Rich Alfonso Brings Laughter to Columbus in Second City’s 65th Show!

Rich Alfonso Brings Laughter to Columbus in Second City’s 65th Show!

As preparation heats up for the Second City’s 65th Anniversary Show, anticipation is mounting, particularly around the talents of Rich Alfonso. Set to grace the stage in Columbus on September 4, Alfonso captures the vibrant spirit and rich history of Second City, a name synonymous with groundbreaking comedy. In his own words, he experiences a wave of anxiety before each performance, though he finds that it quickly melts away once he steps into the spotlight. This is a familiar sentiment for many performers; the stage can be both nerve-wracking and exhilarating.

Alfonso’s journey with Second City is as commendable as it is inspiring. Having once pursued a degree in communications, he faced what he describes as a „quarterlife crisis“ before realizing his true calling in comedy. His experiences at Second City have taught him to embrace failure, trust his castmates, and, crucially, the significance of building rapport with fellow performers—an essential element of improvisation. Notably, Alfonso participated in the Bob Curry Fellowship program, aimed at empowering actors from diverse backgrounds, which has opened doors for him and shaped his comedic voice.

Honoring Diversity and Comedy

The Second City is not just about laughter; it’s also deeply rooted in the pursuit of diversity and representation in the comedy world. Recently, it announced the recipients of its tenth annual Bob Curry Fellowship, a program designed to empower actors of color. With sponsorship from Wintrust Financial Corporation, the fellowship is a 15-week, tuition-free master’s course in comedy that emphasizes the historical significance and future potential of underrepresented voices. This program serves as a professional development platform, paving the way for the next generation of comedic talent. The fellowship’s namesake, Bob Curry, was the first African-American performer on The Second City’s mainstage, a legacy that symbolizes the importance of diversity in the arts.

This year’s fellows, selected from a diverse pool of talent, include Asya Meadows, Isabella Alonso, Jazmin Robinson, and more. According to Second City, over half of past graduating fellows have landed roles in various divisions within the company, underscoring the program’s effectiveness in nurturing talent.

A Bright Future for Diverse Voices

The Second City is also ramping up its outreach with upcoming auditions for another installment of the Bob Curry Fellowship program. These auditions, scheduled for January 21, will seek up to sixteen diverse actors of color as part of an initiative from the Second City Diversity and Training Center. Applicants are expected to have a solid background in improv, having graduated from conservatory-level programs, which ensures that the candidates are well-prepared for the rigorous training that lies ahead.

The fellowship begins on March 31, with sessions held twice a week, focusing on an in-depth master program in improvisation and comedy. It’s clear that the goal is not just to produce funny people, but to sustain a pipeline of diverse voices in comedy that reflects the richness of our community. The ties between performance and personal growth are evident in Alfonso’s story; he has turned his struggles with anxiety into a source of inspiration, helping others find their comedic voice while also improving his own skills.

From performances on stages to unique opportunities like acting on a cruise ship, Alfonso’s journey is emblematic of what Second City embodies: a blend of humor, history, and hard work. He encourages aspiring comedians, particularly those grappling with anxiety, to fearlessly pursue their interests. After all, comedy is not just meant to entertain; it can also heal and connect us in ways we never thought possible.

As the anniversary show approaches, the stage will not only celebrate a legacy of laughter but also the bright futures these talented individuals are forging in the world of comedy.