I took an improv drop-in session a while back and enjoyed it. So when I was looking for a class for public speaking it was a no brainer. The facilitator for my class, Ken Hall, did at amazing job learning what we wanted to get out of the class by the end and supported us in getting to that goal. He provided relevant and personalizable tips and resources that has made me better at sharing my ideas in a more impactful way. It's was a 3-hour in-person class that lasted for 4 weeks. We got to practice in front of others and also got feedback from Ken. Overall I'd recommend. read more

*This is a review for virtual Improv 1 class*. I have been taking improv classes for a while now. I took Improv 1 and 2 virtual classes at UCB during the pandemic and figured after hearing so much after SC, I will give it a try. The class at SC is dreadful. Yes, SC and UCB have different approaches to improv comedy but the basics of improv comedy are the same. UCB has a good methodical approach where you learn the fundamentals of improv comedy step by step with a very clear goal for each exercise and game so exercises and games are funny and entertaining. The class at SC was a boring mess: they tell you about the universal "Yes and And" and that is pretty much it. Then you go on playing "games" and because students do not have a grasp of the fundamentals of comedy, these "games" become endless, disconnected, unfunny nonsense, where nobody listens to nobody, and where if you are a woman, you get yelled at a lot because it seems many male participants use these "games" as excuses to express their anger while the male instructor laughs because he thinks it is funny. I am extremely disappointed at the quality of the instruction. I knew SC had been acquired by an equity-firm so I had a feeling the SC of great comedians was not there anymore but I did not expect this. Not worth the amount of money they charge. read more

The improv course with Simon was the absolute worst experience I have had with anything of the like, and he should not be leading anyone in any way, shape or form. I'm appalled and disappointed that I was exposed to someone like him. This individual single handedly ruined my previously wonderful experience with the theatre company which is the worst part about it. read more

Came here for drop in improv, and it was such a great experience! The icebreakers and activities chosen were so fun! Before we went, I was slightly hesitant, and had some liquid courage, but I would have definitely survived without it. $15 for two hours, plus if you pay $5 more you can attend a show after. If you're feeling nervous, it's definitely normal, but at Second City, you'll definitely jump out of your comfort zone in a safe environment. :) read more

Just a summary of our full experience review - We loved the experience of drop-in improv class The Second City Training Centre!! Ideal to get comfy under your skin and meet fellow enthusiastic people full of energy. read more

The Second City Training Centre - Interior Vibe with Accent Wall - Specialty Schools Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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We just returned from the "Immigrant Stories" monthly comedy special and it was HILARIOUS. The John Candy theatre is much smaller than what you would expect at one of the main stage shows, but the show we saw was great. I loved that they are making an effort to showcase diversity in comedy. We went to a main stage show in Chicago last year, and were expecting a full service-menu like we had there, but that is not the case at John Candy. There was a very small bar with very limited offerings prior to the show, and no service during the show. This was not a big deal for us, but just an FYI if you are expecting to enjoy refreshments during the show. If I lived in Toronto, I would definitely return to this show and others affiliated with The Second City. read more

Took a public speaking course here and it was definitely worth the investment. Learned techniques from a trained actor that I have never learned with all my years at Toastmasters and with other organizations. The class was comprised of other professionals across various industries (tech, financial services, government). Great networking opportunity and lots of chances to try different things. Currently taking improv for business and very happy with it so far! read more

There's a lot to say about improv, and my first classes were here at Second City. My friend dragged me to a drop-in class $15 (now offered Mondays and Tuesdays) where I met Cary West. Immediately I was hooked into improv, the environment where people are supportive and are not afraid to embarrass themselves... It's funny because Cary noted that improv is like therapy. And he is right. You are surrounded by positive, supportive people. They never judge what you do. In improv, YOU are always right (you're wrong when you say you "don't know" and you're wrong when you don't support others). You learn to break down your defensive wall, let go, and you learn to stop judging yourself. You also learn to listen so you can "yes and" your classmates. There's a whole deeper level (psychology!!) in terms of studying and applying improv to your own life (career, personal, anything). Second City offers a wide variety of classes from improv to stand-up to music. From here, I dropped into other improv classes around Toronto (Bad Dog Theatre $5 and Black Swan Comedy $5). Second City opened my eyes to Toronto's improvisers, and now I regularly watch shows at Bad Dog Theatre and Comedy Bar. Instead of going to the movies, I bring friends to an improv show. I loved my level-A Thursday classes with Lisa Merchant. I am in level B now and my teacher is Cary West! How blessed I am to be a student of these two fantastic teachers. Level B is more about character building and acting, which I absolutely am not enjoying. That's just me.... As a student, there are fantastic perks -which I totally neglected oops!!! such as: - 10% off the Charlotte Room (where my improv classmates and I visit weekly, argh! if only I knew) - free rush tickets 30 minutes before the show (REALLY?) - 2 for 1 advance tickets (OMG I paid full-price last time for a date. like $61) - zipcar discount!??? geez I wasted two semesters' worth of perks! Second City is also where I met Paul Bates, from Illusionoid the improv podcast show. And he's super funny. Thank you Second City for spreading more art into Toronto! read more

