IMPROV | YOUTH | WRITING | ONLINE |
SPECIALTY | 2018 INTENSIVES
Upcoming Classes: NO CLASS 10/31 & 11/19-11/25
Improvising Basics – While learning the building blocks of improvisation, this term builds confidence through ensemble energy.
- Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Fridays · 6:30-10PM (8/31-10/12)
- Improv 1 · Sundays 3:30-7PM (9/2-10/14) · Taught by Jason DeRosee
- Improv 1 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (10/15-12/3)
- Improv 1 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (10/15-12/3)
- Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (10/16-12/4)
- Improv 1 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/16-12/4)
- Improv 1 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/17-12/5)
- Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Thursdays· 11-2:30PM (10/18-12/6)
- Improv 1 ·Thursdays · 6:30-10PM (10/18-12/6)
- Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Fridays · 6:30-10PM (10/19-12/7)
- Improv 1 · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (10/20-12/8)
- Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (10/20-12/8)
- Improv 1 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (10/21-12/9)
- Improv 1 · Sundays 3:30-7PM (10/21-12/9)
Improvising Basics – While learning the building blocks of improv, this term builds confidence through ensemble energy. Same curriculum meeting twice a week for 3.5 weeks.
- Improv 1 EXPRESS (Off Peak Hours) · Mon & Wed · 11-2:30PM (9/10-10/1) · Taught by Laura McGhee
- Improv 1 EXPRESS (Off Peak Hours) · Tues&Thurs · 11-2:30PM (11/27-12/18)
- Improv 1 EXPRESS · Mon&Wed · 6:30-10PM (11-26-12/17)
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 (10/19-10/21)
- Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM, Mon-Wed (11/19-11/21)
- Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM, Friday-Sunday (12/7-12/9)
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 intensive · 11-4:30PM, Monday-Friday (10/8-10/12)
- Improv 1 · 5-Day intensive · 11-4:30PM, Monday-Friday (12/10-12/14)
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 · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (10/20-12/8) · Taught by BJ Lange
- Improv for Veterans Level Alpha · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (10/21-12/9) · Taught by BJ Lange
- Improv for Vets Level Alpha 3-Day intensive · Fri-Sun · 11-7PM (10/19-10/21)
- Improv for Vets Level Alpha 5-Day intensive · Mon-Fri · 11-4:30PM (12/10-12/14)
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 (10/15-12/3)
- Improv 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (10/16-12/4)
- Improv 2 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/16-12/4)
- Improv 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays ·3:30-7PM (10/20-12/8)
- Improv 2 · Sundays · 3:30-7PM (10/21-12/9)
Improvising Scenes – A study of emotion, relationship, point-of-view, and environment; this term focuses on what makes an improvised scene work. Same curriculum meeting twice a week for 3.5 weeks.
- Improv 2 EXPRESS (Off Peak Hours) · Mon & Wed · 11-2:30PM (10/3-10/24)
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 intensive · Friday-Sunday · 11-7PM (9/28-9/30)
- Improv 2 · 3-Day intensive · Friday-Sunday · 11-7PM (10/26-10/28)
- Improv 2 · 3-Day intensive · Friday-Sunday · 11-7PM (11/30-12/2)
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 (10/16-12/4)
- Improv 3 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/16-12/4)
- Improv 3 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/17-12/5)
- Improv 3 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (10/20-12/8)
Improvising Games and Advancing Scene Work – While continuing an enhancement of improvisational scene work, this term explores improvising shortform games. Same curriculum meeting twice a week for 3.5 weeks.
- Improv 3 EXPRESS (Off Peak Hours) · Mon & Wed · 11-2:30PM (10/29-11/19)
Improvising Games and Advancing Scene Work – While continuing an enhancement of improvisational scene work, this term explores improvising shortform games.
- Improv 3 5-Day Intensive · Mon-Fri ·11-4:30PM (9/17-9/21)
Get it done all at once! This class will take you through the entire Improv Program levels 1-3. You will meet twice a week for 10 weeks and cover the building blocks of improv, improvising scenes, improvising games and advancing scene Work, and getting ready for your Conservatory audition!
No need to worry about scheduling, this is all scheduled for you! No need to worry about the early bird discount, you’re guaranteed the lowest price! And no need to worry about canceled classes; this is your one and only class that will take you from start to finish.
Bonus! It starts after Labor Day and ends before Thanksgiving! It can’t get any better than that!
