Online Programs FAQ

The Second City Training Center offers a variety of online classes, including classes with one-time and weekly streaming options, and others that are asynchronous, meaning the class does not meet at a scheduled time but rather content can be accessed on your own schedule. You can take classes anywhere in the world (but make note of time zones!) and only a device with a working camera and microphone is needed. Check out some of our frequently asked questions about online classes below. 

I signed up for an online class! What next?

Congrats and thanks for joining our community! We will email you with a link to your online class. Drop-in students will receive invites at least 1 hour before classes stream, and weekly streaming classes will receive class links at least 24 hours before the class starts. Asynchronous courses will receive invite links at the time the class is scheduled to start (please know you don’t have to be online at the time the asynchronous class “begins”, as you can peruse content on your own time with weekly assignment deadlines). Please make sure the email address you have on file with us is up to date and can receive mail. Sometimes our emails go to spam, so check there too! 

How are classes structured?

Drop-in Classes: After receiving a streaming meeting link an hour before class, students can join the streaming session up to ten minutes prior to the class start time, which will begin on time and stream for the duration of the course. Students will work with teachers and other students in real-time.

Weekly Streaming Classes: After receiving a streaming meeting link and any additional class resources at least 24 hours prior to the classes’ first streaming session, students can join the streaming session up to ten minutes prior to the class start time, which will begin on time and stream for the duration of the course. Students will work with teachers and other students in real-time.

Asynchronous/On-demand Classes: After receiving an email invite from ‘Second City Online” or ‘Lmsadmin@secondcity.com’ at the time the class is set to begin, students can create a student profile and begin reading class content. Each week, students will receive new class content on weekly topics complemented with videos, scripts, links to helpful sites, and more. These classes do not include streaming lectures or live teaching from the instructor, but recorded videos, text lectures and the like. Students will be assigned writing exercises and weekly assignments to submit to the teacher and/or Class. Most of our classes ask that students read and comment on fellow students’ work as well, following specific feedback parameters.

What kind of technical requirements are needed for Second City online classes?

Drop-in and Weekly Streaming students will need access to the Zoom application, along with a strong wifi connection and a phone, laptop (suggested), tablet, or similar device that allows the camera and microphone to share during the streamed meeting.

Asynchronous/On-demand students with access to our learning management systems (LMS) will potentially also have access to many types of Second City media (script archives, video clips, recorded teacher lectures, etc.)  Students should have computers that allow for the perusal of these types of files.

Here’s a link to our Online Students Streaming Meeting Guide that can answer most tech-related questions and challenges.

IIf you have a technical question about a specific class that is not answered at the Tech Guide or on your class info page, email customerservice@secondcity.com.

What if I get behind on assignments?

Don’t freak out! Let your teacher know what’s going on and when you plan on submitting assignments. Your teacher will do their best to work something out with you, if possible. The class does still end on the posted end date and access to the class will be discontinued at that time.

I LOVED the class and want to continue but don’t know what’s best.

Email customerservice@secondcity.com or give us a call at 800.896.8120. We can discuss your experience and goals and help find the best fit for you.

I have another question.

We’d love to help. Email customerservice@secondcity.com with any additional questions you have.