Select Your Location

 
 

Term 4 Classes & Registration

IMPROV | YOUTH | WRITING | ONLINE |
SPECIALTY | SUMMER OFFERINGS

 

SPECIAL WORKSHOPS THIS WEEKEND!!!

3Peat is at Second City Hollywood this Saturda & Sunday teaching four amazing workshops + performing a show, you don’t want to miss these guys and it will sell out!

The Cast:
Chris Redd – PopStar, Disjointed, Detroiters
John Thibodeaux – The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
Shantira Jackson – 50 Central, Second City
Dewayne Perkins – Wild n Out, Starving Artists, Second City
Nnamdi Ngwe – Julius, iO Theater
Torian Miller – Don’t worry, he won’t get far on foot, Chicago Med
Patrick Rowland – The Second City, iO Theater
Allison Ringhand – iO Theater, Bouncers
Lisa Beasley – The Second City, Rap Skool

WORKSHOP • $51 each

 

  • Lisa Beasley – Find Your Character
    Sunday 12-2pm • http://bit.ly/2u7nPfz
    Sometimes performers have a tough time finding a character and inspiration to keep a scene going once in character. This workshop is designed to overcome that and provide tools to find more going forward.

 

  • John Thibodeaux– Late Night Packet
    Sunday 2-4pm • http://bit.ly/2vfxJKF
    If you are working on a writing packet or have thought about it, then this workshop is for you! Students will bring in a newspaper of choice and together we’ll will craft jokes and monologues that would work on a late night show.

 

TERM 4 CLASSES: July 5-August 22, 2017


IMPROV 1

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

 

IMPROV 2

Improvising Characters – While continuing an enhancement of improvisational skills, this term explores acting through character development.

 

IMPROV 3

Improvising Scenes – A study of structure, content, and character wants; this term focuses on what makes an improvised scene work.

 

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.

 

CONSERVATORY 1 (audition level)

Acting within Improv – put the two together.

 

CONSERVATORY 2

Original Characters – the next Austin Powers is within you!

 

CONSERVATORY 3

Ensemble Improv – calm down, Austin Powers, it’s not all about you.

 

CONSERVATORY 4

Beginning Re-Improvisation: Do it more than once and start to create sketches.

 

CONSERVATORY 5

Advanced Re-Improvisation: Improvise drafts of group scenes and comic structure.

 

GRAD REVUE

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-OMG · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (7/9-8/20)
  • Grad Revue Part 1-SMH · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (7/9-8/20)
  • Grad Revue Part 1-IRL · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (7/10-8/21)
  • Grad Revue Part 1-BRB · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (7/10-8/21)
  • Grad Revue Part 2-Maple Bar · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (7/10-8/21)
  • Grad Revue Part 2-Sprinkles · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (7/10-8/21)
  • Grad Revue Part 2 -Cruller · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (7/9-8/20)


CHICAGO STYLE IMPROV – LET’S GET PHYSICAL

Learn to get out of your head and into your body by bringing more physicality to your improv work. Learning to use the environment, characters and feeling comfortable in your own skin to release you from “being in your head” and will unlock a doorway to scene work that is more spontaneous, effortless and fun. 

 

LONG FORM ESSENTIALS

Discover long form improvisation! Begin with the fundamentals of long form including tag outs, cut-tos, wipes, and scene painting. Explore the mindset of taking a single suggestion and turning it into a cohesive show. Study the montage and immerse in an ensemble and group mind. Students must pass an audition to enter into the Long Form Program. A solid grasp of improv scene work is recommended before auditions. Sign up for auditions HERE

There will be one class performance in this level. This course is taught by Carla Cackowski.

 

LONG FORM MASTER CLASS: ESTABLISHED BY YOU

It’s time to stop learning to perfect other forms and create your own! All well-known forms—The Harold, Close Quarters, WeirDass—had their start with the ingenious improvisers who pioneered their own original format. In this class, nine students will work together for 14 weeks to hone their long form skills, find their voice, experiment with structure, and eventually create their own unique and original long form. There will be four process performances during the 14-week course, and upon completion your team will have a run of four shows in the studio theater! Audition required and Jaime Moyer, the director of the class, will cast the ensemble. You can sign up for auditions HERE

This is a premiere course for The Second City Hollywood training center!

 

REAL, HONEST SCENEWORK W/DAN BAKKEDAHL

This workshop will have students tackling solid scene work fundamentals focusing on getting real, being in the moment, and connecting with your scene partner. Perfect for individuals or duos, this class will force you to slow down and get grounded. In the improv world, Dan Bakkedahl is an alum of the Second City, known for his two-man shows (partnering up with Ed Furman, Miles Stroth and others) which take place in one location, featuring only two characters, that play out in real time. In the rest of the world, Dan is known for his many credits in film and TV including Life In Pieces, The Heat and Veep.

