The Second City Training Center is proud to announce the launch of the Joe Flaherty Memorial Scholarship, a new initiative honouring the life and legacy of celebrated comedian, actor and writer Joe Flaherty. A beloved alumnus of The Second City’s storied stages in both Chicago and Toronto, Flaherty’s career helped define a generation of comedy. Before beginning that journey, he served four years in the United States Air Force, a meaningful chapter of his life that this scholarship seeks to recognize and celebrate.

Beginning in 2026, The Second City Training Center will award four full scholarships to veterans and active servicepeople in the United States and Canada, supported by a $5,000 USD endowment established in Flaherty’s name. One full scholarship will be awarded annually at each of The Second City’s Chicago and Toronto Training Centers in both 2026 and 2027.

Each scholarship recipient will receive full tuition for The Second City’s signature 5-level Improv Program, an intensive, 10-month training experience built on the foundations of unscripted performance. Through guided instruction in spontaneity, collaboration, and comedic storytelling, students gain the skills and confidence to create from a place of joy and play. The final two levels culminate in public performances, giving students the opportunity to showcase their growth on stage.

“Joe Flaherty’s body of comedic work is nothing short of iconic. He was also a mentor and teacher to so many who have gone on to become household names,” said Julie Dumais Osborne, VP, Second City Training Centers. “We’re honoured to help new voices begin their own comedic journeys in his name and to be able to offer this opportunity to folks who’ve dedicated their lives to the service of others.”

How to Apply

Veterans and active servicepeople from the U.S. and Canada are invited to apply online through the Second City Training Center website.

2026 Scholarship

• Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
• Recipients Notified: February 27, 2026

About Joe Flaherty

Joe Flaherty (1941–2024) began his comedy career at The Second City in Chicago, writing and performing in multiple Mainstage revues alongside talents like Brian Doyle-Murray, Harold Ramis, and later John Belushi, before moving to Toronto to help launch The Second City Toronto with Gilda Radner and other future stars. He went on to become a core cast member of SCTV with John Candy, Catherine O’Hara and Martin Short, earning nine Primetime Emmy nominations and two wins for Outstanding Writing, and creating memorable impressions and characters including Kirk Douglas, Richard Nixon, Guy Caballero, Big Jim McBob and Count Floyd. Beyond SCTV, Flaherty appeared in films and television series such as Stripes, 1941, Going Berserk, Back to the Future II, Happy Gilmore, Freaks and Geeks, and The King of Queens, and served as an advisory board member for the Harold Ramis Film School.

About The Second City Toronto

The Second City first brought its iconic improv and sketch comedy to Toronto in 1963 for a week of performances at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. After a decade of sold out shows at the 1200-seat theatre, The Second City established a permanent home in the city with the opening of “The Old Firehall” on Lombard Street. In 1976, The Second City Toronto further solidified its place in comedy history by creating the groundbreaking television show SCTV.

In December 2022, The Second City began an exciting new chapter by relocating to its state-of-the-art facility at One York Street. This move introduced three distinct theatres: The Mainstage, Theatre ’73, and The John Candy Box Theatre, each offering nightly performances that continue The Second City’s tradition of bringing laughter to audiences.

Since making a home in Toronto over 50 years ago The Second City has grown to become the most influential name in comedy launching the careers of countless Canadian comedy legends. Our illustrious alumni list includes names such as Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Mike Myers, Colin Mochrie, Bob Martin, Jerry Minor, Gavin Crawford, Kevin Vidal, Darryl Hinds, Chris Wilson, Lauren Ash, Ann Pornel, Alan Shane Lewis and so many more.

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

The world’s most influential name in live comedy, The Second City is proud to announce the new Mainstage ensemble and creative team for their 91st revue. This dynamic brand-new cast making their Mainstage debut at The Second City Toronto includes Gillian Bartolucci, Tim Blair, Monica Garrido Huerta, Antony Hall, Chelsea Larkin, and Gavin Pounds.

