The stages and classrooms at the Second City have been deserted for the past week, joining the long list of Chicago attractions that have closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus. With a "stay-at-home" order in place for the entire state of Illinois through April 7, the comedy institution has had to tap into the spirit of improvisation to keep its classes in session, offering a variety of ways for students to learn about making people laugh without leaving their couch.
An expanded slate of Second City Training Center classes are being offered online, including four- and eight-week courses (priced between $195–$395) that allow you to learn about writing for TV, performing voiceovers and punching up that screenplay you've been working on. If you're looking for something a bit more affordable, $25 drop-in improv and stand-up classes offer an opportunity to learn the basics without committing to a multi-week course.
We're looking forward to the day when we can take in a show on the Second City's main stage once again, but the laughs shouldn't stop just because we're stuck at home. Sign up for a class, build some new skills and put on a show in your living room—we're all a little starved for entertainment at the moment!