Recommended pre-requisite: Improv 4 or equivalent experience
ALL CLASSES
•improv
Learn Improv From The Pros
Why Take Improv?
Improv classes aren’t just for aspiring comedians. Whether you’re perfecting your stand-up or improving your public speaking the benefits of improv can apply to anyone. The Second City offers a variety of improv classes from Improv for Actors to Improv Drop in classes for newbies, there’s a class for everyone.
Take an Why Take Improv? Class
Improv 1
Improv 1 introduces students to the fundamental concept of “Yes, And” in improvisation. Through group exercises and games, students will explore impulse & spontaneity, listening, being present in the moment, taking risks, finding agreement (making & accepting offers) and other basic building blocks of improvisation, all in a supportive environment that embraces the idea of trusting yourself and failing joyfully.
Improv 2
Improv 2 introduces students to the skills needed for character work, an element essential to dynamic improvised scenes. Students will explore creating characters through internal motivations like point of view, status, wants & intentions – as well as external ones like physicality and relationships to other characters. They will learn how to make choices in scenes that help define their character and clearly establish the “who”.
Improv 3
Improv 3 takes the character work from Improv 2 and places it in the context of other key elements of dynamic scenes: who/what/where, beginnings & middles, platforms, setting, intro to tilts/routine breaking, and heightening.
Improv 4
Improv 4 broadens the focus to include the audience in the experience. Where Improv 3 sets the table with the elements of basic scene structure, Improv 4 deepens this work – adding an emphasis on stakes, resolutions and clear scenic objectives for games. Incorporating audience suggestions and playing with an awareness of the audience are key elements of this level.
Improv 5
In this performance-oriented level, students will be introduced to hosting skills, game set-ups and techniques for more effectively integrating the audience into their shows. With a focus on advanced games & handles, this level will provide students with a strong basis for performing short form improvisation that marries substance & style, all in bite-size packages.
The Improv Assembly with Mick Napier
What if you could pick the brain of one of improv’s greatest directors? Now’s your chance! Mick Napier, Artistic Director of The Annoyance Theatre and author of multiple essential improv books, leads this unique, interactive “Improv Assembly.” Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, this workshop offers an open forum to ask Mick any improv-related question. Want to know how to find the game faster? Or how to fully develop your characters? Mick will answer all your burning questions on the spot—with live demonstrations using volunteers from the audience!
Get ready for a high-energy, no-holds-barred session where you’ll walk away with insights you won’t find anywhere else. This is improv at its most raw and real—don’t miss it!
About Mick Napier: Founder and visionary behind the acclaimed Annoyance Theatre, Mick Napier is known both nationally and internationally as an innovator and creative force in comedy, improvisation, and theater. His belief in the element of risk-taking that is at the core of improvisation influences his work and his direction, inspiring genuine creativity in any project with which he is involved.
With the Annoyance, Mick has spent more than 20 years developing and cultivating a style of work and production that has been both acclaimed and imitated. As a Director and Artistic Consultant for the internationally renowned Second City he made his mark having directed more than 10 revues there, including the 40th and 50th Anniversary revues, and Paradigm Lost, which earned him a Joseph Jefferson Award for direction. Mick has also directed such high-profile actors and writers as Martin Short (Martin Short & Friends), Jeff Garlin (I want Someone to Eat Cheese With), and David & Amy Sedaris in their Obie Award Winning hit One Woman Shoe.
In film, Mick directed and edited Annoyance Productions’ first feature film Fatty Drives the Bus, which was released by Troma Pictures in November 1999. For television, he was
writer/performance director for the Cable Ace nominated Exit 57, which aired on Comedy Central for two seasons, Creative Producer on the nationally syndicated sketch TV show The Sports Bar, and for HBO/Comedy Central, he directed the live pilot: T.B.A. His original animations have appeared on the cable programs Tame Show, and R-Rated, as well as in the Chicago Comedy Film Festival.
In addition at The Annoyance, Mick has directed over 20 original productions. Notable ones include Coed Prison Sluts, the longest running musical in Chicago, Splatter Theater, an annual Halloween blood bath, The Tragedy of Balloon Boy, That Darn Antichrist, and more recently The Boy Scout Musical and Swear Jar.
As an Actor, Mick has appeared in the films Ice Harvest and Let’s Go to Prison, Watch, and Talent, and on television as a talent judge in the Canadian reality show Second to None, and in Shrink, a SeeSo television series. The documentary Second to None chronicles Mick’s process of directing a show for The Second City.
Mick’s first book, “Improvise. Scene from the Inside Out” (Heinemann, 2004) reached its 10th printing, and is widely regarded as a seminal work on the subject of Improvisation. It was re-issued with three additional chapters in 2016 under Meriwether Publishing. Meriwether published Mick’s second book, “Behind the Scenes: Improvising Long Form“, in 2016, as well.
