IMPROV | YOUTH | WRITING |
ONLINE | SPECIALTY
2020 INTENSIVES |
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Term 2 2020 Classes: Building Closed 4/12
Improvising Basics – While learning the building blocks of improvisation, this term builds confidence through ensemble energy.
- Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (3/9-4/20) Taught by Dave Colan
- Improv 1 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (3/9-4/20) Taught by Katie Nahnsen
- Improv 1 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (3/4-4/15) Taught by Doug Morency
- Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (3/7-4/18) Taught by Patrick Rowland
- Improv 1 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (3/15-5/3, NO CLASS 4/12)
- Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (3/30-5/11)
- Improv 1 (Off peak Hours) · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (4/4-5/16)
IMPROV 1 EXPRESS
Meeting twice-weekly, Improv Express explores the same concepts taught in each level but in a shorter time period! Same concepts, same fun, same cost! Improvising Basics – While learning the building blocks of improv, this term builds confidence through ensemble energy.
- Improv 1 EXPRESS · Mon & Weds · 6:30-10PM (4/6-4/27)
- Improv 1 EXPRESS (Off Peak Hours) · Tues & Thurs · 11-2:30PM (4/7-4/28)
IMPROV 1 3-DAY INTENSIVE
Improvising Basics – While learning the building blocks of improv, this term builds confidence through ensemble energy. Same curriculum just squeezed into 3 days.
- Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM · Friday-Sunday (3/6-3/8)
- Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM · Friday-Sunday (4/24-4/26)
- Vegas Location: Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM Friday-Saturday (4/10-4/12)
IMPROV 1 5-DAY INTENSIVE
Improvising Basics – While learning the building blocks of improv, this term builds confidence through ensemble energy. Same curriculum just squeezed into 5 days.
IMPROV 2
Improvising Scenes – A study of emotion, relationship, point-of-view, and environment; this term focuses on what makes an improvised scene work.
- Improv 2 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (3/2-4/13) · Taught by Tim Paul
- Improv 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (3/3-4/14) · Taught by Dave Colan
- Improv 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Thursdays · 6:30-10PM (3/5-4/16) · Taught by Corey Rittmaster
- Improv 2 · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (3/7-4/18) · Taught by Eric Price
- Improv 2 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (3/8-4/26, NO CLASS 4/12) · Taught by Adam Cawley
- Improv 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (4/4-5/16)
IMPROV 2 EXPRESS
Meeting twice-weekly, Improv Express explores the same concepts taught in each level but in a shorter time period! Same concepts, same fun, same cost! Improvising Scenes – A study of emotion, relationship, point-of-view, and environment; this term focuses on what makes an improvised scene work.
IMPROV 2 3-DAY INTENSIVE
Improvising Scenes – A study of emotion, relationship, point-of-view, and environment; this term focuses on what makes an improvised scene work. Same curriculum just squeezed into 3 days.
- Improv 2 · 3-Day INT · Friday-Sunday · 11-7PM (3/13-3/15) · Taught by Adam Peacock
IMPROV 3
Improvising Games and Advancing Scene Work – While continuing an enhancement of improvisational scene work, this term explores improvising shortform games.
- Improv 3 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (3/3-4/14) · Taught by Adam Peacock
- Improv 3 (Off Peak Hours) · Thursdays · 6:30-10PM (3/5-4/16) · Taught by Allison Bills
- Improv 3 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (3/7-4/18) · Taught by Jay Sukow
- Improv 3 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (4/1-5/13)
IMPROV 3 EXPRESS
Meeting twice-weekly, Improv Express explores the same concepts taught in each level but in a shorter time period! Same concepts, same fun, same cost! Improvising Games and Advancing Scene Work – While continuing an enhancement of improvisational scene work, this term explores improvising shortform games.
IMPROV 3 INTENSIVES
Improvising Games and Advancing Scene Work – While continuing an enhancement of improvisational scene work, this term explores improvising shortform games.
IMPROV DROP-IN
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. Prerequisite: Completion of a course at a training center.
