Community Calendar

Laugh Harder, Not Smarter is a celebration of legendary American comedy 65 years in the making. Featuring a hilarious array of classic sketch comedy and songs from the company’s rich history, fresh new favorites, as well as the signature brand of irreverent improv that The Second City is famous for.

About The Second Cit
The Second City opened its doors in 1959 as a small comedy cabaret and has since grown to become the world’s most influential name in improvisation and comedy. Celebrating its 65th year in business on December 16, 2024, The Second City’s stages, Touring Companies, and Training Centers across North America have proudly been the launch pad and artistic home for many of the funniest performers, writers, directors, and comedic minds on the planet. For more information, visit SecondCity.com.

Our illustrious alumni list includes names such as John Belushi, John Candy, Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Keegan-Michael Key, Eugene Levy, Tim Meadows, Bill Murray, Mike Myers, Suzy Nakamura, Catherine O’Hara, Amy Poehler, Gilda Radner, Sam Richardson, Joan Rivers, Amber Ruffin, Jason Sudeikis, and Steven Yeun, among countless others. The Second City has been the first name in laughter for over sixty years.

Our annual fall fundraiser, Brews & Bluegrass, is back, and this year, we’re kicking it up a notch with a rodeo twist! Join us on Saturday, September 27, for an unforgettable evening filled with local craft beer tastings, live music, and light bites from your favorite local eateries.*

New this year, we’re bringing the wild west to the heart of downtown Geneva with two exciting additions:

Test your grit on a mechanical bull ride
Kick up your heels with line dancing lessons
*Stay tuned for brewery and eatery announcements!

Tickets are on sale NOW and are $50 per person, $85 per couple, or $350 for groups of 10 or more.

Proceeds benefit Geneva’s Smith Opera House, providing music and merriment to the Finger Lakes for 130 years!

The most interactive comedy show in the world!

“Hilarious and Fascinating” – Time Out New York

HYPROV (pronounced hip-rawv) is coming to after 100 cities toured, a 70-show run Off Broadway in New York City, and a six month residency in Las Vegas!! HYPROV is “hilarious and fascinating” (says Time Out New York) and is “catnip for those who relish spontaneity and informality” (The Wall Street Journal). The New Yorker says, “Say yes to HYPROV,”!

The 90-minute live show combines hypnosis and improv – two art forms that have mystified and entertained fans, skeptics and everyone in between worldwide – for a totally unique comedy experience that The Times of London declared “a celebration of the human imagination.”

Your evening begins with World Renowned Hypnotist, Asad Mecci, welcoming 20 volunteers* on stage to be hypnotized. The most receptive to hypnosis then join Colin Mochrie (Whose Line is it, Anyway?) to improvise the rest of the show, while hypnotized.

In the hands of two experts, and solely crafted from the volunteers’ uninhibited, unconscious minds and audience suggestions, each show is an entirely original and completely unforgettable theatrical experience.

Whether in the audience or on stage performing, get ready to have the time of your life!!

*Participation is completely voluntary

Hilarity, failed dishes, and food fights ensue during this live “broadcast” of a public access cable cooking show hosted by two larger-than-life Italian sisters, Delphine and Carmela Calamari. The sisters sing and dance to such beloved Italian favorites as “Volare,” “Come On A My House,” “Botcha Me,” “Que Sera Sera,” “That’s Amore,” and of course, “Mambo Italiano!” as they try to make it through their final broadcast together in one piece.

You will laugh from start to finish as their singing, dancing, cooking and ad lib banter with guests on stage makes this a must see!

“Laugh Out Loud Funny!” – Philadelphia Inquirer
“Wicked, Naughty Humor!” – Broadway World
“Delightful and Absolutely Delicious” – NY Newsday

Running Time: approx. 2 hr 15 minutes (incl. 15 min. intermission)

Show Times: Sat. 7:00 p.m., Sun. 2:00 p.m.

Hilarity, failed dishes, and food fights ensue during this live “broadcast” of a public access cable cooking show hosted by two larger-than-life Italian sisters, Delphine and Carmela Calamari. The sisters sing and dance to such beloved Italian favorites as “Volare,” “Come On A My House,” “Botcha Me,” “Que Sera Sera,” “That’s Amore,” and of course, “Mambo Italiano!” as they try to make it through their final broadcast together in one piece.

You will laugh from start to finish as their singing, dancing, cooking and ad lib banter with guests on stage makes this a must see!

“Laugh Out Loud Funny!” – Philadelphia Inquirer
“Wicked, Naughty Humor!” – Broadway World
“Delightful and Absolutely Delicious” – NY Newsday

Running Time: approx. 2 hr 15 minutes (incl. 15 min. intermission)

Show Times: Sat. 7:00 p.m., Sun. 2:00 p.m.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is back at The Smith this October with romance, thrills, laughs, and an interactive shadow cast!

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the ultimate movie experience, a mad mix of classic horror/sci-fi, super-charged sensuality and outrageous fantasy. This cult classic from 1975 features the story of an “ordinary” couple and an unforgettable night at the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a mad scientist from the planet Transexual, Transylvania. Brad and Janet have arrived on a special night, the night Dr. Furter’s “beautiful creature,” Rocky, the Adonis humanoid created for the release of Frank’s “tension,” was to be born.

The Smith wants attendees to enjoy this ultimate movie experience (including costumes and having your audience participation script memorized,) but we do hope you’ll refrain from water spraying. It makes our mascara run and it ruins our nice big movie screen.

Rocky Horror goody bags – containing all items needed to participate along with the film – are available for purchase online in advance or at the bar prior to the show.

Motion Picture Rating: R
Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes

FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. invites the community to the unveiling of the 2025 Wisdom Keeper Plaque! Join us in honoring this year’s Wisdom Keepers, Stephanie Crockett and Nancy Kern Eaton, as we celebrate their remarkable leadership and contributions to Central New York. A new plaque will be revealed in the Wisdom Keeper Garden as a lasting tribute to their impact and vision for a stronger community.
Free Event | All are Welcome | Rain or Shine | No Registration Required

Part of The Smith's ArtSmart Educational Theatre Series!

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s newest production, Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales, presents a fresh and engaging reimagining of three cherished children’s stories—Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs, and The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Filled with adventure, humor, and heroism, the story follows a brave raccoon and a clever mouse who are on a journey to collect treasure. Along the way, they unknowingly help the goats, bears, and pigs, preventing disaster—without any of the animals ever encountering a true villain. This imaginative retelling seamlessly interweaves three classic tales into a heartwarming adventure that celebrates friendship and courage.

Designed for children ages 3 to 7, Mermaid Theatre’s latest production offers a captivating performance, laughter, and wonder for young audiences.

Approximate Running Time: 60 Minutes
Recommended Ages: 3-7

Part of our ArtSmart Educational Theatre Series.

Ms. Greer’s classroom includes three inquisitive out-of-the-box thinkers. Rosie Revere has big dreams. Iggy Peck has a relentless passion for architecture. And Ada Twist’s curiosity can lead her to solve any problem.

A fun musical based on the books Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; and Ada Twist Scientist by Andrea Beaty, which spotlights the STEM curriculum (focusing on science, technology, engineering and math).

Approximate Running Time: 60 Minutes
Recommended Ages: Grades K through 4