Accelerated Writing

Accelerated Writing is an intensive course designed for experienced writers and advanced improvisers who are ready to dive into the core of sketch comedy writing. In just seven weeks, students will work through the material covered in the first two levels of Second City’s Writing Program, gaining the foundational structures and writing techniques needed to begin crafting their own theatrical sketch revues.

This course is highly collaborative and fast-paced. Students should expect to engage deeply with in-class writing, partner assignments, and individual work between sessions. Writers will learn how to generate from abundance, develop strong comic characters, sharpen their comedic point of view, and create dynamic scenes in the style of Second City’s legacy of live comedy.

Topics include:

• Generating ideas using a “yes, and” philosophy
• Creating strong comic characters
• Writing dynamic dialogue
• Introduction to satire
• Sketch structures and revue formatting
• Working in a writers’ room
• Revisions, feedback, and the role of the audience

The course culminates in Open Stage: Sketch Takeover!, where students have the opportunity to hear their material read by student actors in front of a live audience.

Students who successfully complete this course are eligible to bypass Writing 2 and enrol directly into Writing 3.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Second City Conservatory, a Writing degree from an accredited institution, or permission from an artistic director

Who it’s for: Experienced writers and advanced improvisers ready to build sketch revues and write in a collaborative, performance-focused environment