Besides learning awesome new skills, students enjoy several perks! When taking Second City classes, you’ll receive restaurant discounts, free tickets, a chance at giveaways, and of course the bragging rights of being trained at a world-famous comedy institution. Benefits include: 

• Utopian Tailgate — 35% off your check (only eligible per student, not per table). Please be prepared to show your class receipt and a picture ID as proof of enrollment.  
• Roots Pizza — 35% off your check (only eligible per student, not per table).  Please be prepared to show your class receipt and a picture ID as proof of enrollment.  
• Jeni’s Ice Cream — 25% off all ice cream (eligible at the Old Town location). Must show Student ID as proof of enrollment.
• Second City Professional Stages — 15% off one ticket per show Sunday–Thursday only (excludes Monday Best Of The Second City). 
• Second City Merchandise — 15% off clothing, hats, books, and more.
• Raffles and Giveaways — These are emailed to current students and posted on our social media. 
• Grad Revue Shows — Student Rush Tickets — Current students can redeem one free ticket if they arrive, in person, at the box office within two hours before the start of the show. These tickets can only be redeemed for Grad Revue shows. (Tickets cannot be reserved for guests).
• Free Tickets — Current students are automatically added to an email list occasionally offering free tickets to resident shows.
• Lastly, The Second City has launched the careers of many household names and iconic comedians. Being trained at this legendary venue is a terrific way to get your start.  

Whatever your journey, Second City has got you. Getting started is easy, plus you have the flexibility to customize your experience.

• Take a look at our programs to see what interests you. The Second City offers programs in improv, acting, comedy writing, and more. 
• Take our NEW STUDENT QUIZ
• Start with the first level. For example, If you’d like to dive into improv, start with the Improv 1 class. This is a great way to introduce yourself to the world of improv. Don’t worry, no previous acting or improv experience is required. 
• Level up. Continue to move to the next level available, or expand to other programs as you build your confidence and skill set.
• Audition for our Conservatory Program. If you’re interested in our Conservatory Program, you’ll be ready after you have completed a full, year-long improv training program (equivalent to our Improv Program or another approved comedy school). You’ll also need to have completed at least one acting course (post-high school). 
• Still not sure? Call (312) 664-3959 for support. We’re happy to help find the right fit for you based on your interests and goals. 

While both improv and acting core programs use similar improvisational techniques derived from the teachings of Viola Spolin, the focus for the performer is different. 

Our improv classes teach you how to work, play, and perform without a script. Students begin with ensemble, environment, and object work. By the end of the program, they’ll be rehearsing and performing their own fully improvised show.

The Improv Program encompasses The Second City principles of scenic improvisation. Based on the work of Viola Spolin, this program covers all elements of the improvisational process. Classes start with Improv 1, introducing students to the fundamental concept of “Yes, And” in improvisation. Improv classes consist of group exercises, games, listening, being present in the moment, and exploring spontaneity, all in a supportive environment. As levels continue, students will explore learning characters, building scenes, and involving the audience.

Acting classes in The Second City Acting Program are recommended for improvisers looking to develop their acting technique and performance. To get the most out of the experience, we recommend students start with at least one 7-week improv course. 

In the Acting Program, acting classes show you how to use improv skills to become a better, more present actor. Later levels of the Acting Program also incorporate scripts and memorized text, including scenes from The Second City Archives. The program uses improvisational techniques and various scripted media (including Second City archive material). Our acting classes will help you develop the fundamentals of grounded and compelling acting. 

Second City’s approach to sketch comedy is rooted in behavior, relationship, character, and emotion. Over the years, The Second City alumni have taken these principles and applied them across stage, film, and television to create performances that are not only hilarious but also dramatic, heart-warming, and even award–winning. This three-level program will introduce students to core acting techniques and methods for working with scripts. Classes are designed to help novice actors stretch new muscles to enhance their acting toolbox.