IMPROV | YOUTH | WRITING |
ONLINE | SPECIALTY
2020 INTENSIVES |
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Term 2 2020 Classes: Building Closed 2/9 & 4/12

IMPROV 1

Improvising Basics – While learning the building blocks of improvisation, this term builds confidence through ensemble energy.

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 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 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 1 · 5-Day INT · 11-4:30PM · Mon-Fri (4/6-4/10)

IMPROV FOR VETERANS LEVEL ALPHA

In the alpha level of this class, students will learn skills needed to create strong improvised scenes. These skills include building ensemble, giving and taking focus, object work, and the concept of “yes, and.”

Improv for Veterans Level Alpha · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (3/8-4/26, NO CLASS 4/12) · Taught by BJ Lange

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 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (2/12-3/25) · Taught by James Gangl
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 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (3/3-4/14)· Taught by Rob Belushi
Improv 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Thursdays · 11-2:30PM (3/5-4/16) · Taught by Adam Peacock
Improv 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Thursdays · 6:30-10PM (3/5-4/16) · Taught by Corey Rittmaster
Improv 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (3/7-4/18) · Taught by Patrick Rowland
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 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)

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) · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (3/2-4/13) · Taught by James Gangl
Improv 3 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (3/3-4/14) · Taught by Adam Peacock
Improv 3 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (3/4-4/15) · Taught by Doug Morency
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 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 (Off Peak Hours) EXPRESS · Mon&Wed · 11-2:30PM (3/9-3/30)

IMPROV 3 INTENSIVES

Improvising Games and Advancing Scene Work – While continuing an enhancement of improvisational scene work, this term explores improvising shortform games.

Improv 3 · 3-Day INT · Fri-Sun · 11-7PM (3/20-3/22)

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

Improv Drop-In · Wednesdays · 12-2PM Taught by Jaime Moyer
Improv Drop-In · Saturdays · 12-2PM Taught by Adam Peacock

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 Inessa Frantowski

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

CONSERVATORY 5

Review all the elements of scenic creation studied in the Conservatory and learn how to use them to conceptualize, pitch and perform original sketches in preparation for Grad Revue.

Cons 5 · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (3/7-4/18) · Taught by Ron West

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

THE SECOND CITY MASTER CLASS

You’ve learned the Second City method of creating a show, you’ve completed Grad Revue, why stop now? Use your skills and hone your comic chops in The Second City Revue Master Class! In one month you’ll create a new thirty minute sketch show with fellow Grads using your skills of pitching, improvising, re-improvising, scripting, and performing sketches. Work with new Grads, a new director*, and put up a new sketch revue!

Prerequisites: Only open to performers who have completed Second City’s Grad Revue.

The Second City Master Class · Mon & Thurs · 7-10PM (3/16-4/8) · Directed by Marc Warzecha

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

PRE-IMPROV: IMPROV FOR THE TIMID

Does taking an improv class make you feel nervous or anxious? Has it been recommended to you that you try more social events or to try to push your comfortable boundaries a little bit? This is a class where we teach our basic improv program in a room where all the students are like-minded and the teacher is patient and understanding. It's a gentle approach to the basic principals of improvisation. You will learn the same skills that our other students learn in the improve program but at a pace and comfort level that fit the group. There is no final show or public performance as part of this class.

Pre-Improv: Improv for the Timid · Saturdays · 11-2:30PM (3/7-4/18) · Taught by Pepper Berry

LONG FORM 1: SCENE WORK

In Level 1, students will focus on solid scene work grounded in relationship. These relationships are built from rooted characters and real emotions. If “game” is explored in these scenes, it will be based in recognizable human behavior. Prerequisite: Improv 3 or similar training.

PHYSICAL COMEDY & CLOWNING

This class in physical comedy strips away layers of self-consciousness while familiarizing students with the bare-bones of theatrical clowning. Learn to establish a direct and immediate relationship with an audience and become complicit with scene partners while moving through performance space with musicality. The class focuses on exercises in clowning, physical comedy, improvisation to heighten one’s natural sense of play. Students will amaze themselves as they begin to master the skillful juxtaposition of emotional blundering and physical precision.