Returning to the Mainstage to direct his second Second City Mainstage production is Kyle Dooley, Matt Keevins returns as Stage Manager/Lighting Designer and Elise Wattman returns as Music Director. Jillian Welsh joins the creative team as Associate Director.

In the time-honoured tradition of The Second City, audiences are invited inside, out of the cold, and into the creative process. Beginning on January 13, 2026, for a limited run, audiences have a rare glimpse into the creative heartbeat of The Second City Toronto. A new revue is created live onstage, with audience input and energy helping shape the scenes, songs, and characters of the 91st Mainstage Revue. It’s an inside look at how comedy has always been created on the same Toronto stage that has launched generations of iconic performers.

The Second City Mainstage Comedy runs Tuesday – Thursday 8pm, Friday – Saturday at 7pm and 10pm, and Sundays at 7pm. The Second City Comedy Theatre is located at 110 Harbour St.. Tickets start at $19.59 and can be purchased at The Second City Box Office, by phone at 416-343-0011, or online at www.secondcity.com.

Meet The Artists

GILLIAN BARTOLUCCI (Cast) she/her – Gillian Bartolucci is a comedian, actor, and CSA-nominated writer. She has written for CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes, showcased for JFL42 New Faces: Characters, and currently performs with the Second City Toronto. Her past solo revues have received critical acclaim, including Best in Venue at the 2022 Hamilton Fringe Festival for Something Small, Something Sweet, and she was nominated for Best Solo Performance by My Entertainment World for The Weight of It All.

TIM BLAIR (Cast) he/him – Tim Blair is a comedian and founding member of the acclaimed comedy troupe, TallBoyz II Men. Together with Bruce McCulloch from Kids In The Hall, they created the multiple Canadian Screen Award-winning sketch show, TallBoyz. A seasoned live performer, Tim excels in stand-up, sketch, and improv. He’s an alumnus of Second City’s House Co. and has showcased his talent at festivals like Just for Laughs Toronto and the NBC Breakout Festival in Chicago.

MONICA GARRIDO HUERTA (Cast) she/her – Monica Garrido Huerta is a Dora-nominated bilingual Artist, and new Canadian from Monterrey, Nuevo Leõn, based in Toronto. Her short films premiered at the InsideOut LGBT Film Festival. Her solo show The Cunning Linguist was created at Emerging Creator Unit at Buddies In Bad Times Theatre and won the 2016 Queer Acts Audience Award. It was adapted as an Audio Show for Aluna Theatre’s Studio Series and is currently in development. Monica has appeared in commercials, music videos, and TV shows such as Baroness Von Sketch Show and The Horror of Dolores Roach. She’s part of the ensemble of the Canadian Comedy Award-winning show Sketch Comedy Extravaganza Eleganza. Monica is the 2018 recipient of the Queer Emerging Artist Award at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Her stage work includes: Private Eyes (lemonTree Creations), Youth/Elder project (Buddies in Bad Times), The Second City’s Guide to Surviving the Holidays (Second City Toronto), Universal Child Care (Quote Unquote Collective), El Terremoto (Tarragon Theatre). She is one-third of the Latine Drag King boy band Boyband the Boyband.

ANTONY HALL (Cast) he/him – Antony Hall is a Toronto-based Chinese-Canadian improviser/actor who originally hails from Lethbridge, Alberta. He is a graduate of The Second City Conservatory and Theatre Arts Program at MacEwan University. He can be seen performing on various improv shows in the city and is a member of the Sketch Comedy team $20Sandwich, which has amassed millions of views on Instagram and TikTok. As an actor, Antony has appeared in many national commercial campaigns and on shows like Run the Burbs and Law & Order: Toronto. Antony is also a writer and co-creator of the short-form digital series Ming’s Dynasty, which is inspired by his life growing up in small-town Alberta and incorporates his comedy-rap persona, Young Riesling. Follow his work on Instagram @hallandjokes and @20dollarsandwich

CHELSEA LARKIN (Cast) she/her – Chelsea Larkin is an actress, comedian, writer and singer. Some of Chelsea’s favourite comedy credits include Just For Laughs- New Faces: Characters, her multi-award-winning solo show at the Toronto Fringe Fest, The Chels Stands Alone, CTV’s Children Ruin Everything, and OMNI TV’s Abroad.

