Podcasts about second city theater

Soli Santos is a native Chicagoan and graduate of The Second City Theater. She's a co-producer of The Laugh Lounge Comedy show and has performed at various comedy clubs across the country such as The Laugh Factory, The Laughing Skull and The LA Comedy Club. Follow her on IG: @SoliComedy The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three. The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Production by Andy Vasoyan and Executive Producer Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.

PEG Conversation With Raymond Lauk: Sharing the Magic!  Storytelling for Leaders Stand Up Comic, Author, Speaker, and Professor.  Biography Dr. Raymond Lauk is an associate professor of educational leadership at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY,  where he teaches graduate level educational leadership courses, an undergraduate diversity course and an undergraduate management course in the Business School. Dr. Lauk retired from Illinois public education in 2019, where he spent most of his career as a school district superintendent, business manager, principal, and elementary school teacher in highly diverse communities.  He was also the superintendent overseas at the American School of Brasilia, Brazil.  In 1978, Dr. Lauk was one of Illinois's first elected 18 year-old school board members—so he understands school governance as a school board member and as a superintendent.  His Ph.D., MBA, and Master's Degree in Elementary Education are all from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  Dr. Lauk received his B.S. with Honors degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder.   As a speaker, Dr. Lauk has conducted training for the National School Boards Association, state school boards associations in Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Indiana, and Minnesota, superintendent associations in Illinois and Indiana, and for Brazilian educators and policymakers at the National School of Public Administration in Brasilia, Brazil.  Dr. Lauk works with school leaders and board members to incorporate storytelling into their communications in order to more effectively share the district's hopes, dreams, and aspirations for its students.  He has worked with school districts across the country to ensure students' safety and security when he was the Education Solutions Manager at GE Security from 2006-2009.   A native of Chicago, Dr. Lauk has been trained in storytelling and comedy at Chicago's Second City Theater.  He has performed storytelling and stand-up comedy throughout Chicago, Rio de Janeiro, and Bangkok.  In his spare time he is a runner who has completed 12 Chicago Marathons in the past 15 years.  In 2024, he will be running the Illinois Marathon, Berlin Marathon, and Chicago Marathon.  Dr. Lauk has also been an entrepreneur and was the owner of Dr. Ray's Toffee, a skill he learned as a student teacher in Boulder, CO. Link: http://www.rlauk.com/ 9Donate to support PEG free artist interviews: PayPalMe link Any contribution is appreciated: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/PhantomElectric?locale.x=en_US Support PEG by checking out our Sponsors: Download and use Newsly for free now from www.newsly.me or from the link in the description, and use promo code “GHOST” and receive a 1-month free premium subscription. The best tool for getting podcast guests:  Podmatch.com https://podmatch.com/signup/phantomelectricghost Subscribe to our Instagram for exclusive content: https://www.instagram.com/expansive_sound_experiments/ Donate to support PEG free artist interviews: Subscribe to our YouTube  https://youtube.com/@phantomelectricghost?si=rEyT56WQvDsAoRpr PEG uses StreamYard.com for our live podcasts https://streamyard.com/pal/c/6290085463457792 Get $10.00 Credit for using StreamYard.com when you sign up with our link RSS https://anchor.fm/s/3b31908/podcast/rss --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phantom-electric/message

