The Second City is accepting applications for its Bob Curry Fellowship, which is named after the first African-American Second City performer. We revisit our story about the fellowship’s inaugural class.

Applications for the Bob Curry Fellowship are being accepted through Friday, Jan. 16. To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must have completed either a college-level theatre, acting or writing program, or an advanced level improvisational training program; or have an equivalent combination of performance training and extensive professional stage experience. Prior professional work in comedy is not required. All applicants must audition in order to be accepted in to the program.

The Second City will award up to 16 comedy fellowships to qualified performers of color. Those chosen will receive an eight-week tuition free, master program. The fellowship runs March 31-June 2. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their work for casting executives at The Second City NBC Break Out Comedy Festival in June.