Toronto's website, making the process quick and easy.

What to Expect at a Second City Toronto Show

When you step into The Second City Toronto's intimate theater, you'll immediately feel the energy and excitement in the air. The small, cabaret-style seating arrangement creates a close connection between the performers and the audience, making you feel like you're part of the show.

One of the things that makes The Second City Toronto so special is its focus on audience participation. Be prepared to be called upon to join in on the fun, whether it's through a game of "Would You Rather?" or a spontaneous dance number. The performers are incredibly skilled at improvising and making everyone feel comfortable, so even if you're not the most extroverted person, you'll still have a blast.

Another thing that makes The Second City Toronto's shows so unique is that they are largely improvised. This means that every performance is different, so you never know what to expect. The performers take inspiration from current events, pop culture, and the audience itself to create hilarious sketches and songs on the spot.

No matter what show you see at The Second City Toronto, you are guaranteed to laugh out loud. The performers are some of the funniest and most talented in the business, and they will have you rolling in the aisles from start to finish. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

Behind-the-Scenes Tours

The Second City Toronto offers behind-the-scenes tours of its theater, providing visitors with a unique glimpse into the world of comedy and improvisation.

These tours are led by experienced guides who share interesting history and anecdotes about The Second City Toronto, from its early days to the present. Visitors will see the rehearsal rooms, the costume shop, the prop storage, and other areas that are not normally accessible to the public.

Tours are available on select days and times, and reservations are recommended. To book a tour, visit The Second City Toronto's website or call the box office.

Here are some things you can expect to see on a behind-the-scenes tour of The Second City Toronto:

The rehearsal rooms, where the cast and crew work on new sketches and scenes.
The costume shop, where the costumes for the shows are designed and created.
The prop storage, where all the props for the shows are kept.
The green room, where the cast relaxes and prepares before and after the shows.
The stage, where all the magic happens.

Whether you're a fan of comedy, improvisation, or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes at a theater, a behind-the-scenes tour of The Second City Toronto is a must-do experience.

The Second City Training Center: Unleashing Your Inner Comic

The Second City Training Center is an integral part of The Second City Toronto, offering a diverse range of classes and workshops designed to cultivate comedic skills and boost confidence. Aspiring comedians, improvisers, and performers of all levels can find a program tailored to their needs. Seasoned instructors, many of whom are experienced comedians and improvisers themselves, guide students through the intricacies of sketch comedy, improvisation, and character development.

Classes cover a wide spectrum of topics, from the basics of comedy writing and performance to advanced techniques in improvisation and ensemble work. Participants learn to think on their feet, develop their comedic timing, and collaborate effectively with others to create hilarious and memorable performances. The training center also offers specialized workshops, such as stand-up comedy, audition techniques, and corporate comedy, catering to specific interests and career goals.

Beyond honing comedic skills, The Second City Training Center fosters a supportive and collaborative environment where students can learn, grow, and connect with like-minded individuals. The classes provide a platform for experimentation, risk-taking, and self-expression, helping students build confidence and discover their unique comedic voices.

For those seeking to take their comedic aspirations to the next level, The Second City Training Center offers audition opportunities for aspiring performers to join The Second City Toronto's renowned cast. The training center serves as a talent pool for the theater, providing a direct pathway for talented individuals to showcase their skills and potentially become part of the Second City legacy.

Whether you're a comedy enthusiast looking to develop your skills, an aspiring performer seeking professional training, or simply someone looking to step outside their comfort zone and have a good laugh, The Second City Training Center offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn from the best and unleash your inner comic.

The Second City Archives

The Second City Archives, housed at the University of Toronto's Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, is a treasure trove of comedy history. The collection includes scripts, photographs, videos, audio recordings, and other artifacts that document the history of The Second City Toronto from its humble beginnings to its current status as a comedy powerhouse.

The archives are open to researchers and scholars who are interested in studying the history of comedy and improvisation. The Second City Archives also hosts public programs and events, such as lectures, workshops, and exhibitions, that are open to the public. Visitors to the archives can explore the rich history of The Second City Toronto and learn about the many talented comedians who have graced its stage.

The Second City's Impact on Toronto

The Second City Toronto has had a profound impact on Toronto's cultural, economic, and social landscape. As a leading comedy institution, it has been instrumental in shaping the city's reputation as a vibrant hub of arts and culture. The theater has been a launchpad for some of Canada's most talented comedians, including John Candy, Gilda Radner, and Martin Short, who have gone on to achieve international fame.

In addition to its cultural significance, The Second City Toronto has made a significant economic impact on the city. It has attracted tourists from around the world, generating revenue for local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops. The theater has also created jobs for hundreds of people, including actors, writers, directors, and technicians.

The Second City Toronto has also been actively involved in the community. It has worked with local charities and organizations to raise funds and awareness for important causes. The theater has also offered workshops and classes to aspiring comedians and improvisers, helping to develop the next generation of comedic talent.

Looking to the future, The Second City Toronto has ambitious plans to continue its growth and impact. The theater is currently working on expanding its programming to include more shows, classes, and workshops. It is also looking to develop new partnerships with other arts organizations in the city. With its continued success, The Second City Toronto is poised to make an even greater contribution to the city's cultural scene in the years to come.

Where to Eat Before or After a Show

There are plenty of great restaurants to choose from within walking distance of The Second City Toronto. For a pre-show dinner, you might want to try one of the many Italian restaurants in the area, such as Gusto 101 or Buca. If you're in the mood for something more casual, there are several great burger joints nearby, including The Burger's Priest and Five Guys.

After the show, you might want to grab a drink or a bite to eat at one of the many bars and restaurants in the area. For a lively atmosphere, try The Second City's own Second City Comedy Bar, which offers a variety of drinks and snacks, as well as live comedy shows. If you're looking for something more relaxed, you might want to try one of the many pubs in the area, such as The Duke of York or The Queen and Beaver.

No matter what you're in the mood for, you're sure to find a great place to eat before or after a show at The Second City Toronto.

Getting to The Second City Toronto

The Second City Toronto is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Toronto, at 51 Mercer Street. Getting there is a breeze, thanks to the city's excellent public transit system. Several TTC bus and streetcar routes stop right outside the theater, making it easy to get there from anywhere in the city. If you prefer to drive, there are several parking garages and lots in the area, although parking can be expensive. Cyclists will be pleased to know that there are bike lanes on the streets surrounding The Second City Toronto.

Accessibility

The Second City Toronto is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all patrons. The theater is wheelchair accessible, and assistive listening devices are available for hearing-impaired patrons. Large print programs are also available for visually impaired patrons. Service animals are welcome at The Second City Toronto. The staff is always happy to assist patrons with any accessibility needs they may have.