Filling the void left by the departed Amy Poehler will be Abby Elliott, the daughter of former "SNL" cast member and David Letterman jester Chris Elliott, and Michaela Watkins, who has been appearing as Lucy on "The New Adventures of Old Christine."

Both have credentials in L.A. stage comedy: Elliott with the Upright Citizens Brigade, and Watkins in the Groundlings.

Some "SNL" types recently scoped out Chicago women at iO and Second City, and even flew several to New York last week for formal auditions.