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.)

 

For Immediate Release

THE SECOND CITY PROUDLY ANNOUNCES THE RECIPIENTS OF THE SECOND ANNUAL VICTOR WONG FELLOWSHIP FOR AAPI VOICES IN COMEDY

CHICAGO — Legendary Chicago comedy institution The Second City is proud to announce the second annual Victor Wong Fellowship, a program to train and mentor up-and-coming Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) comedic talent. Named for The Second City’s first Asian American performer and funded by the family foundation of Peng Zhao, CEO of Citadel Securities, the fellowship will focus on developing the next generation of AAPI talent both on stage and “behind the scenes”. The Victor Wong Fellowship is the first program by a major comedy theatre to exclusively endow AAPI talent.

The 2024 Victor Wong Fellows, selected for their exceptional talent and unique voices, are:

• Ian Voltaire Deanes
• Grace Goze
• Robert Kalia Kapaku
• Devin Jeong-Wright
• Johanna Medrano
• Esther Oh
• Brian Park
• Frederic Powers
• Ateeq Rehman
• Becca Nix Tham

Under the Program Leadership of Jonald Reyes and Showcase Director Evan Mills, with Sophia Rafiqi as Assistant Director, Renee Hansel as Production Manager, and Music Director Maya Tanaka Allwardt the fellows will embark on an in-depth master program in improvisation and comedy that will conclude with a series of public and industry showcases every Tuesday in May starting at 8pm (5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28)

“Beyond professional success on stage and screen, the skills of improvisation are a kind of super-power for life,” said Parisa Jalili, COO of The Second City.  “We are thrilled that this gift will allow us to train emerging AAPI talent to both hone their comedy skills as well as their skills to be deeply collaborative, resilient, and creative individuals.”

“Comedy connects us by validating our shared experiences and opening our minds to new ones,” said Mr. Zhao and Ms. Chen. “Further diversifying the comedic community will help move this important medium—and the society it serves—forward. We are excited to help bring the unique perspectives of AAPI talent to the stage.”

The Second City is excited to set the stage for this new era of comedic talent and amplify the voices of the AAPI community.

For more information about The Victor Wong Fellowship and other initiatives at The Second City, please contact: Colleen Fahey VP of Marketing, The Second City cfahey@secondcity.com (312) 662-4516

The Victor Wong Fellowship builds on Mr. Zhao and his families longstanding commitment to accelerating opportunity and prosperity for the 23 million members of the AAPI community in the United States. Mr. Zhao is a founding board member of The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), which has become a catalyzing force for improving AAPI advocacy, power, and representation across American society. Mr. Zhao and Ms. Chen have convened and funded a variety of other initiatives focused on supporting Chicago and the AAPI community, including most recently The Peng Zhao and Cherry Chen Fund for AAPI Voices in partnership with Kartemquin Films.

Meet The Fellows:

Ian Voltaire Deanes (he/him) was born and raised on Chicago’s south side. An actor who loves Chicago’s rich theatre scene, from Improv and Sketch to Theatre. He currently can be seen performing with Satirical Race Theory at the iO Theater. Selected Previous Credits and Training include: “Kentucky” w/ The Gift Theatre, “Not One Batu” w/ Nothing Without a Company, “Fabulations: Or “The Re-Education of Undine” w/ Pulse Theatre, School At Steppenwolf – Class of 2017, Shout out to ChicagoMMA, Bel Air Martial Arts & Fitness, Taylor Barfield, Aaron Reese Boseman, and the theatre companies mentioned – I love y’all.

Grace Goze (she/her) is a comedian, improviser, and writer who grew up in Crystal Lake, Illinois. She moved to Chicago to obtain her MFA in Screenwriting with a concentration in comedy from DePaul University after earning an undergraduate degree in Creative Writing from Ball State University. Grace does various goofs and gags around the city, including performing with Clued In: The Improvised Murder Mystery (Second City) and Hitch*Cocktails (Annoyance Theater). Off stage, Grace loves to watch so-bad-they’re-good movies, lay by the lake, and visit the American Girl Doll store as if it were a museum. Stalk her on Instagram @mazingg.

