IMPROV | YOUTH | WRITING | ONLINE |
SPECIALTY | 2018 INTENSIVES
Upcoming Classes: Building Closed 5/28 & 7/4
Improvising Basics – While learning the building blocks of improvisation, this term builds confidence through ensemble energy.
- Improv 1 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (6/25-8/6)
- Improv 1 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (6/25-8/6)
- Improv 1(Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (6/26-8/7)
- Improv 1 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (6/26-8/7)
- Improv 1 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (6/27-8/15)
- Improv 1(Off Peak Hours) · Thursdays · 11-2:30PM (6/28-8/9)
- Improv 1(Off Peak Hours) · Fridays · 6:30-10PM (6/29-8/10)
- Improv 1(Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (6/30-8/11)
- Improv 1 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (7/1-8/12)
- Improv 1 · Sundays · 3:30-7PM (7/1-8/12)
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 intensive · 11-7PM, Friday-Sunday (5/25-5/27) · Taught by Emily Walker
- Improv 1 · 3-Day intensive · 11-7PM, Friday-Sunday (6/29-7/1)
- Improv 1 · 3-Day intensive · 11-7PM, Friday-Sunday (7/20-7/22)
- Improv 1 · 3-Day intensive · 11-7PM, Friday-Sunday (8/3-8/5)
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 (6/11-6/15)
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) · Tues & Thurs · 11-2:30PM (6/5-6/26)
- Improv 1 EXPRESS · Mon & Tues · 6:30-10PM (6/4-6/25)
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 · 11-2:30PM (6/25-8/6)
- Improv 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (6/26-8/7)
- Improv 2 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (6/26-8/7)
- Improv 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Thursdays · 11-2:30PM (6/28-8/9)
- Improv 2 · Thursdays · 6:30-10PM (6/28-8/9)
- Improv 2 · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (6/30-8/11)
- Improv 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (6/30-8/11)
- Improv 2 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (7/1-8/12)
- Improv 2 · Sundays · 3:30-7PM (7/1-8/12)
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 (6/8-6/10)
- Improv 2 · 3-Day intensive · Friday-Sunday · 11-7PM (7/6-7/8)
- Improv 2 · 3-Day intensive ·Friday- Sunday · 11-7PM (8/17-8/19)
Improvising Games and Advancing Scene Work – While continuing an enhancement of improvisational scene work, this term explores improvising shortform games.
- Improv 3 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (6/25-8/6)
- Improv 3 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (6/26-8/7)
- Improv 3 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (6/26-8/7)
- Improv 3 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (6/27-8/15)
- Improv 3 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (7/1-8/12)
Get it done all at once and still enjoy your Summer Vacation! 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! Classes meet Monday & Tuesday nights, so you’ll have the rest of the week to enjoy SUMMER!!
- Improv 1-3: Start to Finish · Mon&Tues · 6:30-10PM (6/4-8/13)
IMPROV 1-3: START TO FINISH IN A MONTH
Get it done all at once! This class will take you through the entire Long Form Program levels 1-3. You will meet Mon-Fri 11-4:30pm for 3 weeks and cover the building blocks of improv, improvising scenes, improvising games and advancing scene Work, and getting ready for your Form Revue 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.
- Improv 1-3: Start to Finish In a Month · Mon-Fri · 11-4:30PM (7/9-7/27)
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.” In addition, students will learn fundamental strategies for taking honest, personal experiences and turning them into compelling, entertaining stories.
- Improv for Veterans Level Alpha · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (6/30-8/11) · Taught by BJ Lange
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 improv 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 · 12-3:30PM (6/30-8/11)
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
- Improv Drop-In · Saturdays · 5-7PM
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 EXPRESS · Mons & Weds · 6:30-10PM (5/30-6/20)
- Cons 1 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (6/25-8/6)
- Cons 1 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (6/25-8/6)
- Cons 1 · Thursdays · 6:30-10PM (6/28-8/9)
- Cons 1 · Sundays · 3:30-7PM (7/1-8/12)
Original Characters – the next Austin Powers is within you!
