Hollywood Training Center

Because life doesn’t come with a script!

Los Angeles is the world capital of the Entertainment Industry and The Second City is in the heart of it on Hollywood Boulevard. For over fifty years The Second City has created a wealth of comedic material from a legendary group of performers. The Training Center follows the traditions developed by these groundbreaking and innovative men and women while encouraging the continued growth and development of the art forms of comedy and improvisation. Today, The Second City Training Center is the largest school of improvisation and sketch comedy in the world.

   
 Click the picture to see a    quick video on how Second  City changed the lives of a  few now-famous  comedians!

We offer a variety of classes in the performance arts for students at any level of experience. Whether a seasoned performer or someone who's never been onstage, you are encouraged to take classes with us. Our students come from a diverse array of backgrounds, each with a unique accomplishment they wish to achieve with our courses. Whatever your reasons for taking classes with us, we are here to support you and help you grow your skills. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions or concerns you might have.

Download a printable version of the Training Center Course Catalog (PDF)

SUMMER IMPROV CAMPS ARE NOW OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT!

Have your child spend part of their summer at The Second City Hollywood where they can work out their creative energies in our youth boot camp, make new friends and learn new skills, all while having loads of fun and laughs. The Second City has launched the careers of countless actors, writers, directors and producers, and has influenced American comedy like no other theatre. Our summer program attracts students from all over the country and abroad.

Camp will take place Monday through Friday 10:30am-4:30pm. Each day, you will rotate through Improvisation, Sketch Comedy and Musical Improvisation. All students are welcome and no previous experience is needed. At the end of the third week, invite your friends and family to a free show where you will show off your new improv, singing and sketch skills. You’ll receive a 15% family discount on each additional child after the first registration.

More details HERE

Camp 2: June 24-July 12, 2013 REGISTER

Camp 3: July 15-August 2, 2013 REGISTER

Camp 4: August 5-23, 2013 REGISTER

PRESENTATION SKILLS WORKSHOP

This intensive, one-day workshop provides real world skills and perspectives to help business people become better presenters. Because 90% of corporate presenting is done in small group settings, presenters must be compelling speakers, but they must also be able to respond in the moment. Questions, group input and unexpected developments can create anxiety for speakers and cause them to lose effectiveness. Our improv-based methodology recognizes that most business presenting is a dialogue, not a monologue, and we prepare program participants for this business reality. Our approach does not presume that there is one “proper” way to present, nor does it focus merely on presentation mechanics. Instead, we help people gain confidence in their own delivery style and become powerful, authentic communicators.

Friday, June 28, 1-5pm
Tuition: $495

Register Here

FROM IMPROV TO SCRIPT: RELEASE YOUR INNER SCREENPLAY

This workshop is a one-week process of improv and discovery, giving you the tools you'll need to write a successful script. Each student will improvise scenarios as devised by others in the class. Improvisation will be recorded so that you can take them home and write a scene based on what you've done in class. At the end of the week there will be a public reading of written scenes before an invited audience. You do not need to be an accomplished writer, but some improv experience is helpful. This will be co-taught with Ron West and Catherine Butterfield.

August 5-9, 11am-4pm
Tuition: $425

Register Here

CREATING VIDEO FOR FUNNY OR DIE

Creating Video for Funny or Die is a 12-week course in creating comedic digital shorts. Each student receives weekly feedback from Funny or Die creative staff and has weekly check-ins with a Second City writing instructor and director. After completion of the course, each student will have his or her own fully produced digital short.

Tuesdays, 6:30-10pm, July 2-September 17
Tuition: $995

More information

THE TASTE OF SECOND CITY

If you are wondering if you'd like to take an improv class, try The Taste of Second City! These 2-hour intro workshops will give you a little taste of what our improv programs are all about. It will help you to understand why improvisation is a great way to explore your creativity, hone presentation skills, become more comfortable speaking in front of others, think on your feet, and expand team building skills; all while having fun. We cap the class at 16 so please call the office at 323-464-8542 to reserve your spot. Class times per date vary. $25 for each class.

June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, November 9, December 7

IMPROV DROP-IN

Thursdays 4-6pm & Sundays 12-2pm, $20 at the door.

The Improv Drop-in is a noncommittal, two hour class that will keep you on your toes and inject fun into your day. Drop-ins are designed for all levels so if you want to get extra class time, play with new people or work with amazing coaches then drop on by! Any current student or grad of The Second City is eligible to take this class. For any persons with equivalent training from other programs, please call our office to determine if this class is appropriate for you. We cap the class at 16 students, so arrive early to get a spot.

Improv 1 Weekend Intensive

Three days of intensive improvisation for those who can't make the weeklong programs or want a quick brush up on skills. This is the same curriculum as our seven week classes but condensed down to three days. This is an introductory level improvisation class. You will learn the basic elements of The Second City style of improvisation. Students will study the agreements of improvisation, the building of an ensemble, creation of an environment and character construction. 11am-7pm for three days. Intensives are available throughout the year. Click here for details and a schedule.

If you're looking for corporate training, visit our business services division, Second City Communications