Looking for a beginner class? Try our Taste of Second City Workshop
CONSERVATORY 1 (audition level)
Acting within Improv – put the two together.
Graduates of iO, UCB, & ComedySportz are eligible to bypass the audition and directly enroll!!! If you are a graduate of one of these schools fill out this form: http://bit.ly/2kEqWcr and we can sign you up! Or give us a call at 323.464.8542
- Cons 1 · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (3/3-4/14) · Taught by James Gangl
- Cons 1 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (3/3-4/14)· Taught by Rich Baker
- Cons 1 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (3/8-4/26, NO CLASS 4/12) · Taught by Jenna Jolovitz
CONSERVATORY 2
Original Characters – the next Austin Powers is within you!
- Cons 2 · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (3/3-4/14) · Taught by Jason DeRosse
- Cons 2 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (3/3-4/14) · Taught by Martin Garcia
- Cons 2 · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (3/7-4/18) · Taught by Ron West
CONSERVATORY 3
Study the art of ensemble improv and how to make your castmates look like rock stars! Also, learn comedic structure through both improvised scenes Second City archive sketches.
- Cons 3 · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (3/3-4/14) · Taught by Michael Anastasia
- Cons 3 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (3/3-4/14) · Taught by Tim Stoltenberg
- Cons 3 · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (3/7-4/18) · Taught by Katie Nahnsen
CONSERVATORY 4
Ever wanted a do-over? Here’s your chance! By re-improvising your scenes, you’ll learn how we take an idea from improvisation to a polished written sketch.
- Cons 4 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (3/2-4/13) · Taught by Dwayne Colbert
- Cons 4 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (3/4-4/15)· Taught by Tim Paul
- Cons 4 · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (3/7-4/18)· Taught by Doug Morency
GRAD REVUE
After completing all five levels of our advanced conservatory, students may audition to take part in our Grad Revue program. Ensembles of no more than eight students are selected and grouped together to complement one another as they embark on a nearly half-year process of writing and performing an all-original Second City-style revue that will run on our studio theater stage. Each level is seven weeks long after which the written revue is performed once a week for six weeks.
Grad Revue 1: Pitching and Creating Material
Students will work closely with their director and ensemble mates to create and pitch sketch ideas to be improvised, re-improvised and developed into written scenes. They will learn to mine their imaginations, real lives and the world at large for satirical inspiration, as well as learning to write, re-write and edit comedy sketches in the Second City style. Students will have a chance to perform these developing sketch ideas in front of live audiences in three preview shows throughout the term.
Grad Revue 2: Shaping the Show
In the second half of the rehearsal process, students will continue to shape their scene ideas through re-improvisation and re-writing, as well as learning from their director what it takes to create a cohesive running order for a comedy sketch show. They will also gain experience as comedic songwriters, working with a musical director to create a cast song idea and lyrics, which the musical director will turn into a song to be performed in the revue. Previews for live audiences continue in Grad 2, during the course of four previews, students work with the director to ensure their material becomes show ready.
The Revue
After the revue is written, it’s time to perform! The ensemble will experience the joy of performing a weekly sketch show that they wrote, full of their individual ideas and scenes they created as an ensemble. Throughout the run, students will feel the challenge and thrill of performing live sketch comedy for audiences that will reward all their hard work with laughter.
- Grad Revue (Part 1): Harvey · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (3/2-4/13) · Taught by Pepper Berry
- Grad Revue (Part 1): Nash· Mondays · 6:30-10PM (3/2-4/13) · Taught by Dave Colan
- Grad Revue (Part 1): O · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (3/8-4/26, NO CLASS 4/12) · Taught by Leslie Seiler
- Grad Revue (Part 2): Cool · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (3/2-4/13) Taught by Ron West
- Grad Revue (Part 2): Sly · Sundays · 6:30-10PM (3/8-4/26, NO CLASS 4/12) Taught by Paul Kingston
Specialty Courses:
DIRECTING PROGRAM
An elite group of eight students will go on a year-long journey in this program that teaches the fundamental techniques to directing Second City’s style of sketch comedy and improvisation. From working with scripts to coaching improv to developing scripts, this five-level program culminates in a scripted sketch revue showcasing a sample of each director’s work. Each level is seven weeks long and each class will have 6 to 8 volunteer actors for the directing students to work with in class.