- Cons 2 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (6/25-8/6)
- Cons 2 · Thursdays · 6:30-10PM (6/28-8/9)
- Cons 2 · Sundays · 3:30-7PM (7/1-8/12)
Ensemble Improv – calm down, Austin Powers, it’s not all about you.
- Cons 3 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (6/25-8/6)
- Cons 3 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (6/26-8/7)
- Cons 3 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (7/1-8/12)
Beginning Re-Improvisation: Do it more than once and start to create sketches.
- Cons 4 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (6/26-8/7)
- Cons 4 ·Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (6/27-8/15)
- Cons 4 · Sundays · 3:30-7PM (7/1-8/12)
Advanced Re-Improvisation: Improvise drafts of group scenes and comic structure.
- Cons 5 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (6/26-8/7)
- Cons 5 · Sundays · 3:30-7PM (7/1-8/12)
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): Rose · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (6/25-8/6)
- Grad Revue (Part 1): Enriched · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (6/25-8/6)
- Grad Revue (Part 1): Baking ·Sundays · 12-3:30PM (7/1-8/12)
- Grad Revue (Part 2): West Coast · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (6/25-8/6)
- Grad Revue (Part 2): Lettuce · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (7/1-8/12)
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 (6/26-7/1)
Youth Classes:
HOLLYWOOD SUMMER MINI-CAMP (AGES 6-7)
How fun does a Comedy Camp sound? Spend part of your summer at The Second City in our improv and comedy writing camps. 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!
Monday through Friday 9am – 12:45pm · $225
No previous experience is needed. Camp ends with a free show where the students show off what they’ve learned!
Each day, the 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.
Camp dates:
June 11-15
July 2-6
Aug 13-17
HOLLYWOOD & PASADENA SUMMER COMEDY CAMPS (AGES 8-18)
How fun does a Comedy Camp sound? Spend part of your summer at The Second City in our improv and comedy writing camps. Now in Hollywood & Pasadena! Campers exercise their sense of play through improv games and exercises that are the foundation of The Second City’s unique brand of comedy. Our teachers will work with these young improvisers to help enhance their ability to communicate with others and develop confidence in their own creativity while working as part of an ensemble.
Our 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 · $395. 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:
June 11-15 (Hollywood)
June 18-22 (Hollywood)
June 25-29 (Hollywood)
July 2-6(Hollywood)
July 9-13 (Hollywood & Pasadena)
July 16-20 (Hollywood & Pasadena)
July 23-27 (Hollywood & Pasadena)
July 30-Aug 3 (Hollywood & Pasadena)
Aug 6-10 (Hollywood)
Aug 13-17 (Hollywood)
SUMMER FLAVOR CAMP: ACTING (AGES 13-18)
Acting is all about emotions. It’s about getting in touch with emotions and controlling them. The Second City approach to acting brings the supportive atmosphere vital to improv into the classroom. This helps kids really express themselves and get into a character without the fear of judgment. Acting skills aren’t just for actors. We deal with emotion all the time and present ourselves to the public every day. Acting classes can give kids more self-awareness of their public persona.
In this camp the student learns to develop their individual acting skills and their personal voice. Students will learn about stage presence and how to use their voice and physicality to convey meaning. This class is about developing the individual as an actor.
Students will be given monologues and scenes from the Second City archives to perform. They will develop characters through improv exercises. They will learn basic theater terminology. They will get the experience of working with and relying on a scene partner to breath life into words on a page. Bringing humorous scenes to life off the printed page is very challenging and a great way to develop acting skills. All of this is done with a Second City mentality so there is slight emphasis on comedy.
- Acting Camp · Tues & Weds · 9-3pm July 10th & 11th · $195
SUMMER FLAVOR CAMP : STAND-UP (AGES 13-18)
Our Stand-Up camp is for teens who are interested in learning about stand-up comedy. The skills required to do stand up develop skills of observation and define one’s point of view. Also, students will develop valuable public speaking skills. Standing up in front of a room full of people who expect you to be funny takes a lot of guts. This class will build students’ confidence to allow them to do that.