Robert Kalia Kapaku (he/him) grew up in Beavercreek, Ohio, and has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering that he absolutely never uses. Robert has studied and performed with improvisation groups such as Breakfast Anytime!, Malarkey Comedy, and ComedySportz throughout the U.S. He performs regularly as a member of ComedySportz Chicago in their Friday and Saturday shows located at iO Theater. When not doing improv, Robert loves to travel the world, hike multi-day treks, visit ‘ohana in Hawai’i, and pet every dog or cat he meets. Find him on Instagram @robert.kalia.kapaku.

Devin Jeong-Wright (they/them), NYC-born and Boston-raised, is a product of progressive education that honed their understanding of complex narratives and our different human conditions. They attended the Theater School at Depaul and were a part of the inaugural class of its Comedy Arts major. There, Devin studied all facets of comedy, including sketch, improv, standup, producing, directing, writing and film. They have produced original work at the Annoyance Theater and Lincoln Lodge, including sketch reviews such as, Asian Americans for You, C*NT (a queer-femme sketch show), 50/50 (an auto-biographical play) and Little Miss Anthropes, a standup drag competition which they co-produce and perform at The Lincoln Lodge since June 2023. In their free time Jeong-Wright loves to write, play music, sew, dance, roller skate, and experience as many new things as possible. You can find Devin on Instagram @dzzzevin where they are guaranteed to entertain you.

Johanna Medrano (she/her) is from Lombard, Illinois, but has been making her mark in Chicago for the past decade. Currently, she performs a weekly sketch show with Missed Call, hosts Chicago’s BATSU! Game show and teaches improv and sketch-writing at the Annoyance Theater. For money, she’s a nurse. Just kidding. She works for BCG – it pays the bills. Notably, she’s a former DiOversity Scholar and cast member of the Huggable Riot Comedy Collective, Improvised Jane Bond, and founding member of CLUB ASIA – the only improv team in Chicago without a gimmick. Unrelatedly her toxic trait is spending gobs of money-making things she can buy for less. If you look closely at her yarn and fabric stash, you may spot a scarf. Ope! It’s only half of one. Special thanks to her family, especially sister Marybeth, for putting up with the chaos. Johanna is repped by Chicago Talent Network. Follow her on Instagram @jojo_in_chicago.

 

Esther Oh (she/her) is a performer, and writer from Philadelphia, PA, where she began her improvisational journey over 6 years ago. She has trained at the Philadelphia Improv Theater, the Walnut Street Theater, Second City, and the iO Theater. Since moving to Chicago in 2022, she has written and performed with Hot Soup, and is currently performing with Too Hot To Hoot, a Malarkey Comedy house team, on Wednesday nights. She enjoys exploring, climbing, writing, playing board games, and is so close to being able to do a split!

Brian Park (he/him) is from Hoffman Estates, IL and is thrilled to be performing with the Victor Wong crew! He wants to thank everyone for coming to the show and give an extra special shout out to all the family and friends! His comedy beginnings began in Burlington, VT at the Vermont Comedy Club. He built his improv chops in the Green Mountain state by performing on mainstage teams, touring company shows, and indie groups before moving to Chicago. While he enjoys improv the most, he has also written for the VT Comedy Club’s first Summer Comedy revue. When he isn’t performing improv comedy, he spends his time obsessing over cooking, playing through the PS5 gaming catalogue, and thinking about reading a book. Feel free to follow him on Instagram (parknbri).

Frederic Powers (he/him) is an improviser, voice actor, and content creator from Columbia, South Carolina, where he previously did improv and sketch at the University of South Carolina and with The Mothers at Trustus Theater. Since moving to Chicago five years ago, he’s continued his comedy education and can currently be found performing in Trigger Happy. He also keeps himself involved with a few Actual Play podcasts and D&D streams, including the currently ongoing These Silent Secrets, a Monsterhearts 2 podcast. He’s a huge fan of TTRPGs and fighting games (though he’s not what you’d call “good” at the latter), and he’s on a mission to teach as many people as possible how to play mahjong. You can find more information about him at fredericpowers.com or on his Instagram/TikTok/Twitter at @Freddie_PowPow!

