The Second City Launches PLAY

New Kids & Teen Division Inspiring Creativity, Confidence, and Connection Through Improvisation

CHICAGO and TORONTO — June 9, 2026 — The Second City, the world’s premier comedy theater and training center, today announced the launch of The Second City PLAY, a new division dedicated to bringing the power of improvisation to children, families, schools, and communities.

Built on the belief that play is essential to learning, creativity, and connection, PLAY brings together The Second City’s youth-focused classes, camps, workshops, school partnerships, family entertainment, and future digital content under one unified brand. Through these experiences, young people develop confidence, communication skills, empathy, and resilience while having fun.

“Improvisation teaches skills that extend far beyond the stage,” said Elizabeth Howard, co-President of The Second City. “It helps young people become stronger collaborators, more confident communicators, and creative problem-solvers. Each year, The Second City delivers more than 4,200 hours of youth programming to over 5,000 children and teens across the United States and Canada. PLAY brings these efforts together under one vision while creating new opportunities for young people to discover their voices, build meaningful connections, and find joy in the creative process.”

The launch comes alongside a growing slate of youth and family programming. No Grown- Ups Allowed, The Second City’s interactive comedy experience for kids and families, debuted this spring and will continue with more than 40 performances throughout the summer. In June, Second City Summer Comedy Camps will welcome more than 1,500 campers across Chicago, Toronto, and New York.

Through The Second City’s locations and partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations, PLAY brings improv-based experiences to young people through classes, camps, workshops, after-school programs, live performances, and digital content. Families, educators, and potential partners are encouraged to visit the PLAY landing page to learn more and sign up for updates.

About The Second City 
The Second City opened its doors in 1959 as a small comedy cabaret and has since grown into the world’s most influential name in improvisation and comedy, celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2024. The Second City’s stages, Touring Companies, and Training Centers across North America have proudly been the launch pad and artistic home for many of the funniest performers, writers, directors, and comedic minds on the planet. As well, for decades The Second City’s corporate education and entertainment arm, Second City Works, has supported global businesses using the same methods pioneered on its stages to drive individual growth and organizational improvement.