Students in this stand-up for teens program will be introduced to the fundamental skills of the art of Stand-Up Comedy. They will learn many useful tips on topics like microphone technique and working the room. They will study joke structure and why some jokes work and some jokes don’t. They will also learn how to develop material from everyday life. Students will also create original, imaginative stories through fun games and exercises, and then bring those tales to life on the stage!
They will also build the courage to bring humor into their everyday conversation. No previous experience is required.
- Stand-Up Camp · Thurs & Fri · 9-3pm July 12th & 13th · $195
SUMMER FLAVOR CAMP: CLOWNING & PHYSICAL COMEDY (AGES 13-18)
Clowning is 50% physicality, 50% silliness, and 100% fun. Yes, that doesn’t make sense, but when it comes to clowning and comedy, it doesn’t need to! Kids will have the freedom of movement and self-expression in this class, while also learning about slapstick comedy and how to theatrically control their gestures.
Does your child find themselves stuck standing on stage with their hands in your pocket? When playing funny or dramatic scenes do you ever get self conscious about your physicality? Movement is designed to change the way you look, move, and feel on stage. Learn to use your body to make stronger character choices, increase your range, and feel more confident. It’s all about maintaining control while retaining musicality in a performance. This class is great for aspiring actors and clowns or kids who need an outlet for all their extra energy!
- Clowning & Physical Comedy Camp · Tues & Weds · 9-3pm July 17th & 18th · $195
SUMMER FLAVOR CAMP: PUPPET IMPROV
Puppetry is one of the most exciting and fun ways for a child to express themselves artistically and have their voices heard! In this Puppet Improv class, students will be introduced to basic puppetry technique for the stage while strengthening their improv skills through games and exercises that they will perform with the puppets. We encourage students to bring their own puppets so that they can also practice with them at home.
This class is perfect for aspiring young puppeteers, performers who would like to add an additional skill set or hobby into their lives, or any child who struggles with stage fright or speaking up in front of an audience. Puppets can provide a wonderful outlet to convey emotions and bring an extra amount of laughter and entertainment into your child’s life.
- Puppet Camp · Thurs & Fri · 9-3pm July 19th & 20th · $195
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 (6/30-8/11)
- Kids Improv (Ages 6-7) · Sundays ·10AM-12PM (7/1-8/12)
- Kids Improv (Ages 8-10) · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (6/30-8/11)
- Kids Improv (Ages 8-10) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (7/1-8/12)
- Kids & Teen Improv (Ages 11-13) · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (6/30-8/11)
- Kids & Teen Improv (Ages 11-13) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (7/1-8/12)
- Teen Improv (Ages 14-18) · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (6/30-8/11)
- Teen Improv (Ages 14-18) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (7/1-8/12)
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.
- Inclusive Improv: Improv for kids w/Autism and Beyond · Saturdays · 2-3:30PM (6/30-8/11)
TEEN STAND-UP
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 · 10AM-12PM (6/30-8/11)
- Teen Stand-Up · Sundays · 12-2PM (7/1-8/12)
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 · Saturdays · 12-2PM (6/30-8/11)
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.
- Kids Acting · Saturdays · 12-2PM (6/30-8/11)
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 · Sundays ·10AM-12PM (7/1-8/12)
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 (6/30-8/11)
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 (6/30-8/11)
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 · 3:30-7PM (6/30/18-4/27/19)
This workshop focuses on finding more comfort and ease in scenes. Learning to listen to your unique voice, becoming the support player people dream of playing with and taking greater and more compelling risks on stage.
Submit yourself for consideration here: http://bit.ly/2ov6xWG
- WEIRDO w/ Holly Laurent · Thursdays · 7-10PM (6/14-7/19)
MONO: ONE SCENE, NO KISSING WITH TIM PAUL
In this class, we will explore the monoscene, where you have to finish what you started – no edits! A perfect introduction to anyone new to this structure, we will work together on setting and sustaining scenes and building out a universe for these characters to exist in, all in real time. A great scenic workout for anyone looking to truly invest in their scenes with no safety net. We will cover both 2 person and group monoscenes. Class culminates in a show at Second City Hollywood.
