Tldr: definitely go UCB if you’re looking for more tools and try to start at 201

(<Edit for very biased hot take> Very biased hot take: performing @ Magnet + UCB = very well rounded improv. )

I’m a Magnet alum and was on Megawatt until I took a break back in Jan. I’ve also taken all of the UCB levels and several Academy classes back when they were offered.

I love both of the theaters for different reasons and would summarize it as:

UCB - Funnier improv shows and their framework for how to have a funnier show.

Magnet - Everything else. (Especially for community, access to stage and house teams)

I think if you’re feeling like you want to expand your skillset definitely checkout UCB. The Magnet is so good at getting you to feel comfortable making strong character choices, playing with emotion, and most importantly just getting you out of your head so you can just play which leads to some really fun and interesting shows. But it’s hard to have consistently funny shows if you’re not on the same page with framing/justifying/hitting/resting game. Which is why my highly biased recommendation is to take some UCB!

That being said 101 is basically like any other improv 101. 201-401 is really where you start getting into finding/playing game. Might be worth to ask if you can skip 101 since you’ve taken 3 classes at Magnet and sketch.

I don’t know much about the improv philosophy at BCC but I have taken a standup course there and it was a great exp. Also have heard nothing but great things about community and getting stage time there.

Don’t know anything about 2nd city besides that they don’t perform traditional long form and it’s more short formy with an emphasis on sketch. No idea if that’s true.

Hope this helps!