- Improv 1-3: Start to Finish · Mon & Weds · 11-2:30PM (9/10-11/19)
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 Drop-In · Wednesdays · 12-2PM
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 · Mondays ·11-2:30PM (10/15-12/3)
- Cons 1 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/16-12/4)
- Cons 1 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (10/21-12/9)
Original Characters – the next Austin Powers is within you!
- Cons 2 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (10/15-12/3)
- Cons 2 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/16-12/4)
- Cons 2 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (10/21-12/9)
Ensemble Improv – calm down, Austin Powers, it’s not all about you.
- Cons 3 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (10/15-12/3)
- Cons 3 · Thursdays · 6:30-10PM (10/18-12/6)
- Cons 3 · Sundays ·3:30-7PM (10/21-12/9)
Beginning Re-Improvisation: Do it more than once and start to create sketches.
- Cons 4 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (10/15-12/3)
- Cons 4 · Sundays ·3:30-7PM (10/21-12/9)
Advanced Re-Improvisation: Improvise drafts of group scenes and comic structure.
- Cons 5 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (10/15-12/3)
- Cons 5 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (10/21-12/9)
Create an original Second City style revue! Grad Revue classes perform Sunday evenings, culminating in 7 previews and 8 final performances in The Second City Hollywood Studio Theater.
- Grad Revue (Part 1): Bryant · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (10/15-12/3)
- Grad Revye (Part 1): Beef · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (10/15-12/3)
- Grad Revue (Part 1): Jack Cheese · 12-3:30PM (10/21-12/9)
- Grad Revue (Part 2): Lacamum Inflamarae· Mondays · 6:30-10PM (10/15-12/3)
- Grad Revue (Part 2): Lumos Solem · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/16-12/4)
CREATE A SKETCH SHOW IN A WEEK
In this fast paced class we’ll work an SNL-style rehearsal schedule to brainstorm, improvise, script, block, and memorize an entirely new sketch comedy show…all in one week! A small class (8 actor/writers max) will write and star in this all new one act holiday sketch comedy revue. Have fun and dive deep into all things love! This class includes a tech and a show in the Second City Studio Theatre.
About the instructor: Marc Warzecha is a comedy writer living in Los Angeles. He recently wrote for Disney Digital’s Babble brand, and was a writer on Season 2 of Comedy Central’s “Detroiters”. Marc was a finalist in NBC Writers on the Verge and Final Draft Big Break. WithThe Second City comedy theatre, he is multiple-time Jeff Award nominated head writer/director. Select SC credits: “An Evening with Martin Short” (Second City Corporate – Tour), “Twist Your Dickens”(The Kennedy Center, Washington DC), “War! Now in it’s 4th Smash Year!” (Second City Chicago Mainstage, Joseph Jefferson nominee: Best Director, Best Revue, Best Ensemble). His work as a satirist has been featured on ABC’s “Nightline”, Newsweek magazine, and the Washington Post, he has guested on CNN’s “Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer” and NPR’s “All Things Considered.”
- Create a Sketch Show in a Week · Tue-Sun · 6:30-10:30PM (10/9-10/14)
Specialty Courses:
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 · 3:30PM (1/12/19-10/12/19)
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.
- Long Form 1 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/17-12/5)
- Long Form 1 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (10/21-12/9)
In Level 2, students will explore the meaning of ensemble. When group mind is achieved, it drives the flow of the long form. Tag outs, cut-aways, call backs, split scenes, openings, full cast scenes and other techniques are be used to weave the connecting threads of all forms.
- Long Form 2 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (10/21-12/9)
Don’t fight dirty, fight funny. This class offers an environment to learn and develop skills in slapstick comedy and the creation of physical gags or “Schtick”. Using slaps, kicks, rolls, trips, pokes, and the art of the pratfall, students will create hilarious situations of comic conflict. Students learn elements and structure taken from the classic cinema as well as contemporary physical comedy. This class will also explore status as a driving force behind physical comedy. Students will develop exquisite timing and the skillful execution required for the performance of slapstick comedy. Learn to be funny within your body.
- Slapstick Comedy · Mondays · 11-2PM (9/17-10/8) · Taught by Dean Evans
ACTING 1: CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
In Acting 1, students learn the foundational skills needed to begin their exploration of scripted work. Students will work on individually assigned monologues in order to practice the tools they will learn, that will allow them to approach any character or script 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 1: Character Development (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (10/16-12/4)
- Acting 1: Character Development · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (10/21-12/9)
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: Scene Study · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (10/15-12/3)
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.