  • Real, Honest Scenework w/Dan Bakkedahl · Wednesday · 7-10PM (8/2)

 

INTRO TO VOICEOVER

Second City Alumnus Kiff VandenHeuvel teaches this seven-week course covering the world of commercial and character voiceover. This class will help you discover what you’ll will need to get started in the world of voiceover. Learn about mic technique, demos, the difference between narrator and character reads, rates, tips, tricks and resources for building your career in the LA voiceover scene. At the end of class you’ll receive mp3 files of your work.

 

IMPROVISATION FOR VOICEOVER WORK 

Improvisation for Voiceover Work explores the unique relationship between improvisation and character creation for VOICE with a focus on the practical application of improvisation technique for animation, commercial, videogames, impressions (voicematching) and ADR, with a focus on creating characters using what is (and what is not) provided by the casting directors and improvising for those formats.

This class is perfect for students who are interested in expanding their understanding of the voiceover market, practical application of improvisation beyond scene construction, and finding tools and strategies for developing fully realized and dynamic characters to build a VO reel or to create on the spot for auditions and jobs. This class assumes a basic understanding of the rules of improvisation.

At the end of class you’ll receive mp3 files of your work.

 

DIALECTS & CHARACTER VOICES

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 workshop, we will explore character status, physicality, vocal placement, breathing techniques, and delve into a wide variety of Accents & Dialects.  Each week will have a different regional focus. Participants will have the opportunity to create original characters as well as work with scripted material.  

 

HOSTING FOR TELEVISION

This Introduction to Hosting class is all about learning to think on your feet and soar under pressure. Lesley Powers is here to throw you curve balls and challenge you in different hosting situations. Everything from entertainment stand-ups (think E! News), how to be red carpet savvy, game show hosting, co-hosting tricks, and man-on-the-street interviewing.

Lesley will be teaching some key ways to memorize and break down host copy. Hosting isn’t all about reading a teleprompter and having your lines right in front of you. It’s about having a conversation with your audience and realizing what you bring to the table. The word ‘brand’ gets thrown around a lot in the hosting business and it does hold importance. Knowing what your strengths are and where you fit in in this world is crucial. If time allows she will go over branding and play back some of the exercises done in class. Seeing how you come across on camera is a great way to learn. Come prepared to work hard, learn a lot, and ask questions. She can also offer great recommendations on headshots, websites, reels, and agent mailings.

 

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.

 

IMPROV HIP HOP VOL. 1

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.

 

HOW TO WRITE FUNNY LYRICS

How to Write Funny Lyrics is presented by Michael Pollock, author of the book by the same name! His tried-and-true methodology makes this kind of comedy writing a fun game to play. Prepare to be amazed.

Learn to: Discover ideas for funny songs • Develop their points of view • Create great rhymes • Build complete sets of lyrics • Collaborate with composers.

 

ACTING 1: BEGINNING ACTING

The first level of the acting program examines fundamental acting skills focusing on tools from the intellectual side of the human condition. These tools include play analysis, beat work and monologue work. The stage/theater audition process will also be examined which will include resumes, headshots and audition etiquette. All improvisers should have acting classes as a part of their tool set. Add this class to your improv training or just learn the basics of acting on its own–no improv training is required to take this class.

 

PERFECTING YOUR AUDITION

Good auditioning skills are important to possess as an actor in Hollywood. There is a HUGE difference between being a good actor and being a good “auditioner”. This class will explore some simple techniques that will have students delivering more powerful and memorable audition performances. Who doesn’t want to walk in the room feeling prepared and confident? This class will help students do just that! This 4-week class will explore all aspects of the audition process from preparation to performance in the room.

 

STAND-UP 101

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 201

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.

 

STORYTELLING 101 – CRAFTING A STORY

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 201 – BECOMING A STORYTELLER

Everyone has a story from their lives that will transfix anyone who is listening. The question is – can you do that again? Can you be memorable and interesting each time you tell that story? In this class, we will focus on finding your authentic voice as a 1st-person storyteller—refining the way you express yourself and owning your life experiences in a way that is honest, vulnerable, and connects with others. At the completion of the six weeks, each student will have a stage-ready story, the tools and techniques to craft a unique telling of their story, and the principles necessary to be able to do that every time. There is one class performance at the end of this process.

 

FOUNDATIONS OF SECOND CITY

The Foundations of Second City intensive combines improv and sketch into a week-long class that covers the core elements of The Second City. All elements of the improv process are covered with a particular focus on relationship, point-of-view, and ensemble. Students explore comedic voice as sketch writers through in-class writing exercises, learn sketch formatting and structure, while using the core concept of “yes and”.

CREATING A WEB SERIES

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.

 

INTRODUCTION 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 your Conservatory show.

 

WRITING FOR LATE NIGHT TV AND 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 STRONG WOMEN

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 KILLER COMEDY STRUCTURE

Second City alums have written for SNL, Key & Peele, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, The Daily Show, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, New Girl, Thirty Rock, Parks & Rec and so many more. They honed their skills at The Second City and now you can too!

