Bernard Sahlins facts for kids
Bernard Sahlins was an American writer, director, and comedian. He is most famous for helping to start a very important comedy group called The Second City in 1959. He worked with Paul Sills and Howard Alk to create this group, which became well-known for its improvisational comedy. Sahlins also opened a Second City Theatre in Toronto, Canada, in 1973.
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Bernard Sahlins: A Comedy Pioneer
Bernard Sahlins was born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 20, 1922. He attended the University of Chicago and graduated in 1943. His brother, Marshall Sahlins, became a well-known anthropologist, a person who studies human societies and cultures.
Creating The Second City
In 1959, Bernard Sahlins, along with Paul Sills and Howard Alk, founded The Second City. This group became a very famous place for improvisational comedy. This means performers make up scenes and jokes on the spot, often based on ideas from the audience. Many famous comedians and actors started their careers at The Second City. Later, in 1973, Sahlins helped open another Second City Theatre in Toronto, Canada.
Supporting New Talent and Theatre
Bernard Sahlins was also very involved in helping new artists and theatre groups. In 1986, he helped start two important organizations at the University of Chicago. One was called Off-Off Campus, which is a student comedy group. The other was The International Theatre Festival of Chicago, which brought plays and performers from all over the world to Chicago.
Awards and Achievements
Throughout his life, Bernard Sahlins received many awards for his work in theatre and comedy. He won the Sergel Prize for playwriting, which is a special award for people who write plays. He also received awards for his directing and for his overall achievements in theatre. These awards showed how much he contributed to the world of comedy and live performances.
His Legacy
Bernard Sahlins passed away on June 16, 2013, at his home in Chicago. He left behind a huge legacy in the world of comedy and theatre. Thanks to his vision, The Second City continues to be a major influence on comedy today, helping new generations of performers find their voices and make people laugh.