- Dialects & Character Voices · Tuesdays · 7-10PM (9/18-10/9)
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT & SHOWCASE
Looking to delve deeper into character development? Want to explore various possibilities of character expression? This class will focus on character development as it pertains to vocal use and the finer points of using your instrument to its fullest. Students will develop original characters through physicality and explore how the voice comes into play in fully realizing those characters. We will explore character tempo, status, emotional life, breathing technique, vocal resonators and placement. This 4-hour Intensive will culminate in a final showcase performance of all original material.
Bring an SD camera memory card to have your showcase recorded.
- Character Development & Showcase ·Wednesday · 6-10PM (12/5)
MONOLOGUES: AN ACTING WORKSHOP
n this Acting workshop, students have the option of bringing in self-written monologues or monologues from published works. With a focus on breathing and relaxation techniques, we will work on digging deeper, personalizing the text, and grounding one’s self in the truth of the moment. This 4-hour workshop will culminate in a final performance.
Bring an SD camera memory card to have your performance recorded.
- Monologues: An Acting Workshop · Wednesday · 6-10PM (10/17)
he 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.
“When I first saw the posting for Anne Marie’s One Person Show Workshop, it was like looking at a harmless little switch on the wall. ‘Hmm, what’s the worst that could happen if I flipped this switch…?’ Ten billion volts of creativity later, there was no worst, only best. I now have the bones of a one-woman show that will one day make delicious, comical sense of this writer’s life—and be fun along the way. Anne Marie has a way of seeing right through our fake and filtered pleasant selves to THE STORY!!! She did this for me, who thought there was no story. I watched her do the same for everyone else in the room and learned through the watching, too. Anne Marie, you are Magic. Truly.”
—Elaine Stirling, author of Daughters of Babylon
- One Person Show Workshop ·Monday & Tuesday · 10-3PM (9/24 & 9/25)
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 (9/27-10/25, NO CLASS 10/4) · Taught by Kevin McGeehan
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 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (10/16-12/4)
- Stand-Up 1 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/17-12/5)
- Stand-Up 1 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (10/21-12/9)
- Stand-Up 1 intensive · Fri-Sun · 11-7PM (12/14-12/16)
Build on the skills developed in Stand-Up 101, honing your comedic voice through a variety of exercises and personal feedback. Class culminates in a final performance on one of The Second City Training Center’s stages.
- Stand-Up 2 · Sundays · 3:30-7PM (10/21-12/9)
Have you always wanted to try stand-up but were too intimidated to try? This workshop will take you from “Wish I could” to “Wow! I did!” in a supportive atmosphere, practice finding the comedy in real-life experiences and turn them into a stand-up set. This class will include writing, discussion, a bit of improvisation, and will prepare you for your first stand-up open mic performance. Bring in a few jokes that you wrote or funny ideas that could become jokes. We’ll help give your jokes structure, as well as give you the tools to begin developing your solo stage presence.
- So You Want to Try Stand-Up · Thursday · 7-10PM (9/27) · Taught by Chris Condren
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 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/16-12/4)
- Musical Improv Essentials · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (10/21-12/9)
Improv hip hop is not easy, but it can be learned. And it’s worth the hard work. The feeling of flawlessly freestyling on a stage as the audience loses its mind is amazing. In this class you’ll learn how to freestyle, rap within improv scenes, cover basics of beatboxing and learn a number of awesome short form games including: Rap Line, Beastie Rap, Pass the Mic and Historical Rap Battle.
- Improv Hip Hop Vol. 1 · Thursdays · 7-10PM (8/23-9/13) ·Taught by Rich Baker
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 · Wed and Thurs 9-3pm & Fri 9-12pm · October 17-19
- RewireU · Wed and Thurs 9-3pm & Fri 9-12pm ·November 28-30
Writing Courses:
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 Beginning Sketch 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.
