Second City

Second City is the most iconic and historically significant comedy institution in the world, founded in Chicago in 1959 by Bernie Sahlins, Howard Alk, and Paul Sills. Over more than six decades, Second City has served as the training ground for an unparalleled roster of comedy legends who have defined American humor: Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Bill Murray, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Harold Ramis, Joan Rivers, Alan Alda, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Chris Farley, Mike Myers, Amy Poehler, Stephen Colbert, Jason Sudeikis, and dozens of other performers who became household names. The institution's name itself has become synonymous with improvised comedy, and its influence on the art form — from establishing the connection between improv and sketch creation to pioneering the revue format that blends improvised and scripted material — has shaped every comedy institution that followed. Second City currently operates training centers and stages in Chicago (its home base) and Toronto, with a new Brooklyn/Williamsburg location that opened in 2024 replacing the Hollywood location that closed in 2022. The institution's contribution to comedy extends beyond performance training to include corporate training programs, youth education, and a publishing arm that has documented the art and craft of improvisation for students worldwide. No other comedy institution in history can match Second City's sustained output of talent, innovation, and cultural influence over such an extended period.

In 2025, Second City operates as both a professional comedy theater presenting shows seven nights a week and one of the most comprehensive comedy training programs in the world. The training center offers individual classes in improv and sketch at multiple levels, a six-level Conservatory Program that provides the most immersive training experience, and specialized workshops, summer intensives, and virtual classes that extend the school's reach beyond its physical locations. What distinguishes Second City's approach from other improv institutions is the emphasis on using improvisation as a tool for creating original written material — students learn not just to improvise scenes but to identify the strongest comedic ideas that emerge from improvisation and develop them into polished sketch comedy, a process that mirrors the actual Second City production workflow. The Conservatory Program follows a cohort-based model that builds ensemble skills over an extended period, culminating in the creation and performance of an original revue — the same format that the professional Second City main-stage companies use and that has launched countless careers. Chicago remains the flagship location, where the main-stage companies perform the original sketch revues that are the institution's signature form, and where the training center offers the most comprehensive range of classes. The Toronto location maintains its own strong tradition of both performance and training, and the new Brooklyn/Williamsburg venue brings Second City's presence back to the New York market after the 2022 closure of the Hollywood location. The combination of training, professional performance, and the Second City brand creates an ecosystem that is uniquely effective at developing comedy talent.

Enrollment in Second City classes is open to anyone for entry-level improv and sketch courses, with no prior experience or audition required. The Conservatory Program, which represents the most intensive and selective training track, requires an audition for admission — this evaluative process ensures that Conservatory students are working alongside committed, talented peers in an ensemble-based environment where the group dynamic is essential to the training. Class schedules vary by location and season, with offerings that include evening and weekend options to accommodate working professionals. Toronto classes include offerings like a 4-week musical improv course at $225 and a 7-week intro to improv at $395, while Chicago pricing varies by class type and length. The training center also offers virtual classes for students who cannot attend in person, extending Second City's reach to aspiring comedians worldwide. The corporate training division applies Second City's improv methodology to business communication, teamwork, and creativity, and while this commercial arm operates separately from the performance training, it reflects the broad applicability of the skills the school teaches. The new Brooklyn location has expanded New York-area access to Second City training, filling the gap left by the Hollywood closure and providing East Coast students with a convenient alternative to traveling to Chicago or Toronto. Summer intensives and youth programs provide additional entry points for students at different stages of their development.

The Second City training curriculum is built around the principle that the highest form of comedy is ensemble-created sketch material that emerges from improvisation — a philosophy that has produced the original revues that are the institution's most celebrated artistic form. Individual class levels progress from improv fundamentals through increasingly complex scene work, character development, and sketch creation, building the comprehensive skill set needed for the Conservatory or professional comedy work. The six-level Conservatory Program is the crown jewel of Second City's training, following a cohort model that mirrors the professional Second City production process: students develop as an ensemble over an extended period, learning to create material collaboratively, workshop scenes, and ultimately produce an original revue that showcases the group's unique comedic voice. The Conservatory's Grad Revue process directly mirrors the actual Second City professional production workflow, giving students the closest possible experience to working as a professional Second City company member. Beyond improv and sketch, the training center offers classes in musical improv, solo performance, TV writing, and other specialized areas that reflect the diverse skills needed in the contemporary comedy industry. The emphasis on ensemble work is a defining characteristic of Second City training — students learn to subordinate individual cleverness to group intelligence, developing the collaborative skills that are essential for writers' rooms, ensemble casts, and professional comedy companies. The historical weight of performing and training at Second City — the same stages where Belushi, Murray, Fey, and countless others developed their craft — adds an inspirational dimension to the training experience that no other institution can replicate.