Prerequisite: Conservatory 1 or equivalent training
- Mono: One Scene, No Kissing with Tim Paul · Saturdays · 1-4PM (6/9-6/30)
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 · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (6/30-8/11) · Taught by Amanda Blake Davis
In Level 3, students will touch on popular long form structures and learn the basic principals behind most long forms. Students will hone in on a specific long form by the end of the term for the final performance. There are 2 class shows for this course.
- Long Form 3 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (6/27-8/15) · Taught by Craig Cackowski
LONG FORM 4: CREATE YOUR OWN FORM
In Long 4, students will be cast in a long form ensemble and focus on creating an original form. This form will be showcased in a final run of performances in the Second City theater.
Auditions will be held on June 12th from 3:30-5:30pm. Sign up HERE
- Long Form 4 · Thursdays · 6:30-10PM (6/28-10/4) · Taught by Dave Hill
LONG FORM 1-3: START TO FINISH IN A MONTH
Get it done all at once! This class will take you through the entire Long Form Program levels 1-3. You will meet Mon-Fri 11-4:30pm for 3 weeks and cover the building blocks of improv, improvising scenes, improvising games and advancing scene Work, and getting ready for your Form Revue 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
- Long Form 1-3: Start to Finish In a Month · Mon-Fri ·11-4:30PM (7/9-7/27)
Your body is capable of amazing things!! Ok, now stop thinking of that and come back to thinking about comedy…We’re going to teach you how to tell a lifetime of stories without saying a word; learn how to be a funny person doing things and not a person doing funny things. Showcase the great things that are unique to only you.
- Physical Comedy 1 Intensive · Mon-Fri · 11-4:30PM (7/9-7/13)
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 · 7-10PM (5/14-6/4) · Taught by Dean Evans
SHUT UP & MOVE: A PHYSICAL COMEDY WORKSHOP
We are able to BE ANYWHERE, BE ANYONE and DO ANYTHING we want on stage. Yet we still choose to sit and talk the whole time, letting our brains overthink every word we are saying. Add your body back into to your work! Follow your physical instincts and surprise yourself! Get out of your head and into your body! Ithamar will show you how to use your physicality as a tool for improv and writing comedy.
Ithamar Enriquez has performed, written, directed and taught at The Second City for the past 14 years. His solo physical show, Ithamar Has Nothing To Say has been turned into a web series produced by Jordan Peele and Keegan Michael Key. Ithamar’s film and TV appearances include: Lady Bird, A Series Of Unfortunate Events, Arrested Development, Key and Peele, The Office, The League, Adam Ruins Everything, Teachers and Beyond The Lights.
- Shut Up & Move · Mondays · 7-10PM (6/18-7/30) · Taught by Ithamar Enrique
Step up your improv skills in a new and fun way by improvising and performing with puppets! In this exciting 7-week program you will focus on puppetry technique as well as improvising unique characters and scenes with puppets. At the end of the 7-week course students will have the opportunity to showcase their work on the Second City stage by performing in an improvised puppet show! Open to all levels of improvisers.
* Puppets are available to use, but we encourage you to bring your own puppet if possible.
- Puppetry for Improvisers 1 · Saturdays 12-3:30PM (6/30-8/11)
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) · Thur · 11-2:30PM (6/28-8/9)
- Acting 1: Character Development · Sunday · 12-3:30PM (7/1-8/12)
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 101 for Actors · Tuesdays · 1-4PM (5/29-6/26) · Taught by Elieen Montelione
This on-camera workshop prepares you to be confident and flexible in the audition process, and most importantly how to bring your unique persona into the room every time. We’ll focus on everything from fundamentals to more nuanced, advanced techniques. The goal is to help you avoid common pitfalls so that you can turn auditions into callbacks, and callbacks into bookings.
- Commercial Acting 101 · Mondays · 6:30-9:30PM (6/4-7/2)
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.
