Stand-up comedy can be intimidating for those of us who are new to comedy. Tom creates a very supportive environment to help you gain confidence and get prepared for your first show. He teaches all you need to know, from comedy techniques, to how to write great jokes. He also gives great tips on how to take your set to the clubs.

Thank you so much for the great class and great experience! Attempting stand-up has always been a dream of mine, if I were honest I would say a dream that I thought was largely dead. So doing your class and show was really a dream come true! and I thank your for your part in it. This is a great class for anyone looking to try their hand at stand-up. Tom knows how to bring out the funny in everyone and his experience and expertise guided well.

Remarkable. Truly eye-opening experience makes the vast and wonderful world of stand up comedy less like mysterious.

The relaxed setting, and having the opportunity to unwind and share before digging in each week was great. It helped the process to get to know each other, to feel safe and I think it enhanced the process. The materials were comprehensive and the worksheets a fun tool to open up our creativity and get ideas flowing.
This was a life changer! Even if I never get up on stage again (although I REALLY want to) it was a growth experience like few others. Tom is a natural teacher with the perfect combination of patience, encouragement and the ability to critique while keeping even the most fragile of us (who shall remain nameless…) intact. He’s funny as hell too!

So many things. First, I love how Tom works with your material as an artist and doesn’t try to make you write jokes that are not your style. He really encourages each comic to dig into their individuality and he has the amazing talent of pulling out the best in you. Additionally, Tom has created an incredibly collaborative environment in which artist feel comfortable not only sharing their jokes but their process. We entered as strangers and left as friends. Incredible experience.

Tom Riehl is an encouraging and patient teacher, and you’ll learn the basics of joke writing and delivery. This class will add to your overall theatrical skill set.