The Second City Training Center - Chicago

🎵 Calling all improv aficionados, diddy singers, and musical geniuses in the making! Auditions for our Musical Improv Conservatory are on Saturday, June 15th.

Elevate your comedic timing, musicality, and show development skills. This program was created for comedians passionate about crafting musical scenes and integrating music into their material. Graduates gain a deeper understanding of musical improv, from gameplay to narrative and written work. Don’t miss your chance to harmonize comedy and music like never before! Register for auditions TODAY!🎭🎶

Victor Wong Cast Spotlight Part 3! One more chance to see this cast on Tuesday, May 28 ✨

Frederic Powers (he/him) is an improviser, voice actor, and content creator from Columbia, South Carolina, where he previously did improv and sketch at the University of South Carolina and with The Mothers at Trustus Theater. Since moving to Chicago five years ago, he’s continued his comedy education and can currently be found performing in Trigger Happy. He also keeps himself involved with a few Actual Play podcasts and D&D streams, including the currently ongoing These Silent Secrets, a Monsterhearts 2 podcast. He’s a huge fan of TTRPGs and fighting games (though he’s not what you’d call “good” at the latter), and he’s on a mission to teach as many people as possible how to play mahjong.

Ateeq Rehman (he/him) is from Chicago, IL (ok fine! He’s from the suburbs but he’d drive into the city a lot!) He made comedy more than just a hobby after the pandemic when bread-making didn’t get a rise out of him. He can be seen weekly, performing improv with Creamboy and Stir Friday Night, sketch with Best of Annoyance Sketch, and will do standup occasionally if everyone asks nicely. He loves feeding his friends lavish meals with no recipes, reading, writing, and watching movies so terrible they are great.

Becca Nix Tham (she/her) is from the Chicago suburb of Palatine but claims to be a true Chicagoan now that she has lived in the city for eight years. She is a proud Asian Jewish comedian, and Becca does it all- stand up, improv, and sketch comedy. She has performed at Laugh Factory, Annoyance Theatre, Lincoln Lodge, Flappers, Zanies, and more. She is a graduate of the iO Improv Program, as one of the first annual DiOversity scholars. Her comedy teams include the Jewish Comedy Project (sketch comedy that will be featured at the Steppenwolf Lookout Series), Club Asia (improv all around Chicago), and Trigger Happy (improv at the Annoyance Theatre). She is represented by Dream Team Chicago.

Bios continued in comments ✏️

Victor Wong Cast Spotlight Part 1! Come see them live every Tuesday in May at 8 pm.

Ian Voltaire Deanes (he/him) was born and raised on Chicago’s south side. An actor who loves Chicago’s rich theatre scene, from Improv and Sketch to Theatre. He currently can be seen performing with Satirical Race Theory at the iO Theater. Selected Previous Credits and Training include: “Kentucky” w/ The Gift Theatre, “Not One Batu” w/ Nothing Without a Company, “Fabulations: Or “The Re-Education of Undine” w/ Pulse Theatre, School At Steppenwolf - Class of 2017, Shout out to ChicagoMMA, Bel Air Martial Arts & Fitness, Taylor Barfield, Aaron Reese Boseman, and the theatre companies mentioned - I love y’all.

Grace Goze (she/her) is a comedian, improviser, and writer who grew up in Crystal Lake, Illinois. She moved to Chicago to obtain her MFA in Screenwriting with a concentration in comedy from DePaul University after earning an undergraduate degree in Creative Writing from Ball State University. Grace does various goofs and gags around the city, including performing with Clued In: The Improvised Murder Mystery (Second City) and Hitch*Cocktails (Annoyance Theater). Off stage, Grace loves to watch so-bad-they’re-good movies, lay by the lake, and visit the American Girl Doll store as if it were a museum.

Robert Kalia Kapaku (he/him) grew up in Beavercreek, Ohio, and has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering that he absolutely never uses. Robert has studied and performed with improvisation groups such as Breakfast Anytime!, Malarkey Comedy, and ComedySportz throughout the U.S. He performs regularly as a member of ComedySportz Chicago in their Friday and Saturday shows located at iO Theater. When not doing improv, Robert loves to travel the world, hike multi-day treks, visit ‘ohana in Hawai’i, and pet every dog or cat he meets.