The 7-week course will be taught by Dean Evans:
Dean Evans is a Los Angeles based professional performer, writer, and director. He was named one of the top 50 ‘players’ by new city magazine. He creates the popular webseries deanis. He has appeared on nbc’s chicago pd, the onion network’s tough season 1 & 2, and various commercials and television. He has performed with the second city, io, the goodman, cirque du soliel, the neo-futurists, redmoon, collaboraction, the actor’s gymnasium and as a solo artist around the world. He is known for his physical performance and characters including the entity who simply goes by honeybuns. Dean has created over a dozen full length theatrical productions, various immersive experiences and alternate realities, 3 full length circuses, dozens of comedic characters. follow Dean on twitter or instagram.

Physical Comedy & Clowning · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (3/8-4/26, NO CLASS 4/12) Taught by Dean Evans

INTRO TO ACTING WORKSHOP

This class is perfect for any beginner who wants to be introduced to the world of acting! You'll learn fundamental techniques for the stage and tv/film! Take that first step to become an actor! The Intro to Acting Workshop meets once a week for three hours over four weeks

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.

ACTING 2: SCENE STUDY

Acting 2 directly expands on the skills learned in Acting 1. This class challenges students to use the skills of preparation they learned in their monologue work, while teaching them to incorporate the flexibility, spontaneity, and truthfulness needed when working with a scene partner.

Emotional authenticity is one of the main themes of this level in the acting program. Students engage in group and partnered exercises to heighten their awareness and reactions of being ?in the moment? with their scene partners. Students will be assigned a 3-5 page scene from a published play to work on for the duration of the term. Acting 2 meets once a week for three and a half hours over a seven week term.

*NOTE: Students are assigned scene partners. A large part of each student?s experience depends on the participation of their scene partners. Unforeseen circumstances do come up, but it is recommended to not sign up for this class unless one can commit to full attendance. Students are required to rehearse with their scene partners for a minimum of one hour, each week, outside of class time.

Acting 2: Scene Study (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (3/7-4/18)

COMEDIC ACTING ON CAMERA

In this class, students will use improvisational exercises to create original comedic character scenes. These scenes will be transformed into short shooting scripts. Students will work in front of camera, in class, and study playback with teacher feedback. By the end of each term, students will have completed 3-5 individually tailored character scenes for both their writing and performing repertoire that can be self-produced or professionally filmed at an additional cost, per scene.

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.

SITCOM 201 FOR ACTORS

Sitcom 201 is designed to build upon the fundamentals taught in 101. You will continue to hone scene study, script analysis, and audition techniques. This level will challenge you to dig deeper into your characters using your unique voice to make choices that bring specificity and breathe life into your scripts.

Sitcom 201 for Actors · Mondays · 7-10PM (3/2-3/30)

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!

INTRO TO VOICE ACTING

Over the course of seven weeks, students will learn how to go from someone with a “great voice” to someone who knows how to use their great voice. Students will learn how to identify their individual vocal strengths, discover characters, learn how to break scripts, and understand proper microphone technique. Each class would involve recording and listening to playback of auditions

Intro to Voice Acting · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (3/16-4/27) · Taught by Rama Vallury

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 2

Push your risk-taking as a solo comedic performer, workshop material that is tricky to write and ambitious to deliver. Writing assignments get into the difficulty of writing many jokes on one topic, extended stories, and how to start writing your jokes based on a conceptual approach rather than just a punchline. Class culminates in a final performance.

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.

