Find A Comedy Class in Toronto | The Second City Class Finder

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.

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

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!

Ready to take your stand-up to the next level? Second City’s Stand-Up Lab gives you the space and support to sharpen your joke writing and performance skills. In every class, you’ll have dedicated time to write and test your jokes, while receiving personalized feedback and assignments based on your strengths and goals.

Each teacher brings a unique perspective to the Stand-Up Lab, so you’re welcome to return again and again to develop new material and gain different insights. You’ll also have the chance to test your material at Second City’s open mics, and by the end of the term, you’ll perform in a showcase to put all your hard work on display.

Prerequisite: You must have completed Stand-Up 1 or have one year of stand-up experience.

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.

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.

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.

This innovative class uses ensemble-based improv to help people with social anxiety disorder overcome fear and avoidance associated with work, school, and family life. A Second City Training Centre instructor will lead the improv class through a series improv exercises that are specifically chosen to address key triggers for social anxiety. In a safe and nurturing environment, participants will be introduced to a number of tools they can use to manage their anxiety.

“The Student Jam” is a chance to learn some new improv games, play some old favourites, 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!

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

The Youth Ensemble is for students ages 11-14 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 regular class time.

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. This open class is 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 Improv Open Class is for people who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color only. The class will be led by a BIPOC faculty member.

• 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.

Students must complete the equivalent of one year of improv training at The Second City (Improv Levels 1-5 or Improv for Actors 1&2) to audition for Conservatory. It is also recommended (but not required) that Second City students take at least one acting course before auditioning for Conservatory. Detailed audition information will be distributed to Second City students during the last level of their program (Improv 5 or IFA 2).

Students who have NOT completed the required Second City training may be considered for a Conservatory audition slot with at least one year of Improv training at an approved school AND at least one acting course post-high school. Interested auditioners who have NOT completed the required Second City training should submit their training information via this submission form. Approval to audition will be confirmed by a staff member, and an alternate program will be recommended if a Conservatory audition is not approved. Auditioners who have not taken classes with us are also recommended to create a student profile when applying to audition.

Students who are accepted into the Conservatory program are expected to begin their studies in the term directly following their audition. Deferments are not allowed. Please do not apply to audition if you are not prepared to commit to the program. If you have previously auditioned and have not been accepted and would like to be invited to the next round of auditions, please fill out this form. We would love to see you.

Audition registration will open two weeks before their set dates. Dates for our 2024 in-person auditions are: February 16, April 12, June 7, August 9, October 4, and December 6. Virtual auditions for online classes are also available, please inquire for details.

Please contact us at customerservice@secondcity.com with any questions.

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.

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

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.

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 Student Jam” is a chance to learn some new improv games, play some old favourites, 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!

Note that you must be an active student to register. Please arrive early – if you have not checked in 15 minutes prior to the start of the jam your spot may be given to a student on the waitlist.

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 theatre.

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 regular class time

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.

The Second City Community Jam invites performing from Toronto’s thriving and diverse comedy scene to mix and play on our John Candybox Stage. Led by a member of the Second City Training Centre Faculty, this is a great opportunity to level up as a performer and learn some new skills and styles. Will feature a new learning focus each time!

The Second City Improv Jam is a great opportunity for students and players of all levels to mix and play on our John Candybox Stage. Led by a member of the Second City Training Centre Faculty, this is a great opportunity to level up as a performer and learn some new skills and styles. Will feature a new learning focus each week!

MUST BE A CURRENTLY REGISTERED STUDENT TO ATTEND.

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.

LGBTQIA+ Community Improv Open Class

The Second City Training Center’s goal is to provide a safe environment for LGBTQ+ students across the larger improv community to come together and play freely. This event is free; no experience is required. Participants do not have to be enrolled in a Second City class to participate, however we do ask that those planning to attend register in advance for the event.

The LGBTQIA+ Open Class is for people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual and all of the other identities not encompassed in the short acronym only. The class will be led by a LGBTQIA+ faculty member.

Level 2: Improvised Musical!

Create your own musical! This level will build on the song structures and styles From MI Ensemble 1, and build them into a fully improvised musical theatre epic!

This level involves two performances.

Prerequisite: MI Ensemble 1