Studio BE Is Now MCL Chicago.
Studio BE has officially transformed into MCL Chicago – the first venue in the country solely dedicated to musical improvisation and music comedy. MCL, which stands for Music Comedy Live, has come on to the scene in the middle of musical improv’s rise in Chicago. Since numbers don’t lie, the number of people graduating from The Second City’s Music Improv Training Program has tripled in the last four years.
MCL will be offering amateur performers a chance to sharpen their musical improvisation skills and seasoned performers an opportunity to share their craft with audiences. The theater is creating MCLab – a series of single workshop sessions targeting specific skills and taught by professionals. Once they are ready to perform, MCL offers two kinds of production models for improvisers to chose from. There is a Music Open Mic and MCL’s on-going MINT Jam. Both of these production styles are geared towards material that is not quite at full-musical length yet, giving improvisers a chance to workshop their material in an inviting setting. MCL will also have a Music Sessions for Wellness program as part of the theater’s Community Outreach branch.
MCL officially opens its doors next month. But while you wait for August to roll around, check out MCL July Overture. This is a showcase of the types of performances that audiences can expect from MCL in the future. Whether you choose from one of the multiple shows a weekend or just hit up all of them, you’re bound for a good time.