Applicants need to complete the Directing Program Submission Form. Please submit yourself for consideration HERE
- Directing Program · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (1/11/2020-10/10/2020) Taught by Dave Colan
ACTING 1: CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
In Acting 1, students learn the foundational skills needed to begin their exploration of scripted work. Material is individually assigned, ranging from theatrical monologues to TV and film scripts. The tools explored in this class allow students to hone and create their own process for approaching any script or character in their career.
This class focuses on the intellectual side of the craft and making bold choices. Students gain experience in preparing for mock auditions, and also gain insight into auditioning techniques. The first level also introduces students to the overall business side of being an actor, including best industry practices, business etiquette, and preparing the proper headshot and resume.
SITCOM 101 FOR ACTORS
This is a 5-week Sitcom workshop focusing on script analysis, technique and the audition. The goal of this intensive is to make good actors and funny people more consistently successful in the audition room. Excellent practice for the seasoned actor; also, a great place to start for beginners. Get more out of your process by increasing your sitcom vocabulary, honing your skills and replacing bad habits with productive ones.
ON CAMERA COMMERCIAL AUDITION TECHNIQUE
Work with current commercial audition material, learn the techniques and practices of booking the audition room, and what will make your performance POP. Students learn from working on tape and watching play back in class with instructor feedback. This class covers MOS, comedic, dramatic, improvisational, and both solo and group material. Instructor Audrey Flegel has booked over 22 commercials, has an 80% callback rate and is a staple at major casting offices. Learn what works from a working actor!
DIALECTS & CHARACTER VOICES LEVEL 1
Looking to build your Actor/Improviser Tool Box? Want to bring your Irish Bartender into more crisp view? Got that Brooklyn Cab Driver you’ve been dying to perfect? This is the place to do it! Learn fun ways to expand your arsenal of character voices and regional dialects. In this class, we will explore character status, physicality, vocal use & placement, breathing techniques, and delve into a wide variety of accents and dialects. Explore regional influences with specificity. Participants will create original characters, work with scripted text as well as improvised scenes.
STAND-UP 1
Develop yourself as a solo comedic performer by writing and workshopping your own material. By understanding how earlier stand-up comics evolved, students experiment outside their comfort zone and experiment until discovering their own unique style. Class culminates in a final performance in The Second City Hollywood Studio Theater.
- Stand-Up 1 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (3/2-4/13) Taught by Erin Tracy
- Stand-Up 1 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (3/8-4/26, NO CLASS 4/12) Taught by Dan Telfer
- Stand-Up 1 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (3/30-5/11)
STAND-UP LAB
Open mics are great but sometimes you need a little more when working on your material. Let Second City help you with that process in our Stand Up Comedy Lab on Mondays. Sign up and a Second City instructor will help with feedback as well as lead other comics pitches. Drop in, drop some comedy ideas and lets see what sticks. Along with getting feedback each participant will get a slot in the open mic later that night. Get more out of your mics with Second City Stand Up labs.
STORYTELLING 101
Live storytelling shows have become one of the fastest growing and most personal forms of entertainment in Los Angeles. With the popularity of shows like The Moth, Mortified and Porchlight, audiences have shown that they love to hear a well-crafted and fascinating story. In this class we will focus on the craft of 1st-person storytelling – how to structure an event from your life in a way that is interesting and entertaining to other people. At the completion of the four weeks, each of the students will walk out with one stage-ready story, which will be performed in the final class show.
ONLINE ONE PERSON SHOW WORKSHOOP
Stay home and study at Second City Hollywood! Join via Zoom to create your own one person show. The best way to get work is to make work! Ever fantasized about creating your own one person show, but weren't sure where to start? This is the course for you!