Ever wondered how an improv comedy group can create a hit TV show? Join me in this captivating episode as I sit down with the incredibly talented Kate Lambert to discuss her journey from the world of improv to the creation of her show, Teachers, on TV Land. We explore the origins of Teachers, from Kate's time with The Katydids improv group and their early videos to the eventual purchase of the show by TV Land. Along the way, we delve into the creative process, the surprise of not being replaced by big-name actors, and the importance of Chicago actors in the show. We also reminisce about Kate's first job at Second City, which just so happened to be on a cruise ship. Additionally, we touch on the development of the characters in Teachers, the professional elements like costumes and makeup that brought them to life, and the sketches from the web series that made it to the TV show. Finally, I share my own experiences with the Second City theater and the incredible people I saw there, such as Tina Fey, Stephanie Weir, Rachel Dratch and Tina Fey. In this episode, we discuss the crucial lesson of treating every job, even unpaid gigs, with the utmost professionalism and dedication. We'll also chat about The Katydids journey to LA, the value of having a supportive executive on their side, and the impact of the improv community in Chicago. Don't miss our conversation on Mo Collins' work on MADtv, Kate's recent projects, and her aspirations to return to Chicago and visit the space where her journey began. Join us for this engaging and entertaining episode — you won't want to miss it! Kate Lambert co-created, executive produced, wrote, and starred on the sitcom Teachers on TV Land. She has appeared on Reno 911, The Last Show Left on Earth, The Today Show, Last Call with Carson Daly, the film How to Ruin the Holidays, and done voiceover work for American Dad. Kate has also performed at The John F. Kennedy Center; La Jolla Playhouse; and TBS Just for Laughs.  During her time in Chicago, she was in The Second City Mainstage revue, Let Them Eat Chaos, and is also an alumna of The Second City Touring Company and iO. Connect with Kate Lambert on her website at: KateLambert.com Paul Vato⁠ is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur. Connect with Paul Vato across all social media at: ⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠ CHAPTERS (0:00:04) - Kate Lambert on Teachers and Second City: Kate Lambert and TV Land's Teachers, The Katydids improv group, Chicago actors, and Second City cruise ship job are discussed. (0:13:23) - Developing Characters and Second City Memories: Kate Lambert and I discussed her career in improv, the exaggerated characters for TV Land's Teachers, and the impact of The Second City Theater. (0:18:27) - From Improv to Success: Mo Collins' work on MADtv, Orange Alert, Improv Olympic's name change, Kate's family's support, and Kate's aspirations to return to Chicago are discussed. (0:27:26) - Moving to LA and Making It: Kate and her team's creative freedom, Mo Collins' work, the value of an executive, and the impact of the improv community are discussed. (0:40:05) - TV Shows and Creative Projects: Kate Lambert discussed her work on Reno 911, Teachers, Tap Time with Tabitha Brown, and an online sketch show, emphasizing the importance of taking all creative opportunities seriously. (0:45:26) - Meeting Thomas Lennon and Vegas Stories: Kate and Paul reminisce about Reno 911, exploring TV Land's creative freedom, improv, and plans for Las Vegas, plus Kate's upcoming projects. SPONSERS - Buy/rate/review his book, The Kama Sucia aka The Filthy Bed at ⁠VATO.tv⁠. Thank you! - Win a seat to the WSOP Main Event EVERY DAY IN MAY! ⁠bit.ly/ClubGGVato⁠ - Monetize your time & knowledge w/⁠Owwll⁠. Enter referral code "VATO" at sign-up to get $10 to use on the app: Apple: ⁠apple.co/35HC0hd⁠ • Android: ⁠bit.ly/OwwllGooglePlay⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paulvato/message

Today on the show, Strategy + Action = Creating (Mercifully Short) Videos That Aren't Boring Chris Bogue is on the show today we're talking about the power of creating short, quick, enjoyable videos out there, both on the content marketing side of things - posting on LinkedIn to grab attention and educate your audience, but especially in the sales process. Chris is a master at helping your message your prospects with these short little fantastic videos that are all about them. Chris does an amazing job of grabbing attention on LinkedIn. I came across his hilarious videos and jumped on a LinkedIn live he was doing, teaching folks about his process. What's just as important - maybe more so - as the "grabbing attention" aspect of what Chris teaches, are the systems and processes that Chris helps his clients with in order to create this content. He works with folks all the time who have never done this before. Even though they're on board with the idea of doing video, they've bought his course or hired him directly, it's a foreign language for them. They have no idea how to go about this. So the process he takes them through not only makes it achievable and consistent but also helps them find their unique approach. Chris is a sketch comedian and improviser who wrote and directed shows at Chicago's Second City Theater, but he also knows the sales world and knows what it takes to really move the needle when it comes to those direct outreach videos, for instance, and what to do once those videos work. We had a blast talking about this subject, and I know you'll get a ton out of it. So let's jump in.

