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

Term 1 2019: No Class 2/24 – Building Closed for The Oscars

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

Improv 1 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (1/14-2/25)
Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (1/8-2/19)
Improv 1 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (1/16-2/27)
Improv 1 · Saturdays · 12-3:30PM (1/12-2/23)
Improv 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (1/12-2/23)
Improv 1 · Sundays · 3:30-7PM (1/20-3/3)

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 (1/21-2/11)

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 (1/18-1/20)

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 (2/11-2/15)

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 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 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (1/7-2/18)
Improv 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (1/8-2/19)
Improv 2 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (1/9-2/20)
Improv 2 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (1/12-2/23)

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 (1/25-1/27)

IMPROV 3

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

Improv 3 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (1/8-2/19)
Improv 3 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (1/8-2/19)
Improv 3 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (1/12-2/23)

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 (2/18-2/22)

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.

Start the year off right!

Improv 1-3: Start to Finish · Mon & Weds · 11-2:30PM (1/21-4/1)

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 classe? TRY THIS OUT!

Improv Drop-In · Wednesdays · 12-2PM

CONSERVATORY 1 (audition level)

Acting within Improv – put the two together.

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

Cons 1 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (1/7-2/18)
Cons 1 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (1/9-2/20)
Cons 1 · Saturdays ·3:30-7PM (1/12-2/23)

CONSERVATORY 2

Original Characters – the next Austin Powers is within you!

Cons 2 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (1/8-2/19)
Cons 2 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (1/13-3/3)

CONSERVATORY 3

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

Cons 3 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (1/7-2/18)
Cons 3 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (1/8-2/19)
Cons 3 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (1/13-3/3)

CONSERVATORY 4

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

Cons 4 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (1/7-2/18)
Cons 4 · Sundays ·3:30-7PM (1/13-3/3)

CONSERVATORY 5

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

Cons 5 · Mondays · 11-2:30PM (1/7-2/18)
Cons 5 · Sundays · 3:30-7PM (1/13-3/3)

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): Bjorn · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (1/7-2/18)
Grad Revue (Part 1): Bottle Pop · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (1/7-2/18)
Grad Revue (Part 1): Corn · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (1/13-3/3)
Grad Revue (Part 2): Beef · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (1/7-2/18)
Grad Revue (Part 2): Jack Cheese · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (1/13-3/3)

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 (1/19-10/12)

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 · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (1/7-2/18)

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.

DUO IMPROV: HOW TO IMPROVISE LIKE A MARRIED COUPLE

This class is for established two-person improv groups, or those looking to become established! Craig and Carla Cackowski perform as the duo Orange Tuxedo in Los Angeles and all over the world. Students will join the class as pairs and each week will work with Craig, Carla or both to find their duo’s voice, guided by Orange Tuxedo’s motto “grounded relationships, formed by eccentric characters”.

GROUNDED AF

Extended 2 person scenes. Solid, grounded, hilarious, detailed and meaningful scene work over 4 weeks. Do the best improv scenes you’ve ever done. Emphasis on listening, specifics, and meaning. Taught by 20 year improv veteran, E.J. Scott.

Grounded AF · Thursday · 7-10pm (1/31-2/21)
Grounded AF · Saturday · 12-3pm (2/2-2/23)

SLAPSTICK COMEDY

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 · Sundays · 10-1PM (1/20-2/10)

SHRILL*

A workshop for those identifying as female of all shapes/sizes/levels.

Bitch, your body is beautiful but that’s besides the point. The point is we all have one so let’s move it like no one’s watching. Rooted in physical theater we will move, play and get out of our heads and into our bodies. Great if you love to move, better if you don’t. Come give voice to that thing you live inside all the time.

*Shrill by Lindy West. And shrill like the word used when people don’t like what we say so they call out our tone.

Shrill · Wednesdays · 7-10pm (2/6-2/27)

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.

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 (1/14-2/25)
Acting 1 · 3-Day INT · Fri-Sun · 11-7PM (2/8-2/10)

ACTING 2: SCENE STUDY

Acting 2 directly expands on the skills learned in Acting 1. This class challenges students to use the skills of preparation they learned in their monologue work, while teaching them to incorporate the flexibility, spontaneity, and truthfulness needed when working with a scene partner.

Emotional authenticity is one of the main themes of this level in the acting program. Students engage in group and partnered exercises to heighten their awareness and reactions of being“in the moment”with their scene partners. Students will be assigned a 3-5 page scene from a published play to work on for the duration of the term.

