The Second City Cleveland

Opening at Playhouse Square (2002)

The Second City Cleveland opened in 2002 at the 14th Street Theatre, a 288-seat performance space built specifically for the franchise as part of the Playhouse Square complex in downtown Cleveland. The company operated in partnership with Playhouse Square, presenting the Second City format of scripted sketch comedy with an improvised second act.

Closure

Critics and observers noted that the Cleveland production relied heavily on scripted material imported from other Second City cities rather than developing locally produced content, limiting its connection to the Cleveland community. The franchise closed approximately one to two years after opening, with the Second City presence in Cleveland ending around 2003 or 2004. The 14th Street Theatre building itself continued in use by Playhouse Square for other programming until it was converted to a private dining space in 2013.

The Second City Cleveland operated as a Playhouse Square franchise presenting imported Second City sketch material to Cleveland audiences. The absence of a locally developed voice contributed to the short run of what was the only Second City franchise ever to operate in Ohio.