Rachel Dratch recently had her Broadway debut in POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, a play by Selina Fillinger. With three decades of experience in the business, Rachel recalls her SNL days where she worked for seven years and compares the pressure that came along with it and how it differs from doing Broadway. She speaks candidly about her love for comedy, particularly improv and sketch, and whether she'll ever try drama on stage or in movies. Rachel also shares why she prefers sticking to the script and rarely improvises on a film, why she decided to leave SNL, and why you should have fun when you're in a "dip". Rachel Dratch is an actress, comedian, and writer, whose latest stage credits include POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, her Broadway debut. She was a cast member on Saturday Night Live for seven years, where she had memorable characters like Debbie Downer, Boston teen Denise, and the "Lovers" professors with Will Ferrell. She was an alumna of the Second City Theater in Chicago, where she performed in four revues on the main stage, two of which she received the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Actress in a Revue. Some of her live comedy credits include ASSSCAT 3000 at the UCB Theater in New York, "Dratch and Fey". Her TV credits include "Frasier," "Ugly Betty," "30 Rock," "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," and "Shameless," and some of her film credits include "Wine Country," "Click," and "Just Go with It." In this episode, we talk about: Having a minor in Psychology and wanting to be a therapist Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Unexpectedly getting pregnant at 44 Living in Chicago for nine years and getting into The Second City Her memoir, Girl Walks into a Bar . . .: Comedy Calamities, Dating Disasters, and a Midlife Miracle Connect with Rachel: Twitter: @TheRealDratch Instagram: @raedratch Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Yes But Why, I chat with Jeff Rogers, comedian, emcee, author, keynote speaker, actor, game show host and so much more. Starting off as an award-winning stand-up comic in the late 1980's, Jeff Rogers was spotted by Amy Sedaris who suggested he audition for The Second City Theater in Chicago. Jeff is the second youngest performer behind John Belushi to be hired at the renowned Second City theater. Jeff Rogers is currently a Professional Corporate Emcee, a best-selling Author, and an award-winning Creative Director with almost 30 years experience engaging audiences. In 2011, Jeff was the Creative Director for the inaugural Chicago Ideas Week featuring 170 speakers at 60 venues across the city of Chicago. Jeff can be seen on TV in his recurring roles on Chicago PD & Chicago Fire and in his numerous national commercials. In our conversation, Jeff talks about being an improv evangelist, meaning he tells everyone they should take an improv class. I am the same. Seriously, everyone go take an improv class. We talk about Chicago improv in the late 80s/ early 90s heyday. We talk about Jeff's experience in the community and how it shapes the classes he teaches today. Jeff talks to me about Players Workshop, Chicago's oldest improv school. This is where Jeff studied improv in the late 1980s and he counts founder Jo Forsberg as a major inspiration in his life. When Jo retired in the early 2000s, Players Workshop closed down but Jeff couldn't bear it. So he connected with Ms. Forsberg and got her blessing to revitalize the Players Workshop once again. Jeff talks about his book, “The Playmaker Mindset” and the idea of using your innate creativity to achieve your goals. We talk of our love for speaking in front of large crowds (and how much we miss it). Jeff tells me about the big events he hosts and how he loves bringing improv to the corporate world. Support Jeff Rogers by taking classes with The Players Workshop! You should also hire Jeff Rogers to emcee your corporate event! It'd be so fun! #MeetJeffRogers Read Jeff's book, “The Playmaker Mindset: A Radically Fun Way To Build a Culture of Teamwork and Instant Innovation,” available now on Amazon! Also, Jeff is working on a project to collect statistics on how improv theaters are run globally as a means of helping current and future improv leaders. Go to profitableimprov.com to add your theater to the survey and you'll get full access to their findings! Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com to join in on the fun. #YesButWhy #Podcast #HCUniversalNetwork This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY. You need a distraction. Get Audible. This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by PodcastCadet.com. Go to PodcastCadet.com to connect with us so we can help you with your podcast! Save money by putting in offer code YBY20 to get 20% off the first service for workshop you buy! This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by True Hemp Science! True Hemp Science is our Austin-based resource for vegan friendly, whole plant extract CBD oil. Go to TrueHempScience.com to peruse all the therapeutic CBD product options! Use code YesButWhy7 to get 7% off your order of $50 or more and get a free packet of 2 CBD edibles! (production notes: recorded zoom meeting via Rodecaster on 5/20/2021…posted on 6/14/2021)