Ateeq Rehman (he/him) is from Chicago, IL (ok fine! He’s from the suburbs but he’d drive into the city a lot!) He made comedy more than just a hobby after the pandemic when bread-making didn’t get a rise out of him. He can be seen weekly, performing improv with Creamboy and Stir Friday Night, sketch with Best of Annoyance Sketch, and will do standup occasionally if everyone asks nicely. He loves feeding his friends lavish meals with no recipes, reading, writing, and watching movies so terrible they are great. You can follow him on Instagram at @ateeqmr.

Becca Nix Tham (she/her) is from the Chicago suburb of Palatine but claims to be a true Chicagoan now that she has lived in the city for eight years. She is a proud Asian Jewish comedian, and Becca does it all- stand up, improv, and sketch comedy. She has performed at Laugh Factory, Annoyance Theatre, Lincoln Lodge, Flappers, Zanies, and more. She is a graduate of the iO Improv Program, as one of the first annual DiOversity scholars. Her comedy teams include the Jewish Comedy Project (sketch comedy that will be featured at the Steppenwolf Lookout Series), Club Asia (improv all around Chicago), and Trigger Happy (improv at the Annoyance Theatre). She is represented by Dream Team Chicago. You can check out her current hair color (and upcoming shows) on Instagram @beccahasokhair.

 

Meet The Creative Team:

 

Jonald Reyes – Victor Wong Program Lead (he/him) is a writer, performer, and director from Chicago by way of Rutgers University in New Jersey. He has trained at The Second City, iO, Annoyance, Chicago Dramatists and the Neo-Futurists. As a director, Jonald was honored to be named Chicago Reader’s “Best of Chicago” Best Stage Director in 2016. He was a member of the Directors Lab at Lincoln Center Theater (2017) and DirectorsLabChicago (2016). His recent directing credits include The Second City Touring Company; Stir Friday Night’s We Are Asian. We Do Comedy. (Steppenwolf Theatre’s LookOut Series); Hyde Ya Kids, Hyde Ya Park (The Revival); and the 30th anniversary of “Splatter Theater” (Annoyance). He has been the Assistant to the Director for Do You Believe In Madness? (The Second City’s 108th Mainstage revue); The Second City’s Left Leaning and Always Right (Berkeley Rep); and Generation Gap (Kennedy Center). Jonald is a founding member of Stepping Stone Theater and is on the Board of Directors for APIDA Arts. In addition, he currently serves as the Artistic Director of The Second City Training Center in Brooklyn, NY. More info at jonaldjude.com.

Evan Mills – Director (he/him) began working at Second City in 2018, spending a summer performing at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. in Generation Gap. Evan was also a 2017 Bob Curry Fellowship recipient, has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in the Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, and has toured with the Second City Touring Company. He has written and performed in three Main Stage Revues, including Together at Last, Do The Right Thing, No Worries If Not (Two Jeff Award Nominations including Best Performer and Ensemble in a Revue) and the current Don’t Quit Your Daydream (Jeff Winner for Best Performer in a Revue and nomination for Ensemble in a Revue). He has most recently been named one of the Chicago Tribune’s “Ten Best Theater Performances” two years in a row for both this year (2023) and last (2022). Evan is the co-creator and writer of Queer Eye: The Musical Parody, can be seen in the 2023 CBS Showcase, and was named a Just For Laughs New Face of ‘23.

Sophia Rafiqi – Assistant Director (she/her) is an actor/comedian born and raised in Chicagoland. After graduating from Northwestern University, Sophia began training at iO Chicago and The Second City, most recently earning a spot in NBC Universal’s Bob Curry Fellowship. She can be seen improvising at iO Chicago and performing in and producing original sketch comedy throughout the city. Recent credits include NBC Universal’s Breakout Comedy Festival and acceptance of her original web content into the New York Television Film Festival. Sophia grew up with a dance background, training for 12+ years in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and modern dance, and is also fluent in Urdu and Punjabi.