Act in the best role, the one you wrote for YOU! Find your story, write new material, and leave with an outline of your one person show. Learn secrets and tips about how to produce, market and SELL OUT your show.
About the instructor: Anne Marie Scheffler is a critically acclaimed solo performer. She's done 8 shows, a one-hour TV special, and a long list of acting and writing credits and awards, including co-writing and co-starring in the international hit SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody. Anne Marie can show you how to create your own big break.
INTRO TO IMPROV FOR BUSINESS
A one-day crash course in improvisation, this workshop will provide the basics for giving and receiving focus, expanding and heightening an idea, working as an ensemble, and effective listening. This program is built to be effective for those entering the workforce and seasoned leaders alike, while we take the core principals of improv and apply them to effective communication in the workplace.
REWIREU: THE CORE INTENSIVE
The RewireU program empowers people through improvisation techniques cultivated over 50 years of entertaining a wide range of audiences. We know people! Participants of the RewireU program will learn new tactics for handling conflict, sharing opinions, championing projects, overcoming change and collaborating. RewireU is for individuals or companies who want to rethink how they work.
REWIREU: PUBLIC SPEAKING
Bring your best self to your next work presentation or wedding toast! Using targeted improv exercises, this course will help you become more comfortable and confident with public speaking. Focus areas will include how to read the room, adjusting to change in the moment, extemporaneous vs. prepared speech, and wowing a crowd. You will get access to videos of your individual speeches for self-assessment between classes. The result? Heightened awareness to shed those physical and verbal idiosyncrasies that aren't serving you so you can bring your A-game every time.
SECOND CITY SKETCH WRITING 1
Second City Sketch Writing 1 is for any student who is looking to start the journey of writing a Second City-style revue. This class is the foundation for scenic comedy writing, a guide for utilizing an improviser’s skill set for rapid creation, and learning writing refinement. The concepts and tools provided in Sketch 1 are the building blocks for being able to quickly and creatively write to and for a Second City-style revue. Every comedic writer must have the knowledge and skills that are offered in this course. You will then use those skills in our program to cast actors, write a revue, and have a four show run at the end of Sketch Writing 3.
- SC Sketch Writing 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Tues · 11-2:30PM (3/10-4/21) Taught by Paul Kingston
- SC Sketch Writing 1 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (3/11-4/22) Taught by Liz Reuss
- SC Sketch Writing 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (3/31-5/12)
- SC Sketch Writing 1 5-DAY INT · Mon-Fri · 11-4:30PM (4/13-4/17)
SC SKETCH WRITING 2
Second City Sketch Writing 2 provides students with understanding of the different types of scenes found in a Second City-style sketch comedy revue. The lens of the course is focused on the Cast and the Characters. Understanding scenic formulas, writing to cast size, and character point-of-view. Students practice creating simple structures with relatable characters as they learn the building blocks of a sketch revue.
- SC Sketch Writing 2 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (3/4-4/15) ·Taught by Kevin Brennan
- SC Sketch Writing 2 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (3/8-4/26, NO CLASS 4/12) Taught by Rebekah Walendzak
SITCOM SPEC WRITING LEVEL 2
- Sitcom Spec Writing 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (3/14-4/25) · Taught by Kara Lee Burk
WRITE YOUR TV PILOT: FROM IDEA TO DRAFT
This immersive class will get you from idea to draft on your original pilot. Move from development phase, to outline, to draft. Half-hour and hour long pilots are acceptable. New students and experienced students welcome
- Write Your TV Pilot: From Idea to Draft · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (3/9-6/22) Taught by Brendan Kelly
WRITING FOR CHILDREN'S ANIMATION LEVEL 1
Ever been told you think or better yet act like a child? Well maybe you should write like one too! In this class we will look at the difference between storyboard driven and script based animation shows. During the class you’ll develop a story springboard, outline and a spec scripts of an existing 11 minute show, all while learning the basic structure of animation writing.
