The Second City Training Center - Chicago, Illinois

Ken S.

This place is not for kids, and the shows are extremely political for some reason. It's like they are incapable of doing any sort of comedy without getting way too stressed about politics.

Anyway, it was a unique experience to be in such a famous comedy club and see a show. If you're into this stuff at all, you'll probably enjoy it.

Seeing the famous actors and actresses that got their start here was pretty cool.

Tim O.

Had a blast at the show I got to see. I will definitely come back when I'm in Chicago again. I really like the feel of the whole building, all the classrooms, different stages, and bar. Made me miss getting up in stage myself.

Familia L.

Camps strongly not recommended for children.

Unfortunately our son felt picked on (bullied was his language) by one of the teachers the first day of class. We alerted the head of the camp but it was not addressed, and in the next day the same game with the same teacher was done resulting in our 2nd grader feeling picked on again and a situation with the teacher again. The third day he was picked on by other kids at lunch resulting in another altercation - and ultimately exiting camp completely.

We thought Second City would be a safe, supportive place given their work with adults on anxiety and other life skills, but our 8 year old experienced the most bully-filled environment without a management staff that proactively worked to address it. We've never had any behavior like this at school or other camps, and we've never seen this type of fear of our child about going into a lunch or class/camp with a specific teacher.

Corey D. H.

It’s a nice place to take some classes. I learned to become a better listener, less self-conscious, and to be kinder. I had taken courses in NY where it was people serious about acting as a career. This was more community-oriented with people from all walks. There were even professionals doing it for soft skills on their resume. The teacher was also a professor at the University of Chicago. I would recommend the courses to anyone.

Bevan B.

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.

Saambo

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.

Tatheer Z.

Watched two shows. One was good but the second one only had a few skits that were good, rest were okayish.

H K.

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.