IMPROV | YOUTH | WRITING |
ONLINE | SPECIALTY | 2019 INTENSIVES |
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Building Closed: 11/28 & 11/29

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

Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (9/7-10/19) · Taught by Adam Peacock
Improv 1 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (9/8-10/20) · Taught by Katie Nahnsen
Improv 1 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/2-11/13)
Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (10/5-11/16)
Improv 1 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (10/21-12/2)
Improv 1 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (10/21-12/2)
Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (10/22-12/3)
Improv 1 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/22-12/3)
Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Wednesdays · 2:30-6PM (10/23-12/4)
Improv 1 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/23-12/4)
Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Thursdays · 11-2:30PM (10/24-12/12)
Improv 1 · Thursdays · 6:30-10PM (10/24-12/19, NO CLASS 10/31 & 11/28)
Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Fridays · 6:30-10PM (10/25-12/13, NO CLASS 11/29)
Improv 1 · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)
Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)
Improv 1 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (10/27-12/15, NO CLASS 12/1)
Improv 1 · Sundays · 3:30-7PM (10/27-12/15, NO CLASS 12/1)
Pasadena Location: Improv 1 · Mon · 6:30-10PM (9/30-11/11)
Pasadena Location: Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Tues · 11-2:30PM (10/1-11/12)

IMPROV 1 EXPRESS

Improvising Basics – While learning the building blocks of improv, this term builds confidence through ensemble energy. Meets twice a week for 3.5 weeks!

Improv 1 EXPRESS (Off Peak Hours) · Mon&Weds · 11-2:30PM (10/7-10/28)

IMPROV 1 3-DAY INTENSIVE

Improvising Basics – While learning the building blocks of improv, this term builds confidence through ensemble energy. Same curriculum just squeezed into 3 days.

Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM, Friday-Sunday (11/1-11/3)
Improv 1 · 3-Day INT ·11-7PM, Monday-Wednesday (11/25-11/27)
Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM, Friday-Saturday (12/6-12/8)
Pasadena Location: Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM, Monday-Wednesday (11/25-11/27)

IMPROV 1 5-DAY INTENSIVE

Improvising Basics – While learning the building blocks of improv, this term builds confidence through ensemble energy. Same curriculum just squeezed into 5 days.

Improv 1 · 5-Day INT · 11-4:30PM · Monday-Friday (10/21-10/25)
Improv 1 · 5-Day INT · 11-4:30PM · Monday-Friday (12/9-12/13)
Pasadena Location: Improv 1 · 5-Day INT· 11-4:30PM, Monday-Friday (10/14-10/18)

IMPROV 2

Improvising Scenes – A study of emotion, relationship, point-of-view, and environment; this term focuses on what makes an improvised scene work.

Improv 2 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/2-11/13)
Improv 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (10/5-11/16)
Improv 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (10/22-12/3)
Improv 2 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/22-12/3)
Improv 2 · Thursday · 6:30-10PM (10/24-12/19, NO CLASS 10/31 & 11/28)
Improv 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)
Improv 2 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (10/27-12/15, NO CLASS 12/1)

IMPROV 2 EXPRESS

Improvising Scenes – A study of emotion, relationship, point-of-view, and environment; this term focuses on what makes an improvised scene work. Meets twice a week for 3.5 weeks!

Improv 2 EXPRESS (Off Peak Hours) · Mon&Wed · 11-2:30PM (10/2-10/23)
Improv 2 EXPRESS · Tues&Thurs · 6:30-10PM (11/5-11/26)

IMPROV 2 3-DAY INTENSIVE

Improvising Scenes – A study of emotion, relationship, point-of-view, and environment; this term focuses on what makes an improvised scene work. Same curriculum just squeezed into 3 days.

Improv 2 · 3-Day INT · Friday-Sunday · 11-7PM (10/11-10/13)
Improv 2 · 3-Day INT · Friday-Sunday · 11-7PM (11/8-11/10)

IMPROV 3

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

Improv 3 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/2-11/13)
Improv 3 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (10/5-11/16)
Improv 3 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays ·11-2:30PM (10/22-12/3)
Improv 3 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/22-12/3)
Improv 3 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/23-12/4)
Improv 3 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)

IMPROV 3 EXPRESS

Improvising Games and Advancing Scene Work – While continuing an enhancement of improvisational scene work, this term explores improvising shortform games. Meets twice a week for 3.5 weeks!