- Writing for Children's Animation Level 1 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (3/11-4/22) · Taught by Patricia Villetto
MASTER THE PITCH
In Hollywood, great careers start with a great pitch. It’s how ideas turn into projects and how creators get paid. Distributors are buying content more than ever. So, now is the time to sell them yours. In this class, you’ll learn the skills of crafting and delivering a solid pitch presentation. We’ll also cover pitch packets, loglines, one-sheets, proofs of concept and more. Time to reward all that hard work you did writing and get paid for it.
WRITING FOR LATE NIGHT TV & TALK SHOWS LEVEL 1
Write desk bits, remote segments, guest pieces, sketch and a variety of segments for shows like Fallon, Conan, Kimmel, Seth Myers, Colbert, Ellen and more. Pitch monologue jokes, brainstorm, explore and heighten material in this collaborative Writer’s Room environment. Create original material to strengthen your writing samples, and produce the elements to put together your pitch packet for a talk show. Please bring a laptop or phone for Internet access.
- Writing for Late Night TV Level 1 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (4/27-6/15, NO CLASS 5/25)
- Writing for Late Night TV&Talk Shows INT · 11-4:30PM · Mon-Fri (10/26-10/30)
WRITING FOR LATE NIGHT TV & TALK SHOWS LEVEL 2
Building on Writing for Late Night TV and Talk Shows Level 1, this class will consist of joke maximizers for monologue jokes, finding the angle for your joke, monologue jokes with visual punchlines, the seven types of desk pieces, writing a rant on a topic like John Oliver, how to write a pitch for a live sketch in studio, writing bumpers (jokes for going in/out for commercial breaks), guest segment extras, Fallon-type games with guests, recurring comic character bits, series of jokes connected by a topic like Fallon’s New iPhone apps, ideas for funny segments like kid inventors, and more submission packet info!
Youth Classes:
ONLINE COMEDY CAMPS
This class meets Online, at the day & time you're signing up for. All you need is a sturdy internet connection and a device that has a camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or even your phone can work.)
Virtual camp = real fun!
PARENTS, we know you’re doing your best to find interactive play (how did our parents even do it?!) and we’re here to help you with a virtual room filled with kids! We’ve figured out how to bring real, live fun straight from The Second City to you! Our totally digital, totally FUN comedy camps will engage your children for four hours of fun and creativity---with other kids. All you need is an internet connection and a camera, and we’ll have them “yes, and”-ing in no time. These camps are taught by our SC Training Center comedy pros. Sign up your child by themselves, or encourage your child’s friends to join your session for a virtual get-together! Campers are broken up by ages 7-9, 10-12 & 13-18. You can pick from our 1-Day or 5-Day camps, to customize your child’s needs and schedule.
Campers exercise their sense of play through improv games that are the foundation of The Second City’s unique brand of comedy. Our teachers will work with these young improvisers to help enhance their ability to communicate with others and develop confidence in their own creativity while working as part of an ensemble. No previous experience is needed. Camps end with a virtual show where the students show off what they’ve learned!
SUBJECTS
Improv: The fundamentals of improv’s “Yes, and” philosophy.
Musical Improv: Spontaneously put words to music.
Sketch Comedy: Use improv to develop scenes, and create original sketches.
CAMPS (AGES 7-18) SCHEDULE:
10AM-11AM : Improv
11:30AM-12:30PM : Sketch Comedy
1:30-2:30PM: Musical Improv
1-DAY CAMPS • TUITION: $75
Eastern Time Zone Camps (Ages 7-18)
Central Time Zone Camps (Ages 7-18)
Pacific Time Zone Camps (Ages 7-18)
5-DAY CAMPS: MONDAY-FRIDAY • TUITION: $250
Eastern Time Zone Camps (Ages 7-18)
Central Time Zone Camps (Ages 7-18)
Pacific Time Zone Camps (Ages 7-18)
2020 HOLLYWOOD & PASADENA SUMMER COMEDY CAMPS (AGES 8-18)
How fun does a Comedy Camp sound? Spend part of your summer at The Second City in our improv and comedy writing camps. Now in Hollywood & Pasadena! Campers exercise their sense of play through improv games and exercises that are the foundation of The Second City’s unique brand of comedy. Our teachers will work with these young improvisers to help enhance their ability to communicate with others and develop confidence in their own creativity while working as part of an ensemble.