GAVIN POUNDS (Cast) he/him – Gavin Pounds is a comedian and actor originally from Barrie, Ontario. Gavin has appeared in tv shows The Boys and The Umbrella Academy and the 2024 film The Apprentice. He can be found performing improv & sketch comedy in Toronto.

KYLE DOOLEY (Director) he/him – Kyle Dooley is an actor and writer who got his start with the multiple Canadian Comedy Award winning sketch troupe Picnicface. After millions of YouTube hits, touring the country with live shows and festivals like Just for Laughs and getting praise from the likes of Will Ferrell and Adam McKay on Funnyordie.com, Picnicface got its own TV show on the Comedy Network. As a writer, Kyle has contributed sketch comedy to TripTank (Comedy Central), The Irrelevant Show (CBC Radio), and he was a cast member of four Mainstage Revues at The Second City Toronto. Kyle also writes and acts for children’s and adult animation, including Gary and His Demons (Amazon Prime, Comedy Central UK), Cupcake & Dino: General Services (Netflix) and Ollie’s Pack (Nickelodeon). Kyle also wrote and acted on the hit preschool show Miss Persona (Treehouse), which was nominated for a daytime Emmy. You can hear him playing a goofy robot on the upcoming season of Paw Patrol.

MATT KEEVINS (Stage Manager) he/him – Matt Keevins is a stage manager who specializes in improv and sketch comedy. Select credits include The Weight of It All (Toronto Fringe), An Evening with Devon and Jackie (Toronto Fringe), Something Small, Something Sweet (Hamilton Fringe), Come Here Often? (Buddies in Bad Times). He’s worked as a theatre tech at Comedy Bar, The Second City Training Centre, and has understudied Mainstage and Tourco.

ELISE WATTMAN (Music Director) she/her – Elise Wattman is a Grammy-nominated composer and pianist who specializes in audio design for visual media. As Audio Lead for Jackbox Games, Elise created the music & sound for Let Me Finish, TimeJinx, Junktopia and Weapons Drawn. Elise has toured internationally on keyboards and her favourite venue is Preservation Hall in New Orleans. Elise served as Music Director for Second City Chicago e.t.c’s 44th revue, She the People San Diego, Deck the Hallmark Chicago, America It’s Complicated at the Kennedy Center, DC. For her work accompanying modern dance performance, Elise designed a patented digital module for live scoring.

JILLIAN WELSH (Assistant Director) she/her – Jillian Welsh is a Canadian Comedy Award winning writer/performer, a Dora nominated actor and an expert at setting microwaves on fire. TV credits include Run The Burbs, Abroad, Working Moms, TallBoyz and Baroness Von Sketch Show. Her real-life stories can be found on This American Life, RISK! and CBC’s Love Me. She was also a writer for Backyard Beats on TVO Kids. Follow her @jillianLwelsh across all platforms.

About The Second City

The Second City first brought its iconic improv and sketch comedy to Toronto in 1963 for a week of performances at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. After a decade of sold out shows at the 1200-seat theatre, The Second City established a permanent home in the city with the opening of “The Old Firehall” on Lombard Street. In 1976, The Second City Toronto further solidified its place in comedy history by creating the groundbreaking television show SCTV.

In December 2022, The Second City began an exciting new chapter by relocating to its state-of-the-art facility at One York Street. This move introduced three distinct theatres: The Mainstage, Theatre ’73, and The John Candy Box Theatre, each offering nightly performances that continue The Second City’s tradition of bringing laughter to audiences.

