What Second City Training Center offers
Second City Training Center is the school operated by The Second City, the comedy organization based in Chicago. It teaches improv, sketch comedy, and stand-up through classes, workshops, and performance opportunities. The school is separate from the theater itself — you take classes at the training center, and some students later perform on the theater's stages.
The training center runs multiple locations: the main one in Chicago, plus satellite locations in other cities including Los Angeles, Toronto, and Las Vegas. Each location offers its own schedule and class levels. Classes range from absolute beginner to advanced, and you can take single workshops or enroll in longer programs that meet weekly over several weeks.
The school does not require auditions to start. You sign up for a class at your level, show up, and begin learning. Some advanced classes or performance tracks do have prerequisites — usually that you complete earlier levels first — but entry-level classes accept anyone.
Key Takeaways
- Second City Training Center offers classes in improv, sketch, and stand-up at multiple locations, with no audition required to enroll in beginner classes.
- Classes are organized by level, from absolute beginner through advanced, and you can take single workshops or multi-week programs depending on your schedule and goals.
- The training center is run by The Second City organization but operates separately from the performance theaters, though some students advance to perform there.
- Costs vary by location, class length, and level, so you will need to check the specific training center near you for current pricing and schedules.
- Most classes meet once per week for a set number of weeks, though some intensive workshops run for shorter periods or as single sessions.
How classes are structured by level
Beginner classes assume you have never done improv before. They teach the foundational rules — "yes, and," listening, character work, and basic scene structure. You spend most of the class doing exercises and short scenes with other students. By the end of a beginner session, you will have performed short improv scenes in front of the class.
Intermediate classes build on those skills. You work on longer scenes, multiple characters, and how to build a full improv set. You also start learning sketch comedy structure — how to write and perform a sketch with a beginning, middle, and end. These classes assume you have taken at least one beginner class or have equivalent experience.
Advanced classes focus on performance-ready material. You may work on a specific show format, develop characters for a sketch team, or prepare material for a performance. Some advanced tracks lead directly to performing at Second City theaters or in student showcases.
What happens during a typical class
A class usually runs 90 minutes to two hours. The instructor starts with warm-up games — these are improv exercises that get everyone loose and thinking fast. These games teach specific skills: one game might focus on listening, another on character, another on building a scene together.
After warm-ups, you move into longer scenes or sketches. In beginner classes, the instructor often stops scenes to point out what worked or what to try differently. In advanced classes, you may run through a scene multiple times with feedback, or perform it in front of the group as if it were a real show.
Most classes end with a performance or showcase moment — even if it is just the class performing for each other. This normalizes performing and gives you when ready feedback on what lands with an audience.
Class schedules and session lengths
Most Second City Training Center classes meet once per week for four to eight weeks. A typical beginner session might be four weeks, while an intermediate or advanced program might run six to eight weeks. Some locations offer rolling enrollment, meaning you can start a class at certain points during the year rather than only at set dates.
The training center also offers intensive workshops — single-day or weekend classes that cover one specific topic, like character work or sketch writing. These are useful if you want to try improv without committing to a multi-week program, or if you want to focus on one skill.
Schedules vary significantly by location. The Chicago training center has the most options and class times. Satellite locations may have fewer class times per week, so check the specific location's website to see what fits your schedule.
Cost and what is included
Class costs vary by location, level, and session length. A four-week beginner class in one city might cost a different amount than the same class in another city. Single workshops typically cost less than multi-week programs. You will need to check the training center location nearest you for current pricing.
What you pay for is instruction and access to the classroom. You do not need to buy materials — the instructor provides all scripts, exercises, and handouts. You do not need special clothing or equipment. Bring yourself and a willingness to look silly in front of other people.
Some training centers offer discounts for enrolling in multiple classes or for paying upfront for a full session. A few offer scholarships or sliding-scale pricing, though availability varies by location. Contact the training center directly to ask about financial options.
How to find and enroll in a class
Go to the Second City Training Center website and select your location. Each location has its own class schedule and enrollment system. You will see the class level, the instructor's name, the meeting times, and the cost. Most locations let you enroll online and pay by credit card.
Before enrolling, read the class description carefully. It will tell you whether the class is for absolute beginners or requires prior experience. If you are unsure whether a class is right for you, contact the training center directly — instructors and staff can recommend a starting point based on your experience.
Once you enroll, you will receive information about where to go, what to bring (usually just yourself), and what to expect on the first day. Show up a few minutes early so you can find the room and meet the instructor.
What to expect on your first day
The first class is usually the most nerve-wracking, but instructors expect this. Everyone in a beginner class is new to improv. The instructor will explain what improv is, why the basic rules matter, and what you will learn over the session. You will not be forced to perform anything difficult on day one.
You will do warm-up games with the group. These feel like party games — they are designed to be fun and to get you comfortable with the other students. You will probably laugh, and you will probably feel less nervous by the end of the warm-ups.
By the end of the first class, you will have done a few short improv scenes, usually in pairs or small groups. You will not be performing in front of a big audience. You will have a sense of what improv actually feels like, and the instructor will have answered any questions you have about the rest of the session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need improv experience to take a beginner class?
No. Beginner classes are designed for people who have never done improv before. The instructor teaches everything from the ground up. If you have done improv elsewhere, you might find a beginner class too basic and could start at intermediate instead.
What if I am nervous about performing in front of people?
Most students feel nervous at first. Improv classes are designed to build confidence gradually. You start with games and exercises in small groups, not performing for a large audience. By the end of a session, performing feels normal because you have done it dozens of times in a safe environment.
Can I take classes at different Second City locations?
Yes, if you move or travel. Each location has its own enrollment system and schedule. If you are moving to a new city, you can enroll in classes at the new location. Credits or progress from one location may not transfer, so ask the new location about their policies.
What happens after I finish a beginner class?
You can move on to intermediate classes, take another beginner class to deepen your skills, or try a different workshop. Some students perform in student showcases or open mics. Some continue taking classes for years as a hobby. There is no pressure to perform professionally or to advance to the next level.
Do I need to audition to perform at a Second City theater?
Not necessarily. Some students advance through the training center's performance tracks and perform in student showcases or on theater stages. Other students perform in outside venues or never perform publicly. The training center focuses on teaching improv; performing at a Second City theater is one possible path, not a requirement.