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2016-2017 Adult Course Catalog LetTER from the ArtIstic DIRECtor

Dear Students, TABLE OF CoNTEntS

Everyone who walks into Second City has a different story. We come Improv 4 from Old Town, or Wilmette, or Omaha, or Melbourne. We are writers, or actors, or filmmakers, or none of those things. We seek a career, or The ConservatorY 7 a hobby, or inspiration, or a friend. So now what? Acting 8 Now you let your story unfold. This is your setting, your creative home base, where you can explore who you are and who you want to be. Music 10 It’s your playground, where you can take risks, and fail, and laugh as you get back up and do it all again. To help you on your path, we’ve Directing 13 added additional theaters, computer workstations, bleachers, and hang out areas. You can take a workshop, audition for a show, meet Movement & PhYsical Theatre 15 a partner to write a sketch, or grab a bench, look at the skyline, and Writing 17 contemplate the fate of the universe. Online CLASsES 20 And the coolest thing is, you won’t be doing it alone. You’ll be working with amazing teachers who want to help you reach your goals. You’ll TV FILM & DIGITAL 23 get guidance from our terrific staff who want to help you navigate the possibilities. Your journey here will lead you to experience what it ComedY Studies 27 means to be a part of an ensemble, whose passion and diversity will carry you to new heights just as you’ll carry them. Wellness 28

It’s been an exciting year for us, as well, as we’ve launched the Harold ImMersions & IntensiveS 31 Ramis Film School, the first program of its kind in the world. With a screening room, sound stage, and a terrific faculty, the program is a School Programs 33 crucible for the next generation of comedic filmmakers. General INfo 34 We’re so glad to have you here, and we’re honored to be a part of Staff Info 36 helping you find and tell your story. So let’s get started. - Matt Hovde, Artistic Director, flip CatAlog OVER for Kids & TeEN ProgRAms The Second City Training Center, Chicago Improv Levels A-E Improv Express Immersions & Intensives ADVANCED IMPROV • Level A: Building Blocks of Go faster with Improv Express! Looking to explore improv and Scenic Improv Improv Express students explore other topics in a 1-week or 3-day Improv for Actors Trained actors are taught the same concepts taught in our burst? Check out our Immersions & the fundamentals of Second • Level B: Improvising Scenes Improv Levels A - E and Scenic Intensives section on page 31. City-style improv. Improv 1 classes, but in a shorter • Level C: Introduction to time period. Completion of IFA 2 fulfills the improv COACHED ENSEMBLES* prerequisite for The Conservatory audition. Character Work • Improv Express Level 1: A great opportunity for students Prerequisite: Must have a theater degree Building Blocks of Scenic Improv to get more stage experience. • Level D: Advanced Scenic Improv or the equivalent amount of professional The Improv PROgraM and Improvising Scenes Ensembles are created and training and/or experience. Submit coached by our faculty members. an acting résumé for consideration to • Improv Express Level 2: • Level E: Improv in Performance Each ensemble gets a 4-week run. [email protected]. The Improv Program is a complete Character Work and Scenework Performance: Level C & D students have foundation in the principles of Open to current and former Training demonstration performances at the end scenic improv as practiced by The • Improv Express Level 3: Center students of any level. of each term. Level E culminates in a 45 Advanced Scenes and Improv in Level 1 Second City. Based in the work of minute, one-act, fully improvised show. *Audition Required Performance Scenework: Cover the fundamental Viola Spolin, this year-long program Prerequisite: Open to all students. elements of scenic improv, from covers all elements of the improv Graduation from the Improv Express Students who have completed a degree creating environment process. Students begin in Level A Program fulfills the improv prerequisite for Improv Jam program in Theater should consider the Get up and play, meet fellow and physicality, to game with ensemble, environment, and The Conservatory audition. Improv for Actors (IFA) program. improvisers and learn new creation and heightening. object work, and end in Level E by Performance: Improv Express Level 2 2.5-3 hours • 8 weeks each games. Led by a Second City rehearsing and performing their own includes a demonstration performance at the end of the term. Improv Express Level faculty member, jams feature fun, fully improvised show. Level 2 3 has a mid-term, 45-minute, one-act, challenging short form games and Advanced Scenework: Strengthen fully improvised show. exercises. On-lookers welcome, too. Graduation from the Improv Program improv skills and create unique plus Scenic Improv 1 or improv express 3 hours • Twice a week • 8 weeks No registration required. characters. Discover how these characters and their points of view fulfills the improv prerequisite for FREE. 2 hours • Thursdays: 10PM The Conservatory auditions. affect a scene to create richer Drop-In Class dialogue and better moments. Join us for a drop-in class Sundays 3 hours • 8 weeks each at 7PM. Open to all levels of improvisers. Practice, have some fun, and meet new people. Improv For Actors Full Program Register in person before class. This class meets twice per week to First come, first served. fulfill both levels of IFA in one term. 2 hours 3 hours • Twice a week • 8 weeks 4 5 Advanced Short Form Scenic Improv 1 Long Form 2 Duos: Just the Two of Us The ConseRvatory Level 1: Scenic Improv Level 4: Sketch Forms and Styles SE VERN DARDEN Dive deep into short form and learn Become a better improviser by Take long form structure to the Students will use the 8 P’s of Building on previous experience, Learn the elements of a Second City how to make games successful concentrating on strong scenework, next level with more advanced Performance (Process, Purpose, this class lays groundwork for the running order, and improve acting GRADUAT E PROGRAM Study improv as an acting technique This year-long supplemental for any type of audience.Students playing emotionally with a partner, scenework that supports material Passion, Power, Projection, Second City-style of scenic improv: ability for sketch work by creating and its use in the development of training program aims to develop learn to effectively heighten scenes, using the environment, and generation in the Second City style. Patience, Perseverance and creating relatable characters in scenes in styles and forms of a Second City-style revue in this our best Conservatory graduates break games without breaking progressing the action of a scene. Professionalism) to find their believable situations. Skills include theater and film. Prerequisite: Long Form 1. advanced program, the cornerstone into strong performers who are shows and build up their playbook. duo’s voice. Duo teams will explore how to create environment, use Prerequisite: Completion of Level E, 3 hours • 8 weeks of The Second City Training talented and skilled enough to be character and scenework, bond details to inform choices, and Prerequisite: Improv Level E, Improv for Improv for Actors 2, IFA Full Program or Center. Students build upon the hired professionally by The Second one year of improv training with Program as a unit, investigate duo formats improvise based on a premise. In Level 5: Generating Material Actors 2 or equivalent experience. fundamentals of improv, advance Develop scene ideas, and use City. Serving as a premier showcase Head approval. and learn how to do everything Level 1 students focus on creating 3 hours • 4 weeks Diagnostics their scenic and character skills, improv to explore and refine them. for these carefully selected 3 hours • 8 weeks with just two people. characters based on self. Each student will be individually explore forms and styles, and learn Build elements that can be used in Conservatory graduates, house evaluated to identify unique improv Performance: This class culminates in a to use improv to create material for a the Level 6 revue. teams are cast through auditions satirical comedy revue. That’s Not Funny: issues and work towards fixing performance during the last week roughly two or three times per year, Scenic Improv 2 of the term. Level 2: Characters Dramatic Improv 1 Dig deeper into playing with a them. Learning from mistakes Work on sustaining characters, are mentored by our faculty, alumni, Focus on moments instead of scene partner, creating sustainable allows an improviser to completely Prerequisites: Improv Level C, Improv for moving scenes forward and Level 6: The Revue and resident directors, and perform Actors 1, or equivalent. Participants must The Conservatory Faculty An 8-week rehearsal focused on laughs-they’ll happen too, but only and interesting characters, and free up their improv potential. Ryan Archibald letting scenes develop and evolve. weekly in the Blackout Cabaret enroll with a partner. Continue to build believable producing and performing a Second when scenework is taken seriously. improvising more nuanced scenes Prerequisite: Improv Level E or Ryan Bernier as they progress through several 3 hours • 8 weeks characters, while building City-style revue show. through subtext, while adding equivalent experience. Jack Bronis phases of training. Prerequisite: Improv Level C or confidence, which are vital parts to equivalent experience. Performances: Students in Levels 3 humor into the mix. 2 hours • 6 weeks Jen Ellison the characters’ emotional work. Jeff Griggs through 6 perform improvised shows as Twisty, the all-improvised house 3 hours • 4 weeks Prerequisite: Completion of Scenic Improv Specialty Classes part of their experience. Level 6 students 1 or Conservatory 2. Experience classes taught by John Hildreth perform shows to develop material which team show, is the entry point to Solo Performance Norm Holly the system, which begins with 3 hours • 7 weeks Create compelling characters by master instructors in their areas Level 3: Advanced Scenework leads to a weekly show in The Second That’s Not Funny: Matt Hovde City’s e.t.c. Theater. an ensemble developing a strong improvising with specific goals and of expertise. The length, cost and Paul Jurewicz and Character Work identity. The group’s coaching Dramatic Improv 2 crafting structurally sound, multi- prerequisites vary, depending on Expand range of character and 3 hours • 8 weeks each Take what you learned in Dramatic Long Form 1 how the class is set up. Check our Peter Kim scene types - like presentational To audition, students must have at least continues through exploration of Explore the most commonly used layered scenes and monologues Improv 1 and continue to heighten website for upcoming Anthony LeBlanc characters, external characters, one year of improv training and advanced techniques and styles and proven long form structures. for those characters. Students will and explore the drama. Focus on special courses. Anne Libera and breaking the fourth wall. completion of at least one acting class at and culminates in the mounting of Learn the elements of successful focus on joke structure, timing, re- dramatic tension, its release and Rachael Mason Incorporate point of view in a post-high school level. a fully scripted original sketch revue long form, while exploring how and writing and overall performance. some stage combat. Scott Morehead characters and scenes. partially developed through improv. why long form works. Strengthen Prerequisite: Open to all students. Micah Philbrook Auditions open to graduates Prerequisite: That’s Not Funny: the quality of a scene while working Dramatic Improv 1. 3 hours • 8 weeks Adam Schreck of The Conservatory. with a variety of structures. Jay Steigmann 3 hours • 4 weeks Prerequisite: Improv Level E Andel Sudik or equivalent experience. Seth Thomas 3 hours • 8 weeks Anneliese Toft 6 Craig Uhlir 7 Acting 1: Beginning Acting Acting 4: Styles Acting Lab 1: Scene Study and Style Voice & Speech Examine fundamental acting Learn what you need to approach An exploration of the skills and A fundamental course designed skills focusing on tools from the any work with heightened physical tools involved in creating detailed to enhance performance skills by intellectual side of the human or language elements and use all of performances. Students use developing an open, well-placed, condition. These include play the tools from the previous levels to contemporary and classical scenes well-supported speaking voice. analysis, beat work and monologue create a well-rounded character. to focus on making more specific Emphasis on the fundamentals work. The audition process will be choices by exploring advanced of good stage speech, including a examined as well. 3 hours • 8 weeks sense memory, emotional memory, study of the International Phonetic and heightened physical tools Alphabet, vocal expression, Prerequisite: Open to all students. as well as strengthening their projection, getting rid of vocal The Acting PROGram 3 hours • 8 weeks ACTING LAB foundation skills. regionalisms, and developing The Acting Lab is an advanced Standard American articulation. The Acting Program empowers acting conservatory which students with the necessary core Acting 2: Scene Study empowers students with skills Prerequisite: Open to all students. skills to take responsibility for their to pursue acting as a profession. Acting Lab 2: Professional Lab Focus on partner work and An investigation into how to get 3 hours • 8 weeks own growth and learning as an emotional skills. Students are Students explore the detail work of the role and sustain a career in the actor. This program offers a unique assigned a dramatic scene and advanced scene study and styles, profession. Students learn how to method of acting that enables partner while learning various tools investigate different facets of the use their acting skills to master Dialects students to discover skills found in like sense memory, emotional profession and have the opportunity multiple audition and performance Gain knowledge and practice the physical, emotional, intellectual, memory, and personalization. Self- to have their work observed in a scenarios as well as develop through researching and preparing and spiritual aspects of the human esteem and building the performer’s graduation showcase. professional behavior skills and dialects that are commonly used in condition. Each level of the program confidence are vital components learn what will be expected of them contemporary dramatic texts. Skills Prerequisites: To audition, students builds upon the skills achieved to this work as well. as professionals. learned in this class help students from the previous one. Auditioning need to have completed the four levels of the Acting Program or have a become more versatile and well- 3 hours • 8 weeks and working in the business will performance degree in theater. Students rounded performers. also be examined. This is great for who didn’t attend the Acting Program, Acting Lab 3: Showcase Lab beginners or actors who have been should send their theatre resume to This level focuses on developing Prerequisite: Voice & Speech. out of the classroom for a while. Acting 3: Advanced Scene Study [email protected]. a performance of scenes and 3 hours • 8 weeks Focus on physical skills. Students 3 hours • Twice a week • 8 weeks monologues to showcase each are assigned a comedic sketch and student’s skills as an actor. Two are part of an ensemble piece with performances will be open to the the whole class. Tempo, repetition, public and industry professionals. body placement, and nonverbal communication are just a few of the tools examined.

