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e.t.c. Theater at Second City - Chicago Tickets

Location
Chicago Venue Guide | Seating, Pa

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The venue

About e.t.c. Theater at Second City - Chicago

Welcome to the e.t.c. Theater at Second City in Chicago—one of the city’s iconic improv spaces. Nestled in Piper's Alley, this intimate venue hosts sharp, playful performances that pair perfectly with a night out in the River North area. The e.t.c. space sits alongside the larger Mainstage theatre on site, giving visitors a choice between intimate showcases and broader productions. Whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime fan, secure your seats with us and plan a seamless night out in Chicago.

Here you’ll find practical details to help you navigate seating, parking, transit, and nearby hotels and dining. We’ve got you covered with insider tips and reliable information to make your visit hassle-free.

Seating and venue layout The e.t.c. Theater seats approximately 180 guests for an intimate cabaret and improv experience. Seating charts vary slightly by source, with some listings noting up to 190 seats. For the most accurate seating configuration for a specific show, check the event page or box office. The adjacent Second City Mainstage offers a larger space, providing options for a diverse night out in one building.

Parking Parking is available at Piper's Alley Self Park, located at 230 W North Ave (SP+). Street parking is limited and subject to time limits and residential restrictions. Parking validation policies may vary by show and building access, so verify the current policy with the venue or at the box office when you arrive.

Transit The area is well served by public transit. The closest CTA station is Sedgwick Station on the Brown Line, which is within walking distance. Several bus routes also service the North Avenue and Wells Street corridors, making the e.t.c. Theatre accessible from multiple parts of the city.

Nearby hotels For convenient lodging, consider The Robey (2018 W North Ave) and Kinzie Hotel (20 W Kinzie St). Both are within a short distance of Piper's Alley and offer easy access to performances at Second City. When booking, look for partner hotel options that provide exclusive rates or packages for theater guests.

Nearby dining and drinks After a show, you’ll find a variety of dining options nearby, from casual eateries to stylish cocktail bars in the River North area. We recommend checking partner recommendations for curated dining experiences close to the venue.

About the venue The Second City’s e.t.c. Theatre is part of a storied Chicago institution that has launched careers for comedians such as John Belushi, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Mike Myers, and many others. The smaller cabaret space provides a RAW, close-up experience that highlights improvisation and sketch comedy, alongside the larger Mainstage theatre’s flagship productions. The Wells Street frontage of the building still bears the Garrick Theatre façade, a nod to Chicago’s long history of live performance.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Capacity: e.t.c. Theatre ~180 seats (Some listings show up to 190; sources vary).
  • Addresses: e.t.c. Theatre located in Piper's Alley, 230 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60610 (2nd Floor); The Second City Mainstage is at 1616 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614.
  • Venue type: The Second City resident theatre, a smaller cabaret/improv space (e.t.c.) and a larger Mainstage theatre on site.
  • Seating chart: Mainstage seats ~290; e.t.c. seats ~180; seating charts available via third-party and box-office sites.
  • Parking: Piper's Alley Self Park at 230 W North Ave (SP+); limited street parking nearby; parking validated/policies vary by venue.
  • Transit: Closest CTA access includes Sedgwick Station (Brown Line) within walking distance; multiple bus routes serve the area.
  • Nearby hotels: The Robey (2018 W North Ave) and Kinzie Hotel (20 W Kinzie St) are nearby accommodation options.
  • Notable events hosted: The Second City’s two theatres (Mainstage and e.t.c.) have hosted countless iconic shows and launched many famous comedians (e.g., John Belushi, Mike Myers, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner).
  • Renamed/demolished: The e.t.c. space itself remains active; the building’s Wells Street frontage includes the Garrick Theatre façade, a remnant of Chicago theatre history.