The Second City is Offering Free Show Tickets, Meals & Improv Classes to Furloughed Federal Workers

The Second City is proud to support the hundreds of thousands of federal workers currently furloughed as a result of the government shutdown.

In addition to a $2000 donation to the Greater Chicago Food Depository to help aid those working without a paycheck, The Second City is opening up its doors, programming, and hospitality to those affected. Federal employees with valid government ID are invited to obtain free comedy show tickets, enjoy dinner on the house at 1959 Kitchen & Bar, and participate in free improvisation drop-in classes at The Second City Training Center beginning this Friday.

“Improv is an art form that was invented to teach disparate points of view to listen to each other, to respond, to adapt, and to learn from abject failure. While there is no one who could benefit more from the improv experience than our current administration, we instead humbly offer the federal workers affected by the shutdown a chance to come join us. It’s a tremendous honor to welcome those who may need a reminder America is still brimming with people looking to take care of each other,” said The Second City’s CEO and Executive Producer, Andrew Alexander.

Eligible Second City performances include Algorithm Nation or The Static Quo and The Best of The Second City on The Second City Mainstage, Gaslight District on The Second City’s e.t.c. stage, She the People and the fully-improvised show After Hours in UP Comedy Club. For a full list of available showtimes for this offer and to get tickets, visit The Second City Box Office (230 W. North Ave, 1st floor, Piper's Alley) in person with valid government ID or call (312) 337-3992. One ticket per ID, please.

Improv Test Drive is the drop-in class being offered to furloughed workers looking to try something new. The no-experience-necessary class meets Fridays at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7:00 p.m. Pre-registration is required by calling The Second City Training Center at (312) 337-3992.

1959 Kitchen & Bar, The Second City’s full-service restaurant and bar (2nd floor of Piper’s Alley), is offering a free meal (up to a $15 value) and a non-alcoholic beverage to furloughed federal workers with valid government ID. For reservations, call (312) 337-3992 or visit opentable.com. Limit one visit per ID, please.