Improv 3 EXPRESS (Off Peak Hours) · Mon&Wed · 11-2:30PM (10/28-11/18)

IMPROV 3 5-DAY INTENSIVE

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

Improv 3 · 5-Day INT · Mon-Fri ·11-4:30PM (10/7-10/11)
Improv 3 · 5-Day INT · Mon-Fri · 11-4:30PM (12/9-12/13)

IMPROV 1-3: START TO FINISH

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! You’ll get it all done before Thanksgiving!

Improv 1-3: Start to Finish · Mon&Weds · 11-2:30PM (9/9-11/18)

IMPROV DROP-IN

The Improv Drop-in is a noncommittal, two hour class that will keep you on your toes and inject fun into your day. Drop-ins are designed for all levels so if you want to get extra class time, play with new people or work with amazing coaches then drop on by! Any current student or grad of The Second City is eligible to take this class. For any persons with equivalent training from other programs, please call our office to determine if this class is appropriate for you. We cap the class at 16 students, so arrive early to get a spot. Prerequisite: Completion of a course at a training center.

Looking for a beginner class? Try our Taste of Second City Workshop

Improv Drop-In · Wednesdays · 12-2PM
Improv Drop-In · Saturdays · 12-2PM

IMPROVISA TU VIDA

Asi es y luego…

Learn and practice the basic rules of improv without getting lost in translation with English words. This workshop is completely in Spanish, y te dara todo lo que necesitas para aprender lo más básico del mundo de la improvisación.

Improvisa Tu Vida · Saturdays · 12-3pm (10/5-10/26)

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 · 6:30-10PM (10/21-12/2)
Cons 1 · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (10/22-12/3)
Cons 1 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/22-12/3)
Cons 1 · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)

CONSERVATORY 2

Original Characters – the next Austin Powers is within you!

Cons 2 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/2-11/13)
Cons 2 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (10/21-12/2)
Cons 2 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/23-12/4)
Cons 2 · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (10/26-12/14)

CONSERVATORY 3

Study the art of ensemble improv and how to make your castmates look like rock stars! Also, learn comedic structure through both improvised scenes Second City archive sketches.

Cons 3 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/2-11/13)
Cons 3 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/22-12/3)
Cons 3 · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)

CONSERVATORY 4

Ever wanted a do-over? Here’s your chance! By re-improvising your scenes, you’ll learn how we take an idea from improvisation to a polished written sketch.

Cons 4 · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (10/22-12/3)
Cons 4 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/23-12/4)

CONSERVATORY 5

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

Cons 5 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/22-12/3)
Cons 5 · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)

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): Diesel · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (10/21-12/2)
Grad Revue (Part 1): Logo · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (10/21-12/2)
Grad Revue (Part 1): Magic · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (10/27-12/15, NO CLASS 12/1)
Grad Revue (Part 2): Gromit · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (10/21-12/2) Taught by Emily Walker
Grad Revue (Part 2): Spike · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (10/27-12/15, NO CLASS 12/1) Taught by Dwayne Colbert

THE SECOND CITY REVUE MASTER CLASS

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

*Director will be Marc Warzecha. Marc Warzecha is a WGA Associate Member. With The Second City comedy theatre, he is multiple-time alumni head writer/director. Select credits: “An Evening with Martin Short” (Second City Corporate- Tour), “Twist Your Dickens”(The Kirk Douglas Theatre, Los Angeles),”War! Now in it’s 4th Smash Year!” (Second City Chicago Mainstage, Joseph Jefferson nominee: Best Director, Best Revue). Marc enjoys teaching comedy all over the world, and was recently a guest lecturer for the Comedy Central network in Spain (Paramount Comedy), a guest director at Yoshimoto Comedy in Tokyo Japan, and guest director of comedic ensembles throughout Norway and Latvia as a representative of the United States Embassy. Recent writing credits include: Comedy Central’s “Detroiters”, Disney Digital, Fullscreen Live’s “InTour”, the satire “Love Factually” at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC (premiered 2018, returning 2019.)