Acting 2: Scene Study · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (1/13-3/3)

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 (1/21-2/18)

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.

VOICEOVER AUDITION EDITING BASICS

If you’re starting out on the voiceover journey, or you’ve been on the journey, then you’re probably cramming a lot of info into your brain to learn the ins and outs of editing, labeling takes, home studios and equipment, resources and more. Let Kathleen Puls Andrade give you a hand!

She’ll teach you the basics of editing your audition: editing breaths, editing mistakes, marking mistakes in your recording, retakes, fixing a sentence or two that you don’t like, inserting a recording into the middle of a take, a Q&A on home studios, Digital Audio Workstations, mics, resources, discounts and more.

Voiceover Audition Editing Basics meets once for a two-hour class session. No previous voiceover or recording experience is required.

Voiceover Audition Editing Basics · Saturday · 10am-12pm (3/2)

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 (1/29-2/19)

DIALECTS & CHARACTER VOICES 2

Delve deeper into the world of accents, dialects, and character voices in this 4-week immersive experience. We will continue to build on the fundamentals of Level 1, digging deeper into character development as it pertains to accents, dialects and more general vocal use and placement. This next level will explore regional influences with more specificity, as students work with scripted text as well as improvised scenes.

Dialects & Character Voices 2 · Thursdays · 7-10PM (1/31-2/21)

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.

The Voice & The Performer · Tuesdays · 7-10pm (2/26-3/19)

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT & SHOWCASE

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

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

Character Development & Showcase ·Wednesday · 6-10PM (2/27)

MONOLOGUE: AN ACTING WORKSHOP

In this Acting workshop, students have the option of bringing in self-written monologues or monologues from published works. With a focus on breathing and relaxation techniques, we will work on digging deeper, personalizing the text, and grounding one’s self in the truth of the moment. This 4-hour workshop will culminate in a final performance.

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

Monologue: An Acting Workshop · Saturday · 12-4PM (2/2)

ONE PERSON SHOW WORKSHOP 1

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

One Person Show Workshop 1 · Saturday & Sunday · 10-3PM (2/2-2/3)

ONE PERSON SHOW WORKSHOP 2: MORE WRITING AND STORY

You know what your one person show is. You’ve got an outline, the title, the poster (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! Not for the faint of heart – in this kickass weekend of writing, you will work hard and forge your story with love, pressure, and truth.

This class is beneficial for those who have already taken the One Person Show Workshop, but those with outside experience or a working script can also apply to join the class. If you haven’t taken the first workshop, submit a resume and a description of your project to request a spot in the Part 2 workshop.

The One Person Show Workshop meets for five hours on two days.

One Person Show Workshop 2 · Saturday & Sunday · 10-3PM (2/16-2/17)

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.

Storytelling 101 · Thursdays · 7-10PM (2/7-3/7, NO CLASS 2/21) · 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 (1/7-2/18)
Stand-Up 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (1/15-2/26)
Stand-Up 1 · Wednesdays · 6:30-10PM (1/16-2/27)
Stand-Up 1 · Sundays · 3:30-7PM (1/20-3/3)

STAND-UP 2

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 (Off Peak Hours) · Tuesdays · 11-2:30PM (1/15-2/26)
Stand-Up 2 · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (1/13-3/3)

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 (1/8-2/19)
Musical Improv Essentials · Sundays · 12-3:30PM (1/13-3/3)

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 (11/13-12/4) ·Taught by Rich Baker

SHORT FORM GAMES & HOSTING

Sharpen your short-form skills and learn the art of hosting games with e.t.c. alum (and current ensemble member of The Really Awesome Improv Show) Julie Marchiano. In this one-day workshop, you’ll familiarize yourself with the many types of short-form games, master the mechanics of a short-form show, and incorporate your personality and style into hosting.

Short-Form Games & Hosting · Saturday · 9AM-12PM (1/26)

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 · February 20-22

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. *virtual writer’s room compatible

SC Sketch Writing 1 (Off Peak Hours) · Thursdays · 11-2:30PM (1/17-2/28)
SC Sketch Writing 1 intensive · Mon-Fri · 11-4:30PM (1/21-1/25)

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 (Off Peak Hours) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (1/12-2/23)

VIRTUAL WRITER’S ROOM: SC SKETCH WRITING 1

This class gives you the best of both worlds! You can either join us in person at SC Hollywood or conference in from the comfort of your own home. This is perfect for those out-of-towners looking for a more personal experience than a forum.