Since making a home in Toronto over 50 years ago The Second City has grown to become the most influential name in comedy launching the careers of countless Canadian comedy legends. Our illustrious alumni list includes names such as Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Mike Myers, Colin Mochrie, Bob Martin, Jerry Minor, Gavin Crawford, Kevin Vidal, Darryl Hinds, Chris Wilson, Lauren Ash, Ann Pornel, Alan Shane Lewis and so many more.

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

Just for Laughs today announced that One Night Out with Alan Cumming (previously announced as JFLGBTQ+ Gala Hosted by Alan Cumming) will release on Crave and CTV Comedy Channel in Canada. The special was filmed live in front of an audience on Saturday, July 26, 2025 during the Just for Laughs Montréal Festival. Release date to be announced.

Hosted by Alan Cumming, along with a stacked lineup of top comedic talent from around the world, the Gala features a curated mix of 2SLGBTQI+ stars and breakout voices from across the comedy spectrum. Taped live at Espace St-Denis, the show captures the electric energy, sharp writing, and international flair that have made JFL a premier comedy destination for fans and industry alike. Guests include Mae Martin, Sabrina Jalees, Jay Jurden, Tranna Wintour, Joe Dombrowski, Irene Tu, Dan Duvall and Sami Landri. Trevor Boris (Canada’s Drag Race) is the showrunner and an executive producer of One Night Out with Alan Cumming.

“We are so excited to bring the genius that is Alan Cumming to Canadians across the country. Our partnership with Bell Media allows us to share the energy, talent, and diversity of the Just For Laughs Festival with a national audience. These collaborations are essential in helping us amplify bold voices in comedy and make world-class performances accessible far beyond the live stage,” said Sylvain Parent-Bédard, President and CEO of Just For Laughs.

One Night Out with Alan Cumming joins previously announced TV productions, including Roast Battle Canada, Season 5, filmed during the Festival for CTV Comedy Channel and Crave.

For Bell Media, Rachel Goldstein-Couto is Head of Development, Original Programming; Rachel Ferguson is Production Executive, Original Programming; Sarah Fowlie is Head of Production, Original Programming; Carlyn Klebuc is General Manager, Original Programming; Justin Stockman is Vice-President, Content Development & Programming, Bell Media.

The holidays just got a whole lot funnier. Predictable Holiday Rom-Com: The Musical takes the predictable plot of every Christmas romance movie on Hallmark, Lifetime, and Netflix – and adds 17 hilariously unpredictable songs. With book and lyrics by George Reinblatt (Evil Dead The Musical), and music by Suzy Wilde (After the Rain) and Reinblatt, this all-Canadian comedy is staging a limited engagement sneak peek for two weeks only at the Second City Toronto from November 4th to 16th, 2025

“We’ve taken the exact same Christmas love story you’ve seen in hundreds of TV movies – and turned it into a comedy musical,” said Reinblatt. “And if you’re wondering which holiday rom-com we based this show on… the answer is all of them, since they all basically have the same plot”.

Will the magazine writer who returns to her hometown fall in love with the single dad she bumped into? Of course she will. Will the Christmas tree lot that’s going out of business be saved just in time for the holidays? Obviously. But what makes this show unique is that it mixes that familiar storyline with hilarious pop tunes.

“The songs in this show are equal parts catchy and ridiculous,” said Wilde. “So there’s no better place to debut them than at the Second City”.

Susan Waycik, Managing Producer of The Second City said, “We love the holiday season at Second City, and we’re thrilled to have the amazing show, Predictable Holiday Rom-Com: The Musical, as part of our festive festivities!”

Unlike the usual Second City fare, Predictable Holiday Rom-Com: The Musical is not an improv show. It’s a full-length comedy musical, playing for a limited two-week engagement. So put on your ugliest Christmas sweater, grab an eggnog, and kick off the holidays with this crazy new musical at Toronto’s funniest theatre.

