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

No Class 4/21 – Building Closed for Easter
No Class 5/21-5/27

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

Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Tues · 11-2:30PM (3/5-4/16) · Taught by Corey Rittmaster
Improv 1 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (3/6-4/17) · Taught by Katie Nahnsen
Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Thurs · 11-2:30PM (3/7-4/18) · Taught by Adam Peacock
Improv 1 · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (3/9-4/27)
Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Sat · 3:30-7PM (3/9-4/27) · Taught by Marc Warzecha
Improv 1 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (4/29-6/17)
Improv 1 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (4/29-6/17)
Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (4/30-6/18)
Improv 1 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (4/30-6/18)
Improv 1 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (5/1-6/19)
Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Thursdays · 11-2:30PM (5/2-6/20)
Improv 1 · Thursdays · 6:30-10PM (5/2-6/20)
Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Fridays · 6:30-10PM (5/3-6/21)
Improv 1 · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (5/4-6/22)
Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (5/4-6/22)
Improv 1 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM(5/5-6/23)
Improv 1 · Sundays · 3:30-7PM (5/5-6/23)

IMPROV 1 EXPRESS

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

Improv 1 EXPRESS (Off Peak Hours) · Mon&Wed· 11-2:30PM (4/8-4/29)
Improv 1 EXPRESS · Tues&Thurs· 6:30-10PM (4/9-4/30)

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 (4/26-4/28)
Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM, Friday-Sunday (5/24-5/26)
Improv 1 · 3-Day INT · 11-7PM, Friday-Sunday (6/28-6/30)

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 intensive · 11-4:30PM, Monday-Friday (5/6-5/10)

IMPROV FOR VETERANS LEVEL ALPHA

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

Improv for Veterans Level Alpha · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (5/5-6/23)

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 · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (3/9-4/27) · Taught by Eric Price
Improv 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Sat · 3:30-7PM (3/9-4/27) · Taught by Amanda Blake Davis
Improv 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Tues · 11-2:30PM (4/30-6/18)
Improv 2 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (5/1-6/19)
Improv 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Thurs · 11-2:30PM (5/2-6/20)
Improv 2 · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (5/4-6/22)
Improv 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Sat · 3:30-7PM (5/4-6/22)

IMPROV 2 INTENSIVE

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

Improv 2 · 3-Day INT · Friday-Sunday · 11-7PM (3/22-3/24)
Improv 2 · 3-Day INT · Friday-Sunday · 11-7PM (5/17-5/19)

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 (3/6-4/17) · Taught by Dwayne Colbert
Improv 3 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (3/9-4/27)
Improv 3 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (4/29-6/17)
Improv 3 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (4/30-6/18)
Improv 3 · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (5/4-6/22)
Improv 3 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (5/4-6/22)
Improv 3 · Sundays · 3:30-7PM (5/5-6/23)

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 intensive · Mon-Fri ·11-4:30PM (4/15-4/19)
Improv 3 · 5-Day intensive · Mon-Fri ·11-4:30PM (6/17-6/21)

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 the Fourth of July!

Improv 1-3: Start to Finish · Mon& Wed · 11-2:30PM (4/22-7/3)

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

CONSERVATORY 1 (audition level)

Acting within Improv – put the two together.

Graduates of iO, UCB, & ComedySportz are eligible to bypass the audition and directly enroll!!! If you are a graduate of one of these schools fill out this form: http://bit.ly/2kEqWcr and we can sign you up! Or give us a call at 323.464.8542

Cons 1 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (4/29-6/17)
Cons 1 · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (4/30-6/18)
Cons 1 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (5/1-6/19)
Cons 1 · Saturdays ·3:30-7PM (5/4-6/22)

CONSERVATORY 2

Original Characters – the next Austin Powers is within you!

