Children and adults from across the country will flex their creative muscles this summer in special improvisation and comedy writing boot camps offered by the Second City Training Center in Chicago.
Beginning in June, these intensive, two-week and week-long workshops provide a core understanding of the fundamental principles and techniques taught in the Training Center's regular improvisation and comedy writing classes.
"The summer boot camps are ideal for kids and adults who want a solid grounding in the fundamentals but whose schedules may not permit them to enroll in our regular classes," said Rob Chambers, executive director of the Second City Training Centers. "The camps are also a great opportunity for people from out of town to experience Second City and everything else Chicago has to offer in the summer.
"Last year's summer camps attracted over 100 children and adults from all over the country and abroad," Chambers said. "One young girl from out of town even landed a national commercial while she was here. Due to the popularity of the program, we expect enrollment to more than double this year."
The success of last year's summer camps prompted Second City recently to begin offering year-round improv instruction to children ages 4-6 and 10-14, in addition to its existing high school program for ages 15-18. Classes for ages 7-9 will be offered at a future date.
Training at Second City can benefit young people and adults, whether they are headed for a performing career or not. The games and exercises are noted for helping students think quickly, work together in teams, communicate more effectively, expand their creativity and improve self-confidence.
The Second City has launched the careers of countless actors, writers, directors and producers, and has influenced American comedy like no other theater. Training Center alumni include Emmy Award winner Tina Fey and Rachel Dratch of Saturday Night Live, Oscar winner Halle Berry, Tony Award winner Greg Kotis (writer of the hit musical "Urinetown"), Stephanie Weir of MAD TV, Chris Farley, Bonnie Hunt, Mike Myers and Sean Hayes, to name a few.
Officially organized in 1985, it is today one of the largest actor and writer training programs anywhere, with more than 1,100 students enrolled in the Chicago Training Center's Conservatory, Improvisation for Actors, Beginning Improvisation, High School Improvisation, Improv for Kids, Acting, Comedy Writing and Special Workshops programs. Second City's Training Center is housed on the fourth floor of Piper's Alley in the same complex as its Mainstage, e.t.c. and Skybox Theaters. For more information on classes and summer camps, call (312) 664-3959 or go to www.secondcity.com.
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