The Second City Revue Master Class · Mon&Thurs · 7-9PM (10/14-11/7)

Specialty Courses:

DIRECTING PROGRAM

An elite group of eight students will go on a year-long journey in this program that teaches the fundamental techniques to directing Second City’s style of sketch comedy and improvisation. From working with scripts to coaching improv to developing scripts, this five-level program culminates in a scripted sketch revue showcasing a sample of each director’s work. Each level is seven weeks long and each class will have 6 to 8 volunteer actors for the directing students to work with in class.

Applicants need to complete the Directing Program Submission Form. Please submit yourself for consideration HERE

Directing Program · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (7/6-4/11/2020)

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 · 11-2:30PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)

LONG FORM 1: SCENE WORK

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

Long Form 1 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/22-12/3)
Long Form 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)

LONG FORM 2: GROUP MIND

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 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/22-12/3)

PHYSICAL COMEDY & CLOWNING

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

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

Physical Comedy & Clowning · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (9/8-10/20) Taught by Dean Evans

INTRO TO ACTING WORKSHOP

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

Intro to Acting Workshop · Mondays · 11-2PM (10/7-10/28)
Intro to Acting Workshop · Tuesdays · 7-10PM (10/29-11/19)
Intro to Acting Workshop · Sundays · 12-3PM (10/27-11/17) Taught by Cooper Shaw

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 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (10/21-12/2)
Acting 1: Character Development (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)
Acting 1: Character Development Intensive · Friday-Sunday · 11-7PM (12/13-12/15)

SITCOM 101 FOR ACTORS

This is a 5-week Sitcom workshop focusing on script analysis, technique and the audition. The goal of this intensive is to make good actors and funny people more consistently successful in the audition room. Excellent practice for the seasoned actor; also, a great place to start for beginners. Get more out of your process by increasing your sitcom vocabulary, honing your skills and replacing bad habits with productive ones.

Sitcom 101 for Actors · Mondays · 7-10PM (10/7-11/4)

COMEDIC ACTING ON CAMERA

In this class, students will use improvisational exercises to create original comedic character scenes. These scenes will be transformed into short shooting scripts. Students will work in front of camera, in class, and study playback with teacher feedback. By the end of each term, students will have the opportunity to book their scenes to be professionally filmed at an additional cost, per scene.

Comedic Acting On Camera · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (9/3-10/15) SOLD OUT!
Comedic Acting On Camera · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/1-11/12)

DIALECTS & CHARACTER VOICES 1

Looking to build your Actor/Improviser Tool Box? Want to bring your Irish Bartender into more crisp view? Got that Brooklyn Cab Driver you’ve been dying to perfect? This is the place to do it! Learn fun ways to expand your arsenal of character voices and regional dialects. In this class, we will explore character status, physicality, vocal use & placement, breathing techniques, and delve into a wide variety of accents and dialects. Explore regional influences with specificity. Participants will create original characters, work with scripted text as well as improvised scenes.

Dialects & Character Voices · Tuesdays · 7-10PM (10/1-10/22) · Taught by Cooper Shaw

STORYTELLING 101

Live storytelling shows have become one of the fastest growing and most personal forms of entertainment in Los Angeles. With the popularity of shows like The Moth, Mortified and Porchlight, audiences have shown that they love to hear a well-crafted and fascinating story. In this class we will focus on the craft of 1st-person storytelling – how to structure an event from your life in a way that is interesting and entertaining to other people. At the completion of the four weeks, each of the students will walk out with one stage-ready story, which will be performed in the final class show. Classes are capped at 8 students to keep the class personal and allow more attention to each individual story.

Storytelling 101 · Thurs · 7-10PM (9/5-10/3, NO CLASS 9/19) · Taught by Kevin McGeehan

STAND-UP 1

Develop yourself as a solo comedic performer by writing and workshopping your own material. By understanding how earlier stand-up comics evolved, students experiment outside their comfort zone and experiment until discovering their own unique style. Class culminates in a final performance in The Second City Hollywood Studio Theater.

