The Second City Training Center

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!

A year ago I was reading the sky magazine and saw the ad for Second City classes. I thought I should look into that. Fast forward to Jan 2015, I google second city stand up classes. The prerequisite is Improv A & B. And I see they offer it for seniors over 55 years old. I think hey that one is calling my name. I try to register and it is filled. I’m antsy now. There are lots of other classes offered… what’s a senior to do. So I sign up for Improv level A. OMG I have met the most wonderful, interesting, funny people. I go on to level B. A few new students, more fun. I go on to level C. Then I try out for Coached Ensembles! I am selected to do a four week run with ALL women. «Let Me Explain». My second show 20 family and friends come out to support me. So far out of my box now. I have bad a blast. I just finished level D. And I plan to sign up for level E. This has been a really great year!

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 fiancée 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.

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.

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.

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.

So far, nothing but a great experience. I was hesitant at first to take classes here, never having done anything even remotely resembling theater or acting, but I’m glad I finally took the classes. I have taken improv, writing, and acting classes here, and I’ve gained valuable insights and experience in each class I have taken. The instructors are always helpful, and they have a lot of out of class extras that can help you along the way, such as drop in classes and workshops. The students are very diverse, and it isn’t a bunch of twenty year old theater majors looking for their «break,» as I had feared. The students are from all walks of life and all ages, genders, ethnic groups, and races. You won’t feel left out. I’ve also met a lot of great people who have made the experience even better. If you can, take classes here. It’s worth it.

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.

A watershed experience! Breathed new life into me! Improv/​Sketch writing … amazing!!!

Had a blast when I did both a drop-​in and immersion class. Wish I would have graduated when I lived there. Even if you aren’t the funniest person (like me), you can still learn a lot.

I’ve been taking classes at The Second City Training Center since late June of this year. It’s been a great experience so far. My teachers have been good and my classmates are nice and friendly people. I’ve learned some interesting and useful things as well.

I took the A through E beginners improvisation courses and then went through their improvisation conservatory. If you’re interested in learning improvisation for whatever reason I highly recommend this institution. My three favorite teachers were Michael Gellman, Tim O’Malley, and Nick John.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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).

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!

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!