Tickets available now at predictableholidaymusical.com

About the Authors

GEORGE REINBLATT (Book, Lyrics, Music, Director)

George Reinblatt is a Toronto-based comedy writer who wrote the book, lyrics, and co-composed Evil Dead The Musical. Evil Dead started in a tiny bar in Toronto and went on to play Off-Broadway in New York, has staged over 500 productions around the world, won the audience choice Dora Award, and the cast album hit #4 on the Billboard charts for cast albums. Reinblatt’s TV writing credits in both Canada and the USA include multiple Comedy Central Roasts (including The Roast of Justin Bieber), Mr. D, Just For Laughs, Roast Battle Canada, The Burn, Howard Stern’s Birthday Bash, The MuchMusic Video Awards, Rick Mercer’s Monday Report and the upcoming Hate The Player: The Ben Johnson Story.

SUZY WILDE (Music, Music Supervision)

Dubbed by the Toronto Star as “one of Toronto’s most talented and underrated composers”, Suzy Wilde has written music for a number of shows, including After The Rain (which premiered at the Tarragon Theatre in May, 2025 and is going to be remounted at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre in early 2026). Wilde’s other composing credits include Summerland, Crack of Doom, and the Dora-nominated mini-musical collection, Retold. Wilde will soon be on stage as a performer and co-music supervisor for MSC’s Uncovered: Madonna and Cher at Koerner Hall. In her spare time, Wilde travels the world as “Posh Spice” in Wannabe: A Spice Girls Tribute.

About The Second City

The Second City first brought its iconic improv and sketch comedy to Toronto in 1963 for a week of performances at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. After a decade of sold out shows at the 1200-seat theatre, The Second City established a permanent home in the city with the opening of “The Old Firehall” on Lombard Street. In 1976, The Second City Toronto further solidified its place in comedy history by creating the groundbreaking television show SCTV.

In December 2022, The Second City began an exciting new chapter by relocating to its state-of-the-art facility at One York Street. This move introduced three distinct theatres: The Mainstage, Theatre ’73, and The John Candy Box Theatre, each offering nightly performances that continue The Second City’s tradition of bringing laughter to audiences.

Since making a home in Toronto over 50 years ago The Second City has grown to become the most influential name in comedy launching the careers of countless Canadian comedy legends. Our illustrious alumni list includes names such as Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Mike Myers, Colin Mochrie, Bob Martin, Jerry Minor, Gavin Crawford, Kevin Vidal, Darryl Hinds, Chris Wilson, Lauren Ash, Ann Pornel, Alan Shane Lewis and so many more.

Forget awkward dating apps and overpriced dinners—this show is the ultimate antidote to the dating blues. The smash-hit comedy HOOKUP is back, and it’s the ultimate interactive experience.

This fully improvised romantic comedy takes the quirks, crushes, and turn-ons of real audience members and spins them into a one-of-a-kind love story. You’ll hook up, break up, live the single life, and fall in love all over again without ever leaving your seat.

Directed by Paul Bates (The Second City, Dan For Mayor), HOOKUP boasts an all-star lineup of Toronto’s funniest comedians, including Christy Bruce (Schitt’s Creek), Alastair Forbes (Join Canada, Eh!), Natalie Metcalfe (The Second City), Aurora Browne (Baroness Von Sketch Show), Jan Caruana (Because News), Sharjil Rasool (Run the Burbs), and Kris Siddiqi (The Boys). With technical wizardry by Seann Murray (Sex T-Rex), this show is a comedic rollercoaster you won’t want to miss.

Looking for love, laughter, or just a fun night with your crew? HOOKUP delivers all the excitement of a first date, minus the awkward silences. So grab your friends, or come solo—you never know who you might meet.

This show is the perfect way to spend your Sunday night. Get your tickets now and make your night one to remember!

HOOKUP live at The Second City
September 21 and October 19
7:30 PM
1 York Street, Toronto

For tickets and information, visit https://www.secondcity.com/shows/toronto/hookup-tor

About The Second City

The Second City is a world-renowned comedy institution known for its groundbreaking work in improvisation and sketch comedy. With a legacy of nurturing top comedic talent, The Second City continues to produce innovative and hilarious shows for audiences worldwide.