[pt. 2] This year’s Victor Wong Fellowship Showcase “Youth in Asia (Are You Proud of Me Yet?)” features an incredibly-talented 10 person cast waiting to impress you (and parents everywhere) on the stage at 8 PM every Tuesday night in May. Stayed tuned right here in the coming weeks to learn more about each of our fellows!

Tickets at the link in our bio.

The 2024 Victor Wong Fellows:
Ian Voltaire Deanes
Grace Goze
Robert Kalia Kapaku
Devin Jeong-Wright
Johanna Medrano
Esther Oh
Brian Park
Frederic Powers
Ateeq Rehman
Becca Nix Tham

Director: Evan Mills
Asst. Director: Sophia Rafiqi
Program Leader: Jonald Reyes

[pt 1 ]This year’s Victor Wong Fellowship Showcase “Youth in Asia (Are You Proud of Me Yet?)” features an incredibly-talented 10 person cast waiting to impress you (and parents everywhere) on the stage at 8 PM every Tuesday night in May. Stayed tuned right here in the coming weeks to learn more about each of our fellows!

Tickets at the link in our bio.

The 2024 Victor Wong Fellows:
Ian Voltaire Deanes
Grace Goze
Robert Kalia Kapaku
Devin Jeong-Wright
Johanna Medrano
Esther Oh
Brian Park
Frederic Powers
Ateeq Rehman
Becca Nix Tham

Director: Evan Mills
Asst. Director: Sophia Rafiqi
Program Leader: Jonald Reyes

Come see the 2024 Victor Wong Showcase preview - "Youth in Asia (Are You Proud of Me Yet?) on May 2 at 8 PM! Tickets are on sale now for all shows every Tuesday in May.

The 2024 Victor Wong Fellows, selected for their exceptional talent and unique voices, are:

Ian Voltaire Deanes
Grace Goze
Robert Kalia Kapaku
Devin Jeong-Wright
Johanna Medrano
Esther Oh
Brian Park
Frederic Powers
Ateeq Rehman
Becca Nix Tham

Director: Evan Mills
Assistant Director: Sophia Rafiqi
Production Manager: Renee Hansel
Music Director: Maya Tanaka Allwardt
Program Leader: Jonald Reyes

Congratulations to our newest Musical Conservatory graduates! 🎓 Help us celebrate the performers of "Help, I've Fallen and I Can't Grow Up" as they put on their final graduation show tonight!🥳
 
Over the past year these talented students have worked incredibly hard to master the art of musical improv and game play. The end result is a show that will leave you laughing AND singing along! We could not be prouder of all their hard work. Join us in celebrating their big achievement! Three cheers for these hilarious graduates! 🤩👏
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The world’s funniest study abroad is starting soon! The Comedy Studies program is a highly specialized study abroad program right in the heart of Chicago. This program is created and taught by comedy experts at The Second City Training Center, with college credit provided by Columbia College Chicago. Our alum list is full of legends and some of the best up and coming comedians to date! (Peep Vultures 25 Comedians You Should Know 👀)
This program is a comedy nerds dream come true! Studies include comedic theory, improv, stand-up, acting, physical comedy, and so much more! It’s perfect for the performer, the writer, and anyone with a comedy obsession.
Check out the link in our bio to learn more and apply TODAY! Submission close October 31st.