This week on Yes But Why, I chat with Jeff Rogers, comedian, emcee, author, keynote speaker, actor, game show host and so much more. Starting off as an award-winning stand-up comic in the late 1980's, Jeff Rogers was spotted by Amy Sedaris who suggested he audition for The Second City Theater in Chicago. Jeff is the second youngest performer behind John Belushi to be hired at the renowned Second City theater. Jeff Rogers is currently a Professional Corporate Emcee, a best-selling Author, and an award-winning Creative Director with almost 30 years experience engaging audiences. In 2011, Jeff was the Creative Director for the inaugural Chicago Ideas Week featuring 170 speakers at 60 venues across the city of Chicago. Jeff can be seen on TV in his recurring roles on Chicago PD & Chicago Fire and in his numerous national commercials. In our conversation, Jeff talks about being an improv evangelist, meaning he tells everyone they should take an improv class. I am the same. Seriously, everyone go take an improv class. We talk about Chicago improv in the late 80s/ early 90s heyday. We talk about Jeff's experience in the community and how it shapes the classes he teaches today. Jeff talks to me about Players Workshop, Chicago's oldest improv school. This is where Jeff studied improv in the late 1980s and he counts founder Jo Forsberg as a major inspiration in his life. When Jo retired in the early 2000s, Players Workshop closed down but Jeff couldn't bear it. So he connected with Ms. Forsberg and got her blessing to revitalize the Players Workshop once again. Jeff talks about his book, “The Playmaker Mindset” and the idea of using your innate creativity to achieve your goals. We talk of our love for speaking in front of large crowds (and how much we miss it). Jeff tells me about the big events he hosts and how he loves bringing improv to the corporate world. Support Jeff Rogers by taking classes with The Players Workshop! You should also hire Jeff Rogers to emcee your corporate event! It'd be so fun! #MeetJeffRogers Read Jeff's book, “The Playmaker Mindset: A Radically Fun Way To Build a Culture of Teamwork and Instant Innovation,” available now on Amazon! Also, Jeff is working on a project to collect statistics on how improv theaters are run globally as a means of helping current and future improv leaders. Go to profitableimprov.com to add your theater to the survey and you'll get full access to their findings! Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com to join in on the fun. #YesButWhy #Podcast #HCUniversalNetwork This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY. You need a distraction. Get Audible. This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by PodcastCadet.com. Go to PodcastCadet.com to connect with us so we can help you with your podcast! Save money by putting in offer code YBY20 to get 20% off the first service for workshop you buy! This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by True Hemp Science! True Hemp Science is our Austin-based resource for vegan friendly, whole plant extract CBD oil. Go to TrueHempScience.com to peruse all the therapeutic CBD product options! Use code YesButWhy7 to get 7% off your order of $50 or more and get a free packet of 2 CBD edibles! (production notes: recorded zoom meeting via Rodecaster on 5/20/2021…posted on 6/14/2021)

This week on Yes But Why, I chat with Jeff Rogers, comedian, emcee, author, keynote speaker, actor, game show host and so much more. Starting off as an award-winning stand-up comic in the late 1980's, Jeff Rogers was spotted by Amy Sedaris who suggested he audition for The Second City Theater in Chicago. Jeff is the second youngest performer behind John Belushi to be hired at the renowned Second City theater. Jeff Rogers is currently a Professional Corporate Emcee, a best-selling Author, and an award-winning Creative Director with almost 30 years experience engaging audiences. In 2011, Jeff was the Creative Director for the inaugural Chicago Ideas Week featuring 170 speakers at 60 venues across the city of Chicago. Jeff can be seen on TV in his recurring roles on Chicago PD & Chicago Fire and in his numerous national commercials. In our conversation, Jeff talks about being an improv evangelist, meaning he tells everyone they should take an improv class. I am the same. Seriously, everyone go take an improv class. We talk about Chicago improv in the late 80s/ early 90s heyday. We talk about Jeff's experience in the community and how it shapes the classes he teaches today. Jeff talks to me about Players Workshop, Chicago's oldest improv school. This is where Jeff studied improv in the late 1980s and he counts founder Jo Forsberg as a major inspiration in his life. When Jo retired in the early 2000s, Players Workshop closed down but Jeff couldn't bear it. So he connected with Ms. Forsberg and got her blessing to revitalize the Players Workshop once again. Jeff talks about his book, “The Playmaker Mindset” and the idea of using your innate creativity to achieve your goals. We talk of our love for speaking in front of large crowds (and how much we miss it). Jeff tells me about the big events he hosts and how he loves bringing improv to the corporate world. Support Jeff Rogers by taking classes with The Players Workshop! You should also hire Jeff Rogers to emcee your corporate event! It'd be so fun! #MeetJeffRogers Read Jeff's book, “The Playmaker Mindset: A Radically Fun Way To Build a Culture of Teamwork and Instant Innovation,” available now on Amazon! Also, Jeff is working on a project to collect statistics on how improv theaters are run globally as a means of helping current and future improv leaders. Go to profitableimprov.com to add your theater to the survey and you'll get full access to their findings! Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com to join in on the fun. #YesButWhy #Podcast #HCUniversalNetwork This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY. You need a distraction. Get Audible. This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by PodcastCadet.com. Go to PodcastCadet.com to connect with us so we can help you with your podcast! Save money by putting in offer code YBY20 to get 20% off the first service for workshop you buy! This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by True Hemp Science! True Hemp Science is our Austin-based resource for vegan friendly, whole plant extract CBD oil. Go to TrueHempScience.com to peruse all the therapeutic CBD product options! Use code YesButWhy7 to get 7% off your order of $50 or more and get a free packet of 2 CBD edibles! (production notes: recorded zoom meeting via Rodecaster on 5/20/2021…posted on 6/14/2021)