Stand-Up 1 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (9/30-11/11)
Stand-Up 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (10/22-12/3)
Stand-Up 1 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/23-12/4)
Stand-Up 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)
Stand-Up 1 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (10/27-12/15, NO CLASS 12/1)
Stand-Up 1 Intensive · Monday-Friday · 11-4:30PM (11/4-11/8)

STAND-UP 2

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

Stand-Up 2 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (10/21-12/2)
Stand-Up 2 · Sundays · 3:30-7PM (10/27-12/15, NO CLASS 12/1)

MUSICAL IMPROV ESSENTIALS

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

Musical Improv Essentials (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (10/22-12/3)
Musical Improv Essentials · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/23-12/4)

ONE PERSON SHOW

The best way to get work is to make work! Ever fantasized about creating your own one person show, but weren’t sure where to start? This is the course for you!

Act in the best role, the one you wrote for YOU! Find your story, write new material, and leave with an outline of your one person show. Learn secrets and tips about how to produce, market and SELL OUT your show.

About the instructor: Anne Marie Scheffler is a critically acclaimed solo performer. She’s done 8 shows, a one-hour TV special, and a long list of acting and writing credits and awards, including co-writing and co-starring in the international hit SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody. Anne Marie can show you how to create your own big break.

“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

5 hours ◆ 2 days ◆ Tuition: $200
5 days ◆ 1 show ◆ Tuition: $585

One Person Show Workshop · Sat&Sun · 10-3pm (12/7-12/8)
One Person Show Intensive · Mon-Fri · 11-4pm (12/9-12/13)

INTRO TO IMPROV FOR BUSINESS

A one-day crash course in improvisation, this workshop will provide the basics for giving and receiving focus, expanding and heightening an idea, working as an ensemble, and effective listening. This program is built to be effective for those entering the workforce and seasoned leaders alike, while we take the core principals of improv and apply them to effective communication in the workplace.

Intro to Improv for Business · Saturday · 11-6PM (10/5)
Intro to Improv for Business · Saturday · 11-6PM (12/7)

REWIREU: THE CORE INTENSIVE

The RewireU program empowers people through improvisation techniques cultivated over 50 years of entertaining a wide range of audiences. We know people! Participants of the RewireU program will learn new tactics for handling conflict, sharing opinions, championing projects, overcoming change and collaborating. RewireU is for individuals or companies who want to rethink how they work.

RewireU: The Core Intensive · Wed and Thurs 9-3pm & Fri 9-12pm · October 23-25
RewireU: The Core Intensive · Wed and Thurs 9-3pm & Fri 9-12pm · December 11-13

REWIREU: PUBLIC SPEAKING

Bring your best self to your next work presentation or wedding toast! Using targeted improv exercises, this course will help you become more comfortable and confident with public speaking. Focus areas will include how to read the room, adjusting to change in the moment, extemporaneous vs. prepared speech, and wowing a crowd. You will get access to videos of your individual speeches for self-assessment between classes. The result? Heightened awareness to shed those physical and verbal idiosyncrasies that aren’t serving you so you can bring your A-game every time.

RewireU: Public Speaking · Wednesdays · 7-10PM (11/6-11/27)

Writing Courses:

INTRO TO COMEDY WRITING

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

Intro to Comedy Writing · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/23-12/4)
Intro to Comedy Writing (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7pm (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)
Intro to Comedy Writing EXPRESS (Off Peak Hours) · Tues&Thurs · 11-2:30PM (10/29-11/19)

SECOND CITY SKETCH WRITING 1

Second City Sketch Writing 1 is for any student who is looking to start the journey of writing a Second City-style revue. This class is the foundation for scenic comedy writing, a guide for utilizing an improviser’s skill set for rapid creation, and learning writing refinement. The concepts and tools provided in Sketch 1 are the building blocks for being able to quickly and creatively write to and for a Second City-style revue. Every comedic writer must have the knowledge and skills that are offered in this course. You will then use those skills in our program to cast actors, write a revue, and have a four show run at the end of Sketch Writing 3.

SC Sketch Writing 1 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (10/21-12/2)
SC Sketch Writing 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Thursdays · 11-2:30PM (10/24-12/12, NO CLASS 11/28)
SC Sketch Writing 1 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (10/27-12/15, NO CLASS 12/1)
SC Sketch Writing 1 EXPRESS · Tues & Thurs · 6:30-10PM (10/29-11/21)
SC Sketch Writing 1 Intensive · Monday-Friday · 11-4:30PM (11/11-11/15)

SECOND CITY SKETCH WRITING 2

Second City Sketch Writing 2 provides students with understanding of the different types of scenes found in a Second City-style sketch comedy revue. The lens of the course is focused on the Cast and the Characters. Understanding scenic formulas, writing to cast size, and character point-of-view. Students practice creating simple structures with relatable characters as they learn the building blocks of a sketch revue.