Renee Hansel – Production Manager (she/her) is a Production Manager with experience in theatrical operations. Currently, she serves as a Production Manager of the Second City Training Center in Chicago and oversees production logistics, ensuring smooth execution of every project. Her strong organizational skills make her the go-to resource for any production-related needs. Renee holds a master’s degree in Performing Arts Administration from Roosevelt University and a bachelor’s degree in Theater from the University of Illinois – Chicago. Originally from O’ahu, Hawai’i, Renee is honored to be a part of the Victor Wong Fellowship. She is also a graduate of the Second City Conservatory program and served as an ensemble member of the Second City House Ensemble team “Supermodel U.N.” She is excited for you to see the show!

Amanda Murphy – Music Development Coordinator (she/her) is the Music Development Coordinator for The Second City company and the mentor and curriculum lead for The Victor Wong Fellowship Music Directors. She has been working across The Second City for over a decade as a Music Director, Faculty, Voice Teacher, Composer, and Sound Designer. Her Second City Theatricals music director credits include two Second City ‘Salute to Pride’ shows and Improv Extravaganza Explosion in the UP Theater. Working with the VFW MD’s has been an honor, and a delight!

Maya Tanaka Allwardt – Music Director (she/her) is a jazz fusion pianist and composer. She has competed nationally and internationally and holds 2 gold medals, performing at venues such as B.B. Kings, Andy’s Jazz Club, and Carnegie Hall, and with artists such as Gordon Goodwin, Wayne Bergeron, and Jiggs Whigham. Maya was a member of the 2022 Disneyland All-American College Band and is a Yamaha sponsored artist. @mayatanakamusic

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The Black Excellence Revue Returns to The Second City in 2024

CHICAGO, IL – The 2024 Black Excellence Revue, titled Black By Popular Demand, is a groundbreaking comedy experience presented by The Second City. Back to banish the winter blues and fill the Windy City with laughter and good vibes, this show opens February 9, 2024, and runs through May 25, 2024.

Following up the completely sold-out engagement in 2023, Rob Wilson returns to direct this year’s revue, bringing together a dynamic cast of future stars, showcasing their hilarity with new songs, sketches, and the world-renowned style of improv that has become synonymous with The Second City. At The Black Excellence Revue, the audience is part of the show, echoing the vibrant ambiance of The Apollo.

Featuring an all BIPOC cast and crew, the production welcomes back cast members Arlieta Hall and Adonis Holmes. Devonte Washington returns as Stage Manager. The Second City is thrilled to welcome aboard the newest additions to the cast Breanna Ghostone, Samuel B. Jackson, Deshawn Mason and Faith Valerie. Tony Santiago joins as Associate Director and Sean Sykes joins as Musical Director. The rest of the crew includes Brenden Marble (Lighting Designer), Breon Arzell (Choreographer) and Chelsey Carter (Stylist).

The producing team includes Bryon Henderson (Producer), Elizabeth Howard (VP of Production) and Jen Ellison (Artistic Director). The Black Excellence Revue’s commitment to showcasing diversity in comedy is celebrated in the show’s blend of new original material, classic hits, and improvised mayhem reflecting a broad spectrum of experiences and perspectives that promises to engage, entertain, and delight audiences.

Performances take the stage on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm for 16 weeks. Last year’s run was entirely sold out, so audiences are encouraged to book their tickets early.

Tickets start at $29.00 and are available by phone at 312-337-3992 or online at secondcity.com.

Meet the Cast:

BREANNA GHOSTONE (Ensemble) is a multi-talented artist, represented by Gray Talent Group, known for her versatility in singing, acting, and dancing. She holds a Master’s degree in Opera and Musical Theatre Performance from Arizona State University and previously earned a Bachelor’s degree in Opera Performance from The University of Michigan. Breanna has left her mark in the world of musical theater, with notable performances in productions like Hairspray (Power Center for Performing Arts), Legally Blonde The Musical (Evelyn Smith Theatre), West Side Story (The Phoenix Theatre Company), Sing Out Second City (The Second City), New Faces Sing Broadway 1947 (Porchlight Theatre), and Trouble in Mind (TimeLine Theatre). Beyond the stage, Breanna has delved into the realm of on-camera work, contributing to educational industrials for respected companies such as Verizon Wireless and McGraw Hill. She is deeply passionate about supporting black film projects, having been involved in endeavours like The Detroit Project and The FUNNEL, both of which explore themes of black love, displacement, and resilience. Additionally, Breanna has showcased her talent in the commercial world, featuring in advertisements for well-known brands like Gatorade and AutoZone, and more recently, Crunch Fitness. Her versatility and dedication to the arts make her a dynamic and impactful presence in the entertainment industry. Breanna is thrilled to be back at Second City for the Black Excellence Revue!