Mick worked with many companies and organizations over the past 15 years in areas such as Communication, Collaboration, Innovation, Leadership, and Presentation.
Mick also enjoys a mentalist act with his partner and partner, Jennifer Estlin; they go by the name Napier and Estlin.
Breaking Down the Scene: A Q&A Discussion with Mick Napier
Ever wondered how legendary Second City scenes featuring the likes of Tina Fey, Rachel Dratch, and Scott Adsit were crafted? In this exclusive Q&A, Mick Napier—director of over 15 Second City revues—will break down some of the most iconic moments from The Second City stage. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, discovering how scenes evolve from initial improv to polished sketch.
Plus, this event will feature clips from classic Second City revues, providing a rich, interactive experience as Mick shares insights on how to shape improv into lasting comedic gold. Whether you’re an improv enthusiast or sketch comedy fan, this discussion will offer valuable takeaways for everyone. Come prepared with questions—this is a rare chance to learn from one of improv’s true visionaries!
About Mick Napier: Founder and visionary behind the acclaimed Annoyance Theatre, Mick Napier is known both nationally and internationally as an innovator and creative force in comedy, improvisation, and theater. His belief in the element of risk-taking that is at the core of improvisation influences his work and his direction, inspiring genuine creativity in any project with which he is involved.
With the Annoyance, Mick has spent more than 20 years developing and cultivating a style of work and production that has been both acclaimed and imitated. As a Director and Artistic Consultant for the internationally renowned Second City he made his mark having directed more than 10 revues there, including the 40th and 50th Anniversary revues, and Paradigm Lost, which earned him a Joseph Jefferson Award for direction. Mick has also directed such high-profile actors and writers as Martin Short (Martin Short & Friends), Jeff Garlin (I want Someone to Eat Cheese With), and David & Amy Sedaris in their Obie Award Winning hit One Woman Shoe.
In film, Mick directed and edited Annoyance Productions’ first feature film Fatty Drives the Bus, which was released by Troma Pictures in November 1999. For television, he was
writer/performance director for the Cable Ace nominated Exit 57, which aired on Comedy Central for two seasons, Creative Producer on the nationally syndicated sketch TV show The Sports Bar, and for HBO/Comedy Central, he directed the live pilot: T.B.A. His original animations have appeared on the cable programs Tame Show, and R-Rated, as well as in the Chicago Comedy Film Festival.
In addition at The Annoyance, Mick has directed over 20 original productions. Notable ones include Coed Prison Sluts, the longest running musical in Chicago, Splatter Theater, an annual Halloween blood bath, The Tragedy of Balloon Boy, That Darn Antichrist, and more recently The Boy Scout Musical and Swear Jar.
As an Actor, Mick has appeared in the films Ice Harvest and Let’s Go to Prison, Watch, and Talent, and on television as a talent judge in the Canadian reality show Second to None, and in Shrink, a SeeSo television series. The documentary Second to None chronicles Mick’s process of directing a show for The Second City.
Mick’s first book, “Improvise. Scene from the Inside Out” (Heinemann, 2004) reached its 10th printing, and is widely regarded as a seminal work on the subject of Improvisation. It was re-issued with three additional chapters in 2016 under Meriwether Publishing. Meriwether published Mick’s second book, “Behind the Scenes: Improvising Long Form“, in 2016, as well.
Mick worked with many companies and organizations over the past 15 years in areas such as Communication, Collaboration, Innovation, Leadership, and Presentation.
Mick also enjoys a mentalist act with his partner and partner, Jennifer Estlin; they go by the name Napier and Estlin.
Advanced Community Improv Jam (New York)
The SCTC Advanced Improv Jam is for experienced improvisers looking to get more long form reps under their belt. With the guidance of our skillfully trained faculty, improvisers will learn a long form structure at the beginning of the jam, then be broken up into groups to showcase what they’ve just learned.
Faculty Improv Jam
The SCTC Student Jam is a chance to learn some new improv games, play some old favorites, and get in some improv reps. All levels are welcome for a variety of exercises ranging from warmups, group exercises , two-person scenes, backline games, etc. Come to play or to watch!
Second City Students now have a chance to not only see their favorite faculty teachers improvise but can also perform with them. Faculty Teachers will first lead the jam with improv games featuring students only, then afterwards teachers will perform a short improv set. Thus leading to the main event where students will be randomly selected out of a bowl of names to see who gets to improvise with the Teachers in a montage.
SCTC Student Jams are only open to current SC students. Registrants who are not enrolled in a class will be removed.
Community Musical Improv Jam (New York)
Open to all improvisers in the city, take part in a mix of musical improv games & scenes.
Improv 1A (NYC)
Looking to start your improv journey but not ready to commit to a full term of classes? Improv 1A offers a fun and flexible way to dive into the basics of improvisation. In this 4-week course, you’ll explore essential skills like saying “Yes, And,” making offers, and active listening. You’ll also start building trust with your ensemble and discover the joy of spontaneity and creative risk-taking. Covering the first half of the full Improv 1 curriculum, this class is designed to give you a solid foundation while fitting into your schedule. By the end, you’ll feel confident in the basics of improv and ready for the next step.