SC Sketch Writing 2 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (10/27-12/15, NO CLASS 12/1)

SC SKETCH WRITING 3

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.

SC Sketch Writing 3 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/23-2/19)

INTRO TO WRITING FOR TV AND FILM

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

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

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

Intro to Writing for TV and Film (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (10/5-11/16)
Intro to Writing for TV and Film (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (10/22-12/3)
Intro to Writing for TV and Film · Thursdays · 6:30-10PM (10/24-12/19, NO CLASS 10/31 & 11/28)
Intro to Writing for TV and Film · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)
Intro to Writing for TV and Film EXPRESS (Off Peak Hours) · Mon&Wed · 11-2:30PM (11/4-11/25)

SITCOM SPEC WRITING LEVEL 1

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

Sitcom Spec Writing 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (10/22-12/3)
Sitcom Spec Writing 1 · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)
Sitcom Spec Writing 1 Intensive · Monday-Friday · 11-4:30PM (12/2-12/6)

SITCOM SPEC WRITING 2

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

Sitcom Spec Writing 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)

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 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (10/21-2/17)
Write Your TV Pilot: From Idea to Draft · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (10/26-2/22)

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 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (11/12-12/10)

CREATING A WEB SERIES

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

Creating a Web Series · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/22-12/3)
Creating a Web Series INT · Mon-Fri · 11-4:30PM (10/14-10/18)

WRITING FOR CHILDREN’S ANIMATION LEVEL 1

Ever been told you think or better yet act like a child? Well maybe you should write like one too! In this class we will look at the difference between storyboard driven and script based animation shows. During the class you’ll develop a story springboard, outline and a spec scripts of an existing 11 minute show, all while learning the basic structure of animation writing.

Writing for Children’s Animation Level 1 · Mon · 6:30-10pm (10/28-12/16, NO CLASS 11/25)

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 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (10/5-11/16)
Writing for Late Night TV & Talk Shows Intensive · Monday-Friday · 11-4:30PM (11/18-11/22)

TRUE STORY: LEARNING JOURNALISM TO MAKE BETTER COMEDY

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

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

Learning Journalism to Make Better Comedy · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (10/23-12/4)

Youth Classes:

2019 HOLLYWOOD & PASADENA COMEDY CAMPS (AGES 8-18)

How fun does a Comedy Camp sound? Spend part of your summer at The Second City in our improv and comedy writing camps. Now in Hollywood & Pasadena! Campers exercise their sense of play through improv games and exercises that are the foundation of The Second City’s unique brand of comedy. Our teachers will work with these young improvisers to help enhance their ability to communicate with others and develop confidence in their own creativity while working as part of an ensemble.

Our comedy camps attract students from all over the world to learn improv, make friends, and perform on our stage! No previous experience is needed. Camps end with a show where the students show off what they’ve learned!

Camps meet Monday through Friday, 9am-3:30pm. Each day students rotate through three subjects:

Improv: An intro to the rules of Improv—saying yes, working together, listening, and having fun.
Sketch Comedy: An intro to the basics of writing sketch comedy scenes.
Musical Improv: Learn to spontaneously put words to music.

Hollywood – Hollywood camps are held at The Second City Hollywood, 6560 Hollywood Boulevard.
Pasadena – Pasadena camps are held at 690 E Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104.

RIDES TO CAMP!
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One Day Camp (age 6-18) dates:

September 30th · 9-4pm · $100 (Hollywood)
October 9th · 9-4pm · $100 (Hollywood)
November 11th · 9-4pm · $100 (Hollywood)

Winter Camp (ages 8-18) dates:

Thanksgiving Camp · Nov 25-27 · Mon-Wed 9-3:30pm· $237 (Hollywood)
Dec 16-20 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood)
Dec 26-28 · Thurs-Sat 9-3:30pm · $237 (Hollywood & Pasadena)
Jan 2-4 · Thurs-Sat 9-3:30pm · $237 (Hollywood & Pasadena)

WEEKEND KIDS & TEEN IMPROV (AGES 4-18)
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 is7 weeks long and designed to be taken several times.