Cons 2 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (4/30-6/18)
Cons 2 · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (5/4-6/22)

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 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (4/29-6/17)
Cons 3 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (5/1-6/19)
Cons 3 · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (5/4-6/22)

CONSERVATORY 4

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

Cons 4 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (4/29-6/17)
Cons 4 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (4/30-6/18)
Cons 4 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (5/5-6/23)

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 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (4/29-6/17)
Cons 5 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (4/30-6/18)
Cons 5 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (5/5-6/23)

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): Bugs · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (4/29-6/17)
Grad Revue (Part 1): Energizer · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (4/29-6/17)
Grad Revue (Part 1): Easter · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (5/5-6/23)
Grad Revue (Part 2): Con Air · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (4/29-6/17) · Taught by Tim Paul
Grad Revue (Part 2): The Rock · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (5/5-6/23) · Taught by Celeste Pechous

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)

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 · Thursdays · 6:30-10PM (5/2-6/20)
Long Form 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Sat · 3:30-7PM (5/4-6/22)

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 · Thursdays · 6:30-10PM (5/2-6/20)

LONG FORM 3: STRUCTURE

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.

Long Form 3 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (4/29-6/17)

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.

This 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 (5/5-6/23)

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 (4/29-6/17)
Acting 1: Character Development · Sundays · 3:30-7PM (5/5-6/23)

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 · Wednesdays · 7-10PM (3/20-4/17) · Taught by Eileen Montelione

SITCOM 201 FOR ACTORS

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

Sitcom 201 for Actors · Mondays · 7-10PM (3/11-4/8) · Taught by Eileen Montelione

COMMERCIAL ACTING 101

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.

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 (4/9-4/30) · Taught by Cooper Shaw

THE VOICE & THE PERFORMER

“SING OUT, LOUISE!” Having trouble being heard? Want to effectively fill the theatre with your voice without having to “yell”? In this class students will learn techniques for proper vocal care, breathing techniques, articulation, and lastly (but certainly not leastly)…projection. We will discuss and explore the anatomy and physiology of breathing and breath support as it pertains to vocal use as a performer. All exercises will lead towards a more thorough understanding of your vocal instrument, and how to play it with effectiveness & ease.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT & SHOWCASE

Looking to delve deeper into character development? Want to explore various possibilities of character expression? This class will focus on character development as it pertains to vocal use and the finer points of using your instrument to its fullest. Students will develop original characters through physicality and explore how the voice comes into play in fully realizing those characters. We will explore character tempo, status, emotional life, breathing technique, vocal resonators and placement. This 4-hour Intensive will culminate in a final showcase performance of all original material.

Bring an SD camera memory card to have your showcase recorded.

ONE PERSON SHOW WORKSHOP 1

You know what your one person show is. You’ve got the idea, (even if it’s just in your head). Now you just want the actual script! This workshop is designed for writing, writing, writing. Specific writing exercises will give you the key points of your show: the introduction, how to take us into your world, the forwards, the climax, the transformation, the ending…and you’re gold! In this kickass week of writing, you will forge your story with love, pressure, and truth. This April 2019 at Second City Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, Limited spaces

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.

“Anne Marie Scheffler is a true find for anyone looking to honestly and wholeheartedly create a piece of artistic expression. For years I secretly dreamed of creating a one person show but never thought it would come to fruition until I heard about Anne Marie’s workshop. She was able to tease out the potential and helped me come up with a script. After four classes and a reading I feel that I too can be out in the world sharing the stories that are meaningful to me and entertaining to those who get to see them performed! Thanks Anne Marie!!!” – Sandra Banman

One Person Show Intensive · Mon-Fri · 11-4PM (4/8-4/12)

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 · Tues · 7-10PM (3/26-4/16) · Taught by Kevin McGeehan
Storytelling 101 · Thurs · 7-10PM (4/11-5/2) · 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 (4/29-6/17)
Stand-Up 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Thursdays · 11-2:30PM (5/2-6/20)
Stand-Up 1 · Sundays · 3:30-7PM (5/5-6/23) · Taught by Dan Telfer

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 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (4/30-6/18)
Stand-Up 2 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (5/5-6/23)

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 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (4/30-6/18) · Taught by James Edwards
Musical Improv Essentials (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (5/4-6/22)

CREATING A MUSICAL REVUE

Take improv and turn it into a polished libretto of a 50-minute musical revue, starring you and your talented classmates! Creating a Musical Revue is the highest level of our music program at The Second City.

