I have taken improv classes, both in-person and virtually, at several places locally in Arizona, but had no idea that The Second City offered virtual classes! Wow!! What an opportunity! We have students from all corners of the US and Canada. The teachers are amazing and the atmosphere is extremely supportive. Highly recommend. read more

This is the 5th standup class I've taken and 2nd City's standup class is definitely for fan-boys and hobbyists. Most "performance arts" classes are run by and taken by left leaning liberals, and this is no exception. Unlike other standup classes, 2nd city doesn't even "try" to pretend their classes are for everyone. If you're not far left, you're not welcome here. Try Upright Citizens Brigade or a Helium Comedy Club class if there's one in your area. Second City was a giant waste of money. read more

Just get off your ass and so it. I wanted to jump into a class and kept putting it off for years, had a good friend enroll me in a class and have had an absolute blast, now I'm signing up for several more. The instructors are true professionals that take the time to build week to week. The classmates I've had run the gamut on age, background and professions - all have been amazing. If you've ever thought about learning at one of the best comedy schools ever - sign up and you will not regret it! read more

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Honestly, there is no place quite like home. It feels like home every time I visit. There are plenty of opportunities and different classes per week for EVERYBODY & ANYONE. You will always meet a ton of different people from a ton of different backgrounds. For the most part, everyone is SUPER supportive. Although I will warn you about the pretentious theatre kids(we all know one) who are just trying to get ahead and will do anything and everything to do so. It's just class, guys, relax. You don't have to want to be the next "big star" to take classes here. There are a variety of different classes you can take and even some that are one time, for free. Try it out and I'm sure you won't be disappointed in getting out of your comfort zone. read more

Will charge you for seats you cannot use. They charge for premium seating but have an odd number of seats available so there's one couple who will not be able to seat with each other. read more

I took a Writing With The Onion class and thought it was mediocre. In each class, we were taught some aspect or style of comedic writing as our instructor read from a Powerpoint that (as she often reminded us) she didn't develop. Since she seemed to do little prep work, she would sometimes stumble through the slides commenting on minor discrepancies between what the slides contained and what she thought the slides should contain. The class group was fairly diverse, which was positive. The one thing that I wasn't prepared for, though, was that it seemed nearly every person in the class legitimately wanted to work for The Onion. There was a bit of a dichotomy between what I perceived as the innate seriousness of the students with the casual, lackadaisical way the class was structured and taught. Someone once warned me not to take any classes here aside from improv because I would just "end up listening to people's bad jokes all night." That is pretty much what happened. After each short lesson, the remaining class time would consist of someone reciting every class member's ten-or-so article titles which had been completed as homework. Week after week, nobody really improved. The two guys who showcased impressive originality in the first class were still doing well at the end. The people who didn't quite possess the introspection to really "get it" never got it. Everyone in between remained--I don't know--in between. Having your jokes read aloud by someone else is a really unique way of getting feedback. Unfortunately, it also means that the instructor can get away with doing nothing. There was no written feedback at all during the course, even at its conclusion. There was not even a course evaluation form. I was left with a bad taste in my mouth at the end of the last class when the instructor said that she personally felt that anyone in the group had the potential to write for The Onion. It was disingenuous especially because some people in the class were very not funny, were of varying degrees of unemployed, and had no chance of ever making money from comedy. I can't help but wonder if they bilk people all the way up to the "master" class before breaking the news to them. In short, the class was underwhelming and I probably won't pay to take anything at Second City again. However, if you actually are really funny, your best bet at getting a job at The Onion is probably to slog through this class sequence. read more