8 3 hours • 8 weeks 9 MUSIC IMPROV Level 5 Vocal Basics 1 You Could “Uke” Develop necessary skills to create Focus on vocal technique, both Spend four weeks exploring the Level 1* scripted musical material through sung and spoken. The curriculum rudiments of playing the ukulele. Improve musicianship and improv. Explore and perform various includes group study as well as Learn tuning, chord vocabulary and apply existing improv skills music-based sketches in a substantial individual attention. applied music theory. We’ll supply to this heightened genre Second City-style revue. Students strengthen their singing students with an arsenal of strums through short form musical and speaking voice, improve range, and easy licks. Come prepared to games and techniques. flexibility, and power. sing, play, and have a fun time. Level 6 Work as an ensemble to create Prerequisite: Open to all students. Prerequisite: Open to all students. Level 2 and develop an original musical Students need to bring own ukulele. Continue to strengthen sketch comedy revue with a run in a 3 hours • 4 weeks The Music PRogram musicianship and improv skills Training Center theater. 1.5 hours • 4 weeks while being guided through longer The Second City Music Program and more challenging forms, such Performance: Levels 1-4 will culminate Vocal Basics 2 is dedicated to helping students as musical montages and fully- in a final performance. Level 5 will have Focus on extended vocal Rap 101: Writing & Reciting Rhymes explore comedy’s unique improvised musicals. multiple shows throughout the term performance techniques: solo and Explore the process of writing and relationship to music through voice, designed to test out new material. Level 6 character work, preparation for a reciting rhymes, as well as rap’s improv, and songwriting. Classes culminates in a run at Donny’s Skybox. sung audition, and an increased several styles, to use in scenes To audition, students must have one of the vary, and include musical improv, Level 3* awareness on how to protect the and create songs. comedic songwriting, guitar and Explore and refine technique following: voice over the long haul in both through hands-on exercises and • Graduate of the Improv or ukulele lessons, and music direction musical and non-musical improv. Prerequisite: Improv Level C or Improv for Actors Full Program -Amy Poehler for those interested in learning improvised musicals. Master the Program Head approval. what it takes to be an MD at Second individual elements of the musical, • Taken Music Improv Fundamentals Prerequisite: Vocal Basics 1. • Graduate of or currently enrolled in 3 hours • 8 weeks City or another improv theater. and assemble them to tell a story. 3 hours • 4 weeks Whether students are trained The Conservatory Program • Given special Program Head approval. singers or musicians, or have never sung or played a note in their lives, Level 4 *Audition required. Yes Yes Y’all: A Rap Workshop our music program will help them Refine musical improv techniques Basic Guitar for Improvisers Freestyle rapping is used to show Learn how to strum a handful of lyrical deftness and spontaneity, expand their artistic range. and experiment with long form structures and genre study. Focus Comedic Songwriting chords, how to use a capo, and separating freestylers from rappers on instilling a command of musical Discover the foundation of creating more. Whether students want to who only do prepared rhymes. Gain theater styles essential to the musical numbers for a Second City- write songs for a show, or just jam the swagger to freestyle and write creation of strong parody and satire. style revue. Designed for musicians out, a few major and minor chords verses by learning improv games, and non-musicians alike, this is a will put them there! develop imagery and metaphor, and great way to build a portfolio and rap from character perspectives. gain valuable experience. Prerequisite: Open to all students. Students need to bring own guitar. Prerequisite: Improv Level C or Prerequisite: Open to all students. 1.5 hours • 4 weeks Program Head approval. 10 3 hours • 8 weeks 3 hours • 8 weeks 11 Music Improv Fundamentals Music Direction 1: Improv A Crash Course The Musical Improv Jam The Year-Long SPECIALT Y COURSES An introduction to the basics of In improv, a talented music director Jump into the deep end with this A Second City Music Director music improv, learn the essential can make an okay scene good, crash course in writing the musical leads participants through fun DIREcting ProgRAM Producing 101 Have an idea for a show, but don’t skills needed to succeed in and a good scene great! Learn the comedy. Learn about theatrical and challenging short form music The first and only one of its kind, The know where to put it up? What about creating improvised songs and in’s-and-out’s of accompanying and song technique, as well as in the improv games. Get up and play, Second City Directing Program is a fundraising? How to get people to musical scenes. Strengthen vocal collaborating with improv actors. bigger picture of character and meet fellow improvisers, and learn year-long focused study of directing see it beyond family and friends? technique, improve musicianship, This includes underscoring scenes, story structure. new games. On-lookers welcome, improv and revue comedy. A small group of select participants (an How much time does this all take? learn to rhyme, and apply existing playing in film and TV genres, too. No registration required. average of six) immerse themselves All shows can be done with little to improv skills to song. improvising songs in a variety of Prerequisite: Writing 4, Comedic Songwriting, Music Improv 1, Conservatory in a program that covers the unique no budget and get a real audience. musical styles, and expanding skills FREE • 1.5 hours and specific skills required to graduate, or Program Head approval. Saturdays: 4 This class will unlock some of the Prerequisite: Improv Level E or for varied types of improv shows. work as a professional director Vocal Basics. mystery behind what it takes to go Come develop the chops needed to 3 hours • 4 weeks for The Second City. 3 hours • 8 weeks from idea to stage. be a well-rounded MD. INFINIT E SUNDAES This professionally-oriented intensive Infinite Sundaes is a showcase program includes: Prerequisite: Open to all students. Prerequisite: Intermediate piano skills. Private Instruction • Discussions with current and Students are placed with an of the Training Center’s top Music 3 hours • 8 weeks Music Improv Fundamentals 2 2 hours • 8 weeks former Second City actors, Deepen music improv scenework experienced Second City music Improv program graduates. directors, producers, and by bringing more character and director for a 30-60 minute, one- Featuring short form, long form, teachers specificity into songs. Use the on-one lesson to focus on individual and eventually culminating in a • Hands on work with actors, Intro to Directing Sketch Comedy Music Direction 2: Sketch Comedy assistant directing assignment Learn the process of creating technical skills of rhyming and Use improv piano chops to grow growth. Areas of exploration include completely original musical sketch in various Second City divisions, melody to serve the scene, and skills as a music director for the vocal strength, breath support, revue, this ensemble will sing about • Coursework in improv, scenes through improv, ground songs in listening and sketch comedy revue. Learn how to flexibility, voice for character work, literally anything. sketch writing, and music. assembling running orders and • Several formal directing projects honest emotional reaction. work with an ensemble of improv general musicianship, audition managing ensembles. preparation, and building musical Auditions open to graduates of the presented in Training Center actors to teach existing musical Musical Improv Program or theaters Prerequisite: Music Improv Fundamentals improv skill sets. Students may Prerequisite: Completion of any full material, create new musical The Conservatory Program. or Program Head approval. also choose to design custom Second City Training Center program or sketches, design the sound of the Prerequisite: Admission is by application Program Head approval. 3 hours • 8 weeks show, and much more. courses of study in comedic only. Candidates should have extensive songwriting or music direction. experience in either theater or improv with 3 hours • 8 weeks Prerequisite: Music Direction 1. Open to all students. a working knowledge of both disciplines. All applicants should also have some 2 hours • 8 weeks Contact Rachael Mason for more combination of previous training and Writing the Comedic Musical: information: [email protected]. practical experience in directing. Lesson rates vary by instructor. Applications are due in mid-April for Prerequisite: Open to all students. each year’s new class. Classes will begin in late July. For more information about the year-long program, please contact Anne Libera: 12 [email protected]. 13 Movement Stage Combat Tap Dance for Theatrical Characters This movement class is designed For students who have ever wanted Enhance comic dialogue, songs to change the way performers look, to learn how to slap someone, and musical theater stage move, and feel on stage. Students deliver a punch to the stomach, or performance with some footloose learn to use their bodies to make fall without hurting themselves in and fancy-free hoofing. This strong character choices, increase the process? Stage Combat focuses workshop focuses uniquely on ranges, and feel more confident. on the skills needed to protect blending the basic fundamentals the actor and their instrument and styles of tap to enliven Prerequisite: Open to all students. when engaged in stage violence. A partipants’ theatrical capabilities. Movement & 2 hours • 8 weeks working knowledge of stage combat is essential to any performer’s Prerequisite: Open to all students. Tap shoes are encouraged, but not required. PhYsical Theater training, and this class will give Clowning students those fundamental skills. 1.5 hours • 6 weeks The Physical Comedy Program Students strip away layers of self- is a unique movement program consciousness while familiarizing Prerequisite: Acting 2 or Improv Level C. focusing on developing the physical themselves with the bare-bones 3 hours • 4 weeks skills of the performer to create of theatrical clowning. Learn to purposeful yet fluid expression. establish a direct and immediate From clowning to tap dance to relationship with an audience and stage combat, physical comedy become complicit with scene delights audiences and is a great partners while moving through way to add detail and range performance space with musicality. to scenes and characters. The Participants will focus on exercises various classes within this program in clowning, physical comedy, and help develop tools to become a improv to heighten their natural skilled artist of this classic art sense of play. form, and can be applied to improv, acting, and more. Prerequisite: Movement. 3 hours • 8 weeks