This week on Yes But Why, I chat with Jeff Rogers, comedian, emcee, author, keynote speaker, actor, game show host and so much more.Starting off as an award-winning stand-up comic in the late 1980's, Jeff Rogers was spotted by Amy Sedaris who suggested he audition for The Second City Theater in Chicago. Jeff is the second youngest performer behind John Belushi to be hired at the renowned Second City theater.Jeff Rogers is currently a Professional Corporate Emcee, a best-selling Author, and an award-winning Creative Director with almost 30 years experience engaging audiences. In 2011, Jeff was the Creative Director for the inaugural Chicago Ideas Week featuring 170 speakers at 60 venues across the city of Chicago. Jeff can be seen on TV in his recurring roles on Chicago PD & Chicago Fire and in his numerous national commercials.In our conversation, Jeff talks about being an improv evangelist, meaning he tells everyone they should take an improv class. I am the same. Seriously, everyone go take an improv class. We talk about Chicago improv in the late 80s/ early 90s heyday. We talk about Jeff's experience in the community and how it shapes the classes he teaches today. Jeff talks to me about Players Workshop, Chicago's oldest improv school. This is where Jeff studied improv in the late 1980s and he counts founder Jo Forsberg as a major inspiration in his life. When Jo retired in the early 2000s, Players Workshop closed down but Jeff couldn't bear it. So he connected with Ms. Forsberg and got her blessing to revitalize the Players Workshop once again. Jeff talks about his book, “The Playmaker Mindset” and the idea of using your innate creativity to achieve your goals. We talk of our love for speaking in front of large crowds (and how much we miss it). Jeff tells me about the big events he hosts and how he loves bringing improv to the corporate world. Support Jeff Rogers by taking classes with The Players Workshop! You should also hire Jeff Rogers to emcee your corporate event! It'd be so fun! #MeetJeffRogersRead Jeff's book, “The Playmaker Mindset: A Radically Fun Way To Build a Culture of Teamwork and Instant Innovation,” available now on Amazon!Also, Jeff is working on a project to collect statistics on how improv theaters are run globally as a means of helping current and future improv leaders. Go to profitableimprov.com to add your theater to the survey and you'll get full access to their findings!Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com to join in on the fun. #YesButWhy #Podcast #HCUniversalNetworkThis episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY. You need a distraction. Get Audible. This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by PodcastCadet.com. Go to PodcastCadet.com to connect with us so we can help you with your podcast! Save money by putting in offer code YBY20 to get 20% off the first service for workshop you buy! This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by True Hemp Science! True Hemp Science is our Austin-based resource for vegan friendly, whole plant extract CBD oil. Go to TrueHempScience.com to peruse all the therapeutic CBD product options! Use code YesButWhy7 to get 7% off your order of $50 or more and get a free packet of 2 CBD edibles! (production notes: recorded zoom meeting via Rodecaster on 5/20/2021…posted on 6/14/2021)

In the fall of 1989, Marshall Sahlins taught a class titled Structure and History with a level of humor comparable to his brother's Second City Theater.

Writer/performer/director Arthur Meyer (“The Tonight Show”, “Two Fun Men”) joins Delaney to talk about “SCTV”, Second City Theater, and writing for late night television. Plus, Arthur shares a sketch which was blocked from airing by “Kings Of Leon.”