I'm a professional improvisational performer of over 25 years whose practices have been primarily physical and musical. I was the only Black (African American descendant of the Transatlantic Slave Trade) in the room. After convalescing with a life threatening blood deficiency, I decided to enroll in the improv intensive at Second City as a way to reboost my mental acuity before preparing for the LSATS. So, I took the Improv 1 intensive at Second City this past week with a teacher named Kevin Reome and found it so upsetting that I spent a whole $425 on an experience in which the instructor had such low expectations of the students' individual agency as creative individuals and poor skills for direct communication that, when he found that I was interpreting the experience in unexpected ways, he resorted to extreme passive aggressiveness by talking about me for long stints of time without referring directly to me nor saying my name. As a very sensitive person who is used to receiving respect from those with whom I interact, I was so bothered by this that I found it difficult to breathe. At this point I was already somewhat taken aback, as an intellectual person, by Kevin's positive response to some students' use of gender stereotypes in order to get laughs. I was also deeply disappointed by his lack of responsiveness to abusive behavior by one student in particular towards another student in the course of an improvised scene. As a performing artist who has facilitated workshops on a university level as well as with children and elders, I have learned the necessity for respect and empathy in engaging with learners, particularly in situations in which we are engaging in acts of shared imagination. I have also learned the necessity for setting up very clear rules of engagement regarding the ways we are expected to care for one another within our improvised games, scores, scenes and what have you. In the event that a student demonstrates a disregard for those rules which could be harmful to other students, it is necessary for them to be called out and encouraged to correct their approach. I was disturbed to witness several breaches of the guidelines Kevin intended to set up, after which he gave no direct feedback. I did not feel very safe in his class. I should preface this by saying that the week in which I took the intensive I had had 2 of the 3 infusions that I needed in order to regain full focus, and had been feeling pretty insecure at the beginning of the week. On Wednesday I had my third infusion. By Friday I felt more secure in myself and ready to experiment more with incorporating resonances from prior games and scenes into present ones. Playing in this way is part of what brings seasoning and meaning to an improvisation over time. Perhaps Kevin isn't used to dealing with secure Black women? I don't know. But, after his passive aggressive mistake of a teaching method with me, I will not be returning to that school. If you are a self respecting person, particularly a BIPOC person, who seeks to gain skills in Spolin Based theatrical improvisation, here is my suggestion to you: Acquire the book Improvisation for the Theater: A Handbook of Teaching and Directing Techniques (Drama and Performance Studies). Put together a group of people to meet up a couple times a week in your living room. Start with practicing some of the beginning exercises and then come up with simple scenes, taking suggestions from one another on and the 4 questions: What, When, Where, Who to play with in your scenes. Video yourselves so you can make your own notes of how you'd like to grow and talk briefly with each other after to give positive feedback and encouragements to grow. Grow from there. If your group wants to grow into something more sustained after several months to a year of this, pick your favorite video documentation, and put together a budget for stuff you would need to form a performance group that opens up the practice group to the public with classes-perhaps admin hourly pay, teacher pay, space rental/purchase, utility bills etc-and apply for some grants to continue. If the group finds they really wanna commit to each other, get some supporters together to be your board of directors and start a not for profit 501c3 organization. Once again, I do not recommend Second City. I do believe that you could have a much more positive and supportive experience forming your own group, especially if you're Black like me. If and when you do start your Spolin based improv practice group, invite me. I'd love to attend! All the best to you, Ms. Margaret M. Morris www.qntllc.com www.quantumnegress.love read more

Deeply disappointed in Second City's unreasonableness. I received a last-minute cancellation from them for a class that was supposed to start in two days. They offered a replacement class which I accepted by phone but 20 minutes later realized wouldn't work. They refused to give me a refund. read more

Great time for a great price. Have nothing to do on a Thursday?? Try this place out! We just arrived to Chicago earlier in the day and tried to get tickets to watch a show at The Second City...but they were all sold out but the lady on the phone said that there is The Second City Training Center and there are still tickets available, so we bought two over the phone for $11 a ticket! Sweet price. We actually went to the wrong Second City, the training center is located inside the little complex with the movie theatre. The goods: -they have beer/wine -they have funny people -you'll have a good time for just $11 (Price of a movie ticket nowadays) It's not an easy thing to make people laugh and especially when doing improv, so I respect comedians, I know I couldn't do it. There are two acts, after intermission the second act were two guys who called themselves "a good idea in theory" ... they were HILARIOUS!! Especially the skit with Harry Potter!! I loved them. If you get a chance and your on a budget, this place is fantastic! read more

The Second City Training Center - Specialty Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I worked here for many years as a teacher and a director and I can safely say that there is no better place on earth to learn improvisation. I will write WAY MORE about this historic place in the future... but for now - I say - it is the best place to study improv in the country if not the world. read more

Recently, I went to a Meetup event here where we took an hour long class and then saw a live performance. The instructors were lively and entertaining, quickly making people feel comfortable among strangers. I enjoyed the various "exercises" they guided us through. Made me realize how much I miss being in a creative environment! I would love to take a class, but for now will probably be back to check out more performances. Check it out! read more

