Meredith from The Office started here, at the Second City Training Center

Kate Flannery, best known for her role as Meredith in The Office, wasn't always a well-loved TV actress. She started her career in Chicago, with The Second City Training Center, The Second City Touring Company, and the Annoyance Theater. After 20 years of plugging away, she finally landed her big, well deserved, break.

Chicago Pride recently did an interview with Kate, where she talks about her life, her career, and her character.

Beloved Almuni Gerry Salsberg Passes Away

Beloved Second City Alumnus Gerry Salsberg passed away last night in Toronto. Gerry appeared on the Toronto Second City stage in 1973, and enjoyed decades of success in character roles on television. The Second City extends its condolences to Gerry’s family and many colleagues.

Services for Gerry Salsberg will be held Thursday, June 24th at Steeles Memorial Chapel, 350 Steeles Ave West, Toronto. Memorial donations may be made to the Starlight Foundation (416-502-9474) or to the Hospital for Sick Children (416-813-5320).

Former Training Center Student Craig Robinson to Host Last Comic Standing

Craig Robins, best known for his work on "The Office" is going to be the emcee on the upcoming season of Last Comic Standing.

In a Boston Herald article Craig says he feels like a father to the young comics.

Before Craig hit it big with "The Office" and later Zack and Miri Make a Porno and Hot Tub Time Machine he was a Chicago based touring comic. He played venues all across the world, including Mexico, Amsterdam, and Israel.

Training Center Writing Student, Michael Tester, Opens a New Musical

BroadwayWorld.com covered the new show Most Likely To: The Senior Superlative Musical, written by Michael Tester. Michael took classes at the Second City Training Center for writing, and has since left his mark on the New York theatre scene. His work on The Awesome 80s Prom and others has made him a hot writing commodity. He is now working closely with Ken Davenport on a new musical even as Most Likely To is about to hit the stage.

See BroadwayWorld's article here.

Time Out Interviews Brian Gallivan About His New Found "Sassy Gay Friend" Fame

Web Behrens at Time Out Chicago did a great interview with Second City alum Brian Gallivan. During Brian's stint on the Chicago Mainstage he developed his now famous character "Sassy Gay Friend." The subsequent videos have been viewed more than 4 million times, and have helped Gallivan snag some meetings and more attention in Hollywood.

Check out the Time Out Interview here.

Additional drop-in improv classes added this summer

If you are interested in seeing what an improvisation class is like or just want some extra practice, the Training Center has added some additional times this summer for its popular drop-in classes. In addition to its semi-regular Sunday 6pm classes, drop-ins will also run on Wednesdays at 10pm from June 16-August 18.

These classes are open to all levels of improvisers, and you do not need to be a Training Center student to attend. Drop-in classes cost $10, and registration is taken in-person at the Training Center reception desk on the fourth floor of Pipers Alley, 1608 N Wells Street. A full list of available class dates is available on the Chicago Training Center website. For more information call 312-664-3959.