Storytelling 101 · Thursdays · 7-10PM (2/13-3/5) Taught by Kevin McGeehan SOLD OUT!
Storytelling 101 · Tuesdays · 11-2PM 3/3-3/24) Taught by Kevin McGeehan
Storytelling 101 · Thursdays · 7-10PM (3/19-4/9) Taught by Kevin McGeehan

MUSICAL IMPROV ESSENTIALS

Musical Improv Essentials is an introductory class that is highly recommended for those interested in the musical improv program. Students are introduced to vocal performance, production, projection, and the fundamental concepts of musical improvisation. This class provides a great overview for everyone interested in music, Second City style.

Musical Improv Essentials · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (3/4-4/15) · Taught by James Edwards
Musical Improv Essentials · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (3/8-4/26, NO CLASS 4/12)

MUSICAL IMROV CRASH COURSE

Results in a flash for actors on the go! In two classes, learn to improvise a complete song about anything. Along with his expert guidance you’ll receive a recording of practice accompaniments in many styles, perfect for maintaining and strengthening your new ability.

Musical Improv Crash Course · Thursdays · 7-10PM (3/5-3/12) Taught by Jake Cassman
Musical Improv Crash Course · Mondays · 11-2PM (3/16-3/23) Taught by Michael Pollock

SONGWRITING CRASH COURSE

Whether you're getting ready to write a song for grad revue or writing your own show, this course is for you! Intended for students in Conservatory 4-5, Grad Revue 1-2, and writing and sketch classes, this course will give you everything you need to write a song -- comedic or otherwise. Review the basics of music theory and songwriting, analyze songs of all genres and eras, and learn some writing exercises to help you generate material!

Songwriting Crash Course · Sundays · 3:30-6:30PM (3/8 & 3/15)

FUNDAMENTALS OF SONGWRITING

Whether you like singing to yourself in the shower or are prepping to write songs for your sketch show, this class is for you! Learn the basics of song structure and music theory through improvisation, creative writing exercises and analysis of classic tunes of all genres. Participants will write and co-write songs for a show at the end of session, to be performed by themselves or pitched to someone else.

Fundamentals of Songwriting · Sun · 3:30-6:30PM (3/22-4/19, NO CLASS 4/12) Taught by Jake Cassman

FROM PAPER TO PERFORMANCE

Based on the Structure of NBC’s Bring the Funny

From Paper to Performance is a 6 week class that culminates in a student show. In this class, students will go from the beginnings of an idea for a comedic song, into a full blown performance. We will follow the Bring the Funny production model, minus the competition part!

Hughie Stone Fish will be functioning like the network and producers, and the students will be the contestants. We will utilize the process we went through to put songs up on NBC to create the final show.

From Paper to Performance · Wednesdays · 7-10PM (3/18-4/22)

DEVELOP YOUR PODCAST

In this class, students will study some of the most popular podcasts and break down the elements that make them work. They will explore and identify the topics they are most passionate about and convert them into tangible podcast pitches. Once each student identifies the theme of their podcast, they will begin developing all the components and segments that support the idea. At the conclusion of this course, each student will have a pilot episode treatment for their podcast as well as a show bible for the rest of the first season. Students will also have the opportunity for their pilot to be professionally produced.

Develop Your Podcast (Off Peak Hours) · Sun · 3:30-7PM (3/8-4/26, NO CLASS 4/12) Taught by Adam Peacock

ONE PERSON SHOW WORKSHOOP

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.

One Person Show Workshop · Saturday & Sunday · 10AM-3PM (4/4 & 4/5)

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.

Writing Courses:

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 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.

INTRO TO COMEDY WRITING

Low pressure and lots of fun! Beginners explore their comic voice through in-class writing exercises. Learn sketch formatting and story structure while utilizing the Second City core concept of - yes and. Learn to write comedy just for fun or to ready yourself for our Sketch Program.

INTRO TO WRITING FOR TV AND FILM

Intro to Writing for TV & Film is for anyone who wants to learn the crucial basics of writing for film and television or anyone with a great idea of a movie who needs help putting it into (properly formatted) words. It gives you a strong foundation for TV and film writing, demystifies the language and process of writing, and gives you the tools to begin turning your great idea into the next Citizen Kane/Troop Beverly Hills (same thing).