Calling all Term 6 students! Orientation is Sunday October 29th at 11am in the UP Theater. Get ready to dive headfirst into a world of endless laughter, creativity, and student perks!
🌟 Here's a sneak peek of what awaits you:
🎟️ Raffles, Specialty Events, and Grad R***e Shows - Get ready for exciting events and exclusive access!
PLUS, Enjoy discounts at nearby businesses:
🍕 35% OFF at Roots Pizza - Satisfy your cravings with mouthwatering pizza delights!
🌮 35% OFF at Utopian Tailgate - Indulge in a fusion of flavors for a delightful dining experience!
🍦 25% OFF at Jeni's Ice Cream - Stop in for a sweet treat!
🍔 15% OFF at Corcoran's Bar & Grill - A Second City Tradition, enjoy uproarious post-class and post show get togethers with your classmates!
🎭 15% OFF at Second City Professional Stages - Enjoy world-class comedy performances with a student discount!*
Don't miss this chance to connect, learn, and enjoy amazing perks designed just for you. Visit our Student Perks page for specifics and get ready for a comedy-filled adventure! See you there! 🤩🎉
Not registered? No worries! There is still time for you to register for Term 6 and take advantage of all these awesome perks. Check the link in our bio and find your next class TODAY!
*Terms and conditions apply. Check our website for details.
🎓🤝

May I have your detention, please?? Will the real class clowns please stand up? 😂

Term 6 starts Monday, so get ready to join the thousands who've gone from class clown to comedy legend!🌟 At Second City, there's nowhere better to step up your funny game and master the art of comedy than our Training Center.

So what are you waiting for? Take Improv, Acting, or Late Night Writing. SIGN UP TODAY! Find your next big class at secondcity.com.

🎉 Dive into Something New this Year! Term 6 Comedy Classes Starting Oct 30th! 🌟
Beat the winter blues this year and hop into some fun at The Second City! From Improv, to Writing, to Acting: embrace creativity, laughter, and warmth this season. Don't miss out, classes are filling up fast! Sign up today. 🎭📝🎬

🎉TERM 6 CLASSES ARE NOW OPEN FOR SIGN-UPS!🎉
Attention Second Citizens! Term 6 Starts October 30th and signups are officially live! Every term, we curate an incredible lineup of classes to help you become a comedy master! 🤣✨ We've got:

🎭 Improv (Levels 1-5):
Explore spontaneity and quick thinking through hilarious scenes and games, mastering the art of "Yes, And" along the way!

📝 Writing (Levels 1-6):
Learn to craft hilarious comedy sketches and master timing, characters, status, and satire.

🎬 Acting Techniques for Comedians:
Infuse authenticity and emotion into your characters, elevating your performances from funny to unforgettable!

And much, much more! Check out our website for full details on classes. So grab a friend and sign up today!

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! 📰 Vulture just dropped their 25 Comedians You Should and Will Know. And we couldn’t agree more! After polling over a hundred industry insiders, these comedy aficionados selected the funniest and most binge-able comedians of 2023.

The best part? Not one, not two, but THREE of the 25 comedians listed are Second City Alum! Help us celebrate Rachel Kaly .kaly (Comedy Studies, 2015 ), Asha Ward (Comedy Studies, 2020), and Sophie Zucker (Comedy Studies, 2013) on this massive achievement. We couldn’t be more proud of them. These young comedians are some of the best and brightest in the scene! We can't wait to see what they do next. 👏🥳

Check the link in our bio to read about their journey and to learn more about the Comedy Studies Program.

🎓🌟 Hats off to our talented Conservatory graduates! Last night, they took their final bow as students with three fantastic shows: 'It's My Party & I can Die if I Want To,' 'It's My Way or The My Way,' and 'Video Killed Schrodinger's Cat.' 🎭🤩
These incredible performers have completed their improv journey with us, and we couldn't be more proud. Join us in celebrating their hard work, creativity, and dedication. 🎉👏
We're proud of you, graduates! Your future in comedy looks bright. 🌟🤣

The Second City Training Center is proud to announce the return of The Bob Curry Fellowship! The Second City is holding auditions for BIPOC pianists to join the fellowship as Music Director Fellows. This tuition-free, one-of-a-kind training program is taught by The Second City’s top instructors and culminates in an original sketch comedy production. The program begins in mid-October 2023, with the final show in February 2024.

Music Director Fellows will be part of the ensemble, where they will receive additional instruction in comedic concepts. Along with co-creating the musical components of the show, fellows will learn a variety of skills necessary to become a Music Directors at The Second City.

Successful candidates will be great pianists, or keyboardists with other unique and demonstrable live music and technical skills.