The Second City, Onion writing class was a waste of my time and money. I would give it a 'D+' at best. In the first class, we were taught some basic writing tips that were presented as an unprofessional Powerpoint presentation that was physically too far away for some of us to read. Also, it was not something the instructor, (I'll call her by her first initial, M) put together. She seemed to have done little if any prep work, and in our first class stumbled and apologized for the content of the slides. The class demographics were not diverse (mostly 25-year-old students working in low paying jobs, and had a heavily overweighted political tilt to the far left, as did the instructor. The one thing that I wasn't prepared for, though, was that it seemed was an Onion wannabe. So the ass kissing of the instructor (a senior writer for The Onion herself) lent to an obsequious kissing up to please "M." And that is the atmosphere "M" fostered and seemed to like. The instructor often seemed to wish she was elsewhere. She did not mingle with us much before or after classes and was difficult to reach between them. A former Second City Onion Satire writing class student warned not to take any classes here aside from Improv because I would just "end up listening to people's bad, sophomoric jokes all night" which is very much what happened in the class. At least 20% of the proposed headlines, were unoriginal, unimaginative and insulted a conservative politician or public figure. Also, one particular, vicious. vile satire about the NRA, was OK (a bit edgy) with the instructor, but when I wanted to write a similar satiric article about Planned Parenthood's selling baby body parts, it was unacceptable. The class was basically a safe space, group think haven for far left minnows. "M" did not my years of real world experience to influence thee fragile minds. But it's funny, they did not seem to mind at all, just "M" did. After each short lesson, the remaining class time would consist of someone reciting every class member's headlines and subtext which had been completed as homework. BTW, attendance was spotty, so some arrived not knowing what the home work was, because the instructor never reached out to them. After after three weeks, things were stagnant and I had not learned much more than I came in with. In frustration, I quit the class and will use the unused tuition balance toward a future Improv class. One of the few positives was having my jokes read aloud by someone else which was is a unique way of getting feedback. Unfortunately, it also meant that the instructor sitting on her hands. There was no written feedback at all during the course. I find it very surprising that there was no class evaluation form to be filled out at the end of each session. WHY? I was left shaking my head when "M" once implied that she personally felt that anyone in the group had the potential to write for The Onion. It was dishonest since some students in the class weren't funny at all, and in my opinion, had little prospects for earning a substantial living. Aside from a few students, none had a snowball's chance in hell of ever making it in comedy. It was conducted like a baseball fantasy camp for adults with the promise that most could all someday play for a MLB team. I can't help but wonder if SC teachers are seductive sirens trying to lure gullible people along, through the advanced classes before giving them the hook. IMPORTANT TO NOTE. IF you're a political conservative, I would in the strongest terms urge you NOT to take the class or at least take a Xanax before entering the classroom. You will be overwhelmed by the liberal group-think atmosphere that will be encouraged by the teacher. It was truly disgusting how I was treated including being my material being censored. In short, this class was pitifully underwhelming and I will never take another writing one at Second City, although trying an IPROV class might be worth a shot. Unless you are hysterical, your best bet at getting a job with The Onion is to marry the owner's son or daughter. Otherwise, if you have talent, hold your nose and trudge through the sequence of classes. "M" could have improved the class by simply showing some commitment, being better prepared, enthusiastic and seeking feedback. It appears that she was going through the motions and wished she was somewhere else. Since I have had the benefit of attending (and taught my share) innumerable courses, classes and seminars over my 69 years, and because I'm a nice guy, I would have given "M" no more than a C as an instructor. "M" could have done a lot better if she showed that she cared, was motivated and possessed some enthusiasm. I hope this feed back helps those that would like to avoid such an unpleasant and wasteful experience. read more

I took the stand up class. There was no structure and it is my understanding that each teacher does their own thing. In my case there were no class materials, unclear assignments and really bad instructional design. I also did not learn anything new. I would not recommend this. Save your money read more

The Second City is our daughter happy place. Andrew Scott Thorp is an AMAZING instructor and they have so much fun!!! That's what it's all about for our daughter. Thank you Andrew & Second City!!! read more