Kids Improv (Ages 4-6) · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)
Kids Improv (Ages 4-6) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (10/27-12/15, NO CLASS 12/1)
Kids Improv (Ages 7-9) · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)
Kids Improv (Ages 7-9) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (10/27-12/15, NO CLASS 12/1)
Kids & Teen Improv (Ages 10-13) · Sat · 10AM-12PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)
Kids & Teen Improv (Ages 10-13) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (10/27-12/15, NO CLASS 12/1)
Teen Improv (Ages 14-18) · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)
Teen Improv (Ages 14-18) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (10/27-12/15, NO CLASS 12/1)
Pasadena Location: Kids & Teen Improv (Ages 4-18) · (10/5-11/16)

WEEKDAY KIDS & TEEN IMPROV (AGES 6-18)

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.

Kids Improv (Ages 6-7) · Thursdays · 11AM-1PM (9/12-11/14)
Kids Improv (Ages 8-12) · Tuesdays · 11AM-1PM (9/10-11/12)
Kids Improv (Ages 8-12) · Thursdays · 11AM-1PM (9/12-11/14)
Teen Improv (Ages 13-16) · Tuesdays · 11AM-1PM (9/10-11/12)
Teen Improv (Ages 16-17) · Tuesdays · 11AM-1PM (9/10-11/12)
Pasadena Location: Kids & Teen Improv (Ages 8-16) · (10/1-12/17)

KIDS SKETCH (AGES 10-12)

Kids Sketch is a quick and fun entry into the world of sketch comedy writing. This is an exercise-based class WITH NO GRADES (woohoo!) that is all about generating ideas and exploring point of view while learning some terminology along the way. Homework includes watching TV, Youtube clips and writing your own sketches!!!! Gain enough Experience Points (XP) and you are ready to Level Up. All culminating in a performance for your friends and family.

Kids Sketch · Saturdays · 12-2PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)

KIDS VOICEOVER (AGES 10-12)

It’s time to expand your acting repertoire and tackle a new type of performance! Come to Second City Hollywood to learn the ins and outs of voice acting. In this seven-week course, you’ll learn to create characters, find your vocal strengths, and enhance your acting ability by utilizing improvisational skills in The Second City style. You’ll be recording both original and provided copy throughout the class, and will leave with mp3 files of your work. You’ll also learn how to properly use and care for your body’s natural instrument–your voice!

Kids Voiceover · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)

TEEN VOICEOVER (AGES 13-18)

Teen Voiceover · Saturdays · 12-2PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)

ON CAMERA TEEN ACTING (AGE 13-18)

A class for teens looking to improve their on camera acting, auditioning and self tape skills. Students are provided with sides each week to perform, but are encouraged to bring in scenes or auditions that they are working on. This class is designed to take actors to the next level of their craft, whether just starting out, or auditioning and working regularly.

On Camera Teen Acting · Saturdays · 12-2PM (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)

KIDS STAND-UP (AGES 10-12)

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

Kids Stand-Up · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (10/27-12/15, NO CLASS 12/1)

TEEN STAND-UP (AGES 13-18)

Teen Stand-Up · Sundays · 12-2PM (10/27-12/15, NO CLASS 12/1)

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 (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)
Advanced Improv · Sundays · 10-12pm (10/27-12/15, NO CLASS 12/1)

TEEN TROUPE

The Teen Troupe is a seven week class designed for students who would like a deeper exploration of improvisation. The course will build ensemble technique and facility in improvisation. This will be accomplished through both long and short form improv work, culminating in a public presentation at The Second City Studio Theatre. Performances are held each week during the class term. Students are admitted to class by interview/audition only. Class size is limited and we are giving first priority to former students of the Teen Performance classes.

Teen Troupe · Saturdays · 3:30-6:30-7pm (10/26-12/14, NO CLASS 11/30)

TEEN CONSERVATORY

Play. Improvise. Write. Create. Under the direction of our most seasoned Kid & Teen Faculty, cast members are selected by audition to join the Teen Conservatory. Students of this program will learn the Second City process of creating a memorable Second City styled comedic revue with original sketches, songs and character monologues in our Studio Theater!

