Learn to laugh at improv class

Second City offers a variety of sessions for aspiring entertainers of all skill levels

JACOB KEPLER/VIEWFrom left, Benedikt Negro, Aram Hajnabi and Marlene Jackson perform an improv routine during a class given by Second City at O?Shea?s, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd. South, on Jan. 27. The legendary comedy troupe offers improv classes for anyone, whether they are interested in a career in entertainment or just looking for a fun way to meet new people. Advertisement

Losing touch with reality isn't always a bad thing.

In fact, instructors at the Second City Training Center require that students involved in beginning through advanced level improv classes become intimately acquainted with the art of pretending.

"Improvisation is about connecting with your scene partner and letting go of everything else," instructor Steve Kaminski said. "Actors need to be able to envision a scene and make it real for the audience. So, in that moment, the intangible is reality. Check your life, your problems at the door."

Las Vegans enroll in classes at the center for various reasons: some want to pursue acting seriously, some want to become writers, others are just looking for a fun way to destress and meet new people.

"I think that a lot of people get involved with improv because they feel a need to do something different from what their normal week consists of, the bland 9-to-5 existence," training center coordinator Amy Pittle said.

The center features classes for beginners, as well as more advanced courses. Classes are held once a week for three hours in eight-week sessions.

"There are a total of five classes," Pittle said. "Most of our students enjoy the introductory classes so much that they go on."

Potential students come from all backgrounds and professions.

Las Vegas native Johnny Morris is an aspiring comedian who said he decided to enroll in training center classes to overcome stage fright and loosen up in front of audiences.

"I think that improv is a good form of therapy," Morris said. "There's a camaraderie that you build with your classmates, whether that stems from the trust you have to instill during scene work or just having a fun experience with one another, who knows, but I've made lifelong friends here."

Amrita Bessin moved to Las Vegas just over a year ago and enrolled in improv to meet new people.

"I have a background in theater and entertainment," Bessin said. "It was very much about wanting to connect with people who have the same interests, and I haven't been sorry. It's been a great experience."

Classes focus on the basics of improv work from warm-ups to synchronizing with your on-stage partner.

"This is an art, and you have to work at it no matter how simple it seems," Kaminski said. "We have a great time here, and in the end, while it is work, that's what matters."

Classes cost $290 per session and are held at O'Shea's, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Early registration for the next semester begins Feb. 18. For information, visit www.secondcity.com.work, that's what matters."

Classes cost $290 per session and are held at O'Shea's, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Early registration for the next semester begins Feb. 18. For information, visit www.secondcity.com.