I had taken improv classes for over 2 years. In a class called humor doesn't retire I enjoyed this very much. I stopped due to illness. Then of course came the pandemic! I signed up for class again. I paid received a confirmation and a welcome note the morning of the first class. Went in classroom. And knew many of the people from my previous classes. A woman named Connie proceeded to tell me they were an ensemble and basically I was not welcome. The teacher and a person named Lisa I believe is some form of administer expressed they could do nothing about it I could NOT take the class. I have now spoken 20 2 of the members who were very recently part of this so called ensemble. And was told they have tried to do this before and were NOT successful. This was so ridiculous. They had no right to do this and the Second City teacher and staff failed to do the correct thing. I might add this group is NOT A VERY TALENTED GROUP. THIS IS A GROUP OF SENIORS DOING AN EXERCISE TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE AND HAVE A FEW LAUGHS. SHAME ON YOU second City for allowing this to happen and shame onConnie for being so selfish and rude. read more

This is a great place to start, continue, or finalize your comedy training. They specialize in improvisational theater and sketch comedy, but offer a whole host of subjects for the amateur and professional comedic entertainer. read more

The Second City Training Center - Sign up for classes! - Specialty Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I looked online for an improv tester class as a surprise anniversary gift for my boyfriend who has been wanting to try a class out. Oddly enough, in a city where improv is huge, it was quite difficult to find a drop-in class. Most theaters only offered a semester long class, which wasn't what I was looking to do. After some digging around on The Second City website, I found this 'Improv Test Drive' class. For only $20, we got two hours of training with a teacher in a small class setting. Our class size was 13 people and we were the only ones attending that new each other. Everyone else came alone (probably because it's easier to act goofy around strangers!). The class was focused around object work. We improvised/mimed objects in the environment where we acted like the object itself or interacted with our partner who acted as the object. The teacher did a great job building upon improvisational concepts during the class. We started with icebreakers to feel comfortable with each other then eventually moved our way up to a final scene with a partner using only four lines of dialogue surrounding an object we improvised for the audience. It's a great class for people wanting to experience the basics of improv in a classroom setting. https://www.secondcity.com/classes/chicago/improv-test-drive/ read more

The SC Training Center is the bestest of the bestest! I'm currently enrolled in the Improv Express Class and I couldn't be more happier! I have always been a fan of improv and since moving here figured it was a no brainer to learn. Julia DiFerdinando is an amazing teacher! I love improv because there's no script to memorize and you have so much fun. A few things that I love: - They have payment plans for their classes. - Easy on-line registration. - The facility is clean, modern, & well-kept. - There is a 24 hour Starbucks right downstairs & McDonalds right across the street. - Everyone here are really nice and supportive. - When you are a student here you get a student card that gets you discounts at nearby bars & free student admission to the shows. - They have a ton of different classes for everyone. Just try a class and you can use improv for work and life. - Best of all you're working with the best! - There is a parking garage. They do not validate parking for the training center but there is the Sedgwick station a few mins walk away. Street parking may be difficult sometimes. I love The Second City Training Center! read more

Being in Denver and far from Chicago, I am currently taking online classes. This is by far the best training center for comedy. (Tina Fey better be getting some cash from them for her plug in bossypants because I think a lot of people are here because of that ) I have had several online teachers so far. I want to call out a few here. Sketch Writing 1 - Glenn Holy Moley this guy is fantastic. Not only was his feedback super prompt but he took extra time when I had multiple questions. Constantly encouraged more rewrites and would even help with the 2nd drafts. Really appreciated all the extra time. Sketch writing 2 - Rebekah W This lady is a freakin fireball of energy. She will make you think of ideas and concepts you never knew you had in you. Also - it was great to have live chats with her that never felt rushed. The course also gives more background of where comedy originated - very holistic which I liked. Highly recommend RW! Satire 1- Caitlin K Damn Daniel!!! This teacher will make you fall in love with satire. Only to make you angry enough to write the comedy you need to later. I felt pretty behind when I started this course but she really meets everyone where they are at. By the end of the course I even had a piece published online! Take this class. Ok. That's all I have fellow comedy nerds who read this to the end. Now go sign up and write some comedy! read more

I have been studying at the Second City for one year and I was always impressed the knowledge, experience, and care of the team of teachers. Moreover, the quality of production and organization is excellent. Yes, there are some occasional glitches with classes etc but overall the experience of study at Second City is unrivaled and I highly recommend this for anyone wishing to improve public speaking, acting, or just wishing to do something outside the box. read more

