Date: July 7th 2024 from 7-9pm
Price : $25
Location: The Second City, MARTIN DE MAAT THEATER

Ticket Link: PURCHASE HERE

Get ready for WePolak, an improv show that’s equal parts deep, funny, and magical! Watch as improv legend Jeff Michalski (co-founder of The Second City e.t.c. theater) and Poland’s Monika Ozdarska weave playful, wise scenes exploring relationships and life’s big questions. It’s a night of laughter and surprises that you won’t want to miss!

What Others Are Saying about WePolak Show:

• “Playful and profound with a touch of existential sparkle.”
• “An absolute joy for any improv lover.”
• “MAGICAL chemistry between Jeff and Monika.”
• “A stunning display of how good improv can be.”
• “A surreal joy and a must-watch for any improv nerd.”
• “An artful blend of wisdom and hilarity.”

About WePolak
WePolak is a creative collaboration between Jeff Michalski, co-founder of The Second City e.t.c. theater in Chicago, and Monika Ozdarska, a seasoned Polish improviser with over 12 years of performing and teaching experience.
Their story began online during the pandemic, but quickly transitioned to live performances, debuting at The Annoyance Theater in Chicago at the Comedy Expo 2022, before captivating audiences on international stages and festivals in Chicago, Uppsala, Toruń, Lisbon, and Ferry Beach. Remarkably, within less than 3 years, they have taken bows on 2 continents, 7 countries, and 10 cities with dozens of shows delighting audiences with the amount of ground they cover in a single set and their onstage chemistry as performers.
They share that delight in playing with each other. Their long-form improvised show is an artful montage of playfully wise explorations of human and non human relationships sprinkled with existential philosophy and performed with the creative intimacy and alacrity characteristic of improv masters.
Before the WePolak improv show, there will be a performance by the participants of Jeff’s weekend workshops. Join us for an excellent evening of improvisation!
FIND OUT MORE about WePolak: https://ozdarska.com/we-polak/

Contact us: wepolak@ozdarska.com

Join us for a transformative 2-day workshop with improv legend Jeff Michalski, co-founder of The Second City e.t.c theatre. With 50 years of teaching experience, Jeff has honed a unique methodology focused on engagement, listening, and acting skills. In this workshop, you will explore movement, play, and conscious awareness to master the art of improvisation.

Jeff has worked with comedy greats like Dave Pasquesi, Ryan Stiles, Stephen Colbert, Chris Farley, and many others. Under his guidance, you will rediscover the core elements of successful improv: spontaneous discovery, connection with your scene partner, and an intuitive understanding of the scene’s essence.

This workshop is designed to elevate your performance, making every scene engaging and memorable. The skills you learn here are not only applicable to all styles of improvisation but also beneficial in everyday life.

For those who wish, the workshop culminates in a showcase featuring you and Jeff’s duo, WePolak. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business!

PURCHASE YOUR TICKET NOW

Date: July 6-7th 2024
Time of day: 10am – 5pm (1h lunch time included)

• Workshop ends with a showcase at the Second City’s Martin De Mart Theater

Length of workshop: 12h
Maximum number of students: 14
Price:

• Early Bird Price until June 28th – $200
• From June 29th – $240

Age restriction (if any): 18+
Location: The Second City Training Center, 230 W. North Avenue, Room 207

PURCHASE YOUR TICKET NOW

If you have any question contact us at: wepolak@ozdarska.com

About Jeff Michalski:

Jeff Michalski is an improv legend with a career spanning over five decades. Starting in 1974, he trained with Chicago’s best and co-founded The Second City ETC in 1983. His and the ensemble’s film careers began when Garry Marshall saw a show and cast everybody in the film Nothing in Common. A versatile actor and director, he has been on screen with Oscar winners Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Peter Falk, Jackie Gleason, Al Pacino, and others. Jeff’s evolving practice synthesizes his vast experiences on stage, in film, and television, offering you an unparalleled learning opportunity. Don’t miss out!

CHICAGO – June x, 2024 – Legendary comedy institution The Second City announced today its 65th Anniversary Art Contest to commemorate its decades of fostering comedic talent. As part of a drumbeat of celebratory moments, The Second City invites local Chicago artists and fans alike to participate in the contest offering a chance to showcase their original creativity and win exciting prizes.

The competition welcomes submissions from enthusiasts of all skill levels, ages 18 and up, now through July 24, 2024. There is no fee to enter. Whether it’s a clever illustration or a design inspired by The Second City’s rich history, participants are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild. Please view our full Rules & Guidelines

A distinguished selection committee will meticulously review all entries and narrow them down to the top three designs. However, the final decision will not be made behind closed doors. In an innovative twist, The Second City will turn to its vibrant social media community to determine the grand prize winner along with the first and second runner-ups.

“We believe in the power of community and creativity,” said Alexis LeBlanc, The Second City’s art director. By involving our community in the selection process, we’re not only celebrating our 65th anniversary but also showcasing the talent and passion of Chicagoans everywhere.”

