LA Training Centers

[Hilarity Ensues]

I am interested in taking classes at one of Los Angeles's improv schools, but am not sure how to decide which one.

I have over 5 years of experience in improvisation (mostly long form) and have performed in many of the long form improv festivals around the country. I have also taught improv and have extensive experience performing many forms of long form (Harold, Armando, La Ronde, Merlin, Lotus, Deconstruction, Impressionistic Horror, and more). I have done some sketch as well.

So what I am wondering is not so much what each center teaches (I see that on their curriculum breakdowns), but I am wondering HOW they teach, what the overall experience is like, what kind of lasting relationships are created with the fellow students and teachers...basically a summary of what it is like taking classes there.

I am wondering about iO West, UCBT, Second City, and Groundlings.

Thank you to anyone who can help me!

 

[Hawkins]

Just a question, since you have 5 years experience:

Are you looking for learning purposes or more "networking"...it seems with your experience you could, at least at IO West, get in on level 4. They have a lot more opportunities for stage time with the two blackbox theaters

For longform I'd limit it to IOW, UCB or bang. If you like organic improv, you may want to check out Todd Stashwick's Hothouse in North Hollywood, then hang at the bar at night at IOW.

Rich Talarico, Miles Stroth, and Dave Razowsky also run their own workshops outside of the system hierarchies. All are great teachers.

Second City and Groundlings are sketch, if you want to do sketch. If you like big character sketch, go Groundlings, otherwise I like Second City.

One man's opinion.

 

[Hilarity Ensues]

Hawkins, you rock.

I am more looking for networking, but wouldn't mind becoming a stronger improviser and learning things I am just ok with (sketch and solo-improvising).

A few clarification questions:
1) how can I get in to level 4 at iO West? as in skip right to it? Could I at UCBT? Is there a difference in their method and style?
2) what do you mean by organic improv? No forms, just open structure...like a jam? That's always fun too
3) big character sketch? What you mean? What's the difference between Groundlings and 2nd City? I am unaware of one, so please inform me if you can.

again, great info, thanks!!

 

[Hawkins]

A few clarification questions:
1) how can I get in to level 4 at iO West? as in skip right to it? Could I at UCBT? Is there a difference in their method and style?

Call the office, tell them your experience, who you've been taught by, etc. See if they'll let you.

There's a difference in style of teaching. IOWest likes relationship over game in their teachings. In terms of teams, not so much difference

2) what do you mean by organic improv? No forms, just open structure...like a jam? That's always fun too

They're a big fan of movement instead of starting with a clear idea.

3) big character sketch? What you mean? What's the difference between Groundlings and 2nd City? I am unaware of one, so please inform me if you can.

Second City tends to focus on societal and political satire, writing sketches through improv. Groundlings, I've been told their teachings lead up to "Create a character you wouldn't want to be stuck in an elevator with"

If you hit IOWest socially, ask for Brian O'Connell, he's bar manager and my playing partner

 

[Adali Stevenson]

Welcome to Los Angeles.

Hawkins is spot-on with what he said. A couple additions:

The highest you can be "bumped ahead" at UCB is to level 3, but for most people, it's level 2. Level 2 is where they start working on game, and that's the foundation of their style, which is philosophically a little different from IO.

Also, if your big focus is meeting people and networking, I'd suggest starting from an earlier level anyway, since going through a couple classes with the same group of people will connect you with them better than just hanging out for 24 hours spread out over two months.

As for Groundlings vs. Second City, here's my take. The grain of salt here is that I've gone through Second City, but have friends who have done Groundlings. -

First off, I'd suggest holding off on Groundlings until you've done another program, Second City being a good one for this purpose. The biggest complaint you hear about them is the whole "hurry up and wait" aspect to their training. What I mean there is that it is pretty normal to be held back and asked to retake the second level, often multiple times, until you're giving them the style and level of material that they're looking for. They focus on writing pretty early, and it is principally done through the lens of a broad central character. That said, I've got a friend in the Sunday Company there now who's had a great time. The good thing/bad thing about their program is that it is, in some way, one long audition. It helps to keep that in mind.

As for Second City -

Their main program is the conservatory, which you'd certainly be eligible for. It's a five level program that culminates in an 8-week run of a sketch show written and performed by your class at the theater. You have to audition to get in, and there's a second audition before you start level four, which is when you start putting your show together. The first three levels are all improv scenework, usually 1-Basic Improv, 2-Character, 3-Genres/History/Styles/Comedic Concepts. There's no way to skip a level here, as part of the whole concept is getting your group into an ensemble. The whole program is a year long, and, if you've got a good class, it can really push you forward in your writing. The side benefit is that you can form some very good relationships with your classmates by working together for that long. Of course, if you've got a real asshole in your class, you may be stuck with them for a year.

Second City sketches tend to be social/political satire, but they're also big fans of grounded, relationship-based stuff as well.

After you've finished their conservatory program, they've got a long-form program for graduates that is relatively new. The teachers in this program are great - many being people who also teach at IO - and you'd perform weekly at the theater. They currently disband the groups every eight weeks and start them fresh, so it's a good way to work with a bunch of different actors and directors.