I would like to add to my previous review from 4 years ago. After taking classes for 4+ years, it's still the best decision I ever made. Some of the greats found their significant others here. See: Steve Carell. And I would like to say that I met my fiancee here four years ago. I just proposed to her in front of the main stage entrance. So a great comedy education isn't the only thing you can obtain here. You can meet the love of your life. God, that was cheesy! But it had to be said. read more

I completed the 5 part yearlong improv program about 3 years ago. Most of us had little to no previous improv experience and the teachers did a great job of creating a space where people felt safe playing and being silly. My class was very supportive of one another, a sentiment I've heard echoed by others who have taken classes here. In the third level and beyond there is a final performance on the Second City Mainstage! (granted it's in the afternoon and the audience is 90% friends/family, but nonetheless it's the same stage used at one point or another by most of your comedy idols). They also offer programs for kids/teens and specialty classes focused on other areas of improv performance (musical improv, object work). read more

I love Second City's Sunday drop-in classes. You can be a total beginner (most people are), and have a great time. You do NOT have to be a verbal genius, extrovert, artist, college student, theater major, etc. People in the class are all ages, genders, and walks of life. One of the most hilarious participants in my last class was a quiet woman in her seventies. If you are shy, introverted, or serious - TAKE THIS CLASS. The drop-in class has a welcoming, fun, open environment with many other people who are also new. It's a great way to meet people, and let out your inner child. Even if you are an introvert, I guarantee you will come out of your shell. People are supportive, and the "Yes, And..." mentality is the first thing taught. During the class, a teacher leads the group through a lot of entertaining games, most of which are group-focused. I think people's biggest fear is being "singled-out", which doesn't really happen. It's a very positive, supportive environment, and everyone is goofing around the whole time. The games are so outrageous and funny, it's usually impossible to "mess up". The teachers do a good job of highlighting some of the fundamentals of improv, and I always feel like I've learned something. This class should be required programming for all adults who are faced with constant stress and the requirement to "be serious" in the business world. Improv will remind you how to enjoy people, life, and the human condition. Embrace silliness. Be happy. read more

Sam Super is an awesome teacher, mentor, performer, and person. Sherry Flanders is also an extraordinary person, performer, writer, and everything under the sun that is amazing. The training is good and important but not cutting edge like it used to be. Definitely train here but don't expect it to launch your career at all. A lot of people get into the conservatory that I don't understand, and a lot of people don't get into the conservatory and I don't get that either. It's a weird weird system. Don't take it too seriously, just do your thing and keep growing. The culture is mostly good! read more

If you want to give your comedy resume a boost, there is no better place to start than The Second City. From drop-in improv classes to a full-fledged film school, there is no shortage of opportunities for people to laugh at you. read more

The Second City Training Center - Funniest place in town! - Specialty Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm reviewing this entity as a business and, guess, what? Still 5 stars! Their enrollment is friendly and painless, they give you e-mail reminders and plenty of information on the phone AND via the website. Not to mention the classes are top notch. I am embarking on a whole year there and I am excited. The time spent has been SO FUN AND HELPFUL I literally can't wait to go each time. Yay! I think everyone in the world would benefit from some training here! read more

I really enjoyed my Intro to Comedy Writing class, which is the first step in the Introductory Writing Program. When you enter the training center, you feel like the spirits of Second City alumni are with you. You feel like you're part of something much bigger and funnier than yourself. But beware! Second City's Training Center is no Schwab's Drugstore. There's a disclaimer on the training center's FAQ website that says "Enrolling at the Training Center does not guarantee a job at Second City." Plus, if you're looking for fame and fortune, you should have tried your hand at being accepted to the conservatory. I have two beefs with the training center: First, my particular instructor neither gave very constructive feedback in class nor looked over our scripts. We performed them in class instead. My classmates who went onto Writing I said the tuition was higher there because instructors of that course would actually provide suggestions on student scripts. Also, I was sick one week and could not make it to class. I wanted to get my instructor's e-mail address and let him know, but the training center's administration declined to provide me with that information. Ugh. I just wanted to be polite through my mucus stained haze and tell him I would be absent. All in all, I look forward to returning to the Second City Training Center - even if I never ended up on stage. read more