Second City attracts comedy students from around the world who are drawn by the institution's unmatched history, prestige, and track record of producing professional comedians, writers, and performers. The student body ranges from complete beginners taking their first improv class to advanced performers in the Conservatory Program who are actively pursuing professional comedy careers. The alumni network is the largest and most influential in the comedy world — former Second City students and company members occupy positions of power and influence throughout the entertainment industry, from show-running major television series to leading talent agencies to writing for the most prominent comedy programs. The Chicago comedy community in particular revolves around Second City, with the institution serving as the gravitational center of a broader ecosystem that includes iO Theater, The Annoyance, and dozens of smaller theaters and companies. For aspiring comedians, the Second City name on a resume carries weight that no other training institution can match — industry professionals associate it with a standard of skill, professionalism, and comedic intelligence that has been established over six decades. The community around Second City extends beyond the training center to include alumni networks, professional development opportunities, and the informal mentorship that occurs when generations of comedians share the same institutional home. Toronto's Second City operation has its own distinct identity and tradition, having launched the careers of Canadian comedy icons and serving as the training ground for many performers who went on to American success.

Individual class levels at Second City cost between $225 and $400 depending on the location, duration, and type of class, with Toronto classes ranging from $225 for a 4-week course to $395 for a 7-week intro to improv, and Chicago pricing varying by offering. The full Conservatory Program, which spans six levels over an extended period, represents a larger cumulative investment that can total several thousand dollars, but the immersive ensemble experience and the Grad Revue production justify the cost for students who are serious about professional comedy careers. Second City also offers summer intensives, corporate training, and youth programs at various price points, providing entry opportunities for students at different commitment levels and budgets. Compared to UCB ($400-$500 per 8-week level) and The Groundlings ($580 per 12-session course), Second City's per-class pricing is competitive, particularly at the Toronto location. The cost of living in Chicago is significantly more affordable than New York or Los Angeles, making Second City's Chicago training center the most financially accessible major improv institution in terms of total living and training expenses. There are no formal scholarship programs for individual classes, though the Conservatory Program may offer some financial support opportunities. Virtual classes provide a more affordable access point for students who want Second City training without relocating.

Second City is the gold standard of comedy training, and any serious aspiring comedian or comedy writer should train there if the opportunity is available — the combination of methodology, community, performance opportunities, and industry recognition creates a professional development experience that is unmatched in the comedy world. If you can train at the Chicago location, you will be immersed in the richest comedy ecosystem in the country, surrounded by multiple world-class theaters and a community of performers who share your ambitions. The Conservatory Program is the most intensive and career-relevant training track, recommended for students who are committed to professional comedy careers. For LA-based performers who cannot travel to Second City's current locations, The Groundlings, UCB, and iO offer quality alternatives with their own distinctive strengths. For students who prefer a less institutional, more free-form approach, the Annoyance Theatre's no-rules philosophy provides a complementary perspective. Most serious comedy professionals train at multiple institutions, and Second City is typically the anchor of that training alongside UCB (for game-based long-form) and The Groundlings (for character work). The institution's enduring relevance after more than six decades is the most powerful testament to the quality and effectiveness of its training.

If you are choosing between Second City locations, Chicago offers the most comprehensive training options, the richest surrounding comedy ecosystem, and the most affordable cost of living — it is the definitive Second City experience. Take the Conservatory Program seriously as a career investment if you are committed to professional comedy — the ensemble training and Grad Revue process provide preparation for professional work that individual classes alone cannot replicate. Attend main-stage Second City shows regularly to understand the institution's signature revue format and to see the level of performance that decades of refinement have produced. Build relationships with instructors who are often working professionals in the Chicago, Toronto, or New York comedy scenes — their guidance, connections, and advocacy can be invaluable as you transition from training to professional work. Supplement your Second City training with classes at other institutions to develop a well-rounded comedy skill set — the combination of Second City's ensemble and sketch methodology with UCB's game-based improv and Groundlings-style character work creates the most complete comedic toolkit. Immerse yourself in the broader comedy community of whichever city you train in by attending shows at other theaters, participating in open mics, and building the network of creative relationships that will sustain your career long after your training is complete.