Steven Kampmann holds a masters in Psychological Counseling and wrote a thesis on the topic of dreams, which has evolved into a lifelong passion. He teaches a course on dreams which revolves around the works of people like Carl Jung and Herman Hesse.  Steven began his film and TV career as a comedic actorand writer at the legendary Second City Theater appearing both in Chicago and Toronto. He co-starred as Kirk Devane on the successful Newhart show. He has appeared as an actor in eight movies including Club Paradise with Robin Williams, For The Boys with Bette Midler, and Analyze That! with Robert DeNiro and Billy Crystal. Along with his close friend Harold Ramis, he co-wrote the hit comedy Back to School starring Rodney Dangerfield. And he co-wrote and co-directed the film Stealing Home starring Jodie Foster and Mark Harmon. Read more about Steven here: https://www.rolliepeterkin.com/steven-kampmann As always feel free to reach out to me on social media! Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rolliepeterkin Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/rolliepeterkin Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rollie.peterkin Website - https://www.rolliepeterkin.com My book - The Cage: Escaping the American Dream http://amzn.to/1Y0xbzD

Miles Stroth began his study of improvisation in 1987 at the famed Second City Theater in Chicago. In 1990 he began working with Charna Halpern and Del Close at the then ImprovOlympic, now IO in Chicago. Miles has been associated with the IO, teaching, performing, directing, ever since. Wanting to express his own unique perceptions of the work to students, Miles opened The Miles Stroth Workshop in 2007.Miles was a member of the seminal improv team The Family, whose members included Adam Mckay, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts, Neil Flynn and Ali Farahnakian. The Family, directed by Del Close, created and introduced into the improv world The Deconstruction and The Movie forms. Miles had the privilege of working with the late Del Close for eight years. Del saw the improv community as a tribe with himself as the Mojo Man and referred to Miles as his Warchief.Miles has been performing weekly since 1992 and has performed in well over 1000 long-form shows. Miles has created or had a hand in creating many of the long-forms that play around the country today. Among them, The Armando, The Deconstruction, The Movie, The La Ronde and Two-Person Long-Form. Among the improv shows, Three Mad Rituals, Dynamite Fun Nest, The Armando Diaz Theatrical Experience, Movement and Hootenanny, Zumpf, Assscat, and Heather & Miles. If you want more on Miles, google him.You can learn more about Miles and The Pack Theater at https://www.packtheater.com/You can also catch the Pack Theater on https://www.twitch.tv/packtheaterDownload your own Vote Plan at https://www.voteplan.us/vote-plan/Follow Vote Plan on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/voteplan2020/https://twitter.com/VotePlan2020Facebook.com/voteplan2020 

Harold Dennis and Bradford S. Stevens chop it up with the super talented actress, singer, and writer Niccole Thurman. Part One of our interview we talk about her experience with Second City Theater in Chicago, her stint on The Opposition with Jordan Klepper, and bouncing cancelation. Peep the video podcast on Youtube.

Join me and meet Dr. Kristin Krueger who is an internationally known Research Scientist at Rush University Medical Center and a Chicago based neuropsychologist who wrote the first evidence-based research paper on the effectiveness of Improv for Anxiety. The results of the study conducted by Krueger along with two Illinois Tech research collaborators were published in the paper “Thera-Prov: A Pilot Study of Improv Used to Treat Anxiety and Depression” in the Journal of Mental Health (July 2017). Kristin took her first class in improvisational theater at the famed The Second City Theater and Training Center in Chicago in 2006 for fun, but she soon realized that improvisational theatre techniques could prove useful in her practice. She is currently working on a second study that seeks to categorize improv exercises based on cognitive activities. Her method involves inviting clinical neuropsychologists or trainees and having them participate in games, such as “Wind and Rewind,” which sharpens memory. Kristin is also a member of The Therapy Players, an ensemble of mental health professionals from the Chicago area who are also trained improvisers.

