Kids & Teens Improv Classes Chicago

Chill Comedy Class (Ages 12-14)

Chill Comedy Class offers a calm, easy-going environment where students can explore improvisation and comedy at their own pace. We believe you are the expert in your own comfort, and we encourage you to let us know what you need to enjoy the improv experience in a way that feels right for you. Bring along your fidgets, headphones, blankets, cozy chairs—whatever helps you stay CHILL while discovering fun, creative ways to play improv comedy games.

This is a judgment-free zone where all types of learners are welcome. If you’re looking for a space that honors your boundaries, supports your comfort, and encourages creativity, this could be the perfect fit.

This class might be right for you if:

· You want to try improv comedy without the pressure to perform.

· You connect with others but find sensory needs can make loud spaces overwhelming.

· You’re looking for a safe, supportive environment with tips and ideas from the instructor.

· You benefit from strategies like visual schedules, demonstrations, timers, or more processing time.

· You want a space where your boundaries are respected, whether it’s avoiding certain topics or skipping handshakes.

· You believe in the platinum rule: treat others the way they want to be treated.

· You want a chill, creative space with fellow chill humans.

About the instructor:

Catrina Hughes, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a skilled speech-language pathologist and Second City Chicago faculty member, known for her dedication to empowering youth and adults in navigating social interactions with confidence and joy. With specialized training in neurodiversity-affirming practices and sensory accommodations, Catrina brings a unique and compassionate approach to teaching improv.

With over 15 years of experience in both public schools and private therapy settings, Catrina has supported youth and adults in accessing education and building social connections. Her improv classes focus on fostering student autonomy, creating a comfortable environment, and encouraging playful peer connections.

Catrina has been teaching improv for more than 5 years and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, alongside her license as an SLP in Illinois. She earned her Master’s in Communication Sciences & Disorders.

Teen Ensemble (Ages 14-18)

The Teen Ensemble is for students ages 14-18 who have improv and/or acting experience and want to develop and perform in an original show with an ensemble. This class gives you the full experience of developing a Second City revue. Students will experience the thrills and frustrations that come from creating something from nothing. It is a great experience that teaches many life lessons. Students will walk away having accomplished something that not many people have done.

This is the highest-level performance class for youth and teens so students will build on skills they have already learned. There is still opportunity to learn new things depending on the individual student’s background. For example, if a student has a background in improv they will learn more about acting or music. There are also many life lessons to be learned about working closely with other people and performing in front of a crowd.

This class involves creating an approximately twenty-five minute long original Second City-style revue. You will work within an ensemble, you will create songs with a Musical Director, and you will develop scenes and play performance-level improv games. You will also perform your original revue in a Training Center theater.

No audition is required but students must have at least two terms of classes or 2 summer camps with the Second City or equivalent experience. Please use this form to submit your interest.

Please note these performances happen outside of class time

Youth Ensemble (Ages 11-13)

The Youth Ensemble is for students ages 11-13 who have improv and/or acting experience and want to develop and perform in an original show with an ensemble. This class gives you the full experience of developing a Second City revue. Students will experience the thrills and frustrations that come from creating something from nothing. It is a great experience that teaches many life lessons. Students will walk away having accomplished something that not many people have done.

This is the highest-level performance class for youth and teens so students will build on skills they have already learned. There is still opportunity to learn new things depending on the individual student?s background. For example, if a student has a background in improv they will learn more about acting or music. There are also many life lessons to be learned about working closely with other people and performing in front of a crowd.

This class involves creating an approximately twenty-five minute long original Second City-style revue. You will work within an ensemble, you will create songs with a Musical Director, and you will develop scenes and play performance-level improv games.

No audition is required but students must have at least two terms of classes or 2 summer camps with the Second City or equivalent experience. Please use this form to submit your interest.

Please note these performances happen outside of class time.

Improv (Ages 14-18)

Improv for ages 14-18 is for kids who want an introduction to improvisation. This class uses the tenets of improv like agreement, listening, and emotions to teach kids basic life skills. It gets them out of their heads and active while showing them new ways they can work with and learn from others. Students meet kids from other schools and neighborhoods and form lasting friendships. This class provides an opportunity to create improv and work with kids in activities that are not sports related.

This class teaches the building blocks of basic improv and introduces kids to the fundamental aspects of stage craft. The games and exercises develop emotional intelligence. The focus here is put on physical expression as well as verbal communication. The kids will learn how to work on a big project and have fun with others.

Students will be led through some basic improv exercises and games. These are meant to be fun and focus on communication and teamwork. Kids will work on being a good ensemble member as well as developing their individual skills in a low-pressure environment. There are some aspects of performing involved, but students are not asked to perform on stage.

This course is intended for students in high school, grades 9-12.

On the last day of class, the final 15-20 minutes of class time feature an in-class presentation by students that parents/guardians are welcome to attend. These are in-classroom and not a ticketed event, so space is very limited. Dates and times subject to change.

Improv (Ages 11-13)

Improv for ages 11-13 is for kids who want an introduction to improvisation. This class uses the tenets of improv like agreement, listening, and emotions to teach kids basic life skills. It gets them out of their heads and active while showing them new ways they can work with and learn from others. Students meet kids from other schools and neighborhoods and form lasting friendships. This class provides an opportunity to create improv and work with kids in activities that are not sports related.

This class teaches the building blocks of basic improv and introduces kids to the fundamental aspects of stage craft. The games and exercises develop emotional intelligence. The focus here is put on physical expression as well as verbal communication. The kids will learn how to work on a big project and have fun with others.

Students will be led through some basic improv exercises and games. These are meant to be fun and focus on communication and teamwork. Kids will work on being a good ensemble member as well as developing their individual skills in a low-pressure environment. There are some aspects of performing involved, but students are not asked to perform on stage.

This course is intended for students in middle school, grades 6-8.

On the last day of class, the final 15-20 minutes of class time feature an in-class presentation by students that parents/guardians are welcome to attend. These are in-classroom and not a ticketed event, so space is very limited. Dates and times subject to change.

Improv (Ages 7-10)

Improv for ages 7 – 10 is for kids who want an introduction to improvisation. This class uses the tenets of improv like agreement, listening, and emotions to teach kids basic life skills. It gets them out of their heads and active while showing them new ways they can work with and learn from others. Students meet kids from other schools and neighborhoods and from lasting friendships. This class provides an opportunity to create improv and work with kids in activities that are not sports related.

This class teaches the building blocks of basic improv and introduces kids to the fundamental aspects of stage craft. The games and exercises develop emotional intelligence. The focus here is put on physical expression as well as verbal communication. The kids will learn how to work on a big project and have fun with others.

Students will be led through some basic improv exercises and games. These are meant to be fun and focus on communication and teamwork. Kids will work on being a good ensemble member as well as developing their individual skills in a low-pressure environment. There are some aspects of performing involved, but students are not asked to perform on stage.

This course is intended for students in elementary school, grades 2-5.

On the last day of class, the final 15-20 minutes of class time feature an in-class presentation by students that parents/guardians are welcome to attend. These are in-classroom and not a ticketed event, so space is very limited. Dates and times subject to change.

Discover Improv For Kids & Teens

Kid’s Improv Classes

Chill Comedy Class (Ages 12-14)

Teen Ensemble (Ages 14-18)

Youth Ensemble (Ages 11-13)

Improv (Ages 14-18)

Improv (Ages 11-13)

Improv (Ages 7-10)

Follow us on Social

About Us

Resources

Legal