Our comedy camps attract students from all over the world to learn improv, make friends, and perform on our stage! No previous experience is needed. Camps end with a show where the students show off what they’ve learned!
Camps meet Monday through Friday, 9am-3:30pm. Each day students rotate through three subjects:
- Improv: An intro to the rules of Improv—saying yes, working together, listening, and having fun.
- Sketch Comedy: An intro to the basics of writing sketch comedy scenes.
- Musical Improv: Learn to spontaneously put words to music.
Hollywood – Hollywood camps are held at The Second City Hollywood, 6560 Hollywood Boulevard.
Pasadena – Pasadena camps are held at 690 E Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104.
1-week Summer Comedy Camps (ages 4-6) dates:
June 15-19 · Mon-Fri 9-12:45pm · $225 (Hollywood)
June 29-July 2 · Mon-Thurs 9-12:45pm · $180 (Hollywood)
Aug 3-7 · Mon-Fri 9-12:45pm · $225 (Hollywood)
1-week Summer Comedy Camps (ages 7-18):
June 8-12 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood)
June 15-19 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood & Pasadena)
June 22-26 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood)
June 29-July 2 · Mon-Thurs 9-3:30pm · $316 (Hollywood)
July 6-10 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood & Pasadena)
July 13-17 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood & Pasadena)
July 20-24 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood)
July 27-31 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood)
Aug 3-7 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood & Pasadena)
Aug 10-14 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood)
Aug 17-21 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood)
2-week Summer Comedy Camps (age 12-18):
July 6-17 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $800 (Hollywood)
July 20-31 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $800 (Hollywood)
KIDS & TEEN IMPROV WEEKDAY & WEEKEND (AGES 4-15)
What kind of kid is yours? Shy kid? Class clown? Smart aleck? Get them into these classes that will feed what they need. They will learn improv exercises and games. No experience needed. Classes are designed to be taken several times. Kids are broken into age groups of 4-6, 7-9, 10-12, 13-15
Weekday Classes:
- Kids Improv (ages 4-6) · Tuesdays · 10AM-12PM (4/7-6/9)
- Kids Improv (ages 4-6) · Thursdays · 10AM-12PM (4/9-6/11)
- Kids Improv (ages 7-9) · Tuesdays · 10AM-12PM (4/7-6/9)
- Kids Improv (ages 7-9) · Thursdays · 10AM-12PM (4/9-6/11)
- Kids Improv (ages 10-12) · Tuesdays · 10AM-12PM (4/7-6/9)
- Kids Improv (ages 10-12) · Thursdays · 10AM-12PM (4/9-6/11)
- Teen Improv (ages 13-15) · Tuesdays · 10AM-12PM (4/7-6/9)
- Teen Improv (ages 13-15) · Thursdays · 10AM-12PM (4/9-6/11)
Weekend Classes:
- Kids Improv (ages 7-9) · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (3/7-4/18)
- Kids Improv (ages 7-9) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (3/8-4/26, NO CLASS 4/12)
- Kids Improv (ages 10-12) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (3/8-4/26, NO CLASS 4/12)
- Teen Improv (ages 13-15) · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (3/7-4/18)
- Teen Improv (ages 13-15) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (3/8-4/26, NO CLASS 4/12)
IMPROV 1 (AGES 16-18)
We think you’re old enough to learn the adult curriculum, so join us for the first level of our improv program!
Improvising Basics – While learning the building blocks of improvisation, this term builds confidence through ensemble energy.
- Improv 1 (ages 16-18) · Tuesdays · 10AM-1PM (4/7-6/9)
- Improv 1 (ages 16-18) · Thursdays · 10AM-1PM (4/9-6/11)
IMPROV 1 (AGES 16-18)
We think you’re old enough to learn the adult curriculum, so join us for the first level of our improv program!
