Whether you’re a “newbie” who has never been on stage before, or a comedian who just wants to add “more funny” to your set, our 6-week workshops offer something for everyone.
Stand-up Comedy 101 focuses on those new to stand-up comedy who have limited or no prior stand-up experience. The Stand-up Comedy Writer’s Workshop is for those who’ve been on stage a few times and are looking to take their material to the next level, focusing on writing and fine tuning new and existing material.
If your friends and family have always told you, “you should be a stand-up comic”, or it has been a nagging desire of yours to be one, then here is a great opportunity to try it out. The class size is small and Tom Riehl is a very positive and helpful instructor. You will be in class with like-minded people and have so much fun encouraging and helping one another with their final sets. Performing live in front of your friends and family on “Graduation” night will give you as sense of accomplishment and desire to learn more and improve on your natural sense of humor.
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!
The workshop exceeded my wildest dreams. Tom’s guidance was flawless. The structure of each session gave us the opportunity to share, receive feedback, and offer feedback to the others. The environment was always encouraging and supportive. Watching the growth of my classmates while experiencing my own was incomparable. I left feeling a deep camaraderie with Tom and my classmates and a sense of loss when it was over.
Everything was covered- from the business aspects of doing open mics, producing, getting gigs to writing which included formulas I hadn’t seen before. Enjoyed performing followed by feedback and group suggestions to punch up jokes (happy to report their suggestions helped!!) Class always great energy and fun!!
The format structure, the progression was well thought out, and got me comfortable in front of a microphone at the right time. Also, it forced me to write and perform at a pace that I would not have had the self discipline to do on my own. Tom has a vast experience, and has an infectious positive attitude that made each class lots of fun.
It’s great to be with people and express your comedic viewpoints, everyone there feels like secondhand family by the second week. The criticism is valid and doesn’t go overboard, you also get an instructor who is very down to earth and is extremely helpful at wanting you to perform your best. Overall I would give this class a 10/10 every time.