ARLIETA HALL (Ensemble) is a host, actress, improviser, stand-up comedian, writer, and a first-time filmmaker from Chicago. She is a one of The Second City NBC Bob Curry Fellowship 2021 recipients. Arlieta also co-starred as Sadie on Showtime’s The CHI episodic and is a co-producer of the comedy variety show My Best Friend is Black. Arlieta was a caregiver for her father who died from Alzheimer’s disease. She took the power of “Yes, and…” to communicate with him and used their story to make her first feature documentary “Finding Your Laughter”. Her film was one of ten documentaries selected to participate in The New York Gotham Documentary Feature Lab, which is one of the US film industry’s most prestigious labs. Prior to caregiving for her father Arlieta was an Human Services Caseworker for the State Of Illinois Department of Human Services . Arlieta also obtained her Bachelor of Arts In Communications and has over a decade of experience in the educational and social services field. She recently wrote and performed in The Second City’s sold-out 2023 Black Excellence Revue and is now a 2023-24 Sisters in Cinema Documentary Fellow. She is currently performing comedy all around while she continues to work on the completion of Finding Your Laughter and other projects. Follow Arlieta and catch her around the city at www.findingyourlaughter.com www.arlietahall.com and @Arlieta_Hall_ on social media.

ADONIS HOLMES (Ensemble) is a Writer, Performer, and Comedian out of Chicago. Adonis graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelors in Psychology and Anthropology. Having produced, directed, and written several shows in the Champaign-Urbana community, he started taking improv classes and regularly performing at the iO Theater. Adonis has been featured in several sketch shows throughout the city, including Chicago Sketch Fest and the Best of Annoyance sketch show, along with being a principal writer and performer for Second City’s Dance Like There are Black People Watching: A Black Excellence Revue. Currently Adonis is a member of Devil’s Daughter Improv, the independent improv team The Mermaids, a 2022 Bob Curry Fellow, and serves as Director and Co-creator of the all-Black improv show, Satirical Race Theory. Adonis also serves as Co-Artistic Director of the iO Theater.

SAMUEL B. JACKSON (Ensemble) is excited to be making his comedy debut at The Second City! He’s performed on several stages across Chicago, including Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Northlight Theatre, and the Black Ensemble Theatre. Proudly repped by Stewart Talent, you can find him on IG @samuelbjackson

DESHAWN MASON (Ensemble) Born in New York City, raised in the South. Deshawn started his comedic journey over 11 years ago in Charleston, SC. His first foray into the art form was stand-up comedy. Now over a decade into the process, Deshawn has performed nationwide. Hitting multiple stages for comedy festivals, headlining gigs, and anything he can sink his teeth into. Deshawn’s love and exploration truly in Savannah, GA in 2021, just two years later, and over 300 different improv shows he’s excited to share what he’s learned. He’s also an aficionado of Magic, Sketch Comedy, Acting, food, and conversation. He can’t wait to meet you.

FAITH VALERIE (Ensemble) is an actress, writer, dancer, singer, and model from Plainfield, IL. Her Second City career began while she was taking improv classes last year, during which she became an understudy for Dance Like There Are Black People Watching. She attended the University of Notre Dame, with a focus in Musical Theatre, as well as studied dance at Illinois Dance Academy and Revolution Dance Studio. She has school ties to two people in the show, guess who?! She is an accomplished model having photographed campaigns for Nike and walking runway shows for many designers in Chicago and New York. She loves her 7 siblings who are funnier than her, her parents, and nieces and nephews very much. She is also a House music head, and you can find her following her DJ friends around the city. You can also find her playing with improv groups Crop-Top Comedy and Hot Girl Comedy and on Instagram @faithvaleriee. She is represented by 10MGMT with a partnership from Grossman & Jack Talent.