AUDITION INFORMATION:
Auditioners will be asked to play three contrasting pieces of music on the piano and prompted through improvised theatrical underscoring.
Submissions should be emailed to Amanda Murphy at [email protected].

For more information and submission guidelines visit the link in our bio!

Congratulations to our graduates!! After all their hard work, their Monday night zoom show is live!
 
You won't want to miss the hilarity and heartfelt comedy of our newest up and coming talent. Zoom comedy is a beautiful feat that these brave, brilliant improvisers have come together to achieve! Help us celebrate them by seeing their show! 🥳

🎉Brace yourselves for a side-splitting Open House Party on Saturday, September 16th, 10am-2pm. We're ushering in the funniest term yet!

Did we mention it's a party?! 🥳 Bring your funniest friend, your bestest sidekick, or even your silly little crush for extra special deals! Discover all the incredible rewards that come with being a student at Second City! Our Open House will be jam-packed with fun perks like free food, Film School screenings, an improv Jam, and so much more!

BUT WAIT - that's not all! If your referred friend signs up for a level one class at our Open House extravaganza, both of you will get a $50 DISCOUNT on your next class.* Save the date. Better yet, SAVE MONEY! Jumpstart your comedy journey with us! Sign up TODAY!
Refer a Friend Terms & Conditions: $50 off referrals are only valid under the following terms and conditions: Referral party size cannot exceed two customers. Both students must be in-person to apply discount. At least one of the two registering parties must enroll in a Level 1 course. $50 discounts can only be applied to the following core programs: Improv (levels 1-5), Improv for Anxiety (levels 1-5), Writing (levels 1-4), Stand-Up (levels 1-2), Acting (levels 1-3). $50 discount cannot be applied to specialty courses, programs that require prerequisites, programs that require auditions for admittance, virtual, or on-demand classes. Referrals are only valid for Term 6 2023. Referrals can only be applied by a Student Success Manager or a CSR during the Open House event (Saturday, September 16th 10am-2pm). Limit one $50 discount per student.

📚🎙️ Join us for an evening with Keegan-Michael Key and Elle Key, interviewed by VP of Second City, Kelly Leonard!

This unforgettable event highlights the Key’s uproarious new book "The History of Sketch Comedy: A Journey through the Art and Craft of Humor". The book and event feature a delightful journey through the evolution of sketch comedy, stories of comedic legends, and insights into the creative process behind crafting some of comedy’s most beloved masterpieces. (Here’s lookin at you, Key, Peele, & everything either of you have written 🥳).

Plus, we’re recording the entire event as a live episode of Kelly Leonard’s podcast, “Getting to Yes, And”! So join us for a masterclass in humor alongside the Keys & Kelly, and stick around for the book signing 📖 Get your tickets now!

Second City is proud to partner with the Chicago Humanities Fall Festival to put on this event at the Francis W. Parker School on Thursday, Oct 5, 2023 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm CT. Link in bio.

📞 Ring, ring, Second Citizens! Last call to sign up for comedy classes is TODAY! Classes start 8/28. The next step in your comedy adventure awaits. 🎭🎉

Today’s the day to dive into the world of improv, sketch, and comedy. Whether you're aiming to team up & conquer the stage in improv, pen funny sketches in Writing, or deliver side-splitting standup routines, our classes are your ticket to comedic greatness.

And, like any good mattress store having a blowout sale, WAIT! THERE’S MORE!! In our classes you can hone your acting chops, discover the magic of musical improv, and and explore your creativity like never before!

🎭 Don't let this go to voicemail (if that’s even still a thing)🎤🎉 Sign up today and get ready to unleash your inner comedian! 🌟🎉

Ready to Level Up Your Comedy Skills? 🎉 Join Us for Term 5 Comedy Classes!

Game on, comedy fans! 🎮🌟 It's time to up your funny game with our Term 5 comedy classes, starting August 28th. 📚 Whether you're a seasoned improviser or a rookie in the laughter league, we've got the perfect class to match your comedic prowess.

🤣 Dive into the world of Improv, where you can learn to bring out your quick wit with teamwork!
🎭 Master the art of Writing to craft punchlines that hit like a foosball slam, BONK! ⚽
& for those who thrive in the spotlight, our Standup class is your ultimate training ground.

