Three-Day Adult Improv & Writing Intensive – Space Still Available!

Want to immerse yourself in some Second City Training, but don't have eight weeks? Intensive classes are three days of fast-paced improvisation and/or writing training for those who can't take a weeklong program or want a quick brush up on skills. Choose a schedule of all-improv, all-writing or improv-writing combination of classes. The next intensive being offered is Improv & Writing Intensive - 10 AM - 4 PM March 31st-April 2nd. Morning principles and processes of improvisation class and afternoon introduction to sketch comedy technique class. Tuition includes a Second City show. LKearn more or register.

Register now for Spring Break Intensives - ages 11-18.

Spend your Spring Break at the Second City! In this week long intensive, participating students explore the world of comedy under the direction veteran industry professionals. Classes include improv in the morning and your choice of stand-up or singprov in the afternoon. Each course has students on their feet participating in exercises that develop stage presence, creativity, communication skills, patience, self-confidence and most importantly - fun! Classes are grouped by age and run March 29th - April 2nd. Registration is currently open. Make the most of your Spring Break and don’t miss out!

The Second City has raised a total of $28,197 for funds to be directed to the Red Cross for Haiti Relief.

In the immediate wake of this tragedy, The Second City challenged its staff to raise as much money as possible and pledged to match all funds collected. The Second City is thrilled to offer their donation to Red Cross Haiti relief in the US and Canada. By matching the funds donated by audience members and Second City staff in Chicago, Toronto and Hollywood, we are able to donate a grand total of $28,197.

In the last few weeks, The Second City has collected donations from audience members in Chicago and led community-wide initiatives in Toronto and Hollywood – including special performances featuring a plethora of Second City alumni. Staff members rallied to create these events and were thrilled with the generosity of their audiences. Due to Canadian government matching, the funds donated to Canadian Red Cross will also include an additional $9,599.61. Thank you to all who made this possible.

7-Day Shorts Project launches in Chicago!

After months of success in Hollywood, the 7-Day Shorts project is coming to the Chicago Training Center! Students, graduates, alumni & staff of The Second City are invited to participate every Tuesday night at 10:30pm in the brand new de Maat Theater. Each week, a set of original, two-minute comedy films are screened, a suggestion is acquired from the audience, and a group of Training Center faculty will improvise based on the suggestion. That same suggestion will inspire the following week's new set of short films. All filmmaking teams require at least one member of the extended Second City family. Final film DVDs are due each week by 6pm Monday at the Training Center office.

For the first week, 2/9, we will screen previous submissions from the Hollywood version of the 7-Day Shorts project. Tickets are $10, $1 for Training Center students & grads. The de Maat Theater is on the third floor of Piper's Alley, 1608 N. Wells. Space is limited!

The Second City Experience Video Contest

Attention Video Makers!

The Second City is having a contest. What can audiences expect when they come to The Second City? From arrival to departure and all the fun in between, we’re looking for a smart, funny, and informational video to explain it all. Submit your 90-second video by March 1st, 2010. The winner will be featured on www.secondcity.com. Send a DVD with your name, phone, and e-mail to:

New Media Video Contest
c/o The Second City
1616 N. Wells
Chicago, IL 60614