You’ll learn about the language of film/TV writing, the importance of deadlines, the unique qualities of a cinematic story versus a sketch, lots of screenplay formatting, how and what to pitch, and the scale of your ideas.

You’ll watch films and TV shows with a critical ear for dialogue and structure, read scripts, learn how to pitch, pitch those great ideas, and create outlines or treatments for that million-dollar sitcom or film idea. Oh, and table reads! Intro to Writing for TV & Film meets once a week for 3.5 hours over a seven week term.

SITCOM SPEC WRITING LEVEL 1

A spec script is an idea you have for an episode of an existing show (remember how you thought Liz Lemon should marry Pete Hornberger?). Learn sitcom story format, how to match the voice and tone of the show, how to give and take notes, and what the industry is looking for in a good spec. At the end of the class, you'll have a rough draft.

SITCOM SPEC WRITING LEVEL 2

Students who already have a rough first draft of a spec script will work to bring their script up to a professional level final draft by receiving notes on their rough draft rewriting, honing in on character voices and show tone, and punching up jokes, all while using the classroom as a simulated writers room. The level culminates in a table read of each spec at the Second City Hollywood that students can invite friends family and industry to attend.

**NOTE: First rough draft of a spec must be completed to apply.

Sitcom Spec Writing 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (3/7-4/18) · Taught by Kara Lee Burk

ORIGINAL TV SERIES LEVEL 1

From Fleabag to Barry to This Is Us, every successful TV series begins with an inspired writer. The goal of this class is to help you develop all the necessary elements for your series: characters, conflict, story arcs, tone, setting, the pilot episode story and more. We?ll also cover script structure and formatting. In-class writing exercises will help you develop your characters and their voices. Homework is almost always writing script pages so you could potentially come away with some of your script written. Beginners through professionals are welcome as instruction is tailored to each writer. Follow up this class with Original TV Series 2 to begin to write your pilot script.

Original TV Series Level 1 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (3/8-4/26, NO CLASS 4/12) · Taught by Wendy Hopkins

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 (3/2-6/15) Taught by Brendan Kelly

WRITING FOR LATE NIGHT TV AND TALK SHOWS

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&Talk Shows Level 1 · Tues · 6:30-10PM (3/3-4/14)

CREATING A WEB SERIES

Join us in a 7-week class on creating your very own web series. With the success of web series like Brown Girls or Broad City, creating your own can jump start your career. We will learn about storyline, character development and dialogue, as well as focus on the logistics of shooting. Tell your story while working on skills that you will use the rest of your career. By the final class expect to have a fully fleshed out web series as well as your pilot shot.

Creating a Web Series · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (3/3-4/14)

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 (3/4-4/15) · Taught by Patricia Villetto

WRITING WITH A PARTNER

Do you and a friend have a killer idea for a TV pilot but you're unsure how to begin writing it together? Or, are you and your long-time writing partner in need of some help in saying "yes and" to each other's ideas so you can literally be on the same page in your work? Then, this is the class for you! There can be huge benefits to working with a writing partner, especially for improvisers and writers who are used to working in a collaborative setting. Throughout this 7-week course, you and your writing partner will learn exercises to help you find a common voice, agree and/or compromise on your ideas and save yourselves time so you can get that draft done!

Writing with a Partner (Off Peak Hours) · Thursdays · 6:30-10PM (3/5-4/16)

TRUE STORY: LEARNING JOURNALISM TO MAKE BETTER COMEDY

Journalism is a skillset that can be applied to anything, even and especially comedy. Think of Last Week Tonight, The Big Short, or Drunk History. In this seven-week course, students learn reporting essentials: interviewing, researching, crafting a story, the joys of public records, data journalism tools, and more. We?ll apply those skills to in-class assignments and at-home projects that find new ways to make the truth funny and compelling. Special guests from the worlds of comedy and journalism will talk about how these worlds are crashing together in exciting ways.