-Susan Messing

15 Writing 1: Foundations of Writing 4: Creating Satire Writing 6: Producing a Revue Evolve writing skills by exploring Building on the work of Writing 5, Sketch Comedy theme, joke construction and this class shifts into production Brainstorm ideas, create rich practical applications for comedy mode. Students produce a environment, craft dialogue that writing. Students evolve their Second City-style revue, from pre- works, and build sharp storylines comedic voices, sample comedic production through closing night. based on the five-point story songwriting, plunder history for Use improv and collaboration to structure. Explore comedic formulas inspiration and explore custom refine material and punch-up jokes. and the Second City-approach to writing challenges from The Students take on professional crafting relatable characters and Second City theatrical world. production roles as they stage bringing a “Yes, And” mindset to the This course culminates with an scenes, add music and prepare writing process. COMEDY WRItiNG in-class reading of material. for opening night in Donny’s Prerequisite: Open to all students. Skybox Theatre or the Master the skills of writing sketch 3 hours • 8 weeks de Maat Studio Theatre. comedy in this six-level program 3 hours • 8 weeks designed for writers and actors of all 3 hours • 8 weeks experience levels. Learn scene and Writing 5*: Creating A Revue Performance: Student revues are staged story structure, dialogue, hone in on Writing 2: Basic Sketch Structure In Writing 5, students write an in one of the Training Center theaters for a Analyze archival material to original comedy revue. Individual 4-5 week run. character development, and explore understand how a Second City-style and collaborative assignments *Students who wish to continue on to how comedy works. Take a funny revue is built. Learn to pitch scenic premise and turn it into a hilarious guide them in generating an Writing 5 must submit a scenic writing ideas, create strong relationships, sample for admission. Students returning scene that could be put on stage or abundance of material. Explore and build quirky cast scenes. theme, variety and theatrical who are enrolling in Writing 5 can also filmed. Weekly writing assignments register for their Writing 6 class and possibilities and assemble a and in-class exercises generate 3 hours • 8 weeks receive the multi-class discount. running order. The term ends with material and establish a regular Students returning from hiatus wishing writing schedule. a casting session of performers to enroll in Writing 5 should contact the Writing 3: Building Blocks of a drawn from student and alumni office at 312-664-3959, no less than four actors of the Training Center. weeks before the start of a new term. Sketch Revue This course requires a significant Students deepen their amount of out-of-class work. understanding of the revue through new sources for ideas. Visual jokes, 3 hours • 8 weeks writing for specific actors, and personal experiences become the inspiration for written work.