This 2-term course is your opportunity to improvise and write with Michael Pollock, author of Musical Improv Comedy and How To Write Funny Lyrics: The Comedy Songwriting Manual. Help create a show that is both hilarious and unexpectedly honest. Anticipate sharing your wit and most candid self with us. The result: A great theatrical experience for both the audience and you!

Creating a Musical Revue · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (5/5-8/18)

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.

Improv Hip Hop Vol. 1 · Tuesdays · 7-10PM (5/14-6/4)

REWIREU

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

RewireU · Wed and Thurs 9-3pm & Fri 9-12pm · April 10-12

SO YOU SHOT THAT SKETCH, NOW WHAT? MARKETING YOUR DIGITAL CONTENT

There’s such a crazy amount of work that goes into shooting a digital sketch, web series, or short film. Shouldn’t you put just as much effort into making sure people actually see it? This workshop aims to inform students of the many channels that exist to promote your work online, and equip them with the skills necessary to make sure their work actually gets seen. The lesson will break down digital trends new and old, tailoring your marketing specifically to your content, mistakes to avoid (when to pay and not to pay, etc), and much more. You’ll leave with a template of how to spread your own work, and the skills to adapt and transform that game plan as needed to capitalize on your hilarity! Students are asked to bring one digital concept (Sketch, Web Series, etc) to pitch for an in-class exercise.

Bio: Tony Maccio is a Los Angeles based digital creative and humorist. Tony graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Media Arts and Technology, as well as The Second City Hollywood Conservatory and Upright Citizens Brigade Sketch Writing Program. Tony is currently a video producer for CBS Interactive, and whose credits include work featured on Moviefone, Yahoo Entertainment, Huffington Post Comedy, The Nerdist, Funny Or Die, and additional publications along with working as a digital content consultant for STX Entertainment. He has also written/performed live comedy at UCB-LA, The Second City Hollywood, The Out of Bounds Comedy Festival and more.

So You Shot That Sketch, Now What? Marketing Your Digital Context · Saturday · 12-3:00PM (3/30)

Writing Courses:

SECOND CITY SKETCH WRITING 1

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

SC Sketch Writing 1 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (3/10-4/28)
SC Sketch Writing 1 INT · Mon-Fri · 11-4:30PM (4/8-4/12)
SC Sketch Writing 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (4/30-6/18)
SC Sketch Writing 1 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (5/1-6/19)

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 · Sunday · 12-3:30PM (5/5-6/23)

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 · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (3/9-6/23)

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 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (5/5-6/23)

WRITING FOR CHILDREN’S ANIMATION LEVEL 2

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 2 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10pm (5/1-6/19) · Taught by Patricia Villetto

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 INT · Mon-Fri · 11-4:30PM (3/25-3/29)
Creating a Web Series · Thursdays · 6:30-10PM (5/2-6/20)
Creating a Web Series · Sundays · 3:30-7PM (5/5-6/23)
Creating a Web Series INT · Mon-Fri · 11-4:30PM (6/24-6/28)

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 & Film · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (4/30-6/18)
Intro to Writing for TV & Film (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (5/4-6/22)

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 (3/11-6/24) · Taught by Brendan Kelly

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 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (4/29-6/17)
Sitcom Spec Writing 1 · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (5/4-6/22)

SITCOM SPEC WRITING LEVEL 2

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

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

Sitcom Spec Writing Level 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Sat · 3:30-7PM (3/16-4/27) · Taught by Kara Lee Burk
Sitcom Spec Writing Level 2 · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (5/4-6/22)

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 · Tuesday · 6:30-10PM (4/30-6/18) · Taught by Holly Wortell
Writing for Late Night TV & Talk Shows INT · Mon-Fri · 11-4:30PM (4/14-4/18)

WRITING FOR SKETCH TV

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 · Monday · 6:30-10PM (4/29-6/17)