WRITING FOR CHILDREN’S ANIMATION

Ever been told you think or better yet act like a child? Well maybe you should write like one too! In the first term of this two term course we will look at the difference between storyboard driven and script based animation shows. During the class you’ll develop a story springboard, outline and a spec scripts of an existing 11 minute show, all while learning the basic structure of animation writing. The second term of this class will focus on developing your own original pitch and pilot script sample. So let’s get our Saturday morning cartoon on!

Writing For Children’s Animation · Mondays · 6:30-10PM (10/29-3/4)

CREATING A WEB SERIES

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

Creating a Web Series · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (1/15-2/26)

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: 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.

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) · Saturdays · 3:30-7PM (1/19-3/2)
Sitcom Spec Writing 1 intensive · Mon-Fri · 11-4:30PM (2/25-3/1)

WRITE YOUR SCREENPLAY: OUTLINES & SCENE STRUCTURE

In this supportive and creative class, you’ll learn screenplay structure, write an outline for your script, write key scenes and do in-class writing exercises. In 7 weeks you’ll have what you need to complete a first draft! Join us!!

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 Level 1 · Tuesdays · 6:30-10PM (1/8-2/19)
Writing for Late Night TV & Talk Shows Level 1 intensive · Mon-Fri · 11-4:30PM (1/28-2/1)

WRITING FOR LATE NIGHT TV AND TALK SHOWS LEVEL 2

Building on Writing for Late Night and TV Talk Shows Level 1, this class will consist of joke maximizers for monologue jokes, finding the angle for your joke, monologue jokes with visual punchlines, the seven types of desk pieces, writing a rant on a topic like John Oliver, how to write a pitch for a live sketch in studio, writing bumpers (jokes for going in/out for commercial breaks), guest segment extras, Fallon-type games with guests, recurring comic character bits, series of jokes connected by a topic like Fallon’s New iPhone apps, ideas for funny segments like kid inventors, and more submission packet info!

BIBLE BUILDING: CREATING A TV SHOW BIBLE

Over the course of 4 classes we’ll create and hone the bible for your original TV show. While writing a pilot is very important, having a show bible is the first step you need to get the production company/network/studio to pay you to write the pilot. You’ll learn all the elements of a successful bible and how to implement them for your TV series.

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

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

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

One-Day Camp dates:

February 18th · Mon 9-4pm · $100

Spring Camp dates:

Jan 21-25 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $295
Jan 28-Feb 1 · Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm · $295
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)

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 8-10) · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (1/12-2/23)
Kids Improv (Ages 8-10) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (1/13-3/3)
Kids & Teen Improv (Ages 11-13) · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (1/12-2/23)
Kids & Teen Improv (Ages 11-13) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (1/13-3/3)
Teen Improv (Ages 14-18) · Saturdays · 10AM-12PM (1/12-2/23)
Teen Improv (Ages 14-18) · Sundays · 10AM-12PM (1/13-3/3)

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 (1/15-3/19)
Weekday Improv (ages 8-12) · Tuesdays · 1-3pm (1/15-3/19)
Weekday Improv (ages 8-12) · Thursdays · 11-1pm (1/17-3/21)
Weekday Improv (ages 13-18) · Thursdays · 1-3pm (1/17-3/21)

TEEN STAND-UP (AGES 13-18)

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

Teen Stand-Up · Sundays · 12-2pm (1/13-3/3)

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.

ADVANCED IMPROV (AGES 14-18)

This advanced improv class is for students who have taken our Youth and Teen Improv classes and are ready for the next step. This is an audition level course.

TEEN TROUPE

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

TEEN 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 SKETCH (AGES 13-18)

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 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 ACTING (AGES 13-18)

Learn the basic skills of acting. Monologues, scenes and exercises are used to examine techniques an actor uses to establish a character. In this course, students discover skills found in the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual aspects of the human condition. Exercises include movement, sense memory, personalization, objective, beat work and beginning text analysis. Learn about auditioning as well as working in the business.

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 · January 13-March 3

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 · January 6-February 24

ONLINE WRITING FOR LATE NIGHT TV AND TALK SHOWS

Online Writing for Late Night TV and Talk Shows · January 20-March 3

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 · January 20-March 3

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 · January 20-March 3

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 · January 20-March 3

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 · January 20-February 10

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 · February 10-March 31

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.