Improv & Comedy Classes New York | The Second City
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Conservatory 1
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
Good for: Conservatory
Acting 1
Whether you’re interesed in acting or improvisation, we know that one of the keys to success is being present, connected, and grounded in the emotional reality of the moment. In a Second City mainstage revue, the comedy doesn’t just come from the written scenes, the jokes & the premises… the truly deep audience laughs that people remember for years come from great performances.
In our first level, we’ll help you immerse yourself in improv exercises designed to broaden your emotional range. You’ll discover how emotionally committing to a scene can help engage the audience, leading to truly memorable performances.
We’ll also explore recognizable human behavior, an essential asset for comedic actors, and start working with neutral scenes that can help you explore the dramatic side of comedy. We’ll touch on the work of Viola Spolin and Sanford Meisner as we explore established techniques in this level.
Our curriculum focuses on improvisation to help you master these skills, and we recommend students take at least one 7-week improv course before joining this class to get the most out of the experience. At the end of this level, you will be prepared to do a cold read at a mock audition using what you have learned.
Good for: Acting
Writing 1
Writing 1 is for any student who is looking to start the journey of writing to and for a Second City-style revue. This class is the foundation for scenic comedy writing, a guide for utilizing an improviser’s skill set for rapid creation, and learning writing refinement. The concepts and tools provided in Writing 1 are the building blocks for being able to quickly and creatively write to and for a Second City-style revue. Every comedic writer must have the knowledge and skills that are offered in this course.
Writing 1 teaches students how to write comedic scenes that could be found in a Second City-style revue by exploring different scenic set-ups, character dialogue, genres and point-of-view. Students use improv as a tool for character and dialogue generation.
Writing 1 class time includes a combination of solo exercises and collaborative exercises to build skills in brainstorming, comedic structure and character development. Students also gain a Second City perspective on theatrical writing – including observation, idea generation, dialogue, and character creation. Feedback focuses on ‘what works’ in terms of the structural building blocks. Class time is active, positive and encouraging. Students practice concepts through a series of weekly homework assignments.
Any student interested in creating Second City-style comedic writing or interested in extending their improvisation abilities and experiences into writing should take Writing 1.
Good for: Writing
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.
Good for: Improv
Conservatory 2
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.
Good for: Conservatory
Acting 2
Character work is the core of great comedy and storytelling. Understanding your character’s motivations and how they express themselves is paramount for any actor. Creating a character in close collaboration with writers, directors, and fellow actors, can be the most generative part of the actor’s process. Whether your character is an extension of your natural energy or requires bold physical, vocal, and movement choices, authenticity remains key in both comedy and drama.
Our class encourages actors to explore a wide range of choices, drawing from various toolboxes and disciplines to create compelling and unforgettable characters. Monologues will be a focal point, teaching you to deliver with energy, dynamism and unwavering commitment.
In this level, topics covered include:
– Introduction to Character and Point of View (POV)
– Exploring Monologues
– Character through Movement and Voice
– Introduction to Chekhov’s Techniques (Body/Voice as an instrument)
– Understanding Status Dynamics
– Introduction to Stanislavski’s Principles (Behavior through actions)
– Monologue Lab: Refining Your Delivery
– Monologue Presentations: Showcase Your Talent
Elevate your acting skills and join us for Acting 2. Register now and explore the art of authentic character creation in comedy and drama.
Good for: Acting
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