Sheldon Patinkin
PMP Network Presents
Sheldon Patinkin reflects on the storied history of The Second City theater, highlighting its unique improvisational approach to comedy. He shares insights into the training and touring companies, as well as the notable alumni who have passed through its doors. Patinkin emphasizes the theater's impact on developing comedic talent.
Sheldon Patinkin
About Sheldon Patinkin
Sheldon Patinkin served as Artistic Director of The Second City in Chicago for over five decades, succeeding Paul Sills. He chaired the Theater Department at Columbia College Chicago for three decades and co-founded the Playwrights Theatre Club. He authored books on The Second City and American musical theater history, and received a Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Director.
In this interview
- Discusses The Second City's 20-year history and over 8,500 performances at that time.
- Explains how scenes were developed through improvisation rather than traditional writing.
- Describes the training school, touring companies, and resident companies in multiple cities.
- Mentions notable alumni including Joan Rivers, who performed in Chicago and New York.
“All the scenes have worked out through improvisation. That is my whole idea at all.”— Sheldon Patinkin, in this interview
Since this interview
Sheldon Patinkin continued his work with The Second City and Columbia College Chicago until his death on September 21, 2014, at age 79 in Chicago.
