Author: Marisa Cutaia

Comedy classes come in all shapes and sizes, so it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. Whether you’re a seasoned stand-up looking to fine-tune your craft or a newcomer to the world of comedy, there’s a class out there for you.

Types of comedy classes:

1. Stand-up classes: These classes are designed for aspiring stand-up comedians who want to learn the ins and outs of writing and performing comedy material. From joke structure to stage presence, stand-up classes cover a wide range of topics to help students develop their skills.
2. Improv : Improv, or improvisation, is all about thinking on your feet and creating comedy in the moment. Improv classes teach students how to build scenes, create characters, and think quickly and spontaneously. It’s a great way to boost creativity and develop confidence on stage.
3. Sketch: If you love Saturday Night Live and Monty Python, sketch comedy classes might be right up your alley. These classes focus on writing and performing sketch comedy material, which can range from political satire to absurdist humor.
4. Physical comedy: If you’re the type of comedian who loves to make people laugh through pratfalls and facial expressions, physical comedy classes might be for you. These classes teach students how to use their bodies to create comedic moments and how to take falls safely.
5. Comedy writing: Not everyone wants to get up on stage, and that’s okay! Comedy writing classes are perfect for those who prefer to work behind the scenes. These classes cover topics like joke structure, comedic storytelling, and how to write for different mediums (TV, film, etc.).
6. Comedy acting: Whether you want to star in a sitcom or just want to improve your comedy skills, comedy acting classes can be a great way to learn how to bring characters to life. These classes may focus on improvisation, character development, and comedic timing.
7. Stand-up comedy boot camps: If you’re serious about pursuing stand-up comedy, a boot camp might be the way to go. These intensive classes last a few days or a week. They take students from beginner to pro in a short period of time. Just be prepared to work hard and laugh a lot!

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No matter what type of comedy class you choose, the most important thing is to find a teacher or program that resonates with you. With so many options available, there’s bound to be a class that fits your needs and goals. So go ahead and take the plunge – your funny bone (and your career) will thank you. See our full calendar of classes.

Improv comedy is a type of live performance that relies on improvisation to create comedic scenes and sketches. It is often associated with comedy clubs and theaters. More recently it’s also seen in other venues such as schools, corporate events, and festivals.

In an improv show, the performers typically start with a basic premise or idea. Then they build upon it, making up the dialogue and actions on the spot. There are often no rehearsals or scripted elements. The performers must rely on their creativity, wit, and ability to think on their feet to create a successful performance.

Improv comedy can take many forms, ranging from short-form games and sketches to long-form improvised plays. It can be funny, absurd, or even poignant, depending on the performers and the direction of the scene.

Improv Comedy Tenets

There are many different techniques and approaches to improv comedy. Performers may use a variety of games and exercises to warm up and get into character. Some common techniques include:

• Yes, And: This is a basic rule of improv. Performers accept offers from their scene partners and build upon it. For example, if one performer says “I’m a chicken,” the other performer should not negate this statement, but rather build upon it by saying something like “Yes, and I’m a farmer trying to catch you for dinner.”
• Characterization: In improv, performers create and portray characters on the spot. This can involve developing a physicality, voice, and personality for the character.
• Object work: This involves using objects in the scene to create comedic moments or to help establish the setting or characters.
• Scene work: This refers to the process of creating a scene and establishing a relationship between the characters. Scene work may involve building upon a premise, establishing a conflict or goal, and resolving the scene in a satisfying way.

But overall, the goal of improv comedy is to entertain and engage the audience through spontaneous and unplanned moments. It can be a challenging and rewarding form of performance that requires quick thinking, creativity, and teamwork.

Sound fun? Then learn improv with us at our weekly drop in classes.