I am currently attending Second city as a student, so i can provide a unique perspective. The training Center is awesome but it does have its ups and downs as all places do. (Note: I can only speak for the Improv Class POV.) The level A&B improv level classes are fun and meant to allow people out of their shells in a supportive environment. It also allows for fundamentals of improv to be built, whether you know it or not. The Students vary widely in age, profession and walks in life. With that being said, Teachers vary in method and energy for the class. This variance helps people become accustom to persons or activities they may have never done or were to shy to do. In these beginning classes you will get the people who are not sure if they want to be there, those whom were given gift cards to try it out, those with Career aspirations in the improv industry as well as a multitude of others. Some of these individuals can make learning "harder", some can "waste your time". this is true for all starting classes, in all fields In my opinion. But as you attend more Improv classes, you will realize there is no harder, nor a waste of time and that each is a different opportunity. My only bad experience at SCTC was: In one of my classes, I had a teacher Whom was not invested in our class. This person missed 26% of our classes for various reasons. Was in my opinion, rude to the students and did not either have the time or the want to invest in our class. Now for a lot of people, they may believe it was an outrage and they demand their money back. However, while this teacher lacked, it created a new bond within our group and made us closer. I have no clue if that was the persons intention but that was the ending result. That teachers substitutes, were amazing teachers, so we actually didn't mind when the original teacher was gone. In the end, it galvanized the group into a budding ensemble. Level C&D&E improv is where the people in A&B that were not vested in the learning or had other life interests/situations have left, usually. You start to develop into finer improv actors, you learn new tricks and different ways to do the things on stage. You hone your skills and become more fluid. At these level classes the tone remains jovial and still completely supportive, You have gained life long friends, You build new life experiences one brick at a time. While along side instructors that wish you to succeed, They are also Bluntly honest with you about how improv works and what are realistic expectations. Also for all three levels you will have a chance to perform in front of friends and family. While you are a student there you have fringe benefits, free/discounted shows on off nights, discount to some local establishments, Free Jam sessions, and discounts on mainstage shows. If you volunteer for SCTC, if chosen you can get 10% off a class price, up to 100%, if you volunteer and are chosen enough times. the amount of time spent at each event varies and can be at odd times. There are normally quite a few options each week to chose from. So the TL;DR SCTC is fricken awesome!!!! GO TRY IT! read more

I took my first class with Second City here last fall. I wanted to begin working on speaking skills in conjunction with Toastmasters. I work downtown and so I was taking public transportation to get there. It wasn't bad but I was going around rush hour so it was kind of a pain. Going home was worse. It was kind of a deserted area where I was catching the bus back to the northside. The class itself was great! The female teacher we had, had been with Second City for awhile, teaching improv. Every week there were different exercises we performed in a group. There were different levels of experience in the group I was in, since I took the Generation X class. All in all, it was good experience, but for me, with a full-time job, I was just got home too late after the class. read more

AGREED. This place has modernized and grown but will never lose it's touch. read more

You get back what you put in. That is, work hard and take it seriously and you will have an amazing experience. Unless your teacher is Tyler Dean Kempf, then it doesn't matter, as he shows up late, phones it in, and dismisses class early nearly every time. read more

Like many others, I became bitten by the comedy bug after reading Tina Fey's Bossypants. I have met several people who were also inspired to come here to learn the art of funny because of her. As a Chicagoan by birth and upbringing, I was humbled to discover that many of my classmates moved to Chicago from across the country JUST to learn from here. The name is nationally as well as internationally renowned. Although I have not been a student at Second City for a long time, I have taken a decent number of classes here already. So far, I have taken: Improv A, Improv B, Intro to Writing for TV and Movies, Writing 1, and Writing 2. I came in thinking I was a writer, not a performer, but as soon as I got here, I realized the REAL fun is in the improv classes! Having ZERO theater/performing experience, the first day of class, I thought to myself, "Why the heck am I here?!" I was paralyzed by stage fright, and there wasn't even a stage--we were just in a normal classroom! It turns out that my classmates are normal nice, non-pretentious people--and everyone else was scared out of their minds too! Although some are aspiring comedians, others are also just people who are bored with their day jobs and looking for a hobby--or outlet from their husbands/wives! :p What makes a really good improv class is the teacher. The teachers bring out the best in you. They absolutely love what they do. They would do it for free if it wasn't for the fact that they have to pay rent! Right now, it's about $330 per 8-week class--with some variation depending on the type of course.. Especially in regards to the improvisational courses--I would pay WAY more. Improv is better than any antidepressant or therapy session I've ever taken/had! I wish I had discovered improv earlier! read more