3 hours • 8 weeks -Tina Fey 17 Accelerated Writing Storytelling: Crafting Your Story Storytelling: Discovering Your Story Stand-Up 101: The Basics So You Want To Try Stand-Up Writing Humor Pieces for the Web Basic Writing with The Onion Advanced Writing with The Onion This course is an accelerated Chicago has seen an explosion of Take personal experiences and turn Develop as a solo performer by Go from, “I wish I could” to, “Wow- Learn the craft of writing long- An introduction to The Onion’s The laugh-potential of students’ survey of the Writing Program Storytelling and Live Lit shows, them into a story worth telling. Draw writing and workshopping comedic I did,” in a supportive workshop form humor pieces for sites like unique top-down approach writing turns up exponentially in this and covers topics from Writing 1 most of which involve first-person from personal experiences to find material. Students learn how environment. Participants write, McSweeney’s, Shouts & Murmurs, to comedy writing and how to exploration of comedy writing in through 3. Intended for advanced nonfiction narrative, or - simply put material that is honest and relatable popular stand-up comics evolved, improvise and discuss material in and The Second City Network. implement that approach to craft groups. Learn to navigate the egos students who are familiar with the - true stories from each student’s and learn to tell a story in a way expand their comfort zones and preparation for their first stand-up Whether a student wants to get successful comedic premises and and politics of a writers’ room to Second City-method for creating own experience. The craft of that’s compelling and entertaining. experiment to discover their own open mic performance. their work published online or concepts. With detailed instruction create the most successful possible sketch through improv, Accelerated shaping the events from life into a This class is appropriate for unique styles. just wants to push themselves as and in- depth workshops from comedy using The Onion’s counter- Writing introduces sketch structure, compelling story is one that involves students interested in bringing Prerequisite: Open to all students. comedy writers, this class helps current Onion staff. intuitive, ego-less creation process, brainstorming techniques for riveting performance, but first it’s a authenticity and polish to Class culminates in a final performance on 3 hours • 1 day them find and polish their resulting in an end product that’s one of The Second City Training writers, and the sketch formulas writing project. One that draws on storytelling, writing, solo comedic voices. Prerequisite: Competency with English greater than the sum of its parts. Center’s stages. composition and grammar. typical of a Second City revue. This the skills of memoir (identifying rich performance, and stand-up work. course challenges students with and resonant memories, gaining the Prerequisite: Improv Level B. Prerequisite: Open to all students. 3 hours • 8 weeks Prerequisite: Intermediate Writing with Private Study - Writing The Onion. an accelerated pace and weekly perspective on one’s own life, etc.) Prerequisite: Open to all students. 3 hours • 8 weeks Students are placed with an 3 hours • 6 weeks homework assignments. Students and the short story or sketch writer 3 hours • 8 weeks experienced Second City writing 3 hours • 8 weeks may move on to Writing 4 with the (heightened observation, sharp instructor for a 30-60 minute, one- Intermediate Writing permission of the instructor. use of language, etc.). Add to these Stand-Up 201: Crafting Your on-one lesson to focus on individual WRITING WITH THE ONION skills the ability to tell stories in a Storytelling: Performing Your Story growth and feedback. Areas The Second City has partnered with The Onion The Onion Master Class Personal Style Students learn how to write a This class mimics the real Onion Prerequisite: The Conservatory or confident, commanding fashion, This class empowers students to Students build on the skills of exploration include material with The Onion to present this Program Head approval. successful comedic story, hone writers’ room, giving participants an and this results in a first-rate bring their truth and presence to the developed in Stand-Up 101 by generation, sketch comedy creation, fundamental course outlining The prose to a fine edge, and apply The experience very similar to working 3 hours • 8 weeks storyteller. stage with comfort and confidence. honing their comedic voice through structure, character, and feedback Onion’s unique system of generating Onion’s style of comedy creation at The Onion. By applying all In the same supportive environment a variety of exercises and on longer-form and solo material. comedy ideas and stories. Learn to cultivate their own voice and techniques learned in the first three Prerequisite: Open to all students. cultivated in Second City’s improv personal feedback. how to create winning premises, classes, the skills of live, page- Contact Rachael Mason for more essays and one-liners, but also style. In hands-on workshops, they levels, students produce publish- 3 hours • 8 weeks free storytelling are strengthened Class culminates in a final performance on information: [email protected]. find a unique comedy voice and work with the instructor and other worthy humor stories, articles, through a relaxed dynamic, humor, one of The Second City Training Prerequisite: Open to all students. learn to trust it to produce reliably students to develop foundational or features. This course features generosity, emotional honesty, Center’s stages. Lesson rates vary by instructor. successful humor writing. Students comedy-writing skills. intense hands-on work with the and character work. Students’ Prerequisite: Stand-Up 101. work through The Onion’s multi-step instructor, as well as group projects. Prerequisite: Basic Writing with The Onion. understanding of Storytelling and 3 hours • 8 weeks process in a workshop environment. Prerequisite: Advanced Writing Live Lit will grow from one-on-one 3 hours • 8 weeks with The Onion. feedback, exercises that strengthen story structure, identifying the 3 hours • 8 weeks “internal event,” mastering timing, and cultivating stage presence.

Prerequisite: Open to all students. 18 3 hours • 8 weeks 19 Online Sketch Writing 1 Online Writing Strong Women Basic Writing with The Onion Online Online Writing for T V & Film Online History of Comedy on Film Students receive individual Students create memorable female Second City has partnered with The Explore visual writing, story This class focuses on the role of instruction through online characters that drive their pieces. Onion to present this fundamental structure and character to create comedy in cinema as a reflection of correspondence, exploring the Writers (women AND men) create online course outlining The Onion’s longer works for TV and film. The society and culture from its origins fundamentals of character sketches, monologues, stories and unique system of generating class reads existing scripts, views and the great lineage of comedy. development and theatrical character pieces through writing comedy ideas and stories. Learn film and television selections, and Weekly assignments, discussion scene structure. Exercises include exercises, analysis of text and a how to create winning premises, writes and workshops original groups and live chat sessions a variety of comedic genres, variety of writing assignments. essays and one-liners, and also ideas on a weekly basis. Students allow students to discuss lectures, from “Simple Yet Impossible find a unique comedy voice and leave the class with a fleshed-out presentations and films they screen Goal” to “Clash of Context” Prerequisite: Open to all students. learn to trust it to produce reliably prose description of their project, online every week. to “Inappropriate Response”. successful humor writing. structural suggestions for moving forward and character descriptions. Prerequisites: Open to all students. ONLInE CLASsES Prerequisites: Open to all students. Online Character Cocktail Party Prerequisites: Open to all students. Students responsible for the online Students must have PDF- Explore one specific character Students must have PDF- Prerequisite: Open to all students. streaming costs associated with viewing formatting software. in many different situations formatting software. the films discussed in class. Students will Take Second City Training Center Commitment: 3-4 hours per week also want broadband internet access fast Commitment: 1-2 hours per week: 30 - 45 Commitment: 2 - 4 hours of lecture review, classes from anywhere in the world! and sketch types. Start thinking for reading, writing assignments and enough to allow streaming of films. minutes for the lesson, 30 - 60 minutes for exercises and assignment completion. Our online students learn the basics about how a character can have responding to their classmate’s work. the assignment. Commitment: 8 weeks. 5 hours per week. of comedy sketch writing, writing a personality independent of one for TV, and hone in on character specific sketch idea. Students will leave each level with a stronger Online Intro to Comedic Songwriting Online Writing Satire development, comedic songwriting, Turn a strong point of view into Online Writing the creating online content and more! Online Sketch Writing 2 understanding of how to build Building on Online Sketch Writing a great comedic song. Work for the Internet We often offer specialty online effective 3D characters. Learn how to form a strong Sitcom Spec Script 1, students continue to learn the with classic song structures to If students are serious about writing classes, be sure to regularly check comedic point of view on topical universal comedy techniques Prerequisite: Online Sketch Writing 2 strengthen lyrics and discover in the entertainment industry, they’ll out secondcity.com for all of news and pop culture events. used in mainstream media as or equivalent. how melody and musical style can need a spec script, an original pilot, our offerings! Participants brainstorm, draft and well as focus on satire, character influence comedic songwriting. a screenplay (if writing movies is rewrite short pieces in the style of development and rewriting. Students get specific, personal a goal of theirs) and a short film. McSweeney’s, Shouts and Murmurs feedback to improve their songs, This class provides participants Prerequisite: Online Sketch Writing 1. and The Second City Network. whether they are writing lyrics or with a solid spec script (a script for At the completion of the course, Commitment: 2 - 2.5 hours per week: 30 - lyrics and music. an existing comedy on television) 45 minutes for the lesson, 30 - 75 minutes students have the opportunity to so they can learn how to write a TV for the assignment. Prerequisite: Open to all students. submit a piece to the editor of The comedy and have a writing sample. Second City Network for potential publication on the site. Prerequisite: Open to all students.

Prerequisite: Open to all students. 20 21 ON-CAMERA CLASSES On-Camera Auditioning 2 T V Audition Workout Building on what students Acting on Camera successfully did in On-Camera with Matt Miller Gain on-camera acting experience This workshop features three Auditioning 1, this class works with in scripted and improvised auditions for co-star, “under five,” more advanced audition material scenework with a teacher that acts and one-liner type roles – which and situations. Get more on-camera as the director, to understand how is what these shows are casting time, and delve into the casting to adapt stagecraft for the screen. for locally. Perfect for experienced and talent agent business. The Gain a better understanding of how actors who want to stay sharp, this class culminates with the teacher to act on camera, correct on-set workshop is run as a professional The TV, Film & DigitAL directing and filming students in etiquette, the actors role in film audition session. scenes they can use in their reels. ProgRAm at The production, and how to approach the process of filmmaking. At the Prerequisite: On-Camera Workshop 1 Harold RAmis Prerequisite: On-Camera Auditioning 1 or or Program Head approval. end of the class, students receive Program Head approval. Film SchoOL 4.5 hours • 1 day an edited scene for their reels. 3 hours • 4 weeks