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 dates:

April 7th · Sat 9:30-3:30pm · FREE (Pasadena)
April 27th · Sat 9:30-3:30pm · FREE (Hollywood)

Spring Camp dates:

April 1-5 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395
April 15-19 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395
April 22-26 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395

Summer Camp dates:

June 10-14 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood)
June 17-21 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood)
June 24-28 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood & Pasadena)
July 1-3 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $237 (Hollywood)
July 8-12 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood & Pasadena)
July 15-19 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood & Pasadena)
July 22-26 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood)
July 29-Aug 2 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood)
Aug 5-9 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood & Pasadena)
Aug 12-16 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $395 (Hollywood)

Summer Two Week Camp dates:

July 8-19 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $800 (Hollywood)

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 is 7 weeks long and designed to be taken several times.

Kids Improv (Ages 4-6) · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (5/4-6/22)
Kids Improv (Ages 4-6) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (5/5-6/23)
Kids Improv (Ages 7-9) · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (5/4-6/22)
Kids Improv (Ages 7-9) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (5/5-6/23)
Kids & Teen Improv (Ages 10-13) · Sat · 10AM-12PM (5/4-6/22)
Kids & Teen Improv (Ages 10-13) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (5/5-6/23)
Teen Improv (Ages 14-18) · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (5/4-6/22)
Teen Improv (Ages 14-18) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (5/5-6/23)

WEEKDAY KIDS & TEEN IMPROV (AGES 8-18)

These classes are made available for home school kids, but everyone is welcomed!! They meet during the weekday from 11-1pm or 1-3pm. It is a great way to get your kid in our improv program! Are they shy? A class clown? A smart aleck? Improv will satisfy it all! They will learn improv exercises and games. Open to students ages 8-18. No experience needed.

Weekday Improv (ages 13-18) · Tuesdays · 11-1pm (3/26-5/28)
Weekday Improv (ages 8-12) · Tuesdays · 1-3pm (3/26-5/28)
Weekday Improv (ages 8-12) · Thursdays · 11-1pm (3/28-5/30)
Weekday Improv (ages 13-18) · Thursdays · 1-3pm (3/28-5/30)

TEEN STAND-UP (AGES 13-18) LEVEL 1

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 Level 1 · Sundays · 10-12pm (5/5-6/23)

ON CAMERA TEEN ACTING (AGES 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 (5/4-6/22)

TEEN VOICEOVER (AGES 13-18)

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!

Teen Voiceover · Sundays · 12-2pm (5/5-6/23)

KIDS SKETCH (AGES 10-12)

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

Kids Sketch (ages 10-12) · Saturdays · 10am-12pm (5/4-6/22)

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 · Tuesdays · 11-1pm (3/26-5/28)
Advanced Improv · Saturdays · 10-12pm (5/4-6/22)
Advanced Improv · Sundays · 10-12pm (5/5-6/23)

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 (5/4-6/22)

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!

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 · May 5-June 23 · 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 · May 5-June 23 · Taught by Rebekah Walendzak

ONLINE WRITING FOR LATE NIGHT TV AND TALK SHOWS

Online Writing for Late Night TV and Talk Shows · March 17-April 28 · Taught by Holly Wortell

ONLINE WRITING FOR LATE NIGHT TV AND TALK SHOWS 2

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

Online Writing for Late Night TV and Talk Shows 2 · March 17-April 28 · 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 · May 12-June 23 · Taught by Dave Colan

ONLINE WRITING THE SITCOM SPEC SCRIPT

According to agents and managers, in order to break into Hollywood, it’s useful to have a spec script, an original pilot, a screenplay (if you’re interested in writing movies), and a short film (maybe a smart-phone movie). In Online Writing the Sitcom Spec Script you will write a solid spec script, a script for an existing comedy on television, so you can learn how to write a TV comedy and have a writing sample.

Online Writing the Sitcom Spec Script · March 17-April 28 · 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 · May 12-June 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 · April 7-May 26 · Taught by Dan Telfer

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.