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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!

Conservatory level 1 is a deep dive into the Second City archives. Students study and analyze classic sketches to familiarize themselves with the satirical styles and genres presented on our resident stages across the years.

Students learn how to perform sketch by exploring the comedic structure of some of Second City’s most beloved archive scenes and study the elements of bold character creatio

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.

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.

Armed with a better understanding of what goes into the creation of a Second City sketch, from improvisation to written scene, students in Level 2 build upon their own skills as actors, improvisers and storytellers.

Students in Level 2 study advanced improv techniques with an aim toward creating strong scenic foundations upon which to build potential sketches. Students employ all the tools they’ve learned throughout their training, from basic improvisation tenets of listening and agreement to complex character and acting work to bring dynamic scenic storytelling to life.

Conservatory Level 3 is dedicated to the study of the many different types of scenic styles that are employed in sketch creation.

Students learn to improvise with the goal of creating potential sketch ideas built upon the foundation of classic comedic styles such as Fish Out of Water or Town Hall group scenes. Some of the characters or premises generated through this work may be carried over and used in the sketch show created during the Advanced Conservatory Grad Revue Process.

At the end of this term, students will need to audition for acceptance and ensemble placement in Grad Revue.

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.

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.

If you’re an actor looking to take control of your career, this workshop with Jennifer Estlin is for you! A veteran of both stage and screen, Jen has appeared on Law & Order, Proven Innocent, Chicago PD, and more, alongside national commercials and award-winning films. As the Executive Producer and Owner of The Annoyance Theatre, she has helped guide countless actors to success, and now she’s ready to share her insights with you.

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to build your acting career as a business—giving you the tools to shape your own path and feel empowered in a competitive industry. Jen will cover everything from networking strategies to personal branding, helping you feel more in control of your future as a performer. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, this is a must-attend!

Jennifer Estlin has been involved in the entertainment business as an actress and producer since 1986.

Following her graduation from Northwestern University’s School of Speech in 1987, she traveled to Edinburgh Scotland with the production of André Gregory’s Alice! directed by David Schwimmer. Afterward, she spent three months traveling all over Europe until deciding to settle for awhile in Paris, where she earned her living singing on the Parisian Metro for close to a year.

Upon returning to Chicago, Jennifer spent several years working in many of Chicago’s theatres including The Annoyance, Northlight, and The Body Politic. She toured for two years with Second City’s National Touring company and was a company member on a Second City resident stage prior to moving to New York in 1994. There, she continued her career by working in regional theatres around the country, Off-Broadway theatre, film, and television. She returned to Chicago in 2002 to become President, Executive Producer and owner of the Annoyance Theatre, and continues to work on film, television and stage.

Jennifer has appeared as recurring characters Judge Cohen on Proven Innocent and Cathy Briscoe on NBC’s Law and Order, and also in shows such as Chicago PD, Empire, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Exit 57, and in several national and regional commercials. Her feature film credits include the soon to be released (Fall 2024) Everything Fun You Could Possibly Do in Aledo, Illinois (for which she received Best Actress award at the Star City Film Festival), The Eyes, iMurders, Chicago Boricua, and Volcano, and the award winning short films A Million Miles Away (Sundance) and The Cure (Slamdance).

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.

The Cold Sketch-Read Series is an opportunity for our Writing students to hear sketches they’re working on aloud while also providing our Conservatory / Acting / IFA students more reps in cold reads. Writing students will be able to learn where jokes are landing, what needs heightening, and if the premise is understandable. Students cast will gain experience working with a Director, analyze a script quickly, and elevate their commitment to character. Students are required to submit to this form to participate: PARTICIPATION FORM

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.

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.

Open to all improvisers in the city, take part in a mix of musical improv games & scenes.

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.

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

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

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.

BIPOC Community Improv Jams

The Second City Training Center’s goal is to provide a safe environment for BIPOC-identifying students across the larger improv community to come together and play freely. These short form jams are free; no experience is required and participants do not have to be enrolled in a Second City class to participate. We do ask that those planning to attend register for the event in advance.

The BIPOC Jam is for people who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color only and the jam will be hosted by a BIPOC faculty member.

This is not a joke! “The Student Open Mic” coached ensemble class is a chance for emerging stand ups to test out their material in front of a supportive live crowd. Each comic (up to 18 will be able to perform per group) will get 3 minutes of stage time to try out new bits and develop their set. Hosted by a fantastic member of our faculty!Note that you must be an active student registered in a full-term Second City class (not just Stand-Up!) to attend. Only those wishing to perform must register. Students who wish to watch the open mic are welcome to attend provided there are available seats. You will be asked to show your student card at the door. We regret that friends and family who are not active students are not able to join.

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.

MUST BE A CURRENTLY REGISTERED STUDENT TO ATTEND.

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!

MUST BE A CURRENTLY REGISTERED STUDENT TO ATTEND.

Open to ages 7 to 18 plus their guardian(s), students will perform improv games they learned in class including new ones and have the opportunity to have their guardian join in the fun!  Led by our talented Second City faculty, the environment will be set to easy mode for anyone at any level to jump in to the Family Jam.

This jam is open to the community – you do not need to be a Second City student to register, however we do ask that you sign up in advance.

Intro to Writing for TV & Film is for anyone who wants to learn the crucial basics of writing for film and television or anyone with a great idea of a movie who needs help putting it into (properly formatted) words. It gives you a strong foundation for TV and film writing, demystifies the language and process of writing, and gives you the tools to begin turning your great idea into the next Citizen Kane/Troop Beverly Hills (same thing).

You’ll learn about the language of film/TV writing, the importance of deadlines, the unique qualities of a cinematic story versus a sketch, lots of screenplay formatting, how and what to pitch, and the scale of your ideas.

You’ll watch films and TV shows with a critical ear for dialogue and structure, read scripts, learn how to pitch, pitch those great ideas, and create outlines or treatments for that million-dollar sitcom or film idea. Oh, and table reads!

This course is a great introduction to the Comedy TV Pilots and Writing for Late Night programs.

Learn how to write monologue jokes, desk bits, remote segments, guest pieces, sketch and a variety of segments for shows like Fallon, Kimmel, Amber Ruffin, Seth Myers, Colbert, Ellen, Noah, Oliver and more. Pitch monologue jokes weekly, brainstorm, explore and heighten material in this collaborative Writer’s Room environment. Create original material to strengthen your writing samples, and produce the elements to put together your pitch packet for a talk show.

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 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 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 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.

Working on solo material or stand-up? Have an improv team looking to get a quick set in? Experimenting with music? Wanna try literally anything performative? The Open Stage is what you need! People will submit their name & act during sign-ups in the Blackbox. Depending on the act, everyone will get between 3 – 7 minutes of stage time. *Sorry but no bits that involve glitter, liquids, foods or anything that gets messy.

An open mic for the wider New York comedy community. Open to all stand-ups in the city, sign up to perform upon arrival at the theater. Each comedian will get maximum 3 minutes.

Are you interested in taking a sketch writing class, but you’re not quite sure if it’s right for you? Give it a test drive! Our drop-in writing class for beginners is open to everyone. It’s a great opportunity to practice, have some fun, and meet new people!

The class is subject to cancellation if enrollment is low, so please book in advance!

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.

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.

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.