Who is Jim Staahl: Jim began his comedy career as a resident member of Chicago’s Second City Theater and wrote for SCTV. Staahl performed and wrote for an array of Variety shows starring Martin Mull, Steve Allen, Sid Caesar, Steve Martin and Marty Short.  He was also a co-head writer for shows that starred John Candy, Mike Myers, Howie Mandel, Fred Willard, and Louie Anderson; Staahl was also host and head writer of his own series, Laugh Trax. And wrote on such shows as Mork and Mindy, Married People, Lightning Force, The Searcher, Charles In Charge, Young Hercules and Sledge Hammer, along with numerous TV Pilots for NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX.  And received two Emmy nominations for writing on Bobby’s World, an animated series he co-created with Howie Mandel and co-produced for 8 years.   As an actor, Jim has numerous network appearances and was a series regular on three network series: Mork & Mindy, Goodnight Beantown, and Normal Life. Staahl has also appeared in a number of features including Spies Like Us, Max Dugan Returns, and Night Shift. Staahl continues to perform; he recently appeared on King of Queens and was a series regular on Curb Your Enthusiasm. Lisa has produced and acted in dozens of radio commercials with Jim and is to date one of her go-to silly people. Who is Pythagoras: Pythagoras of Samos (c. 570 – c. 495 BC) is an ancient Ionian Greek philosopher and coined the word “philosopher… really the Tony Robbins of his time and the eponymous founder of Pythagoreanism. His political and religious teachings were well known in Magna Graecia and influenced the philosophies of Plato, Aristotle, and, through them, Western philosophy. And maybe best know for the Pythagoras Theorem. How to show love to Project Woo Woo: Click here to buy Lisa a cup of joe.   This episode was also supported by Amazon. Click on this link --> Amazon any time you need to make an Amazon purchase. A small percentage of your purchase will support the show (no extra cost to you).  I receive an affiliate commission from some of the links above. Go get your free be happier than all your friends morning routine over here --> Project Woo Woo Listen to Lisa's other podcasts at Love Bites & Honestly Lisa  

This week we're talking to Nick Morgan who graduated with his Masters in Accountancy from The University of Notre Dame, while also taking his first improv class at the famed Second City Theater. He's still taking improv classes today, except now he's the teacher. We're talking about improv and Nick Morgan on this week's RDD.

Pat Dwyer is an award-winning improv comedian who is also a professional public speaker and facilitator. Earlier in his career, Pat moved to Chicago, where he worked and toured with the world-famous Second City Theater and iO Theater, among others. Now, in his speaking and facilitating roles, he works with organizations to show them how laughter and comedy can improve a company's profit, culture and daily interactions.   In this episode, Pat talks to Richard about how, in improv comedy, you have to accept that you will ‘bomb' a little bit every single time! He describes his impulse reaction of nervously talking way too much when panic sets in. He also describes his career journey from teaching English in Mauritania, West Africa while serving in the United States Peace Corp., to what launched his improv comedy career, and how all of this eventually led to his career right now facilitating public speaking programs that he designs personally. Pat describes how he's always wanted to help people and that this has heavily impacted the trajectory his career has followed. He also describes touring to different colleges during his improv comedy career, which taught him about the importance of connecting with the audience. He uses this in his current career as a professional keynote speaker. Learn more about Pat here. To get a weekly dose of public speaking tips, information, videos of great talks, conference news, book reviews and more, sign up to the Voxgig newsletter. View all show notes, links, and more brilliant public speaking resources at voxgig.com. If you like what you hear on Fireside with Voxgig, don't be shy―tell everyone! Use  #firesidewithvoxgig on your social media.

Pat Dwyer is an award-winning improv comedian who is also a professional public speaker and facilitator. Earlier in his career, Pat moved to Chicago, where he worked and toured with the world-famous Second City Theater and iO Theater, among others. Now, in his speaking and facilitating roles, he works with organizations to show them how laughter and comedy can improve a company’s profit, culture and daily interactions.   In this episode, Pat talks to Richard about how, in improv comedy, you have to accept that you will ‘bomb’ a little bit every single time! He describes his impulse reaction of nervously talking way too much when panic sets in. He also describes his career journey from teaching English in Mauritania, West Africa while serving in the United States Peace Corp., to what launched his improv comedy career, and how all of this eventually led to his career right now facilitating public speaking programs that he designs personally. Pat describes how he’s always wanted to help people and that this has heavily impacted the trajectory his career has followed. He also describes touring to different colleges during his improv comedy career, which taught him about the importance of connecting with the audience. He uses this in his current career as a professional keynote speaker. Learn more about Pat here. To get a weekly dose of public speaking tips, information, videos of great talks, conference news, book reviews and more, sign up to the Voxgig newsletter. View all show notes, links, and more brilliant public speaking resources at voxgig.com. If you like what you hear on Fireside with Voxgig, don’t be shy―tell everyone! Use  #firesidewithvoxgig on your social media.

