If you’ve ever dreamed of taking the stage and delivering side-splitting jokes that leave audiences roaring with laughter, attending a stand-up comedy workshop is an ideal first step. Whether you’re looking to develop your comedic skills from scratch or hone the craft you’ve been working on for years, there are plenty of comedy workshops designed to meet your needs.
In this article, we delve into the best stand-up comedy workshops to help you navigate this growing field. These workshops focus on everything from joke writing and stage presence to the intricacies of timing, delivery, and crowd engagement. Let’s explore the top options to sharpen your comedic edge.
1. Comedy Cellar Workshop – New York City
Location: New York City, NY
Duration: 6 weeks
Price: $450
The Comedy Cellar in New York City is one of the most legendary comedy venues in the world, known for launching the careers of countless comedic stars. Their stand-up comedy workshop offers aspiring comedians an immersive experience in this historical venue. The instructors at Comedy Cellar are seasoned professionals who have worked the circuit for years, offering hands-on advice and feedback to participants.
Key Features:
- Individual performance reviews: Participants get personalized feedback on their performances, covering every detail from joke timing to crowd interaction.
- Class showcases: At the end of the course, participants perform a live show at the Comedy Cellar.
- Networking opportunities: The workshop gives participants a unique chance to network with top-tier comedians and potential talent scouts.
2. The Second City – Chicago and Toronto
Location: Chicago, IL and Toronto, ON
Duration: Varies (from weekend intensives to 8-week courses)
Price: $300 – $900
When it comes to comedic institutions, The Second City is an industry leader, having trained some of the most successful comedians, including Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Amy Poehler. They offer a variety of stand-up comedy workshops ranging from beginner to advanced levels.
Key Features:
- Improv integration: In addition to stand-up, The Second City incorporates elements of improvisation, which can help comedians improve spontaneity and adaptability on stage.
- Diverse audience insight: Since many Second City graduates have gone on to successful careers in television and film, the training gives insights on how to work across different mediums, not just live audiences.
- Collaborative environment: You’ll engage in peer-to-peer workshops, helping to develop your set with input from others in the class.
3. The Comedy Store Stand-Up Comedy Workshop – Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Duration: 8 weeks
Price: $500
Based in the heart of Los Angeles, The Comedy Store offers a stand-up comedy workshop perfect for those looking to enter the comedy scene in Hollywood. Many alumni of this workshop have gone on to perform at major comedy clubs, television shows, and festivals.
Key Features:
- Stage presence training: You’ll learn how to dominate the stage with confidence, command attention, and create a strong relationship with the audience.
- Professional guidance: Instructors include experienced comedians who have performed nationwide and worked in various comedic formats, from stand-up to television writing.
- Performance opportunities: The final workshop includes a performance night where students perform a 5-10 minute set in front of a live audience at The Comedy Store.
4. Laughing Buddha Comedy – New York City
Location: New York City, NY
Duration: 4 weeks
Price: $350
Laughing Buddha Comedy provides a more intimate setting with smaller class sizes. This workshop focuses on crafting jokes that reflect the comedian’s unique voice and personality. In addition to weekly assignments, participants perform regularly in front of their peers, honing their delivery and timing.
Key Features:
- Small class sizes: With fewer students, participants get more individual attention, ensuring rapid development and improvement.
- Frequent performances: Throughout the course, you’ll perform at open mics and comedy shows, building confidence and experience.
- In-depth writing sessions: The workshop places a strong emphasis on joke structure and comedic writing, helping you sharpen your skills as a writer as much as a performer.
5. ComedySportz – Multiple Locations
Location: Multiple U.S. cities
Duration: 6-8 weeks
Price: $250 – $600
ComedySportz is known for its improv-heavy style but offers an exciting workshop in stand-up comedy. It combines both traditional stand-up comedy training with the fast-paced, on-your-feet thinking of improv, making it ideal for those who want to be versatile performers.
Key Features:
- Improv-meets-stand-up: The workshop teaches participants how to incorporate improv techniques into their stand-up routine, improving flexibility and crowd work.
- Nationwide availability: With locations in cities across the U.S., it’s one of the more accessible comedy workshops for aspiring comedians.
- Collaborative exercises: Participants work together to build sets, bouncing ideas off each other in a supportive environment.
6. Punchline Comedy Workshop – Atlanta
Location: Atlanta, GA
Duration: 6 weeks
Price: $375
Based out of Atlanta’s iconic Punchline Comedy Club, this stand-up comedy workshop is geared toward comedians at all levels. Participants receive weekly feedback from experienced comedians and workshop leaders, giving them practical tools to succeed on stage.
Key Features:
- Real club performance: At the end of the course, students perform at the Punchline Comedy Club, gaining invaluable experience in a professional setting.
- Personalized feedback: Workshop leaders provide detailed feedback to help participants develop a unique comedic style.
- Career insights: The workshop also includes advice on navigating the business side of comedy, from booking shows to building a fan base.
7. The Comedy Shrine – Aurora, Illinois
Location: Aurora, IL
Duration: 5 weeks
Price: $300
Located just outside of Chicago, The Comedy Shrine offers a hands-on approach to stand-up comedy through a workshop designed for beginners and intermediate comedians alike. With smaller class sizes, participants receive personalized instruction and guidance.
Key Features:
- Stage time focus: The Comedy Shrine provides ample stage time for participants to practice, ensuring that by the end of the course, they are comfortable performing in front of live audiences.
- Tailored instruction: Instructors work closely with each comedian to develop a unique routine based on their personal style and voice.
- Supportive environment: The Comedy Shrine fosters a welcoming atmosphere where students can try out new material without fear of judgment.
8. Upright Citizens Brigade Stand-Up Workshop – Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Duration: 8 weeks
Price: $425
Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) is famous for its improv roots, but they also offer one of the best stand-up comedy workshops in Los Angeles. Known for nurturing some of the most innovative minds in comedy, UCB is perfect for those looking to develop a unique, offbeat style.
Key Features:
- Experimental comedy: UCB encourages students to push boundaries and think outside the box, making it perfect for comedians who want to explore unconventional comedic ideas.
- Performance opportunities: Students perform at the UCB Theatre, an iconic venue known for showcasing some of the best up-and-coming comedians.
- Networking: UCB’s vast network of performers and alumni provides students with opportunities to connect with others in the comedy world.
Conclusion
Choosing the right stand-up comedy workshop depends on your personal goals, location, and style of comedy. Whether you’re aiming to break into the comedy scene or simply want to improve your stage presence and joke writing, these workshops provide invaluable training from professionals in the industry.