Improvising Scenes – A study of emotion, relationship, point-of-view, and environment; this term focuses on what makes an improvised scene work.
ADVANCED IMPROV (AGES 13-18)
This advanced improv class is for students who have taken our Youth and Teen Improv classes and are ready for the next step. This is an audition level course.
- Advanced Teen Improv (ages 13-18) · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (3/7-4/18)· Taught by Kelly Hernandez
- Advanced Teen Improv (ages 13-18) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (3/8-4/26, NO CLASS 4/12)· Taught by Audrey Flegel
TEEN TROUPE
The Teen Troupe is a seven week class designed for students who would like a deeper exploration of improvisation. The course will build ensemble technique and facility in improvisation. This will be accomplished through both long and short form improv work, culminating in a public presentation at The Second City Studio Theatre. Performances are held each week during the class term. Students are admitted to class by interview/audition only. Class size is limited and we are giving first priority to former students of the Teen Performance classes.
- Teen Troupe · Saturdays · 3:30-6:30PM (3/7-4/18)· Taught by Piper Gillin
TEEN CONSERVATORY
Play. Improvise. Write. Create. Under the direction of our most seasoned Kid & Teen Faculty, cast members are selected by audition to join the Teen Conservatory. Students of this program will learn the Second City process of creating a memorable Second City styled comedic revue with original sketches, songs and character monologues in our Studio Theater!
TEEN SKETCH (AGES 13-18)
Teen Sketch is a quick and fun entry into the world of sketch comedy writing. This is an exercise-based class WITH NO GRADES (woohoo!) that is all about generating ideas and exploring point of view while learning some terminology along the way. Homework includes watching TV, Youtube clips and writing your own sketches!!!! Gain enough Experience Points (XP) and you are ready to Level Up. All culminating in a performance for your friends and family.
TEEN VOICEOVER (AGES 13-18)
It's time to expand your acting repertoire and tackle a new type of performance! Come to Second City Hollywood to learn the ins and outs of voice acting. In this seven-week course, you'll learn to create characters, find your vocal strengths, and enhance your acting ability by utilizing improvisational skills in The Second City style. You'll be recording both original and provided copy throughout the class, and will leave with mp3 files of your work. You'll also learn how to properly use and care for your body's natural instrument--your voice!
ONLINE SKETCH WRITING 1
Students living away from one of the Second City Training Centers can still study comedy sketch writing! In Online Sketch Writing 1 students receive individual instruction through online correspondence, exploring the fundamentals of character development and theatrical scene structure. Exercises include a variety of comedic genres, from “Simple Yet Impossible Goal” to “Clash of Context” to “Inappropriate Response.” This course is conducted by e-mail and online correspondence with a Writing instructor.
ONLINE SKETCH WRITING 2
Building on Online Sketch Writing 1, students will continue to learn the universal comedy techniques used in mainstream media as well as focusing on satire, character development and rewriting.
STAND-UP 1: JOKE WRITING
Develop yourself as a solo comedic performer by writing and workshopping your own material. By understanding how earlier stand-up comics evolved, students experiment outside their comfort zone and experiment in a variety of styles until discovering their own unique style. Students will be encouraged to perform in local open mics when possible, and upload performance videos to YouTube or Vimeo. They will also be required to provide both supportive and constructive feedback for their fellow students.
ONLINE WRITING FOR LATE NIGHT TV AND TALK SHOWS
Write monologue jokes, desk bits, remote segments, sketch and more for shows like Fallon, Conan, Kimmel, Seth Myers, Colbert, Corden, Oliver, and Ellen. Pitch monologue jokes, brainstorm, explore and heighten material in this collaborative Writer’s Room environment. Create original material to strengthen your writing samples, and produce the elements to put together your pitch packet for a talk show.