By end of July, The Second City will unveil the top three designs on its social media platforms, inviting followers to cast their votes. The design with the most votes will receive a grand prize of $500 cash. Additionally, their design will be featured on an exclusive Second City t-shirt, available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the theater’s ongoing initiatives. The artist’s information will also be prominently displayed at The Second City’s box office, recognizing their contribution to this milestone celebration.
But the excitement doesn’t end there, the first runner-up will be awarded tickets to the mainstage show and complimentary food and beverages, offering an unforgettable evening. The second runner-up will receive a special merch package filled with Second City goodies to enjoy.

“We’re thrilled to invite our community to be a part of this special moment in our history,” added LeBlanc. “With your talent and creativity, we will continue to spread joy and laughter for another 65 years and beyond.”

For more information on The Second City, visit www.secondcity.com, www.secondcityworks.com and follow The Second City on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Tickets to upcoming shows are on sale at www.secondcity.com/toronto

Toronto – The world’s most influential name in live comedy, The Second City, proudly celebrates its 51st year in Toronto with the announcement of a new leadership team. Newly appointed General Manager Reem Farag, Stages Artistic Director Etan Muskat, and Training Centre Artistic Director PHATT al join Vice President of the Training Centre, Julie Dumais Osborne and Director of Marketing – Toronto, Mike Farinaccio.

Building on a rich legacy, this dynamic team is primed to usher in a new era of creativity and innovation. For over five decades, The Second City Toronto has been the cornerstone of Canadian comedy, leading the way in live entertainment and comedy studies.

The Second City Toronto’s brand new, critically acclaimed show All Messed Up & Nowhere To Go is onstage now! Tickets are available here: All Messed Up & Nowhere To Go Tickets

Connect with us on socials to see our hilarious performers in action and keep updated on special shows and events: The Second City Toronto on Instagram

The Second City Toronto is located at ONE YORK STREET overlooking Love Park in Toronto’s beautiful Waterfront District.

Media Contact: Mike Farinaccio (Director of Marketing – Toronto) mfarinaccio@secondcity.com

Meet the Team:

Reem Farag (General Manager – The Second City Toronto) is a veteran in the arts and entertainment realm in Toronto, boasting over a decade of experience since her start in 2005. Graduating with honors from McMaster University with degrees in Film and Theatre Studies and Media Communications, she has held pivotal roles across various sectors, including venue operations/logistics, premier event management, corporate event sales, business development. Prior to joining The Second City, Reem oversaw strategic hospitality and event partnerships at TIFF. With a diverse skill set encompassing stage management, talent support, and red carpet coordination, Reem has made her mark at esteemed institutions such as The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, TIFF, Hot Docs, The Juno’s, and the Canadian Screen Awards. Now poised for her new role as General Manager of The Second City Toronto, she eagerly anticipates spearheading fresh opportunities in Toronto’s waterfront district, continuing on with her brand of wit and vision.

Etan Muskat (Artistic Director – The Second City Toronto) is a writer, improviser, director, and teacher based in Toronto. He began performing in Montreal, where his troupe The Bitter End performed an eponymous long-running improvised sitcom (later adapted to an acclaimed web-series). He is an alumni of the Second City Mainstage where he created and performed in 4 original revues including How to Kill a Comedian and Clickbait and Switch. Etan served as Interim Artistic Director of Bad Dog Theatre where he was also a featured performer and director, and created the award-winning Yes, Android which confronted the use of Artificial Intelligence in improvisation. He has taught all styles and formats of improv, as well as acting, show hosting, public speaking, sketch comedy, and writing for TV and Film. In 2021 Etan won the Screencraft Screenwriting Fellowship, providing him the opportunity to mentor with Krista Vernoff (Grey’s Anatomy), Naren Shankar (The Expanse), David Rabinowitz (BlacKKKlansman), and Meg LeFauvre (Inside Out). Previous to his current role as Artistic Director, Etan served as the Artistic Director of the Second City Training Centre in Toronto, where he oversaw education in all subject areas.

PHATT al (Training Centre Artistic Director – The Second City Toronto) is a Dora and Juno nominated actor, MC, digital visual artist, director, song and sketch writer. He’s a 5- show Second City Mainstage alumnus. He was the band leading rapper of the Juno nominated NuFunk band ‘God Made ME Funky’. He (and/ or his voice) has appeared in various commercials, TV shows, and movies internationally. He was a featured performer at the NBC Universal Break Out Comedy Festival in Chicago. Al is also a recipient of the Second City’s Bob Curry Fellowship and Bad Dog Theatre’s Creator program. Al is also the creator of ‘Yes Yes Y’all’ and ‘Check The Rhyme’, the only longform improv hip-hop classes in Canada, as well as a member of ‘The Untitled Black Sketch Project’ sketch troupe.