Instructor Bio: Brandon R. Reynolds has written for Los Angeles Magazine, San Francisco Magazine, Wired, The Atlantic, and elsewhere. Formerly the editor-in-chief of SF Weekly, he?s now working on comedy projects for TV and the podverse.

Learning Journalism to Make Better Comedy · Wed · 6:30-10PM (3/4-4/15) Taught by Brandon Reynolds

Youth Classes:

2019/2020 HOLLYWOOD & PASADENA 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.

RIDES TO CAMP!
HSJ_logo

One Day Comedy Camps (ages 7-18) dates:

February 17th · 9-4pm · $100 (Hollywood)
September 28th · 9-4pm · $100 (Hollywood)
November 11th · 9-4pm · $100 (Hollywood)

1-week Spring Comedy Camps (ages 7-18) dates:

March 23-27 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood)
March 30-April 3 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood)
April 6-10 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood)
April 13-17 · Mon-Thurs 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood)

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:

Weekend Classes:

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.

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!

KIDS SKETCH (AGES 10-12)

Kids 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.

Kids Sketch (ages 10-12) · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (3/7-4/18)

KIDS STAND-UP (AGES 10-12)

Discover and express your unique comedic voice and develop your personal style as a stand-up comedian. We will focus on generating original material, building stage presence and celebrating your take on the world.

Kids Stand-Up (ages 10-12) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (3/8-4/26, NO CLASS 4/12)

TEEN STAND-UP (AGES 13-18)

Teen Stand-Up (ages 13-18) · Sundays · 12-2PM (3/8-4/26, NO CLASS 4/12)

TEEN PUBLIC SPEAKING (AGES 13-18)

Does the thought of giving a speech in front of a large group of people make you want to move into a cave for a few years? Or, maybe you LOVE to talk to as many people as possible, but would simply like to polish your speaking skills. Either way, this public speaking course will help! Learn to give speeches with confidence and identify your individual voice and style that will make people want to sit up and listen. Through coaching and practice, you’ll learn to be comfortable on your feet speaking to any size crowd and in any situation!

Teen Public Speaking (ages 13-18) · Saturdays · 12-2PM (3/7-4/18)

ONLINE CLASSES:

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 1 · March 14-May 2 · Taught by Rebekah Walendzak

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.

Online Sketch Writing 2 · March 14-May 2 · Taught by Rebekah Walendzak

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. Please bring a laptop (preferred) or phone for Internet access.

Online Writing for Late Night TV and Talk Shows · March 14-April 25 · Taught by Holly Wortell

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 Writing for Late Night TV and Talk Shows 2 · March 14-April 25 · Taught by Holly Wortell

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 Creating and Pitching Your TV Series · March 14-April 25 · Taught by Nancy Hayden

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 Writing the Sitcom Spec Script · March 14-April 25 · Taught by Kevin Brennan

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 Satirical Sketch Comedy Writing 1 · March 21-April 11 · Taught by Rebekah Walendzak

ONLINE SATIRICAL SKETCH COMEDY WRITING 2

Political satire is the name of the game in part two of this three-part course. Using parody and clash of context, students will put government, politics, and politicians’ feet to the fire.

Online Satirical Sketch Comedy Writing 2 · March 21-April 11 · Taught by Rebekah Walendzak

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.

Stand-up 101: Joke Writing · March 14-May 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.

Online Teen Sketch · February 1-22 · Taught by Rebekah Walendzak

ONLINE TEEN SKETCH 2 (AGES 15-18)

Come on back and get your sketch comedy even sketchier! In part two of this three-part course, teens build on tools learned in Teen Sketch 1, further developing their comedic point of view along with learning and writing sketch comedy styles like “Fish out of Water,” “Inappropriate Response” and “Parody.”

Teen Sketch Level 2 is open to students who have completed Teen Sketch Level 1.