Get ready to laugh your rainbow socks off with Fiercely Funny! Celebrate Pride Month at the legendary Second City and support Rainbow Railroad with this uproarious comedy variety show. Featuring sketch comedy, stand-up and drag served up by a fabulous lineup of 2SLGBTQIA+ comedians and performers, this show promises an evening of side-splitting entertainment that’s equal parts fierce and funny!

With performances from: Ben Sosa Wright, Anders Yates, Monica Garrido Huerta, Ajahnis Charley, Bren D’Souza, Rachel Manson and drag queen Destiny!

50% of profits will be donated to Rainbow Railroad, an organization that helps LGBTQI+ people facing danger escape to safety through emergency travel, crisis response, partnerships, and other forms of support.

Come celebrate Pride, celebrate comedy, and celebrate community… with laughter.

Fiercely Funny
June 22 @ 8:00pm
The Second City
1 York St., Toronto ON
$25 General Admission
TICKETS HERE

In December 1959, The Second City opened its doors on a snowy Chicago night, igniting a comedic revolution that continues to transform improv and live sketch comedy today. For 65 years, this iconic institution has been the launch pad for countless comedy legends and remains a driving force in nurturing the next generation of comedy creators, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.

To honor this milestone, The Second City is hosting a yearlong celebration with specially priced $19.59 tickets to select shows in Chicago, Toronto, and New York. This offer pays tribute to its founding year while inviting audiences—old and new—to join in the laughter.

Chief Revenue & Operating Officer Parisa Jalili shared her thoughts on this momentous occasion: “For 65 years, our performers, staff, and audiences have built an unparalleled legacy of comedy and connection. This celebration is for everyone who has ever filled our theaters with laughter, and we look forward to welcoming even more comedy lovers into our community.”

Thursday night performances in each city will feature this special $19.59 ticket price through November 20, 2025. Don’t miss the chance to experience the hilarity of The Second City’s e.t.c. show in Chicago, the Mainstage show in Toronto, and the Mainstage show in New York at this anniversary price.

Celebrate and be part of this historic milestone! Tickets are available at each city’s box office or by visiting https://www.secondcity.com/celebrate-65-years-of-comedy-toronto.

The world’s most influential name in live comedy, The Second City is thrilled to announce the cast and crew of The Second City Toronto’s 90th Mainstage Revue. Celebrated TV writer and Second City Alum Brandon Hackett directs returning ensemble members Tiyawnda, Conor Bradbury, Coko Galore, Devon Henderson, Christian Smith, and Scott Yamamura. Matt Keevins returns as stage manager and lighting designer, and Elise Wattman joins as music director.

Live Sketch Comedy! In the time-honoured tradition of The Second City, YOU are invited to become part of our creative process. For a few wild weeks, while the cast creates and hones a brand-new show, audiences have the chance to influence songs, sketches, and characters being developed in real time! Your reactions, ideas, and energy will directly impact the material in our milestone 90th revue. This limited time is a fun and exclusive glimpse into the artistry and improvisation that has defined The Second City’s legacy worldwide for 65 years.

The producing team includes Jen Ellison (VP Head of Creative), Etan Muskat (Artistic Director, Toronto), Susan Waycik (Producer), Elizabeth Howard (Executive Producer), Parisa Jalili (COO/CRO), and Ed Wells (CEO).

The Second City Mainstage Revue runs Tuesday through Thursday at 8pm, Friday and Sunday at 7pm and Saturdays at 7pm and 10pm. Performances take place at The Second City Comedy Theatre located at ONE YORK STREET. Tickets start at $39 and can be purchased at The Second City Box Office, by phone at 416-343-0011, or online at www.secondcity.com.

About the Artists

TIYAWNDA (Ensemble) [she/her]
Tiyawnda is a Toronto-based writer and performer whose main focuses include playwriting; creative nonfiction; and performing sketch, stand-up, improv, and musical comedy. Tia is excited to be a member of Second City’s Mainstage, after being part of Second City’s Tourco, and being one of the 2019 Bob Curry Fellows.

