Begun in Chicago in the 1950s, The Second City was the birthplace of the likes of John Belushi and Canadian TV show SCTV. The LA theatre opened in 1999, offering classes in writing, sketch comedy, and improv to aspiring actors in the laugh trade.

The Second City is one part training center, one part live theatre, and SC students get to take advantage of both as many of the classes offered culminate in public performances. The curriculum includes sessions on essentials for any young comic actor, including special workshops that focus on auditioning, such as “How to be a superstar.” Of course, there’s plenty of straightforward improv acting and sketch-writing courses to be had as well, including week long immersion sessions that cram thirty hours of class into five days, like when you cut class all semester in college then really buckled down during finals week. Those students looking to become part of an SC performing company (you can even be funny in Canada with The Second City!) can audition for The Conservatory Program. —Tara Tyson