ONLINE WRITING FOR LATE NIGHT TV AND TALK SHOWS 2
Building on Online Writing for Late Night and TV Talk Shows 1, this class will consist of joke maximizers for monologue jokes, finding the angle for your joke, monologue jokes with visual punch lines, bits or mini sketches within a monologue, rants on a topic like John Oliver/Seth Meyers, coming up with extra segments for celebrity guests, recurring segment ideas, Fallon-type games with guests, and Sweeps weeks/big ideas for the shows like Kimmel’s “Wall of America.” Students work together more in this level, and explore and heighten each others ideas in this collaborative writer’s room environment!
ONLINE CREATING AND PITCHING YOUR TV SERIES
You’ve been talking about your sitcom idea forever already. Make it happen! Learn what the market is looking for (seriously, what are they looking for?), how to present your idea, and make them laugh in the room. You’ll end this course with an original pitch packet – from log lines to character breakdowns to future episodes.
ONLINE WRITING THE SITCOM SPEC SCRIPT
According to agents and managers, in order to break into Hollywood, it’s useful to have a spec script, an original pilot, a screenplay (if you’re interested in writing movies), and a short film (maybe a smart-phone movie). In Online Writing the Sitcom Spec Script you will write a solid spec script, a script for an existing comedy on television, so you can learn how to write a TV comedy and have a writing sample.
ONLINE SATIRICAL SKETCH COMEDY WRITING 1
Learn to turn your opinions into hilarious satirical sketches. In part one of this three part advanced course, you’ll have a safe space to express your opinions, learn how to give them a comic twist and tools that will bring them to life on the page. Prerequisite: Sketch Writing Level 2
ONLINE TEEN SKETCH 1 (AGES 15-18)
Teen Sketch is a quick and fun entry into the world of sketch comedy writing. Part one of this three-part course is an exercise-based class WITH NO GRADES (woohoo!) that is all about generating ideas and exploring point of view while learning some terminology along the way. Homework includes in-class exercises, short writing assignments and posting on the Discussion Board.
Teen Sketch is open to students ages 15-18. No previous experience is required.
Check out our beginner level intensive s below. To see advanced level intensives click HERE
Improv 1 · 5-Day INT · 11-4:30PM · Monday-Friday (4/6-4/10)
Improv 1 VEGAS · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM · Friday-Sunday (4/10-4/12)
SC Sketch Writing 1 · 5-Day INT · 11-4:30PM · Mon-Fri (4/13-4/17)
Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM · Friday-Sunday (4/24-4/26)
Improv 1 · 5-Day INT · 11-4:30PM · Monday-Friday (5/18-5/22)
Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM · Friday-Sunday (5/29-5/31)
Improv 1 VEGAS · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM · Friday-Sunday (6/5-6/7)
SC Sketch Writing 1 INT · 11-7PM · Friday-Sunday (6/19-6/21)
Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM · Friday-Sunday (6/26-6/28)
Physical Comedy & Clowning INT · 11-4:30PM · Mon-Fri (7/27-7/31)
Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM · Friday-Sunday (7/31-8/2)
Improv 1 · 5-Day INT · 11-4:30PM · Monday -Friday (8/24-8/28)
Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM · Friday-Sunday (9/11-9/13)
SC Sketch Writing 1 INT · 11-4:30PM · Monday-Friday (9/14-9/18)
Acting 1: Character Development INT · 11-7PM · Fri-Sun (10/2-10/4)
Stand-Up 1 INT · 11-7PM · Friday-Sunday (10/9-10/11)
Writing for Late Night TV&Talk Shows INT · 11-4:30PM · Mon-Fri (10/26-10/30)
Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM · Friday-Sunday (10/30-11/1)
Improv 1 VEGAS · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM, Friday-Sunday (11/13-11/15)
Long Form 1: Scene Work INT · 11-4:30PM · Mon-Fri (11/16-11/20)
Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM · Monday-Wednesday (11/23-11/25)
Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM · Friday-Sunday (12/4-12/6)
Stand-Up 1 INT · 11-7PM · Friday-Sunday (12/11-12/13)
Give us a call at 323.464.8542 to sign up for an Intensive!