This program is about empowering Prerequisite: Improv Level C or content creators and performers Program Head approval. Hosting for Television On-Camera with Matt Miller Learn to think on your feet and soar with the knowledge of what it 3 hours • 8 weeks Walk into an on-camera audition under pressure as Lesley Powers takes to be successful in the TV with confidence! This one-day challenges students in different and Film industries. Classes in this workshop will feature: program focus on screenwriting, On-Camera Auditioning 1 hosting situations. Participants This overview shows actors how explore entertainment stand-up film production, voiceover, on- • Three mock commercial to prepare for and complete a (think E! News), becoming red camera acting, and film editing auditions successful on-camera commercial carpet savvy, game show hosting, and distribution. To reflect the • One mock film audition audition. Work on auditions ranging co-hosting tricks, and man-on-the- true collaborative nature of film, • A character typing exercise from testimonials to m.o.s., and give street interviewing. this program is open to people at • Review of auditions in class tips on how to nail different types of completely differentlevels of writing, • Business materials/strategies commercial scripts. Students film Prerequisite: Open to all students. improv, or acting experience. Q&A session practice auditions and review 3 hours • 1 day • Practical advice for actors them in class. new to the commercial/film Prerequisite: Improv Level B. audition world & helpful tips for the more experienced. 3 hours • 4 weeks Prerequisite: Open to all students. 6.5 hours • 1 day 23 VOICEOVER CLASSES Podcasting 101 Short Film Making Editing Comedy Directing for Film Masters of Comedy T V & FILM WRITING CLASSES Screenwriting 1 This hands-on class teaches This production course is for Learn how to use editing to build a Students learn to access their Each term focuses on the films Students with an understanding Beginning Voiceover for Improvisers students how to further their improvisers and writers who want story, deliver character, and create creative vision to realize written and of a different comedic filmmaker Introduction to Writing of sketch comedy will begin the Learn why improv is a skill that is comedy brand and voice through to turn their written sketches into comedy with raw footage from improvised materials. This class or comedy troupe. These include process of writing a treatment for a actively sought after in voiceover for T V & Film podcasting. Learn how to videos. Produce and direct a short production. Students learn the focuses on on directing terms, Mel Brooks, Monty Python, and Write quickly and improvisationally traditionally structured screenplay, artists and discover what actors conceptualize, develop, write, and comedic sketch that will be shot basic rules of editing and when they how to turn written material into Christopher Guest and more. Their while applying the stylistic and building on their writing skills need to get started in the world of cast a podcast idea and then learn during class time. Write for film, can break them to enhance their performance, how to understand films are viewed, discussed and format requirements of film and TV to understand structure, voiceover. Students learn about mic recording techniques, audio editing cast actors and work with a film comedic storytelling. Students gain camera work, editing, mise en dissected to examine the core of to discover the key moments of the character, and plot. technique, demos, the difference and programs, marketing, and how crew to leave class with a an understanding of how to control scene, and the role of the director their creative sensibilities. story. Explore visual storytelling, between narrator and character to brand the podcast to appeal to a finished short sketch. pacing and rhythm, point of view, in all stages of a production. Good screenplay format, story structure, Prerequisite: Introduction to Writing for reads, rates, tips, tricks, and TV and Film or Program Head approval. wide range of audiences. Students and how to enhance performances for beginners or people looking for a Prerequisite: Open to all students. and character development. Writers resources for building their career in leave the class with a sample first Prerequisite: Intro to Filmmaking through editing. There are editing more formalized approach 3 hours • 4 weeks pitch ideas and hear feedback 3 hours • 8 weeks the Chicago voiceover scene. or Program Head approval. episode and the knowledge to assignments that will help students to directing film. from their classmates to hone their 3-4 hours • 8 weeks Prerequisite: Improv Level B. create a successful podcast. explore their ideas through the movie idea. Students will leave this technical art of editing. Prerequisite: Introduction to Filmmaking, Black Films Matter class with a working outline for a TV Screenwriting 2 3 hours • 8 weeks Prerequisite: Open to all students. Intro to Writing for TV & Film or Explore the comedic sensibilities or film script. Students bring their film ideas and Program Head approval. of black filmmakers in American outlines from Screenwriting 1 to 3 hours • 8 weeks Advanced Short Filmmaking Prerequisites: Intro to Filmmaking or Intro Students enter the class with a to Writing for TV & Film. Students need 3 hours • 4 weeks. cinema in four distinct eras. Each Prerequisite: Open to all students. life. Weekly workshops guide them their own laptop with Adobe Premiere. Advanced Voiceover for Improvisers script or sketch and over the course week, students will watch a film 3 hours • 8 weeks through the process of completing Students learn how to manage FILMMAKING CLASSES of eight weeks, prepare it to be cast, 3 hours • 8 weeks and select scenes and participate scenes, raising the dramatic multi-person reads, read-to-time, shot and edited. Students will learn FILM APPRECIATION CLASSES in discussions led by the instructor tension, finding the characters’ manage difficult copy, explore Introduction to Filmmaking how to secure locations, work on a History of Comedy on Film that will place each film in its Intermediate Writing for voices and stepping toward a narration copy like a pro, get copy This introductory class provides an film set, and work with an editor to Developing Your Movie Idea: This film appreciation class takes historical and societal context completed screenplay. specifically chosen for their voice overview of what TV, Film and Digital create their finished short film. T V Film A Crash Course comedy lovers on a journey through and explore its similarities and Students build on what they learned types and - the pièce de résistance content creation looks and sounds This 2-day story workshop comedy, from the era when Chaplin differences with mainstream Prerequisite: Screenwriting 1 or Prerequisites: For consideration, students in Intro to Writing to TV & Film, Program Head approval. - an audition for an agent or like. Students leave the class with a demystifies the process of and Keaton were kings of the silent American cinematic comedies of should send a script for approval to Jack expanding upon visual storytelling, voicecasting professional - all in good understanding of the different developing a movie idea into a screen to Judd Apatow and Adam the same eras. Each film shown 3 hours • 8 weeks this 5-week intensive! types of media one can create, the Newell, Program Director, The Harold screenplay format, story structure, Ramis Film School and TV, Film & Digital satisfying, feature-length screen McKay’s contemporary mastery of will be black-written and and character development as it process of filmmaking, and all of the Program, [email protected]. Prerequisite: Beginning Voiceover for narrative. Students are taken character and the bromance. black-directed and feature a pertains to their specific project. elements that go into the creation of Program Head approval needed Improvisers. through a lively, step-by-step story Also available online. predominantly black cast. a film, TV show, web series, podcast, to take the class. Students will leave this class with 3 hours • 5 weeks development process in real-time, as well as short videos like those Prerequisite: Open to all students. Prerequisite: Open to all students. a refined outline and the first ten 3-4 hours • 8 weeks and watch the magic happen as the pages of a TV or film script. seen on The Second City Network. process is applied to their own ideas. 3 hours • 8 weeks 3 hours • 4 weeks Prerequisites: Open to all students. Prerequisite: Intro to Writing for TV & Film Prerequisite: Open to all students. 3 hours • 8 weeks 3 hours • 8 weeks. 3 hours • 2 days 24 25 The Sitcom Writers’ Room Jump Start Your Web Series Writing the Hour-Long Pilot Writing the Sitcom Pilot Students experience the life cycle Go from pitch to plan and leave Learn how to write quickly and A pilot is the first episode of an of a sitcom episode by collaborating this class with a road map to make improvisationally based on the original TV series – and a great to write a sitcom spec script with a web series. Examine production techniques and theories learned in addition to a writing packet. Learn their classmates. As a group, needs, logistics, and story structure Intro to TV/Film Writing. Students how to create an idea for a sitcom, explore and dissect the crucial students will select a known sitcom as you build detail onto a series pitch an idea, develop the story and elements of the most successful to study, pitch episode ideas, write idea. Using improv, group feedback hour-long pilots in the new golden characters, and create a script for a one-sheet pitch for the network’s and production “reality checks”, the age of television while developing the first episode. approval, break the story’s plot in class provides a sounding board for an original idea into a professional the room, are assigned to write existing series ideas. Develop a pilot quality script. Students are Prerequisite: Introduction to Writing for TV & Film or Program Head approval. certain scenes, rewrite other episode, synopses for the other five responsible for writing new pages scenes, punch up dialogue and episodes, and real-life insight into every week. Provided they stay on 3 hours • 8 weeks see a table read performed by budgeting and producing a 6-piece task, students leave this class with at Unlike any other course of study Comedy Studies is open to comic actors. Leave class with the web series from scratch. least 30 edited pages of in content, scope, or resources, anyone with a minimum of an experience to write a script. an original one-hour pilot. Comedy Studies provides a unique undergraduate junior level status Prerequisite: Intro to Writing for TV & Film opportunity to study full-time at of 60 credit hours or more. The Prerequisite: Intro to Writing for TV & Film or Introduction to Filmmaking. Prerequisite: Introduction to Writing for TV The Second City for an entire program also accepts applications or Program Head approval. 3 hours • 8 weeks. & Film or Program Head approval. semester. This program is from recent college graduates. 3 hours • 8 weeks. 3 hours • 8 weeks developed and taught by the Classes are offered during fall, experts in comedy at The Second spring and summer semesters. Writing the Sitcom Spec Script City Training Center in Chicago, This class provides students with with college credit provided by Visit comedystudies.com a solid spec script - a script for an Columbia College Chicago. for more information. existing comedy on television, they can learn how to write a sitcom script and leave class with a writing sample.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Writing for TV & Film or Program Head approval. 3 hours • 8 weeks

