Interim director named at improv theater after CEO quits

CHICAGO (AP) - The Second City improv theater has announced it appointed an African American, Anthony LeBlanc, as interim executive producer, replacing the troupe's co-owner and CEO who resigned following accusations of racism at the Chicago comedy institution.

Andrew Alexander resigned Friday, saying in a lengthy letter that he ``failed to create an anti-racists environment wherein artist of color might thrive.'Å¥

LeBlanc most recently served as an artistic director for the famed Chicago improv company and is also a part-time faculty member at Columbia College Chicago. The theater company on Saturday announced it will soon undertake a search for a long-term executive producer.

Alexander's resignation on Friday followed online criticism from Second City alumnus Dewayne Perkins, an actor, comedian and writer. Perkins said the company refused to hold a benefit show for Black Lives Matter unless half of the proceeds also went to the Chicago Police Department, and it also created obstacles for performers of color.

His tweets were in reply to a Second City tweet posted in support of Black Lives Matter amid protests around the country over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died at the hands of police in Minneapolis.