Meet the Crew:

BREON ARZELL (Choreographer) is a dedicated teaching artist, specializing in hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and body percussion; and serves as mentor to several universities, studios and theaters. Chicago: How Blood Go (Congo Square Theatre), Dance Like Black People are Watching (Second City), Kill Move Paradise* (TimeLine Theatre), The Color Purple (Drury Lane), The Wiz, Head Over Heels*, American Psycho (Kokandy Productions), The Total Bent* (Haven Theatre), The House That Will Not Stand (Victory Gardens), Marie Christine, The Scottsboro Boys, Little Shop of Horrors, The Hairy Ape* and more. Regional: Dreamgirls (Goodspeed Musicals), RENT & The Color Purple (MUNY), FELA! & Miss You Like Hell (Olney Theatre), Once on This Island (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Acoustic Rooster (Kennedy Center). TV: South Side, The 4400. While working internationally, he is listed among the ‘50 Players for Chicago’ (2018, 2020, 2023), and recipient of 6 Jeff Awards*. Along with developing original works, he is restoring and reviving a historical black musical. @breonarzell // www.breonarzell.com

CHELSEY CARTER (Stylist) native to Saint Louis MO, moved to Chicago in 2006 in efforts of pursuing her dreams to become a well-known designer. She applied and was accepted to The Art Institute – Chicago. Chelsey focuses on the abstract for inspiration for her designs. Her brand, Alex Carter which she launched in 2015, is unisex, catering to customers who are

risktaking and statement-making. Her goal is to exude sensuality in her clothing without having to bare it all. One of her biggest role models is her grandmother, who embodies everything she strives to be as a woman and feeds her drive as a designer. Her jackets can be seen on SZA and Chance the Rapper, and she has sold to Erykah Badu. She has been featured in Vogue Italia and many other magazines such as Verluxe, SunTimes and Tribune. The Alex Carter brand is known for creating everyday clothes for not so everyday people.

BRENDEN MARBLE (Lighting Designer) Is excited to be coming back to Second City! After studying theater design at Eastern Michigan University, the Detroit MI native moved to Chicago to start living their dream of becoming a lighting designer! Recent credits include A Hit Dog Will Holler (Artemisia Theatre), Fairview (Definition Theater), Currents (Chicago Fringe Opera), and Dance Like There Are Black People Watching (Second City Chicago) Even though his career is just beginning, he knows this is something he wants to do for the rest of his life.

TONY SANTIAGO (Associate Director) is a creative engineer centering technology to help connect people to the arts. Santiago manages Arts + Public Life’s Performance Residency and teaches the Community Actor’s Program for high-school-aged youth at Green Line Performance Arts Center in Washington Park. Professional credits include Community Data Manager for We Will Chicago with Honey Pot Performance, Spinning Home Movies with the South Side Home Movie Project Producer, and Editor and Technical Director of the Rapid Response Series with Illinois Humanities. Tony currently sits on the board of the Katherine Dunham Center in East Saint Louis. When not working, Tony enjoys cooking, biking, and watching movies on the big screen.

SEAN SYKES (Musical Director) is excited to be behind the keys playing live shows again! Sean has done musical direction for the Second City e.t.c. Mainstage, and Touring Company as well as the Bob Curry and NBC universal showcases. Sean earned a bachelor’s in music education at the University of Mississippi and is happily still using that amazing diploma to teach fourth grade music at the University of Chicago laboratory schools in Hyde Park. Sean gives a special thanks to producers, the amazing cast, everyone behind the scenes, and you our audience members. Enjoy the show!

DEVONTE E. WASHINGTON (Stage Manager) is a Chicago native built up his skills in Backstage production. He has molded his skills by learning the aspects of designing and building shows from scratch he found his home in Theater. His Talents have been used with many events, venues and shows throughout the city. Getting better with every show he wants to continue to get better at what he does while continuously learning more and more. This will be his second time working on the Black Excellence Show and he is excited for you to see this show.

ROB WILSON (Director) is so proud of this amazing cast and crew. He made his Second City Directorial debut with SuperAfroWavyDrippy-ExtraBrillantDope Show. He has since directed Dance Like There are Black People Watching here and created the film projects Lil Monsters and The Basement Rob is repped by Stewart Talent and you can see what he’s working on at his IG @Rob_Willsun.

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