-Viola Spolin 26 27 Improv for Anxiety Improv for ASD Stand Up to Anxiety Mid-Life Crisis: Improv for Ensemble-based improv training This is a class in improv for teens Face feelings of discomfort and along with cognitive behavioral and adults with Autism Spectrum reduce avoidance behaviors in Generations X & Y For those whose age may be therapy for people with social Disorder. Classes focus on social, work/school, and family more mature than their sense of anxiety and other anxiety disorders. ensemble and team-building to settings. Face performance humor, this class teaches improv help with the exploration of different anxiety and develop as a solo fundamentals in a relaxed, fun The program provides an interactive relationships and social cues. comedic performer by writing environment amongst peers. Hire opportunity to learn skills derived Improv games used in this class and workshopping material. The The WeLlnesS a babysitter, step away from the from improv as part of recovery. teach skills such as accessing class has the option of a final computer and enjoy some fun. PRogram In addition, Second City Training emotions and storytelling. This performance on one of The Second Cheaper than a Ferrari! Center has partnered with several is done in a safe and fun setting City Training Center stages. The Wellness Program aims licensed clinicians who have where the students can explore and Prerequisite: Open to all students. to create a nurturing and safe experience in both improv and Prerequisite: Improv for Anxiety Level A. challenge themselves. Improv is Ages 35 - 55ish. environment for people who are mental health treatment to facilitate a great tool to work through many 3 hours • 8 weeks. choosing to experience the personal an 8-week therapy group. The types of barriers which stand in the 2.5 hours. 8 weeks. and social benefits that the study therapy group helps to integrate the way of creativity and socialization. of improv and commitment to improv and CBT skills into real life. ensemble can provide. Be that The improv class will meet once per Improv for Veterans Prerequisite: Open to all students. ages 15+ This class is catered to anyone to promote self care, be with week and the therapy group meets who has served in the armed like-minded individuals, or to separately once per week. 90 minutes • 8 weeks forces. Students will learn improv work toward a common goal, fundamentals, build communication the Wellness Program exists for Prerequisite: Open to all students. skills, and connect and have fun individuals who may want to use This program is also available for teens. Humor Doesn’t Retire: with other veterans. improv as a tool for something other Treatment group sessions in Level A, than solely performance based Improv for Seniors optional for Levels B-E. Learn the basics of Improv by Prerequisite: Open to all students. goals. While the vast majority of 2.5 - 3 hours • 8 weeks working on scenes and games with Wellness Program participants are one another. Students are with 2.5 hours • 8 weeks not joining The Second City with • Level A: Building Blocks of the same group each week. This the intent to pursue a professional option provides a more focused and career in performance or comedy, Scenic Improv cumulative learning experience. all are welcome and encouraged to • Level B: Improvising Scenes No experience necessary for Level graduate on to other programs at 1; students have the opportunity The Second City. • Level C: Introduction to to progress through five levels. Character Work Includes performances in the upper levels. • Level D: Advanced Scenic Improv Prerequisites: Open to students ages 55+. -Del Close • Level E: Improv in Performance 2 hours • 8 weeks 28 29 IMPROV IMMERSIONS COMEDY WRITING Writing 3: Elements of a Improv 1: Fundamentals Writing 1: Fundamentals & Comedy Revue A detailed look at the principles and Students expand their comedy ImMERSions & processes of improv for beginners, Components of Sketch Comedy writer’s toolkits. From full-cast An introduction to sketch intensves including ensemble work, play, and scenes to monologues, discover the comedy techniques including beginning scenework. types of sketches that round out a characterization, comic premise, Our immersion programs are a Second City revue. crash course in the philosophies and story structure. and methods The Second City uses Improv 2: Character & Scenework to find, explore, and create material. Learn many techniques for Writing 4: Advanced This programs attract students from developing strong characters, Writing 2: Working with all over the country and abroad. including status, point of view, and Topics in Sketch Premises for Sketch Comedy Students refine their comedic voice Come learn new skills, meet new subtext. Also explore the elements A further exploration of using comic and strengthen their skill in revision friends, and take advantage of of good scenework, such as beats, premises to develop original sketch while learning premises that break Chicago’s rich comedy scene! environment, and emotional life. comedy for students who have the rules – clothesline scenes, completed Writing Immersion 1. songs, and more. Classes are Monday through Friday each week, and students Improv 3: Advanced Scenework receive a voucher for a Second Building upon the foundation of City or UP Comedy Club show. Level 2, students deal with a more Improv 1 and Writing 1 classes have mature type of improv that can no prerequisite. Students with be harvested for sketch. Focus on extensive experience may contact topics such as advanced character the Training Center concerning creation, scene/premise structure, advanced placement. acting, reference level, and using music to find scenes Our summer immersions coincide, and characters. with the Summer Comedy Camps so parents and kids can take class at the same time. Students who Improv 4: Improv into Sketch complete immersions should Dive into how Second City uses contact the Training Center improv to develop sketch material. regarding eligibility for placement in Explore concepts like satire, using regular 8-week classes. improv sets, re-improvising scenes, and the key elements of a Second -Bill Murray City running order. 31 SPECIALT Y IMMERSIONS Long Form Immersion Writing with The Onion Immersion THREE-DAY INTENSIVES Day 1: Introduction to Improv Improv for Literacy FOR STUDENTS Designed for students who have Second City has partnered with The Choose a schedule of all-improv, all- This 3-hour workshop teaches

Music Improv Immersion completed Improv Immersions Onion to present this fundamental writing, or a combination of classes. Concepts & Exercises simple classroom exercises Explore the fundamentals of Through active participation in Levels 1 and 2, the Long Form Immersion outlining The Onion’s Students receive a Second City or ImpROV for TeachERS designed to build literacy skills such improvised song using vocal improv exercises, discover Introduction to Second City Improv Immersion delves deeper into unique system of generating UP Comedy Club show voucher. as inferencing and sequencing, as (Grades 6-12) exercises, rhyming, character- This three-hour professional the principal concepts ensemble work and creating full- comedy ideas and stories. Students well as expanding vocabulary. based scenework, and short-form development workshop of improv learning. length improvised performance. learn how to create winning (3 CPDUs) The fundamentals of improv as musical games. Take advantage for educators explores the Work on advanced scenic skills, premises, essays and one-liners, taught and practiced at The Second of the style and theatricality of Improv Intensive fundamentals of improv and its character development and but also find their unique comedic 10AM-4PM • An intensive look at the 3 hours City, covering the concepts and musical theater to strengthen integration into the curriculum of relationship, editing and how to voice and learn to trust it to produce principles and processes of Day 2: Teaching & Side-Coaching skills of listening, stage presence, existing improv skills and learn to any subject area. execute and design numerous reliably successful humor writing. improv for both beginning and environment, and character through approach the improvised the Exercises forms for long-form performance. experienced performers. Explore methods of teaching Off-Site Workshops interactive exercises and games. song with confidence. Prerequisite: Competency with English For more than fifty years, The and side-coaching the Workshops may be conducted for Prerequisite: Improv Immersion Level 2, composition and grammar. Second City has utilized improv to exercises, and brainstorm groups off-site at a school or on-site 2 hours Level B, Improv for Actors 1 or equivalent. Writing Intensive create original works for the stage on curriculum integration at The Second City Training Center. 10AM-4PM • An introduction and to teach skills that can be *Cost depends on the number of students. Comedic Songwriting concepts and techniques. Prices listed are for groups of 6-20. Please contact us for details. Students immerse themselves in OTHER IMMERSIONS to sketch comedy techniques adapted to everyday life such as song structure, rhyming, music and Check out secondcity.com for even Stand-Up Immersion including characterization, comedic listening, team building, thinking For all workshops, an additional travel discover how to locate and heighten Students develop their solo more immersions with special premise, and story structure. quickly, brainstorming, social Day 3: Curriculum Integration for EDUCATORS charge is necessary for sites located more character point of view for comedic comedic performance by writing guest instructors including comedy integration, and empathy. Improv Present and teach a lesson than 20 miles from North Avenue and effect. Designed for musicians and and workshopping their own writing for TV and film, performance is active student-centered learning plan that integrates improv Wells Street, Chicago. nonmusicians alike, students will material. By understanding how workshops with Michael Gellman, that supports the development into a special subject area. Intro to Improv for Improv & Writing Intensive Contact Jeff Poole at jpoole@secondcity. leave the immersion understanding earlier stand-up comics evolved, solo performance, filmmaking and 10AM-4PM • Learn principles and of critical thinking as well as Creative Pedagogy the mechanics of songwriting for com for more information or to set up a students experiment outside their acting/auditioning. processes of improv in the morning emotional, kinesthetic, visual, 3 hours private workshop. musical sketch comedy. comfort zone and experiment until leading into an introduction to audio/oral, musical/math, and Resource Guide Prerequisite: Varies depending on the they discover their own unique style. sketch comedy in the afternoon. spatial intelligences. All participants receive a copy of class. Visit secondcity.com for Specialty The Second City Guide to Improv Improv for Creative Pedagogy immersion offerings, dates, and prices. Check out secondcity.com for dates. 9 hours Music Direction Immersion Prerequisite: Improv or Writing Immersion The Second City has taught in the Classroom, which outlines Learn how to underscore improvised Please note: If students are traveling from Level 1, Improv Level A, Improv for Actors 1, workshops at hundreds of schools the exercises covered, techniques scenes and songs. Students will out of town, we recommend they not Writing Level 1 or equivalent. and companies throughout the for side-coaching, suggested learn how to collaborate with finalize travel and lodging arrangements Improv Games & Exercises for until their registration is confirmed. world. The Second City is an variations and adaptations, post- improvisers to create original approved professional development exercise discussion questions, and Drama Teachers & Improv Coaches songs and musical sketches. A limited number of scholarships are 3 hours available to assist with Immersion tuition; provider with the Illinois State additional resources. Explore sound design, technology distribution of these funds is finalized Board of Education. CPDU credit is and vocal coaching as well as the in the Spring before Immersions begin. available for our workshops. 3 hours • 3 weeks opportunities available for a music Please check the website for details. director in the improv comedy world. 33 have an idEA for a TUItion PoliCIES LocatION Information Benefits for