What comes next? If you complete both Improv 1A and Improv 1B, you’ll have the prerequisite skills and vocabulary for Improv 2.
Notes! Notes! Notes!
A space for experienced improvisers to work through a high volume of improvised scenes with a focus on individual feedback and scenic exercises specifically designed to take each player’s performance to the next level.
Recommended pre-requisite: Improv 5 or equivalent experience
Longform Fundamentals
Improv is often separated into two broad categories: longform and shortform. While the single greatest distinction between them is time/duration, there are specific skills and techniques that can help an improviser sustain the audience’s interest and investment in a longer unscripted performance. This class is a space for intermediate improvisers to learn those fundamentals, be introduced to the vocabulary of longform improv and begin to experiment with formats.
Course topics include:
– How and when to edit
– Developing ensemble group-mind
– Deriving inspiration from audience suggestions
– Introduction to simple formats
– Supporting from the backline/wings
Musical Improv Fundamentals 2
You’ve done Musical Improv Fundamentals, and you’re ready to strengthen your MI skills. This 4- week course focuses on a musical skill each week, paired with an essential scenic improv skill and longer form improvisation. The goal is to strengthen the core tools needed by every Musical Improviser by engaging in focused lesson plans, in a fun and supportive environment. Students will learn song structures, scenic work for strong group songs, continue to work on rhyming technique, and explore how to build story and connections in long form musical improv.
Musical Improv Fundamentals 1
Musical Improv Fundamentals is a dive into the basic concepts behind comedic song improvisation. Topics we will cover include melody building, simple song structures, rhyming, and game play, all approached with a comedic eye. Come ready to sing, play, and laugh! No pre-requisite required!
Improv for Actors 2
Like the first level, Improv for Actors 2 helps trained and post-grad actors who are interested in further exploring improvisation and learn how to be a better actor. However, IFA-2 also empowers these actors with the tools for advancement in the improv community. Completion of Improv for Actors 2 fulfills the prerequisites for the Second City Conservatory auditions.
In Improv for Actors 2, students build improvisational skills while creating characters. They discover how those characters and their points of view affect a scene.
Students work on 2-person and 3-person scenes. They learn how to develop the intricacies of scenic structure including the various initiations, beats, and endings. This class culminates in personal feedback and audition prep for the Second City Conservatory Program.
Improv for Actors 1
In today’s entertainment industry, improv and the ability to work without a script has become an essential tool not only for rehearsal, but for performance on screen and stage, as well as auditioning. Improv for Actors 1 is for people interested in how to be a better actor. IFA-1 is geared toward both working and post-grad actors who are looking to expand their craft with skills of improvisation. It’s also a great option for people with a theater degree or background in the dramatic arts to have fun with new people in a new environment.
IFA-1 covers the fundamental elements of scene work, creating environment, and scenic transformation. Students acquire skills that can be applied to scripted and non-scripted work. Students become more improvisational in written moments and more confident when they improvise.
Students work on building ensemble, object work, and the essence of a good improvisational scene. Using games, exercises, and other play, students explore relationships, character motivation, and heightening techniques to create compelling scenes and characters purely out of improv.
Improv for Actors 1 is for students with a theater degree, currently enrolled in a full-length collegiate theater program, or have the equivalent amount of professional training and/or experience. Students must submit an acting résumé for consideration to be placed in IFA-1. Please submit a résumé through our online application.
Musical Improv Drop-In
Is there a song in your heart that you would love to explore? Join us for a taste of musical improv! Learn improv skills and games through a musical lens while meeting new people in a fun and supportive environment. No experience is necessary to participate in this playful 90 minute drop-in class.
Improv Drop-In
Thinking about trying improv? Our in-person drop-in classes are the perfect non-committal taste. No prior experience is necessary for these fun, relaxed introductions to some of the skills of improvised comedy. Meet new people, learn games & exercises and share 90-minutes of laughs each time you join us.
Homemade Improv Jam (Virtual)
The Homemade Jam is a fun, welcoming and encouraging improv jam for students of the Second City Community held on the first and third Friday of every month. It’s founded in Second City’s “Yes And, Creativity & Respect” philosophy and is led by Second City improv instructors Janet Davidson & Brie Watson. It’s a place to learn and grow from the comfort of home.
Sign up using this form and you will be sent the Zoom link to participate on the day of the jam.
Musical Improv Jam (Virtual)
Join Darcy Kendall for our virtual musical improv jam! Play, sing, meet new people… all from the comfort of your home. (No prior singing/music experience necessary.)
Sign up using the linked form and you will be sent the Zoom link to participate on the day of the jam.
See some of our improv performances in action!
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