How much do classes cost?
Most classes are $299, except where otherwise noted. There is a paypal surcharge for online payments, which can be avoided by paying in cash or check.

I was in a college improv group and we were awesome. Do I have to start at level 1? I mean, I was the best one in the group!
Yes. Level one is the best place for you to start. Try not to get caught up in the levels. A talented improviser will get something out of every opportunity to learn and play. And it will really benefit you to experience our core curriculum from the beginning. This gives you a chance to revisit and master the fundamentals. Plus everyone in the class will think you rock. For these reasons, we will suggest you jump in at level one.

I took levels 1 and 2 at another improv theater. Can I take level 3?
Yes, after you take 1 and 2 at the Magnet! Our program curriculum and the goals for each level do not correspond to any other program. Each level at the Magnet builds on the curriculum from the previous level and it is unfair to all the students to offer classes where those skills and philosophies are not part of the shared experience of all students. The skills you acquire elsewhere, in improv acting classes, in shortform, in other longform programs, will help you immensely in our program, but are not a replacement for what you will learn here. We would love to be able to individually assess and place each student, but there is no way for us to do this for your experience in other programs.

I took all the levels at UCB and The Pit, studied with Armando and Ed, and in Chicago I did Second City's Training Center and all the levels at the ImprovOlympic where I was on a team for years. Do I have to start at level one?
There are cases when a student will start at another level. There are also other elective classes outside the core curriculum that may appeal to you. Taking one of those will allow the instructor to figure out which level would fit best. We value your extensive and diverse experience. While even the most experienced improviser will benefit from level one, there are reasons why that may not be right for you. Talk to us.

Can I take classes and perform at other venues while being a part of the Magnet Theater?
Of course. We offer a comprehensive curriculum and classes for improvisers at every level. And we want you to train, grow, perform, and be a part of the fabric of our community. Yet we know there are other perspectives, there are other theaters, and there are other opportunities out there. We want you to bring everything you can to your training at our theater. And whatever you learn and experience at the Magnet is yours to keep. Please weave your new skills into your life however you can.

The class I want is sold out. Can I be added to a waitlist?
Of course. Just go ahead and register for the class (but don't pay!), and you will be added to the waitlist. We'll let you know if a space opens up. If nothing opens, we'll keep you on the mailing list and you'll be notified of new classes. Only 3 students can be waitlisted per class so we advise considering other classes.

What if my schedule is insane, can I do make-ups if I miss a class?
Sometimes make-ups can be arranged. Call or email to discuss a solution to your situation. But we encourage you to sign up for a class that fits your schedule. Policies and procedures are detailed in the student handbook.

I need to cancel my registration. What is the cancellation policy?
If you cancel your registration more than 10 days prior to the beginning of class, you may get a credit for another class, or get your money back. If you cancel your registration with only 10 days notice or less, you may still get a credit for another class, or get your money back minus a $50 administration fee. After the session has begun, there is no refund. If there are extenuating circumstances, please contact us. There is a $30 fee for all checks returned for insufficient funds.

Do you have internships?
Internships are available to current students only. You are welcome to ask again after we get to know you. Policies and procedures are detailed in the student handbook and the online application is available here.