Pricing Breakdown show? Send A pitch! • New Students pay a one-time The Training Center is located in the Students of the Detailed prices can be found on our website or by calling the membership fee of $20. Piper’s Alley building, 230 W. North The Second City Training Center has four TRAINing CENter Training Center at 312-664-3959. All prices subject to change. Avenue, at North Avenue and Wells Street theaters aimed at providing performance Lower rates reflect early registration discounts. Don’t delay! • Tuition is non-refundable and non- in the Old Town neighborhood, on the opportunities for TC students, grads, and The benefits of being a student at the transferrable. In extreme cases, students 2nd, 3rd and 4th Floors. experienced performers in the improv/ Second City Training Center don’t stop at may apply to the Training Center office to sketch comedy community- and we’d in-class instruction! Here are a few of the transfer tuition to another time or future Adult 8-Week Classes $305 - $375 love to give everyone a chance to things we also offer: term. A transfer fee of $30 will be charged showcase their work! Adult 8-Week,Twice-a-Week Classes $620 - $680 in such situations. Parking The most convenient option is the paid • FREE admission to House Team shows Adult 4-Week Classes (3 hours) $165 - $210 Shows may be scripted or improvised, and garage attached to Piper’s Alley. There with Training Center Student ID • Students who enroll in more than one Adult 4-Week Classes (90 min) $105 - $150 the person submitting the proposal should are other paid lots in the neighborhood 8-week class in any given term will receive have a significant role in the production on North Avenue across the street and • FREE student tickets to Conservatory, Kids 14-Week Classes (2 - 2.5 hours) $325 - $480 a 15% discount on the second class. such as actor, director, writer or producer. north on Wells. There is very limited street and Improv class performances Kids 7-Week Classes (50 min) $125 - $155 (Some restrictions apply). parking due to permit restrictions in the local residential streets. If you’ve never Kids 7-Week Classes (2 hours) $225 - $275 Our show pitch form can be found on • Discounted student tickets to all other the Student Performance Opportunities been to the neighborhood before, leave shows in the Training Center theaters Adult Immersions (1 week full day) $550 - $575 page of our website or by emailing our Payment Plan Info plenty of time to park on your first day. Adult Immersions (1 week 1/2 day) $285 - $315 Production Coordinator, Katie Hildreth at Payment plans are available. Please visit • Various free events throughout the year, [email protected]. secondcity.com or call the Training Center including panel discussions, special Adult Intensives (3 day) $299 - $325 office for more information. Public Transit workshops, and improv jams Youth Camps (2 weeks, ages 8 to 18) $750 - $1500 The Sedgwick stop on the Brown Line Youth Camps-Post Workshops $135 - $175 stops less than two blocks west of the • A student ID offering discounts to 1959 Training Center. The Red Line stops at Kitchen and Bar and local businesses Youth Camps (5 days) $365 - $415 North/Clybourn, about six blocks west. Youth Camps (4 days) $205 - $405 Several bus routes also serve the area around the Training Center. TRAINing CENter The east/west bus routes that stop Contact Information nearby are the 72 North and 73 Armitage. The north/south routes are 22 Clark, 36 Broadway, 37 Sedgwick, and 156 LaSalle phone: (M-F, limited hours.) 312-664-3959 email: [email protected]

34 35 TRAINing CENter Staff ARTISTIC TEAM 2017 Important Dates Kids & Teens Term Dates Becca Barish Wellness [email protected] Jeff Bouthiette Music [email protected] Andy Eninger Writing [email protected] Adult Term Dates (8 weeks) Winter Term 2017 (7 Weeks) Jan 3 - Feb 19 Norm Holly Conservatory [email protected] Matt Hovde Artistic Director [email protected] Anthony Leblanc Associate Artistic Director [email protected] Term 1 2017 January 8 - March 4 Spring Term One 2017 (7 Weeks) Feb 20 - Apr 10 Anne Libera Comedy Studies & Yearlong Directing Program [email protected] Jan 8 New student orientation Rachael Mason Advanced Improvisation [email protected] (7 Weeks) Apr 17 - July 5 Jack Newell Harold Ramis Film School [email protected] Spring Term Two 2017 Michael Pieper Acting [email protected] Term 2 2017 March 5 - April 30 Mar 5 New student orientation Jeff Poole Kids & Education [email protected] (7 Weeks) Sep 5 - Oct 22 Brian Posen Improvisation [email protected] Apr 16 Closed for Easter Fall Term One 2017