I have completed levels A-D for the improv training at Second City and I have to say that I have learned so much. Some of the really good teachers here are Reid, Lisa Merchant and Doug. For me, improv is life. 80% of professional improv is failure. What the center trains you to do is to acknowledge your failure and throw out another offer so that you can pull yourself out of a bad situation. The training teaches you attentative listening and focusing in on something that is happening in the present. In the end you will build up more confidence and be aware of what is happening around you. Also, you will be able to take risks and allow people around you to have a good laugh. Please note that the administration at times can be a bit hasty. Do not let that deter you from taking classes there. You will have a great time! read more

Monday I went in for the $5 Drop in Improv Class and had the best time! I went with my daughter who takes classes at SEcond City. I will go back on Monday's for the drop in for sure.. It was a great fun, interactive 2 hour workshop and a few other newbies like me. At first I thought what I am I doing here but the instructor did some great warm up exercises and it really helped to make you feel comfortable and play along. Great experience. read more

At that point in your life when you've just seen a great piece of sketch comedy, or have seen some really good improv at the Second City (http://www.yelp.ca/biz/the-second-city-mainstage-theatre-toronto) the Bad Dog Theatre (http://www.yelp.ca/biz/bad-dog-theatre-toronto), or Comedy Bar (http://www.yelp.ca/biz/comedy-bar-toronto), and think to yourself, "I'd like to give that a shot." And so you should. The Second City Training Centre is the longest standing education centre in the improvisational arts. With the backing of a successful theatre in the Second City, the training centre uses instructors and alumni of the main stage to instruct small classes of people through the very basic steps of improv. All are welcome from all walks of life for introductory courses. Several classrooms are available in the facility, allowing them to provide several sessions at once throughout the day. The level of instruction is geared towards the level of the class, ensuring that absolute beginners are not in any way pressured or feeling uncomfortable. A great way to break out of a shell and improve your communication skills. All this while pretending to paint a wall or make a pizza. read more

I really can't say enough about what an incredible experience this is. The idea of improv is intimidating but the students and teachers are so supportive that this falls away after the first class. The skills and ideas you learn are shockingly applicable to daily life and, most importantly, it is crazy fun. I'm currently enrolled in level B and look forward to continuing. Don't let fear hold you back; it is something you'll wonder why you didn't do before. read more

Lots of great classes. Feels a bit like a cult - the more you take the more you want to come back. Good experience overall, but the place does attract quite a few SJWs, communists, and washed up 30+ y.o. "strong independent womYn"...if you know what I mean: 300lbs, purple hair, the whole 9 yards. The majority of people are pretty cool though. Best way to get your feet wet is to come to one of the drop in classes. That'll get you started. read more

Don't take Voice and Speech for the Stage. Save your money and time. One star since there is no negative star. The instructor refuses to explain any basic concept for speaking well because he believes his method of "just do it and feel it." This method will never work in a class that's is barely 3 hrs long per week. It was 2.5 hr as our instructor was late in most of classes. It is a shame that he puts his priority of going home over teaching his class. Some students and I felt that we completely learned nothing. All we did was reading some poems and books by taking turns but the instructor never gave any pointer to improve or to work on. His feedbacks were very general, such as "go home and read a book aloud." He did not even give the names of concepts he taught in the class, but I know them from my other instructor. Overall, it was a big money waste that it didn't even feel worth $10. The instructor needs to be organized so that each of his class has a lesson, or some concept, not just do some activities such as giving each other's a massage, breathing excercise and reading a book then go home. He maybe experienced but terrible teacher. Go find yourself a private instructor if you have never ever learned anything related to a stage business or speaking class. read more

A positive place to learn, train, explore and laugh. The new facility is very nice. The training centre acts as a great jumping point to getting opportunities to perform and build your own network. The teachers are some of the best comedians in the industry. A place full of laughter! read more

Before you purchase classes here please educate yourself. The Second City Training Centre relies on newcomers who are blinded by the history of the company and the famous brand. For the most part they hire instructors who are inexperienced even within the confines of Second City itself. For example, for a long time they had the same person teaching Musical Improv and Sketch Writing (as if they were interchangeable). The instructor had very little experience in either of those disciplines. They weren't even a Second City Touring Company or Main Stage Alumni. The reason for this is because it is easier to control someone who is desperate for the job rather than hire someone for more money who has the real experience to teach. They know people are familiar with the brand and this is really all they are selling. So buyer beware! You won't be taught by Mike Meyers or Dan Ackroyd. You probably won't even by taught by someone who is a Touring Company alumni. More than likely you will be taught by someone who graduated from their program who is chummy with the administration. I would ask for the bio of your instructor before you sign your thousands of dollars away. Just some friendly advice from someone who wasted a lot of time and money. read more