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Featured Programs
Comedy Studies at The Second City
Anyone can tell a joke - but making great comedy is not so easy. What sets the comedic genius apart from the jokester? Technique: compelling content, strong point of view, comic timing, and the ability to harness creativity.
The Second City and Columbia College Chicago know this. They know comedy, theater, and creative process better than just about anyone. That’s why these two great Chicago institutions have joined forces and created the Comedy Studies program. Unlike any other course of study in content, scope, or resources, it provides a unique opportunity to study full-time at The Second City, the nation’s center of comedy and satire, for an entire semester.
Comedy Studies is developed and taught by the experts in comedy at The Second City Training Center in Chicago, with college credit provided by Columbia College Chicago. It’s a semester abroad right in the heart of Chicago’s world- famous theater scene. And you won’t just take classes. You’ll also attend shows at a variety of improvisation and comedy venues, network with theater artists, explore Chicago’s unparalleled theater and arts world, and present your work in a showcase.
Comedy Studies is open to anyone with a minimum of undergraduate junior-level status who has a demonstrated interest in performance, comedy writing, and improvisation.
Who can Apply?
Comedy Studies is open to anyone with a minimum of an undergraduate junior level status of 60 credit hours or more. It provides a one-of-a-kind chance to study full time at Second City, one of the leading comedy and improvisation theaters and schools, for an entire semester focusing on:
- developing physical, vocal and improvisational performance skills needed for comedy,
- writing comedy in various forms and genres,
- discovering the historical bases for contemporary comedy,
- examining social and political contexts for satire, and
- supporting the individual comedic voice within an ensemble.
When & Where are Classes?
Classes are held in the fall and spring semesters at The Second City Training Center, at the same location as the company’s historic theaters. In addition to taking classes, students can attend performances at Second City, network with the theater’s artists and staff, and explore Chicago’s world famous theater and arts scene.
International Exchange
In the Spring of 2003, students and faculty from the Theater Department collaborated with students from the Academy of Arts of the University of Novi Sad, Serbia & Montenegro. Working under the direction of Theater faculty member Brian Shaw, the students worked to create an original production titled "Scale/Vaga" that was presented at the International Festival of New and Alternative Theater in Novi Sad, in June 2003. The Department is currently forming an exchange relationship with the University of East London and Newham Sixth Form College. This exchange will be centered around the connection between institutes of higher education and the communities in which they are situated.
Community-Based Performance
Working through Columbia's Office of Community Arts Partnerships, The Theater Department has developed close partnerships with community based arts organizations in Chicago. Programming includes service learning classes, arts integration initiatives, learning communities, and job placement for students and faculty working with youth in summer and year round theater programs. Current partners include Association House of Chicago, FreeStreet Programs, Music Theatre Workshop and Young Chicago Authors.
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