(7 Weeks) Oct 23 - Dec 17 ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF May 1 - June 26 Fall Term Two 2017 Julie Alevizos HRFS Academic Coordinator [email protected] Term 3 2017 Stephanie Case Producer [email protected] Apr 30 New student orientation Rosie Chevalier Adult Program & Immersion Coordinator [email protected] May 29 Closed for Memorial Day Jeremy Dabbs Online Content Manager [email protected] Kids & Teens camps 2016 & 2017 Winter Davis Writing Program Coordinator [email protected] June 27 - August 22 Scott Elam Executive Assistant [email protected] Term 4 2017 Winter 2016 Camp 1 Dec 19 - 23 Erin Field Faculty Liaison [email protected] Jun 25 New student orientation Camp 2 Dec 26 - 30 Chanel Hemphill Marketing Manager [email protected] Jul 4 Closed for Independence Day Sheena Laird Adult Program Coordinator [email protected] Spring 2017 Camp 1: March 13-17 Anthony Lombard Kids Program Assistant [email protected] Camp 2: March 20-24 Keri Mack Stage Manager [email protected] Term 5 2017 August 28 - October 23 Camp 3: March 27-31 Dujuan Pritchett Stage Manager [email protected] Aug 27 New student orientation Camp 4: April 3-7 Tim Schmidt TV, Film & Digital Assistant [email protected] Sept 4 Closed for Labor Day Camp 5: April 10-14 Julianne Schwartz Camp Director [email protected] Kerry Sheehan President [email protected] Summer 2017 Camp 1: June 5-9 (1-week) Jesse Swanson Associate Producer [email protected] October 24 - December 22 Camp 2: June 12-23 Term 6 2017 Camp 3: June 26-July 7 (4th of July) Andrew Thorp Program Manager, Online Education [email protected] Oct 22 New student orientation Rawson Vint Student Services Manager [email protected] Camp 4: July 10-21 Stephanie Vlcek Assistant Music Director [email protected] Nov 23-24 Closed for Thanksgiving Camp 5: July 24-Aug 4 Abby Wagner Vice President [email protected] Camp 6: Aug 7-18 Ellen Williams General Manager [email protected] Camp 7: Aug 21-25 (1-week) Camp 8: Aug 28-Sept 1 (1-week) 312-664-3959 • SECONDCITY.COM Advanced Camp 1: June 26- July 14 36 230 W. North Ave 37 Daily Schedule ages 8-11* (9AM-4PM) Clowning and Physical Comedy Daily Schedule ages 12-18* (9AM-4PM) 2017 Summer The Second City Advanced Students exercise their sense of 12:50PM – 2:20PM (Ages 15-18) COMEDY camps play through improv games and Clowning is 50% physicality, 50% Improv Camp Dates: Comedy Camp Ages 8-18 exercises that are the foundation silliness, and 100% fun. Yes, that 9AM –11:30AM The Second City Advanced Comedy of The Second City’s unique brand doesn’t make sense, but when it Explore the fundamentals of improv Camp 1: June 5-9 (1-week) Kids and teens can spend part Camp 2: June 12-23 Camp is a fully comprehensive of comedy. Our teachers will comes to clowning and comedy, it as taught and performed at The of their summer at The Second Camp 3: June 26-July 7 (4th of July) program that dives deep into the City where they can exercise their work with these new improvisers doesn’t need to! Kids will have the Second City. Develop skills like Camp 4: July 10-21 skills required to present a Second creative energies in our improv to help enhance their ability to freedom of movement and self- creative thinking, self-confidence, Camp 5: July 24-Aug 4 City-style revue. Curriculum and comedy writing camps. Our communicate with others and expression in this class, while listening, brainstorming, Camp 6: Aug 7-18 summer programs attract students includes training in advanced develop confidence in their own also learning about slapstick team building, empathy, and Camp 7: Aug 21-25 (1-week) from all over the world. Learn skills, Camp 8: Aug 28-Sept 1 (1-week) scenework and long form improv creativity while working as part comedy and how to theatrically communication, while having loads meet friends, and enjoy Chicago in Advanced Camp 1: July 10-28 as well as additional lessons in of an ensemble. The day will be control their gestures. of fun and laughs. the summer. Students are clowning, stand-up, and music grouped by age. broken into four parts to maximize *1-week session, no class performance improv. Advanced Camp students activities and variety. Theater Arts and Crafts Sketch We also offer Winter and Spring Break will also receive a special jacket as Summer camps are one or two 2:30PM –4PM weeks long with classes meeting 12PM – 2:30PM Camps. Check our website or call a souvenir of their summer with A fun guided-play experience for Monday through Friday each week. Improv Learn the basics of sketch comedy for more details. The Second City. At the end of 2-week camps, 9AM –10:30AM students to work on projects with scenes – the building blocks of any students present a show for their Explore the fundamentals of improv classmates, design and create Second City show. Study classic Prerequisites: Students must submit a family and friends on one of the as taught and performed at The props and costumes, some of Second City scenes, use improv to Winter Break Camp 2016 résumé and headshot as well as a short Second City stages. Students Second City. Develop skills like which will be used in their final develop scenes, and create December 19 - 23, 2016 essay to be considered for this program to are also treated to a special productions. Everyday is an exciting December 26 - 30, 2016 [email protected]. Students creative thinking, self-confidence, original sketches. will need to have completed at least two performance by The Second City new activity! National Touring Company and an listening, brainstorming, 14-week terms of improv training at The end-of-camp pizza party. team building, empathy, and Stand-Up/Storytelling Second City or at least two sessions in communication, while having loads Post-Camp Games and Movies Spring Break Camp 2017 our summer camp program. Check the 2:45PM-4PM March 13-17 Since 2001, students from of fun and laughs. 4PM-5PM website for application deadlines. Come develop your personal March 20-24 throughout the United States and After a day of improv and sketch Performances: Students will present their abroad have spent part of their style as a stand-up comedian March 27-31 comedy, it’s time to relax and enjoy stand-up material on the second Friday of summer at The Second City, one Writing and Storytelling or storyteller as we focus on April 3-7 the program, and a one-act sketch revue each other’s company! Students are of the world’s most recognized 10:50AM – 12:20PM developing material, stage April 10-14 on the final day. comedy theaters. Join us again allowed to watch a movie or join in a Learn basic scene structure, the presence, and delivery. April 17-21 3 weeks • 9AM - 4PM this year! art of storytelling, and character Connect Four Tournament. Students may present their For more information, visit our website, Summer camps are also offered at development through the study material in an optional open classic Second City scenes and mic on the final Friday of camp. call the Training Center, or contact us at The Second City Training Centers in [email protected]. Toronto and Hollywood. Visit each other written materials. Training Center’s section on the *Classes are further grouped by age website for details. within this section. 5 6 On-Camera Acting Techniques Advanced Improv (ages 14-18) Relationship Through Character Intro to Sketch Writing (ages 14-18) (ages 13-18) Learn the fundamentals of a (ages 11-14) Learn the basics of sketch comedy Learn on-camera commercial, strong improvised scene using Improv is exploring relationship scenes, the building blocks of any TV and film acting techniques improv techniques learned in through character. This advanced Second City show. For any student from working on-camera actors. Intro to Improv. class takes improvising to the next 9th grade and above. In addition to weekly on-camera level and opens the door for those acting training, the class will cover Prerequisite: Intro Improv. character and relationship scenes 2 hours • 7 weeks the basics of resumes, agents, 2 hours • 7 weeks many improvisers crave to do. This casting directors, and callbacks. class is intended for experienced students looking to continue Advanced Sketch Writing (ages 14-18) Prerequisite: Teen Improv or Acting. Dramatic Improv (ages 15-18) growing as improvisers. Learn to create different types of 2 hours • 7 weeks Had enough of playing for laughs? advanced written material including Looking to stretch your dramatic Prerequisites: Improv X or Intro to Improv. parody and satire. scenework? This advanced 2 hours • 7 weeks 2 hours • 7 weeks Stand-Up (ages 11-18) class helps students take their Develop personal style as a improvising to the next level and stand-up comedian as we focus open the door for those serious Advanced Long Form (ages 14-18) on developing material, stage dramatic scenes many improvisers Ready for the next step in long FREE! Teen Jam & Open Mic! presence, and delivery. form? This class focuses on scenic Come join us at the Teen Jam crave to do. This class is intended & Open Mic on Saturdays in the -Martin de Maat for experienced students looking to work and developing strong scenes Class culminates with a brief classroom through committed characters, DeMaat Theater from 6:10PM to demonstration. continue growing as improvisers. being emotionally invested and 6:50PM. All students 18 and under are invited to come join a current 2 hours • 7 weeks Prerequisite: Advanced Improv. connecting with your scene partner. faculty member as host, and try out 2 hours • 7 weeks Prerequisite: Intro to Long Form. some improv and stand-up routines. (ages 14-18) Intro to Improv 2 hours • 7 weeks Learn the fundamentals of improv through exercises that focus on Intro to Long Form (ages 14-18) Dive into the world of long form saying “Yes, And”, listening, and (ages 14-18) improv and explore over a dozen Intro to Digital ensemble. For any student 9th Learn the fundamentals of digital of the most commonly utilized grade and above. comedy production including and proven long form structures to filming, basic editing, and create 30-minute shows based on 2 hours • 7 weeks distributions methods. For any one suggestion. student 9th grade and above. Prerequisite: Advanced Improv. 2 hours • 7 weeks 3 2 hours • 7 weeks 4 ImaginAction (ages 4-8) Clown & Physical Comedy (ages 9-12) Acting (ages 9-10, 11-13) This fun-filled class is designed Clowning is 50% physicality, 50% Learn the basic skills of acting. to involve your child in the basic silliness, and 100% fun. Sure, that Monologues, scenes and exercises improv games used at The Second doesn’t make sense, but when it are used to examine techniques City. This class helps free up comes to clowning and comedy, as actor uses to establish a children’s creativity and gets them it doesn’t need to! Kids will have character. In this course, students accustomed to working and freedom of movement and self- discover skills found in the physical, sharing in a group environment. expression in this class, while also emotional, intellectual and spiritual learning about slapstick comedy aspects of the human condition. Kids & TeEN ProgRam 50 minutes • 7 weeks and how to theatrically control their Exercises include movement, sense TABLE OF CoNTEntS gestures. It’s all about maintaining memory, personalization, objective, Whether a child is a class clown, an control while retaining musicality in beat work and beginning text aspiring actor, or a little shy, they’ll Improv X (ages 9-12) a performance. This class is great analysis. Learn about auditioning as KIDS & TEEN Program 2 love taking a class at The Second Experience improv games and for aspiring actors and clowns, well as working in the business. City! Our various programming for exercises that are the foundation of or kids who need an outlet for 50 minutes • 7 weeks (ages 9-10) Kids & Teen camps 5 children and teens, ages 4 to 18, The Second City’s brand of comedy. all their extra energy! This class enhances kids’ ability to 2 hours • 7 weeks (ages 11-13) Pricing & General INfo 34 help build confidence, listening 50 minutes • 7 weeks and communication skills, and communicate with others, develop of course, are non-stop fun! confidence in their own creativity, Staff Info 36 (ages 14-18) Fundamental skills learned with as well as teach students to respect Intro to Acting Teen & Youth Ensembles (ages 11-18) Learn basic skills of acting through us can be applied to all aspects of the ideas of others. This intensive performance- monologues and scenes from flip CatAlog OVER for Kids & TeEN ProgRAms life, and will stick with students for 50 minutes • 7 weeks oriented class explores working The Second City archives. For any years to come. Seasonal camps in within an ensemble, scenic improv, student 9th grade and above. the winter, spring and summer align and performance games. Class with school breaks, giving kids a Curtain Up!(ages 9-12) culminates with four performances 2 hours • 7 weeks great daytime activity. Students create original, of sketches developed through imaginative stories through fun improv in a Training Center theater. games and exercises, and then Advanced Acting (ages 14-18) bring those tales to life on the stage! Prerequisites: Learn advanced acting skills Youth Ensemble - Audition Required; through scene study from the students must have completed at least 50 minutes • 7 weeks scenes in The Second City archives. three sessions of ImprovX or Teen Improv. Teen Ensemble - Audition Required; Prerequisite: Intro to Acting. students must have completed Advanced 2 hours • 7 weeks Improv and Intro Sketch Writing. 2.5 hours • 14 weeks 2 for flipadult programs!

2016-2017 Kid & Teen Course Catalog