CONOR BRADBURY (Ensemble) [he/him]
Conor Bradbury is an actor and comedian who has been performing in Toronto for almost two decades. He is a founding member of multi-award-winning comedy troupe Sex T-Rex (Just For Laughs Best Comedy, Toronto Sketchfest: Best of Fest, Toronto Fringe: Best Comedy). He is a regular performer with Bad Dog Theatre (Hookup, D&D Live, Theatresports) and has recently appeared in The Howland Company’s Entrances and Exits. His film and TV credits include What We Do in the Shadows (FX), Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu) and Homeschooled (CBC). He was also once on an episode of Cash Cab. Instagram: @conorbury

NADINE DJOURY (Assistant Director) [she/her]
Nadine is beyond thrilled to be back at The Second City! Nadine is an alumna of the Mainstage where she wrote and performed in three critically acclaimed revues. She currently writes for CBC’s The Great Canadian Baking Show and co-created, wrote and starred in ABC.com/CBC Comedy’s web series, Newborn Moms, earning a CSA nomination for Best Performance. Recent television credits include What We Do in the Shadows (FX), Ghosts (CBS), Transplant (NBC) and Kim’s Convenience (CBC). Instagram: @nadined

COKO GALORE (Ensemble) [she/they]
Coko Galore is an actor, producer, host, comedian who performs across disciplines including live comedy shows, podcasts, panels, events, TV, and film. Her performance credits include The Accused (FOX), TallBoyz (CBC), Pretty Hard Cases (CBC) and Untitled Black Sketch Project. When she’s not performing, Coko Galore drinks lots of water, minds her business, and takes naps! Instagram: @cokogalore

BRANDON HACKETT (Director) [he/him]
Brandon Hackett is a Toronto-based television writer and comedian. His TV writing credits include Run the Burbs, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Tallboyz and Shelved. Brandon is an alumnus of Toronto’s Second City Mainstage, where he co-wrote and performed in four revues, including the Canadian Comedy Award-nominated Party Today (Panic Tomorrow) and The Best is Yet to Come Undone. He is one half of the duo Hackett & Langdon (NNNNN, Now Magazine).

DEVON HENDERSON (Ensemble) [she/her]
Devon Henderson has been performing with The Second City since 2018, when she was a cast member of Improv Showdown. She has also performed with Second City’s Tourco and in the Patch Company shows The Second City Totally Likes You and Take Me Out to the Improv: Spooky Edition. She is also an instructor and performer at Bad Dog Theatre, where she was a member of the 2018 Featured Players. Her Bad Dog credits include Theatresports, Super Hot Date Night, The Rat King, and Toronto, I Love You. Her comedy duo, TwoSon, wrote and performed the critically acclaimed An Evening with Devon & Jackie at the 2022 Toronto Fringe. Select festival credits: Sketchfest Seattle, Toronto Sketchfest, Vancouver Sketchfest, Improvaganza, Montreal Sketchfest, The Detroit Improv Festival, District Improv, and the Del Close Marathon. Instagram: @devonhenderson

MATT KEEVINS (Stage Manager & Lighting Designer) [he/him]
Matt Keevins is a stage manager, who specializes in improv and sketch comedy. Select credits include The Weight of it All (Toronto Fringe), An Evening with Devon and Jackie (Toronto Fringe), Something Small, Something Sweet (Hamilton Fringe), Come Here Often? (Buddies in Bad Times). He’s worked as a theatre tech at Comedy Bar, in The Second City Training Center and has understudied Mainstage and Tourco. He’s often shocked that he has made a whole career out of pushing buttons with great comedic timing!