- SC Sketch Writing 1 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/16-12/4)
- SC Sketch Writing 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Thursdays · 11-2:30PM (10/18-12/6)
- SC Sketch Writing 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (10/20-12/8)
- SC Sketch Writing 1 intensive · Mon-Fri · 11-4:30PM (11/26-11/30)
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 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/16-12/4)
- SC Sketch Writing 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Thursdays · 11-2:30PM (10/18-12/6)
- SC Sketch Writing 2 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (10/21-12/9)
WRITING FOR CHILDREN’S ANIMATION
Ever been told you think or better yet act like a child? Well maybe you should write like one too! In the first term of this two term course 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. The second term of this class will focus on developing your own original pitch and pilot script sample. So let’s get our Saturday morning cartoon on!
- Writing For Children’s Animation · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (10/15-2/18)
Join Instructor Emily Walker 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 (10/16-12/4)
WRITE YOUR TV PILOT: FROM IDEA TO DRAFT
Write Your TV Pilot: From Idea to Draft is an immersive class that 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 · Thursdays· 6:30-10PM (8/30-12/13)
WRITE YOUR TV PILOT: THE SECOND DRAFT
Congratulations, you’ve got a first draft of your pilot script! But chances are you may also have fatty dialogue, a story problem, or maybe even a whole act that, well, sucks ! Don’t worry, you’ve done the hard work, now the fun begins. In this class you’ll learn how to rewrite your script and create a second draft where each scene progresses the story, character voices are specific and the action lines lean towards poetry.
Requirements: you must have a finished pilot script. You must be willing to read all other students work before class starts and come prepared to do in-class writing. Last day to register is one week before the first class to give students time to read each other’s work before the start of class.
- Write Your TV Pilot: The Second Draft · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (11/5-12/10)
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 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (10/16-12/4)
- Sitcom Spec Writing 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (10/20-12/8)
- Sitcom Spec Writing 1 intensive · Mon-Fri · 11-4:30PM (12/10-12/14)
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 · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (10/20-12/8)
WRITE YOUR SCREENPLAY: OUTLINES & SCENE STRUCTURE
In this supportive and creative class, you’ll learn screenplay structure, write an outline for your script, write key scenes and do in-class writing exercises. In 7 weeks you’ll have what you need to complete a first draft! Join us!!
- Write Your Screenplay: Outlines & Scene Structure · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (10/20-12/8)
WRITING FOR LATE NIGHT TV AND TALK SHOWS LEVEL 1
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.
- Writing for Late Night TV & Talk Shows · Sundays · 3:30-7PM (10/21-12/9)
WRITING FOR LATE NIGHT TV AND TALK SHOWS LEVEL 2
Building on Writing for Late Night and TV 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!
- Writing for Late Night TV & Talk Shows Level 2 · Tues · 6:30-10PM (10/22-12/10)
Sketch Comedy – Learn to write sketches for TV shows like Saturday Night Live. Explore satire, character based sketches, commercial and television parodies, monologue/Weekend Update jokes, create scripts for digital shorts to promote your writing samples online and more. Collaborate with classmates and teacher to heighten and punch up ideas in this creative Writer’s Room experience. Please bring a laptop or phone for script sharing and Internet access.
- Writing for Sketch TV · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/16-12/4)
Liz Lemon, Leslie Knope, Kimmy Schmidt, Selina Meyer, all four Golden Girls–these are just some of the amazing female characters that have melted our hearts and made us pee a little from laughing so hard. However, it’s a common issue in Hollywood that the majority of women characters are underwritten, serving mostly to set the more developed male characters up for a laugh. The future is female, y’all, as well as television programming, so get on the right side of history and learn to make your female characters stand out!!
In this workshop-style writing class, instructor Rebekah Walendzak will give you tools to create memorable female characters who DRIVE the scene. Writers (women AND men) create sketches, monologues and character pieces through a variety of writing exercises and assignments while learning how to navigate the changing gender dynamics of the writer’s room.
- Writing Strong Women · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (9/23-10/14)
Learn valuable tools to create bold, hilarious comedy characters for TV sketch, sitcom, screenplay, the web, or the stage. Infuse your scripts with Second City’s approach to strong charter and dynamic relationship using multi-media examples of Second City alumni at work on current TV shows, classic and new films, the web, and classic Second City stage sketches. Explore the comedic underpinnings of characters from Comedy Central’s Key and Peele and Workaholics, Anchorman, Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, and Funny or Die – to name a few – and create hysterical characters of your own
- Writing Bold Characters intensive · Mon-Fri · 11-4:30PM (10/29-11/2)
Youth Classes:
HOLLYWOOD WINTER 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 summer 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.