In Killer Comedy Structures you’ll learn core sketch comedy scene types like Fish out of Water, Center & Eccentrics, Clash of Context, Town Halls, Clotheslines, Blackouts and more! Through reading and viewing Second City scenes along with examples from past and current sketch television, instructor Rebekah Walendzak deconstructs core sketch styles and provides in-class feedback on student scenes. Prior writing experience is preferred, but not required. (No sketch or writing experience? Check out Intro to Comedy Writing!)

 

CREATING YOUR PILOT PITCH PACKET

Television Pilots – Discover the fundamentals of creating a pilot pitch for an original sitcom. Understand what the market is looking for and how to present your idea and make them laugh in the room. Craft log lines to character breakdowns, a synopsis and future episode ideas. Pitch your ideas; collaborate with classmates to explore and heighten show elements, culminating with your pitch and pitch packet. Please bring a laptop or phone for Internet access. Have 1-3 ideas ready to pitch.

 


MINI COMEDY CAMPS AGES 6-7

Mini Summer Comedy Camps for ages 6-7 will be held during select camp sessions. Mini Camps meet Monday through Friday, 9AM-12:45pm. No previous experience is needed. Camp ends with a show where the students show off what they’ve learned! Each day students rotate through two subjects:

  • Improv: An intro to the rules of Improv—saying yes, working together, listening, and having fun.
  • Musical Improv: Learn to spontaneously put words to music.

 

COMEDY CAMPS AGES 8-18

Our summer comedy camps attract students from all over the world to learn improv, make friends, and perform on our stage! Camps meet Monday through Friday 9am – 3:30pm and students are grouped by ages 8-10, 11-13, and 14-18. No previous experience is needed. Camp ends with a show where the students show off what they’ve learned! An optional after-camp care session is available from 3:30 – 5pm each day for $75. 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.

Available Camps:

 

YOUTH IMPROV

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.

 

INCLUSIVE IMPROV: IMPROV FOR KIDS WITH AUTISM AND BEYOND (ages 7-10)

Inclusive Improv is great for enhancing eye contact, building peer relationships, and stretching creative potential while playing games, listening, collaborating, and most importantly having fun!!!

The instructor team from The Second City and Zip Zap Zop Enrichment have experience working with children with special needs and providing improv programs and workshops at various schools in the LA area. Students will learn the same skills as a mainstream improv program with additional supports, pacing and comfort level that fits the needs of the group.

 

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.

 

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 STAND-UP (ages 13-18)

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 ACTING (ages 13-18)

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 SKETCH (ages 14-18)

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 CLASSES:

ONLINE WRITING A SCREENPLAY

A sellable screenplay = quit your day job. This class will help you create characters, understand structure & learn to pitch. You’ll end this course with an outline of your [awesome] screenplay idea as well as the start of your script.

 

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 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.

 

ONLINE WRITING FOR LATE NIGHT TV AND TALK SHOWS

Write desk bits, monologues and a variety of segments for shows like Conan, Letterman, Kimmel, Ellen and more. Create original material to strengthen your writing samples.

 

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 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.

 

ONLINE COMEDY WRITING BOOTCAMP: FISH OUT OF WATER

You’ve learned how to write a Fish Out of Water sketch. You’ve learned the concepts of ‘Insane in a Sane World’ and ‘Sane in a an Insane World.’ Have you had the opportunity to write BOTH types? AND get feedback? AND REWRITE them? This course is an intensive in all things Fish Out of Water. Get ready to generate new ideas, new sketches and rewrite old ones. YOU ARE NOT THE Fish Out of Water HERE. Jump in, the water’s fine!

 

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 2 (AGES 15-18)

Come on back and get your sketch comedy even sketchier! Teens will 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” and “Parody.” It’s tons of fun with no grades! What’s better than that???

 


SUMMER OFFERINGS:

Summer Comedy Camps ages 6-18

Physical Comedy Intensive • Mon-Fri 11AM-4:30PM • July 10th – July 14th

Improv 1 Intensive • Fri-Sun 11AM-7PM • July 14th – July 16th

Constructing Your Comedic Screenplay Intensive • Mon-Fri 11AM-4:30PM • July 17th – July 21st

Improv 2 Intensive • Fri-Sun 11AM-7PM • July 28th – July 30th

Improv 1 Intensive • Fri-Sun 11AM-7PM • August 11th – August 13th

Foundations of Second City Intensive • Mon-Fri 11AM-7PM • August 14th – August 18th

Improv 1 Intensive • Mon-Fri 11AM-4:30PM • August 21st – August 25th

Writing Hilarious Social & Political Satire Intensive • Fri-Sun 11AM-7PM • August 25th – August 27th;30-*

Term 4 Classes & Registration