Teen Conservatory · Saturdays · 12-3PM (Year Long Program Coinciding with School Year)

ONLINE CLASSES:

ONLINE SKETCH WRITING 1
Students living away from one of the Second City Training Centers can still study comedy sketch writing! In Online Sketch Writing 1 students receive individual instruction through online correspondence, exploring the fundamentals of character development and theatrical scene structure. Exercises include a variety of comedic genres, from “Simple Yet Impossible Goal” to “Clash of Context” to “Inappropriate Response.” This course is conducted by e-mail and online correspondence with a Writing instructor.

Online Sketch Writing 1 · November 2-December 21 · Taught by Rebekah Walendzak

ONLINE SKETCH WRITING 2
Building on Online Sketch Writing 1, students will continue to learn the universal comedy techniques used in mainstream media as well as focusing on satire, character development and rewriting.

Online Sketch Writing 2 · November 2-December 21 · Taught by Rebekah Walendzak

ONLINE WRITING FOR LATE NIGHT TV AND TALK SHOWS

Online Writing for Late Night TV and Talk Shows · November 2-December 14 · Taught by Holly Wortell

ONLINE WRITING FOR LATE NIGHT TV AND TALK SHOWS 2

Building on Online Writing for Late Night and TV Talk Shows 1, this class will consist of joke maximizers for monologue jokes, finding the angle for your joke, monologue jokes with visual punch lines, bits or mini sketches within a monologue, rants on a topic like John Oliver/Seth Meyers, coming up with extra segments for celebrity guests, recurring segment ideas, Fallon-type games with guests, and Sweeps weeks/big ideas for the shows like Kimmel’s “Wall of America.” Students work together more in this level, and explore and heighten each others ideas in this collaborative writer’s room environment!

Online Writing for Late Night TV and Talk Shows 2 · November 2-December 14 · Taught by Holly Wortell

ONLINE CREATING AND PITCHING YOUR TV SERIES

You’ve been talking about your sitcom idea forever already. Make it happen! Learn what the market is looking for (seriously, what are they looking for?), how to present your idea, and make them laugh in the room. You’ll end this course with an original pitch packet – from log lines to character breakdowns to future episodes.

Online Creating and Pitching Your TV Series · October 5-November 16 · Taught by Kevin Brennan

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 · November 2-December 14 · Taught by Kevin Brennan

ONLINE SATIRICAL SKETCH COMEDY WRITING 1

Learn to turn your opinions into hilarious satirical sketches. In part one of this three part advanced course, you’ll have a safe space to express your opinions, learn how to give them a comic twist and tools that will bring them to life on the page. Prerequisite: Sketch Writing Level 2

Online Satirical Sketch Comedy Writing 1 · October 12-November 2 · Taught by Rebekah Walendzak

ONLINE SATIRICAL SKETCH COMEDY WRITING 2

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

Online Satirical Sketch Comedy Writing 2 · October 12-November 2 · Taught by Rebekah Walendzak

STAND-UP 1: JOKE WRITING

Develop yourself as a solo comedic performer by writing and workshopping your own material. By understanding how earlier stand-up comics evolved, students experiment outside their comfort zone and experiment in a variety of styles until discovering their own unique style. Students will be encouraged to perform in local open mics when possible, and upload performance videos to YouTube or Vimeo. They will also be required to provide both supportive and constructive feedback for their fellow students.

Stand-up 101: Joke Writing · September 28-November 16 · Taught by Dan Telfer

ONLINE TEEN SKETCH 1 (AGES 15-18)

Teen Sketch is a quick and fun entry into the world of sketch comedy writing. Part one of this three-part course is an exercise-based class WITH NO GRADES (woohoo!) that is all about generating ideas and exploring point of view while learning some terminology along the way. Homework includes in-class exercises, short writing assignments and posting on the Discussion Board.

Teen Sketch is open to students ages 15-18. No previous experience is required.

Online Teen Sketch · October 12-November 2 · Taught by Rebekah Walendzak

ONLINE TEEN SKETCH 2 (AGES 15-18)

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

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