I have always felt shy performing or speaking in front of others, and I finally got the gut to take the Level A Improv class. The classes are very structured, the teachers experienced at teaching, and students consist of people like me - people with a job who wants to try improv for fun, improv self-confidence, or just to meet others. Most people in Level A did not have prior acting experience. I ended up having a great time and signed up for future classes. You also get discount for surrounding restaurants and free shows as part of the student perks. Although I am far from skilled in improv, I already feel I am more comfortable getting out of my own skin, and that's a huge step for having done only 8 weeks of class. I highly recommend their courses. read more

Unfortunately, I had a really disappointing experience at the training center at the Conservatory level with both my ensemble and my teachers. Without providing specifics, I was completely ostracized by my group and most of the teachers for not sharing the same political beliefs. I was never an instigator, I never brought up politics, nor did I ever voice my opinion when others were blatantly trying to get a reaction out of me, and their actions went fully supported by most of the teachers. One time, I was physically cornered by one of my ensemble mates, a separate time I was called out in class by a teacher who's class I had been decidedly silent in (no one was talking to me at this point), and a separate time, an employee who had nothing to do with my tenure there called me a bad person. My teammates wouldn't put me on the agenda to discuss sketches in class, and they also didn't put me in any of the sketches for our shows. (While I realize they run this like a true theater, the fact is is that it's still a business at that level when you are paying to be there.) Overall, it was a very, very toxic experience. When I brought up my concerns to the heads of the training center and Conservatory, neither took action. Do not be fooled by the bullying signs they have plastered all around; it is neither enforced, and/or it is only applicable in certain situations. read more

Honestly, I'm in Level C and we're playing the exact same games/doing the same exercises we've done since Level A. I had an excellent first level teacher, but the second never gave a word of criticism, which was completely unhelpful, and this third just has us doing the same material we did at the beginning. The alternative teacher on my night is this annoying guy who stops scenes constantly to correct things, which is basically like having someone on the sidelines saying, "no, no, no" when Improv is supposed to be about saying yes. I feel if you really want to learn serious Improv, you should go to ImprovOlympics instead. Second City classes seem to just be fun games for adults, and the instructors vary so widely in curriculum and capability that it's just not worth it, studying here. It's too bad because I thought I'd discovered something very special here. read more

If you want to grow as an actor or just discover more about yourself as a person, Improv is essential. The Second City's instructor's are phenomenal and allow you to learn in a safe environment of support and encouragement. It's more than just learning how to be funny: they teach you to find the truth in any scene/character. This place is transformative and I highly recommend both the Acting and Improv programs. read more

I got lost on the internet and signed up for an improv class. It was a lot of fun and the instructor was really nice (and patient). I'd certainly suggest it to anyone planning on being in the Old Town area for a few hours and needs to kill some time and have a laugh. read more

I studied under their acting program here. It was a very good program. I highly recommend this training center.

Perfect entertainment for locals and out of town guests. The comedy was timely and nonstop. I was in the first row and was nervous the whole show I was going to be used in the show like my wife. Drinks were cheap. A little too much HATERade on republicans but I can deal. read more

The Second City Training Center is awesome! I went through the IFA program, the Conservatory Program, and did a few classes in music improv and writing. But in addition to being a wonderful place to take class, they are constantly offering chances for you to perform in addition to your classwork, which is especially the case during the Conservatory. However, there are many other options for students to perform as well. I did Coached Ensembles, an ensemble you audition for along with improvisers of all levels from the Training Center, and rehearse together for a four week run. Also, on Tuesday nights, Those Who Can't, an ensemble of some of the teaching faculty have a show, and use a student group for their opening act. At the end of their show, both groups converge to improvise together. There are always auditions and other opportunities to get involved on the bulletin boards in the halls. As an improviser I have grown by leaps and bounds thanks to the Training Center. If you are interested in taking a class, I would definitely recommend it. read more