NBC Universal Second City Break Out Comedy Festival Tickets

Comedy has always been a beloved genre of entertainment, with audiences embracing comedic performances throughout history. From ancient theater to medieval jesters, from vaudeville to silent comedy and talkies, people have always appreciated the ability to laugh, whether as a means of escape, social commentary or just pure entertainment. Today, with the proliferation of streaming services and video sharing platforms, comedy has become more accessible than ever, with comedians gaining huge followings and creating entire careers around their humor.

One platform that has long been associated with comedy is NBC Universal, whose network of channels has featured some of the most iconic comedies in television history. Whether it’s classic sitcoms like Cheers and Seinfeld, popular sketch shows like Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show, or contemporary hits like The Good Place and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, NBC has always known how to make audiences laugh.

In April 2021, NBC Universal once again proved its comedy chops with the Second City Break Out Comedy Festival. This virtual event was organized in partnership with Second City, a legendary improv comedy group that has nurtured the talents of some of the biggest names in comedy over the past six decades. Founded in Chicago in 1959, Second City has spawned numerous spin-offs across North America, including Hollywood and Toronto, where many of today's top comedy stars got their start.

The Second City Break Out Comedy Festival invited up-and-coming comedians from across the country to perform in front of a virtual audience, showcasing their skills in stand-up, sketch, and improv comedy. Over three days, more than 50 comedians showcased their talents to industry professionals and fans alike, with highlights including sets by Sarah Sherman, Rachele Friedland, Zach Zimmerman, and an exclusive live-streamed performance by SNL alumnus Chris Redd.

The festival's organizers aimed to provide a platform for emerging talent, giving comics who had been unable to perform due to the pandemic an opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially gain industry exposure. The festival was open to submissions from anyone, regardless of experience level, with performers selected by a panel of industry professionals, including talent scouts, agents, producers, and taste-makers.

Without the constraints of a traditional comedy club, the virtual nature of the festival provided a unique opportunity for comedians to experiment and try out new material without worrying about the immediate reaction of a live audience. As one performer put it:

"It’s a total trial-and-error kind of thing, testing out premises and jokes you’re curious about without fear of a lukewarm response from a small in-person crowd,” she says. “There are no physical cues as to how people feel about your set other than likes and emoticons in the chat.”

The Second City Break Out Comedy Festival exemplifies NBC Universal's commitment to nurturing talent and creating opportunities for emerging voices in the field of comedy. By partnering with established institutions like Second City, NBC is able to provide a bridge between young talent and industry insiders, ensuring that the next generation of comedians has the chance to shine.

As we continue to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, virtual events like this will likely become even more prevalent, providing comedians with a crucial platform to perform and connect with audiences. With NBC Universal leading the way, there's no doubt that the future of comedy looks bright.