Julie Dumais Osborne (Vice President – Training Centers) drives the strategic & artistic direction of The Second City’s Education department and Training Centers. She is responsible for the quality of the student experience from the point of registration onwards. This includes creative and pedagogical oversight of all Second City Training Centre locations (Toronto, Chicago, New York & Virtual) as well as curriculum development, class design, faculty training & support, student performances and special programming, fellowships and educational partnerships. Julie works closely with the Artistic Directors in each location to facilitate a cross-pollination of ideas & expertise and to ensure consistency and quality in all of the Training Centres’ activities. She also oversees the Student Success team and their work to support student growth, wellbeing and retention.

Prior to joining The Second City, Julie was the Artistic & Managing Director of Toronto’s critically acclaimed Bad Dog Theatre Company for ten years. She is an award-winning director, improviser and educator. Previously, she spent nearly two decades working with the Canadian Improv Games in various roles including National Associate Artistic Director, Artistic Director of both Improv Camp & the Next Act Festival, National Head Judge and Regional Director of the Toronto tournament.

Mike Farinaccio (Director of Marketing – The Second City Toronto) joined Second City in 2017 and has since worked with the global team across The Second City Stages, Education, Restaurants, and Corporate Meetings and Events. In this new role of Director of Marketing, Toronto, Mike is responsible for all brand and consumer marketing for The Second City Toronto.  A multi-faceted marketer with 20 years of experience in the learning and development industry, he has worked for performance improvement companies including AchieveGlobal and Miller Heiman Group. Mike is thrilled to help people and companies collaborate, innovate, and communicate more effectively with improv-based learning and entertainment.

MAKE THE SECOND CITY YOUR SUMMER FLING!

TURN UP THE HEAT ON LEARNING COMEDY WITH THE RETURN OF THE SECOND CITY’S ANNUAL EVENT OFFERING FREE DROP-IN CLASSES!

Toronto – This summer, slip into the warm, passionate, and hilarious embrace of Improv! World-renowned comedy juggernaut The Second City is offering a week-long series of free 90-minute drop-in classes from Monday, June 3rd – Sunday, June 9th, 2024.

Afraid of commitment but still craving big gains? We get it. We’ve also been burned by (more than one) gym membership contract. There is nothing to sign and no need to commit to a full term. Just come get your toes wet in the warm waters of comedy.

But… why take an improv class? Glad you asked. Here are five key reasons:

• Boost That Confidence. You’ll be encouraged to think on your feet and trust your instincts. As you become more comfortable in class, you’ll naturally feel more confident in your everyday life.
• Enhance Creativity. Improv is an incredible way to flex your creative muscles. The more you practice, the more innovative and imaginative your ideas will become.
• Communication is a Skill. Active listening and responding to your scene partners are crucial skills in improv AND everyday life. Refining these skills can help improve your personal and professional relationships.
• Make New Friends. According to the Harvard Journal of Science*, when you show up to participate or engage in something you’re interested in, the likelihood of meeting someone who shares that interest increases by a whopping 75,000%. *Not a real publication
• Fifth Bullet Point to be discovered by you! Improv is all about discovery, spontaneity, and FUN! Jump into a class and find your own fifth bullet point (and sixth… and seventh…)

Come have a sweaty and fun summer fling with The Second City. (Not that sweaty though, we have air conditioning. More of a metaphorical sweaty. You know what? Forget we said sweaty.)

 

MAKE THE SECOND CITY YOUR SUMMER FLING!

TURN UP THE HEAT ON LEARNING COMEDY WITH THE RETURN OF THE SECOND CITY’S ANNUAL EVENT OFFERING FREE DROP-IN CLASSES!

Chicago – This summer, slip into the warm, passionate, and hilarious embrace of Improv! World-renowned comedy juggernaut The Second City is offering a week-long series of free 90-minute drop-in classes from Monday, June 3rd – Sunday, June 9th, 2024.

Afraid of commitment but still craving big gains? We get it. We’ve also been burned by (more than one) gym membership contract. There is nothing to sign and no need to commit to a full term. Just come get your toes wet in the warm waters of comedy.

But… why take an improv class? Glad you asked. Here are five key reasons:

• Boost That Confidence. You’ll be encouraged to think on your feet and trust your instincts. As you become more comfortable in class, you’ll naturally feel more confident in your everyday life.
• Enhance Creativity. Improv is an incredible way to flex your creative muscles. The more you practice, the more innovative and imaginative your ideas will become.
• Communication is a Skill. Active listening and responding to your scene partners are crucial skills in improv AND everyday life. Refining these skills can help improve your personal and professional relationships.
• Make New Friends. According to the Harvard Journal of Science*, when you show up to participate or engage in something you’re interested in, the likelihood of meeting someone who shares that interest increases by a whopping 75,000%. *Not a real publication
• Fifth Bullet Point to be discovered by you! Improv is all about discovery, spontaneity, and FUN! Jump into a class and find your own fifth bullet point (and sixth… and seventh…)

Come have a sweaty and fun summer fling with The Second City. (Not that sweaty though, we have air conditioning. More of a metaphorical sweaty. You know what? Forget we said sweaty.)