Title Page & Abstract
An Interview with Anne Libera
Part of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library
Celebrities and Entertainers Oral History Project
Interview # CE-A-L-2026-004
Anne Libera, director, educator, and comedy scholar at The Second City, was interviewed on the date listed below as part of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library’s Celebrities and Entertainers Oral History Project.
Interview dates & location: The Second City, Chicago, Illinois.
Date: October 24, 2024
Interview Format: Digital audio
Interviewer: Scot Loyd
Technical Support (cameraman, etc): __________N/A_______________
Transcription by: _________________________
Edited by: ____________N/A_____________
Indexed by: _________________________
Total Pages: ______ Total Time: ______
Session 1: ______
Session 2: ______
The interview(s) is/are archived at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, Illinois.
© 2026 Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library
Abstract
Anne Libera, Celebrities and Entertainers, CE-A-L-2026-004
Biographical Information Overview of Interview: Anne Libera reflects on her influential career in improvisational comedy, directing, and comedy education. A longtime director and educator at The Second City in Chicago, Libera discusses her early experiences in theater and improvisation, including her collaborations with future comedy icons such as Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Adam McKay. She recounts her transition from aspiring actor to director and scholar, offering insight into the creative process behind improvisation and sketch comedy.
Throughout the interview, Libera explores the foundations of comedy as an art form, emphasizing concepts such as recognition, pain, and distance in generating humor. She discusses ensemble dynamics, directing philosophy, audience interaction, and the challenges of balancing artistic risk with cultural sensitivity. The interview also examines the historical role of women in improvisational comedy and the gradual expansion of opportunities for women and performers from diverse backgrounds at The Second City.
Libera further reflects on her role in developing the first college major in comedy writing and performance at Northwestern University and shares her philosophy on creativity, collaboration, and artistic growth. Her reflections offer valuable insight into the evolution of modern American comedy, improvisational theater, and the cultural influence of Chicago’s comedy scene.
Note to the Reader: Readers of the oral history memoir should bear in mind that this is a transcript of the spoken word, and that the interviewer, interviewee and editor sought to preserve the informal, conversational style that is inherent in such historical sources. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library is not responsible for the factual accuracy of the memoir, nor for the views expressed therein. We leave these for the reader to judge.
COPYRIGHT
The following material can be used for educational and other non-commercial purposes without the written permission of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. “Fair use” criteria of Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976 must be followed. These materials are not to be deposited in other repositories, nor used for resale or commercial purposes without the authorization from the Audio-Visual Curator at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. 6th Street, Springfield, Illinois 62701. Telephone (217) 785-7955.