- Intro to Voiceover · Tuesdays · 7-10PM (6/25-8/6)
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 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (6/26-8/7)
- Stand-Up 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Thursdays · 11-2:30PM (6/28-8/9)
- Stand-Up 1 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (7/1-8/12) · Taught by Dan Telfer
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 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (6/25-8/6)
- Stand-Up 2 · Sundays · 3:30-7PM (7/1-8/12) ·Taught by Dan Telfer
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 · Wednesday · 7-10PM (6/6) · 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 (6/26-8/7)
- Musical Improv Essentials · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (7/1-8/12)
A CAPELLA MUSICAL IMPROV
A Capella is any music performed by voices alone (and sometimes body), made mainstream popular in the movie Pitch Perfect and A Capella groups like Pentatonix. In this class, students will perform Musical Improv without the piano, come learn to be your own band!
Sign up for auditions HERE
- A Capella Musical Improv · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (6/25-8/6)
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 · Tuesdays · 7-10PM (5/22-6/12) ·Taught by Rich Baker
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.
- Beginning Sketch Writing · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (6/25-8/6)
- Beginning Sketch Writing · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (6/26-8/7)
- Beginning Sketch Writing (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (6/30-8/11)
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.
- Intermediate Sketch Writing · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (6/27-8/15)
- Intermediate Sketch Writing (Off Peak Hours) · Thursdays · 11-2:30PM (6/28-8/9)
Almost ready for prime time! In Second City Sketch Writing 3, students write a Second City sketch revue with considerations to running order, cast, variety, theme and other aspects investigated in previous writing levels. At the midpoint of this 14-week course, students hold auditions to cast their graduation sketch revue. In addition to completing a final script, students continue revisions throughout the rehearsal process and take on production roles to ensure that the show is mounted efficiently and effectively.
- Advance Sketch Writing · Thursdays · 11-2:30PM (6/28-10/4)
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 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (6/25-8/6)
- Creating a Web Series Intensive · Mon-Fri · 11-4:30PM (6/18-6/22)
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) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (6/30-8/11)
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 (6/30-8/11)
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 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (6/26-8/7)
- Writing for Late Night TV & Talk Shows Intensive · Mon-Fri · 11-4:30PM (7/23-7/27)
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 · 3:30-7PM (7/1-8/12)
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 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (6/25–8/6)
- Writing for Sketch TV Intensive · Fri-Sun · 11-7PM (6/15-6/17)
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 · July 8-August 26
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 · July 8-August 26
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 · July 22-September 2
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 · July 22-September 2
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 · July 22-September 2
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 · June 3-July 15
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 · June 3-June 24
Creating Your Pilot Pitch Packet Intensive • Mon-Fri 11-4:30PM • Feb 26-Mar 2nd 2018
Writing Hilarious Social & Political Satire Intensive • Mon-Fri 11-7PM • March 19-23rd 2018
Sitcom Spec Level Intensive • Mon-Fri 11-4:30PM • April 23-27th 2018
Beginning Sketch Writing Intensive • Mon-Fri 11-4:30PM • May 7-11th 2018
Writing Strong Women Intensive • Mon-Fri 11-4:30PM • May 14-18th 2018
Acting 1: Character Development Intensive • Fri-Sun 11-7PM • May 11-13th 2018
Writing for Sketch TV Intensive • Fri-Sun 11-7PM • June 15-17th 2018
Creating a Web Series Intensive • Mon-Fri 11-4:30PM • June 18-22th 2018
Physical Comedy Intensive • Mon-Fri 11-4:30PM • July 9-13th 2018
Writing for Late Night TV Intensive • Mon-Fri 11-4:30PM • July 23-27th 2018
Stand-Up 1 Intensive • Mon-Fri 11-4:30PM • August 27-31st 2018
Creating Your Pilot Pitch Packet Intensive • Mon-Fri 11-4:30PM • Sep 17-21st 2018
Writing Bold Characters Intensive • Mon-Fri 11-4:30PM • Oct 29-Nov 2nd 2018
Beginning Sketch Writing Intensive • Mon-Fri 11-4:30PM • Nov 26-30th 2018
Sitcom Spec Level Intensive • Mon-Fri 11-4:30PM • Dec 10-14th 2018
Stand-Up 1 Intensive • Fri-Sun 11-7PM • December 14-16th 2018
Give us a call at 323.464.8542 to sign up for an Intensive!