
Anne Libera
Director of comedy studies at The Second City and Columbia College Chicago, longtime teacher and former Executive Artistic Director of Second City Training Centers, and author of Funnier: A New Theory for the Practice of Comedy.
Top 3 podcasts with Anne Libera
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9 snips
Oct 20, 2016 • 46min
57: Yes, And... The Psychology of Improv Comedy
Anne Libera and Kelly Leonard, improv instructors and ambassadors at The Second City, discuss how improv comedy relates to mindfulness, creativity, cognitive reframing, authenticity, and more. They share examples of 'Yes, And' in improv, the importance of embracing mistakes and challenging societal expectations, the significance of play and improvisation in various settings, the connection between improv comedy and happiness, and the relationship between comedy, improvisation, and mindfulness.

Oct 28, 2025 • 0sec
Getting to Yes, And… | Anne Libera – ‘Funnier: Live from The Second City’
Anne Libera, Director of Comedy Studies at The Second City, shares insights from her new book, 'Funnier.' She emphasizes the importance of analyzing comedy for growth and the idea that comedy is a craft that can be taught. Libera defines five key components of comedy and discusses the universal appeal of character-driven humor. She also highlights the ethics of comedy and the need for comedians to develop their unique voice while considering audience sensitivity. Plus, her personal journey of humor amid family hardship adds a heartfelt touch.

Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 5min
Comedy writing with Chelsea Devantez and Anne Libera REDUX
Join Emmy-nominated Chelsea Devantez, a versatile TV writer known for her work on Girls5Eva, and Anne Libera, the Director of Comedy Studies at The Second City. They dive into how arts education nurtures individuality and helps comedians shape their identities. Chelsea shares her journey of rapid skill growth through intensive training, while Anne explains the importance of comedic structure. They discuss using comedy as a tool for meaningful conversation and how improvisation benefits professionals. Plus, learn about their exciting upcoming projects!


