The Second City Training Center

Teachers are phenomenal; leadership not so much; scholarships are a lie; they only want your money. If all the money we pay for tuition isn't going to scholarships for those with greater financial need, and if it's not going to the teachers, where is it going? I've been a student for over a year now. I completed the Writing and Improv tracks and just began Conservatory. I've been unemployed for about half that time and have had my scholarship application rejected not once, not twice, but 5 TIMES IN A ROW. Not even a partial scholarship. Each time I've received a cold, canned, and honestly insulting email stating that eligibility depends on need, intent, and class availability. Other students and I have balked at my repeated rejection since, if having 0 income for months does not demonstrate proper need, what does? And, if having completed TWO tracks over the course of an entire year and beginning a 13-month program does not show sufficient intent, what does? There's absolutely zero transparency about the scholarship process and what exactly makes them consider you ineligible. They encourage you to reach out with any questions, but every time I've done so, including in my post-class surveys, I've been met with radio silence. I can't even get my basic questions answered, such as, "I cannot afford to continue Conservatory at this time; what is the re-enrollment process like?" I have seen this same thing play out with other friends of mine at the Training Center and heard them express frustration with the entire process. In some cases, it's left a bad taste in not just their mouths, but those of their fellow students to the point of choosing to stay away from Second City altogether. I've loved my time at the Training Center so far and have been lucky to become a part of such an amazing community; the students and teachers are the backbone of the entire institution. So it truly baffles me why whoever sits at the top repeatedly fails to support them.

Great vibes and super well versed teachers. Building is super accommodating for parking, food/discounts in house and 3rd party discounts in Pipers Alley. Lots of tables and couches near the classrooms to do homework for your class or converse on a project. Student success staff is absolutely phenomenal and has saved me a lot of time and fear by actively hearing my concerns, discovering solutions that worked for me and then communicating them with me in a timely manner. If if you feel creative like this is your thing, THIS is your place.

Terrific venue to see some very good improv. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Good beverages and decent food to go along with a good show.

I took IMPROV FOR ACTORS this week as an intensive. I was supposed to have Rachel Mason but she only attended the first day as she was sick and we ended up having Law Tarello for days 2 through 5. Law was excellent. However, the lights weren't always on in the theater and class couldn't start ontime because of this on multiple days. It was hard to find a staff member that would help us get going. Law didn't have access to the lighting booth. The building was full of students for camps so if you don't like being around large crowds (including tons of kids) don't take a summer intensive. The building is hard to navigate so you need to go to orientation on the first day of class. You'll get it after the second day. I felt like the price was good for the class that I took. I would definitely go back but I think management needs to sweep through public areas and cladsroom more regularly to ensure high-quality customer service.

This is a must if you need a good laugh. Saw the Best of Second City and it had me laughing throughout. All of the actors are funny and talented. Also, the servers keep your drink orders coming.

I just wrapped up a storytelling 101 class with James Whittington as our instructor. It was fantastic! We had a very diverse group of individuals and we had some laughs, some tears and some great stories. I'm going to miss those Thursday nights. But, I'm walking away with great memories and a few new skills in telling stories.

Had a great time and excited that I finally got to go! The food was great too.

Very disappointed. We have been here two other times over the past five years and it was good both times. Not great but definitely worth it. This time it was pretty bad. A few good moments but mostly easy and not funny bits. Not much improv so you’d think most of the skits would be good. Unfortunately not this time. We saw a blues show at Rosa’s on the same trip for a fraction of the price. Excellent show.