Camp dates:
December 17-21 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395
December 26-29 · Wed-Fri 9-3:30pm · $237
January 2-4 · Wed-Fri 9-3:30pm · $237
WEEKEND KIDS & TEEN IMPROV (AGES 6-18)
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. Each term is 7 weeks long and designed to be taken several times.
- Kids Improv (Ages 6-7) · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (10/20-12/8)
- Kids Improv (Ages 6-7) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (10/21-12/9)
- Kids Improv (Ages 8-10) · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (10/20-12/8)
- Kids Improv (Ages 8-10) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (10/21-12/9)
- Kids & Teen Improv (Ages 11-13) · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (10/20-12/8)
- Kids & Teen Improv (Ages 11-13) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (10/21-12/9)
- Teen Improv (Ages 14-18) · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (10/20-12/8)
- Teen Improv (Ages 14-18) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (10/21-12/9)
HOME SCHOOL KIDS & TEEN IMPROV (AGES 8-18)
These classes are made available for home school kids, but everyone is welcomed!! They meet during the weekday from 11-1pm or 1-3pm. It is a great way to get your kid in our improv program! Are they shy? A class clown? A smart aleck? Improv will satisfy it all! They will learn improv exercises and games. Open to students ages 8-18. No experience needed.
- Home School Improv (ages 8-12) · Tuesdays · 1-3pm (9/4-11/6)
- Home School Improv (ages 13-18) ·Thursdays · 1-3pm (9/6-11/8)
WEEKDAY TEEN IMPROV (AGES 13-18)
This Weekday Teen Improv class meets on Mondays from 4-6pm or Wednesdays from 4-6pm for the entire month! You can enroll in one day or both. This is an upgrade to regular day care or babysitting because we give your kid what they need! Are they shy? A class clown? A smart aleck? Improv will satisfy it all! They will learn improv exercises and games. Open to students ages 13-18. No experience needed.
- Weekday Improv (Ages 13-18) · Mondays · 12-2PM (11/5-12/10)
- Weekday Improv (Ages 13-18) · Mondays · 4:30-6:30PM (11/5-12/10)
- Weekday Improv (Ages 13-18) · Wednesdays · 12-2PM (11/7-12/12)
- Weekday Improv (Ages 13-18) · Wednesdays · 4:30-6:30PM (11/7-12/12)
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 Sketch (ages 13-18) · Saturdays · 10-12PM (10/20-12/8)
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.
- Teen Stand-Up · Saturdays · 12-2PM (10/20-12/8)
Learn the basic skills of acting. Monologues, scenes and exercises are used to examine techniques an actor uses to establish a character. In this course, students discover skills found in the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual aspects of the human condition. Exercises include movement, sense memory, personalization, objective, beat work and beginning text analysis. Learn about auditioning as well as working in the business.
- Teen Acting (ages 13-18) · Sundays · 12-2PM (10/21-12/9)
ADVANCED IMPROV (AGES 14-18)
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 Improv · Saturdays · 10-12PM (10/20-12/8)
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 · 4-7PM (10/20-12/8)
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 · September 9-October 28th
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 · September 16-November 4
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 · September 23-November 11
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 · September 23-November 11
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 · September 23-November 11
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 · September 23-November 11
ONLINE TEEN SKETCH (AGES 15-18)
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 posting on the Discussion Board. Gain enough Experience Points (XP) and you are ready to Level Up.
- Online Teen Sketch · October 7-28
- Online Teen Sketch · December 2-23
Improv 1 · 5-Day intensive · 11-4:30PM, Monday-Friday (10/8-10/12)
Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM, Friday-Sunday (10/19-10/21)
Writing Bold Characters Intensive • Mon-Fri 11-4:30PM • (10/29-11/2)
Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM, Mon-Wed (11/19-11/21)
SC Sketch Writing 1 Intensive · Mon-Fri · 11-4:30PM (11/26-11/30)
Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM, Friday-Sunday (12/7-12/9)
Improv 1 · 5-Day intensive · 11-4:30PM, Monday-Friday (12/10-12/14)
Sitcom Spec Level Intensive • Mon-Fri 11-4:30PM • (12/10-12/14)
Stand-Up 1 Intensive • Fri-Sun 11-7PM • (12/14-12/16)
Give us a call at 323.464.8542 to sign up for an Intensive!