David Koechner Actor, writer and producer David Koechner is well-known for his roles as Todd Packer on “The Office” and Champ Kind from “Anchorman” and “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.” Koechner recently starred in Legendary’s “Krampus” and Roadside Attraction’s “Priceless.” On the small screen, he appears in Showtime's "Twin Peaks," Comedy Central’s “Another Period,” ABC’s “The Goldbergs,” CBS's "Superior Donuts," IFC's "Stan vs Evil" and voices reoccurring characters on FOX’s “American Dad” and Netflix’s “F is for Family” and “All Hail King Julien.”   An alumnus of Chicago’s Second City Theater, Koechner got his first break as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” and since has become an instantly recognizable face appearing in more than 170 films and television shows. Additional notable film credits include “Waiting,” “Out Cold,” “Talladega Nights,” “Get Smart,” “Extract,” “Thank You for Smoking,” “A Haunted House,” “Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse” and the dark, twisted, film festival award-winning thriller, "Cheap Thrills."    When not filming, Koechner performs live stand-up comedy across the country and creates original content videos for his YouTube channel, “Full On Koechner.” He also co-hosts Big Slick Celebrity Weekend - an annual charity event benefitting Children’s Mercy Hospital of Kansas City - with fellow KC natives, Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis and Eric Stonestreet. Koechner currently resides in Los Angeles, Calif. with his wife and five children.

In this episode we chat with Chris Witaske abut his journey from 2nd City in Chicago to Love on Netflix and beyond. He is an alumni of The Second City Theater in Chicago, where he began taking classes and performing at age thirteen. He was a series regular on the Netflix original comedy series "Love" produced by Judd Apatow. His other film and television credits include, Lady Bird directed by Greta Gerwig, Unicorn Store directed by Brie Larson, Netflix's With Bob and David, Drunk History, Arrested Development, New Girl, HBO's The Comeback, Alone Together, Teachers on TV Land and several appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live. He's also performed live at the Montreal Just For Laughs festival in the New Faces of Comedy showcase, San Francisco SketchFest, The Comedy Central Stage and The Mr. Show reunion tour. Chris is also an alumni of the iO and Annoyance Theater's in Chicago and hosts a monthly live interview show at the Upright Citizens Brigade theater in Los Angeles called "So You Do Comedy...? Twitter - https://twitter.com/chriswitaske Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/witow/ So you do Comedy - https://sunset.ucbtheatre.com/performance/43749 Teachers - http://www.tvland.com/shows/teachers Please visit us on the socials as we'd love to hear from you! https://www.instagram.com/goguerillafilm https://twitter.com/goguerillafilm goguerillafilm@gmail.com

Liz Fitzgerald is a performer on the Harold team, Mean Streak at iO Theater, host/producer of the Love/Hate podcast and graduate of the Harold Ramis Film School, based at The Second City Theater.

David Koechner is probably best known for his role as the absurd Champ Kind in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and its sequel. But that's just one role of some 160 or so film and TV credits to his name. Many of them are comedic roles. After all, he trained at Second City Theater in Chicago and was a cast member on Saturday Night Live in the mid 90s. Full show notes available at http://ktla.com/frankbuckleyinterviews.

Steven began his career as a comedic actor/writer at the legendary Second City Theater appearing both in Chicago and Toronto. He wrote on and produced the hit television show WKRP IN CINCINNATI before co-starring on the successful Newhart show two years later in the role of Kirk Devane. He has appeared as an actor in eight movies including a featured role in Club Paradise with Robin Williams, For the Boys with Bette Midler, and Analyze That with Robert DeNiro and Billy Crystal. He co-wrote the hit comedy Back to School with Rodney Dangerfield and co-wrote and co-directed the film Stealing Home starring Jodi Foster and Mark Harmon. Other film credits include The Couch Trip with Dan Aykroyd and the cult classic Clifford starring Martin Short. His Christmas film, Special Delivery, debuted on the Fox Family in December 2000. Until May of 2010, Steven had been teaching senior English, creative writing, screenwriting, and public speaking at Blair Academy in New Jersey for the last twelve years. He also held the title of Writer in Residence. Steven co-wrote, directed, and appeared in Second City's film Buzzkill (2012) featuring Krysten Ritter and Darrell Hammond. He has just completed writing his first dramatic play entitleed Great Shame. He's currently writing a collection of comedic short stories tentatively titled, “Crazy Goats on Cliffs.”

Ali studied at Second City Theater durig a two-week, intensive course. Using improvisational techniques, she gained insights into social relationships, examining status, hidden wants, and characterization.