Additional class offerings include everything from exploring the intricacies of public speaking to creating hilarious storytelling masterpieces, from discovering the magic of acting to unleashing your musical improv groove, we've got classes that'll have you laughing all the way to graduation.

⏳ With only 7 days left until the term starts, secure your spot now and be the comedic superstar you were born to be! 🎤🚀 Don't miss out on the chance to unleash your comedy prowess and take your funny game to a whole new level. Sign up today and get ready to have some fun! 🌟🏆

Our Improv 1 students dressed up as their teacher, David Montgomery! 🤣🤓 (Pictured here, left, right, second from left, and everywhere else). What a way to end a class!

We’re always proud to see a class come together like this! It really goes to show the lasting bonds we all make here.

Don’t forget! Term 5 starts 8/28 so sign up for classes!

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Unleash Your Inner Comedian 🤣✏️🎭 Term 5 Comedy Classes Begin on 8/28!

Ever heard this from friends and family? "You should do comedy!🤣”Well, guess what? They're onto something! 🎤🌟 This is your sign to dive headfirst into the world of laughter and creativity.

📚 Signups for our Term 5 comedy classes are in full swing, and spots are disappearing faster than punchlines at open mics! Whether you're craving the fast-paced antics of Improv, the wit-sharpening power of Writing, or the spotlight thrill of Standup, we've got the perfect class for you.

We have a wide range of classes! Weve got you covered, whether you want to:

- conquer the stage with public speaking,
- craft captivating stories in our storytelling sessions

- acting.

- discover the magic of musical improv,
- or even learn the secrets of writing for TV and film!

We've curated a lineup that's a comedy lover's dream.

⏰ Hurry, you've got just 11 days left to secure your spot and set the stage for an unforgettable Term 5 adventure. Let's turn those "shoulds" into "absolutely wills"! 🎉🚀 Sign up now and be the comedy superstar you were always meant to be. 🌟🎤

We were so proud to hold a special workshop hosted by alum David Razowsky yesterday!

David’s three-hour workshop focused on establishing emotional connections, points of view, and beat changes.

What a great opportunity to work with one of the best teachers and actors on the improv stage today.

Congratulations to THREE DIFFERENT CASTS on their final graduation shows tonight!🥳

Completing the Conservatory Program at Second City is no small feat, and an actual show run to cap it off is the proverbial icing on your training center experience cake!

Students can see these shows for free during their regular run before graduation night. Rush tickets are available at box office. Be sure to congratulate these grads when you see them around the building!

It's time to make summer 2023 one to remember! ✨

Fun and creative camp choice for the kids? We got it! 🤩
Improv, stand-up, or writing classes designed to help you hone your own hilarious skills? We got you there too! ⭐

Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the scene, you'll make unforgettable memories with us this summer! 🤗

https://www.secondcity.com

Extra! Extra! 🗞️
Comedy Studies Program Deadline Extended! 🎉
You now have till the end of April!

Program Requirements:
-Are currently enrolled or have recently graduated- at the undergraduate level in a college or university
-Have, or will have, reached a minimum of junior-level standing- or have successfully completed a minimum of 60 credit hours- by the time the program begins
-Demonstrate training and/or accomplishment in performance, comic writing and improvisation.

Not sure you meet the requirements?
Reach out to [email protected]

TERM 3 CLASSES NOW OPEN 🙌

What's your best real-life bit? 👀
From improv, to stand-up, to writing for late night television - we have a ton of classes to help you level up your bit game...but hurry...spots go fast.💨

Check out all options via the link below!
https://www.secondcity.com/courses/chicago/adult/

A movie starring iconic Second City Alumni, in our iconic city, in one of the most iconic movie theaters in the country?!

“Yes, and” how many friends can I bring?

Show your student ID for a discount at the door and complete your:

“Mission from god.” 🙌🎶🎵

Did you miss last nights packed performance?!

These graduate shows are fantastic ways to see rising talent at Second City. You have two more chances to see these groups!

Student here?! Rush tickets are free with your student I.D…while there are tickets left 🥳