See our full schedule of shows and classes.
Write, Perform, and Find Your Comedic Voice
Whether you’re an improv performer wanting to try your hand at stand-up, or you’ve always had the dream of crafting your own comedy bits, stand-up comedy classes are a fantastic way to sharpen your skills and bring your humor to the stage. Our virtual classes are designed for improvisers and stand-up comedians alike who are eager to generate new material, refine their joke structure, and explore the world of stand-up from the comfort of home.
What to Expect from Stand-Up Comedy Classes
In these online classes, you’ll dive deep into the mechanics of stand-up comedy, from learning joke formats to mastering stage etiquette. The beauty of stand-up lies in its simplicity and directness, but make no mistake, a lot of thought goes into a great set! A professional comedian will guide you through the ins and outs of writing, performing, and honing your unique comedic style.
One of the great things about virtual classes is that they’re open to anyone, anywhere. So, whether you’re tuning in from San Francisco, New York, or beyond, you can learn alongside fellow comedians who share your passion for making people laugh.
The Art of Being a Stand-Up Comedian
Becoming a successful stand-up comedian isn’t just about being funny; it’s about developing your voice, finding your rhythm, and understanding your audience. These comedy classes are designed to help you discover the elements that make your comedy distinct. You’ll learn to embrace your comedic persona, craft jokes that resonate, and connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Developing Your Material
One of the key focuses of the class is generating and refining new ideas for your stand-up sets. Writing comedy can be intimidating, especially when you’re staring at a blank page, but our stand-up comedy classes will help you develop a strategy for coming up with material that is both original and personal.
Some students come in with a fully formed idea of what they want their comedy career to look like, while others are starting from scratch. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, our goal is to create a supportive environment where you can experiment with different ideas and comedy bit structures until you find what works for you.
You’ll also get to test out your jokes on your classmates in a constructive environment, learning what lands, what doesn’t, and why. This feedback loop is essential for any comedy writer, allowing you to adjust and improve your material based on how real people react.
Stage Etiquette and Comfort on Stage
One of the biggest hurdles for new stand-up comedians is getting comfortable on stage. It’s easy to write jokes in your head, but it’s a different challenge to deliver them with confidence. In our intro group classes, you’ll learn how to translate your material from the page to the stage, honing your stage presence and personalities on stage.
Mastering Stage Etiquette
Stage etiquette goes beyond simply delivering a joke; it’s about timing, how you engage with the audience, and respecting the flow of a comedy night. Our classes cover the dos and don’ts of working the stage—when to hold for laughs, how to manage the mic, and how to handle hecklers or unexpected interruptions.
We’ll teach you how to feel at ease during your stage time, moving past any jitters and into a place where you can truly enjoy the performance. And because these are adult classes, we take into account the wide range of experiences and comfort levels our students have, tailoring our approach to fit the needs of everyone in the virtual room.
Finding Your Comedic Voice
Your comedic voice is the heart of your stand-up persona. It’s what makes you different from every other comic out there, and it’s a huge part of what will ultimately connect you with your audience. In our stand-up comedy classes, we’ll help you dig deep to find that voice, whether it’s rooted in personal storytelling, absurdity, observational humor, or something else entirely.
Joke Formats and Idea Generation
The structure of a joke is as important as the punchline. In these classes, you’ll learn a variety of joke formats and how to apply them to your material. Whether you’re looking to craft quick one-liners or build up to a story-based punchline, we’ll help you explore different methods of joke writing. Experienced performers will offer insight into how to play with timing, surprise, and structure to get the biggest laughs possible.
You’ll also learn about the process of idea generation. Many comedians struggle with coming up with new material, but we’ll teach you how to turn everyday observations, random thoughts, and personal experiences into comedy gold. Whether you’re pulling from current events, your own life, or something more abstract, you’ll develop a process for consistently coming up with new and original content.
Testing Jokes on Classmates
One of the most valuable parts of our stand-up comedy classes is the chance to test your material on a live audience—your fellow comedians. Comedy isn’t created in a vacuum, and you can’t truly know if a joke works until you hear it out loud and gauge the reaction.
In each class session, you’ll have the opportunity to perform your jokes for the group and receive feedback. Not only does this give you a chance to practice your comfort on stage, but it also allows you to see what resonates with an audience. Your classmates will provide honest, constructive feedback that you can use to tweak your material and improve your performance.
The Comedy Scene and Your Career
While many students take these stand-up comedy classes for fun, others are interested in pursuing a comedy career. Whether you see yourself performing regularly at comedy nights, joining a comedy troupe, or eventually becoming a professional stand-up, these classes offer the foundation you need to get started.
Our stand-up comedy instructors are experienced performers who’ve worked in the comedy industry and know what it takes to make it. They’ll offer insights into the comedy scene in cities like San Francisco and beyond, sharing tips on how to book shows, network with other comedians, and build a name for yourself in the world of comedy.
Why Take Stand-Up Comedy Classes?
Stand-up is one of the most direct forms of theatrical performances, but it’s also one of the most challenging. It’s just you, the mic, and the audience, and it takes skill and practice to make that connection. Our training center is designed to give you the tools you need to succeed, whether your goal is to perform for fun or to pursue stand-up as a serious career.
Here’s what makes our stand-up comedy classes unique:
Virtual Format: You can attend from anywhere! Whether you’re an improviser in New York or a budding comic in San Francisco, our online classes make it easy to participate.
Supportive Environment: Comedy can be intimidating, but we make sure our classes are welcoming and encouraging. You’ll get feedback from both your fellow comedians and the instructor in a way that helps you improve without feeling discouraged.
Experienced Instructors: Our teachers are professional comedians who have been in the business for years. They know what it takes to craft a successful set, and they’ll share those insights with you.
Flexible Format: We understand that everyone’s journey is different. Some students come in with specific comedy goals, while others just want to have fun and try something new. No matter your goals, we’ll help you achieve them.
Join Us for Stand-Up Comedy Classes
If you’re ready to dive into the world of stand-up, there’s no better time to start. Our virtual stand-up comedy classes offer a safe, fun, and flexible way to hone your skills and build your confidence. Whether you’re an improv performer looking to expand your skillset or an aspiring regular performer hoping to break into the comedy industry, this is the perfect place to begin your journey.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for our next session and start crafting the comedy bits that will have audiences laughing all night long! Still have questions? We are here to help! Email us, Slack us or call us at (407) 734-0515.