CHRISTIAN SMITH (Ensemble) [he/him]
Christian Smith is an actor, writer, director and improviser from Toronto. Co-Creator of the CBC Digital Comedy; Soul Decision Comedy and writer for new television series Made for TV. He is one half of YouTube darlings Christian & Nat and was co-founder of popular channel Pulp Comedy alongside notable Second City alumni. Christian is also a part of award-winning sketch comedy troupe Soul Decision whose performed all around North America and Europe including JFL, JFL42, Zoofest and more! Catch him on screen in the new series Abroad, or on Run The Burbs, Workin’ Moms or You’re My Hero. Christian is also a Dad. He saved it for last because it’s the coolest and best thing he’s ever done.

ELISE WATTMAN (Music Director) [she/her]
Elise Wattman is a grammy-nominated composer and pianist who specializes in audio design for visual media. As Audio Lead for Jackbox Games, Elise created the music & sound for Let Me Finish, TimeJinx, Junktopia and Weapons Drawn. Elise has toured internationally on keyboards and her favourite venue is Preservation Hall in New Orleans. Elise served as Music Director for Second City Chicago e.t.c’s 44th revue, She the People San Diego, Deck the Hallmark Chicago, America It’s Complicated at the Kennedy Center, DC. For her work accompanying modern dance performance, Elise designed a patented digital module for live scoring. Follow her @soupysounds for kayaking and hockey fun.

SCOTT YAMAMURA (Ensemble) [he/him]
Scott Yamamura has been performing on comedy stages for over 2 decades. His screen performance credits include Transplant, Orphan Black: Echoes, and Deep Six. He has also performed in various Second City ensembles including Tourco, The Education Company, as Mainstage Understudy and now as a Mainstage cast member. Despite all of this, Scott still can’t dunk a basketball and at this point everyone agrees, it’s highly unlikely.

About The Second City
The Second City first brought its iconic improv and sketch comedy to Toronto in 1963 for a week of performances at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. After a decade of sold out shows at the 1200-seat theatre, The Second City established a permanent home in the city with the opening of “The Old Firehall” on Lombard Street. In 1976, The Second City Toronto further solidified its place in comedy history by creating the groundbreaking television show SCTV.

In December 2022, The Second City began an exciting new chapter by relocating to its state-of-the-art facility at One York Street. This move introduced three distinct theatres: The Mainstage, Theatre ’73, and The John Candy Box Theatre, each offering nightly performances that continue The Second City’s tradition of bringing laughter to audiences.

Since making a home in Toronto over 50 years ago The Second City has grown to become the most influential name in comedy launching the careers of countless Canadian comedy legends. Our illustrious alumni list includes names such as Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Mike Myers, Colin Mochrie, Bob Martin, Jerry Minor, Gavin Crawford, Kevin Vidal, Darryl Hinds, Chris Wilson, Lauren Ash, Ann Pornel, Alan Shane Lewis and so many more.

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

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.

The world’s most influential name in live comedy, The Second City is thrilled to announce the cast and crew of The Second City Toronto’s 89th Mainstage Revue. Digital comedy pioneer and Picnicface member, Kyle Dooley directs returning ensemble members Coko Galore, and Devon Henderson with Matt Keevins as Stage Manager and Shane O’Regan as Music Director. Joining the cast are Touring Company alumni Conor Bradbury, Christian Smith, Tiyawnda, and Scott Yamamura. In the time-honoured tradition of The Second City, for a select few weeks, audiences are invited to the exciting and unique experience of watching and participating in the creative process. During this time, while the cast is creating and honing new material, the audience has the unique opportunity to witness new sketches and songs being developed and even plays a part in determining the ultimate title of the 89th revue. This rare opportunity allows ticket holders a special glimpse into the artistry and improvisation that has defined The Second City’s legacy worldwide for 65 years.

The producing team includes Elizabeth Howard (VP of Production), Jen Ellison (Artistic Director, Chicago), Susan Waycik (Producer), and Ed Wells (CEO). The Second City Mainstage Revue plays Tuesday – Thursday 8pm, Friday – Sunday 7pm and Saturdays 10pm. Located at ONE YORK STREET. Tickets, starting at $39, are available at The Second City Box Office, by phone at 416-343-0011, or online at www.secondcity.com. An official press opening will be announced at a later date.