Ahhh can’t believe Week 2 has come to an end! The photoshoot pictures made their rounds on instagram and we are still awaiting the official Second City posts. But in the meantime we are gearing up for our first show on November 14th, 2024. You can grab your tickets here and use code BC2024 to get a free ticket! This show is going to be an archive show meaning we will be performing some of our favorite Second City scenes. Preparing for this show has been a lot of fun. I really like watching the past Second City Main Stage and ETC shows. Especially seeing the material of my favorite improvisers including Lisa Beasley, Alex Bellisle, Evan Mills, and Julia Morales of course! We dived into reading some of the scripts and when I tell y’all: everyone is so funny! The cold reads were straight fire! Want to know which scenes we are performing?! Well then you better grab your tickets for the show!

Besides preparing for our Archive Show we also have had the chance to hear from folks at The Second City. I was very excited because our first guest was one the most important roles in any stage production: the stage manager! I remember the first time I was a stage manager for a show. It was for a community theater production of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No good, Very Bad Day and I loved it! I had a blast with the cast and as a fellow thespian myself, I knew the importance of connecting with the cast and directors. I made sure things were organized and the vibes were curated. I was the eyes and ears of the backstage communicating with the folks in the booth. I had to think quickly on my feet if any mishaps happened and keep my cool. It was an invaluable experience that deepened my love for the theater and showed me all the things that had to come together (and go smoothly) for a show.

Devonte Washington, a dope stage manager at The Second City, came in and told us all about his start as a stage manager, his duties and experiences, as well as some of the cool places this career has taken him. We were lucky to get a chance to chat with him before he leaves to D.C. on tour with the Black Excellence Show, Dance Like Black People Are Watching. I asked Devonte what can actors do to make a stage managers job easier? Here are five tips from Devonte:

1. Memorize your lines: a stage manager is keeping track of multiple things during your rehearsal and cannot always give you your lines.
2. Keep track of your props, set changes, T&Bs, and your entrances and exits: don’t touch props until you go on stage and don’t play with the props!
3. Prep your understudy: this ensures a smooth transition when you are not there and sets everyone up for success.
4. Know your stage manager is there for you: they have your back and are usually the chilliest people in the room. If something goes wrong you’ll never know.
5. Build trust with your cast: do activities together to have a good bond. You are creating a show together!
   • Bonus Julia Tip* Egos (and those who feed them) kill the ensemble vibes: see everyone as equals.

As a producer myself, I think it is important for me to know all aspects of putting together and running a successful show. I am grateful for this opportunity to learn from individuals who are at the top of their fields. It is a double blessing that all of them have been kind and down to earth and do not mind answering all my goofy questions. 

And with that catch you later skaters!

-Rissy