Arcade Academy
Outside or at home, you can have fun learning the art of comedy!
Arcade Academy is offering two different ways you can learn and practice the art of comedy: attend our weekly, outdoor drop-in classes at the Trust Oasis downtown; or sign up for our on-going, Zoom-based workshops and four-week classes. There is a wide range of educational opportunities for every experience level. As always, our classes are welcoming, accessible, and packed full of insights from some of the most experienced teachers in the city.
Get ready to have fun, meet people, and open yourself up to Pittsburgh’s growing comedy scene!
The class was fun, safe and I learned so much! I never once felt uncomfortable with any of the COVID safety precautions. The staff was amazing, helpful and made me feel welcomed.
Academy StudentWe had some totally new people playing with us that have never taken improv before … it was fun being a part of introducing new people to improv/Arcade
Academy Student
Outdoor Classes at the Trust Oasis
133 7th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Improv Drop-In Class
Saturdays 12-2PM
Sundays 1-3PM
This no-commitment, low-pressure drop-in class at the Trust Oasis is a fun, safe, and supportive way to spend 2 hours discovering or revisiting the art of improv comedy. Laugh behind your mask as our instructors apply their library of improv exercises, short form games, and scenework practice to meet you where you are. Newcomers will learn improv fundamentals (yes -and, agreement, initiation, object work) more experienced players will sharpen their skills in creating interesting characters, establishing environment, discovering patterns, and making bolder moves. This class is ideal for anyone looking to laugh, socialize safely, and re-ignite their creativity. Get out of the house, away from the screen, and come play with us!
Teachers include Scott Trampus, Kevin O’Brien, Matt Solter, and Robin Hitchcock
Who’s this class for? Open to anyone with any amount of experience on stage (including no experience!). This class will benefit people looking to have fun and try something new, as well as more experienced players who would benefit from a refresher on the basics.
$35 per class | 18+
** Newly revised curriculum **
We’re constantly adjusting and evolving our outdoor curriculum based on student feedback. We’re excited for you to try out our newest version of our drop-in improv class!
Stand-Up Comedy Drop-In Class
Sundays 3-5PM
This 2-hour workshop-style class is open to all experience levels: curious beginners, occasional open-mic goers, or regularly working comics. Participants will be met where they are, giving them the opportunity to learn basic joke structure or hone new material with immediate in-person feedback from the instructor and fellow students. General class structure: students will take turns at the mic, per their comfort level, have time to re-write, practice, or ask questions, then take a second turn before the end of class. Try something new, or workshop your act, all in a supportive, safe, in-person environment. COVID-safety precautions will include mask-wearing, social distancing, hand-sanitizer, and individual, disposable microphone covers.
Taught by Suzanne Lawrence
Who’s this class for? Open to anyone with any amount of experience on stage (including no experience!). This class will benefit people looking to have fun and try something new, as well as more experienced comedians who would benefit from notes and feedback.
$35 per class | 18+
The instructors were constantly encouraging us which inspired me to keep going even when I made a mistake, couldn’t hear, or when my joke fell flat haha.
Academy StudentHere’s what you need to know:
Arcade Academy at the Oasis classes are sold as individual, drop-in classes. If you’d like to register for a class, you’ll be taken to our ShowClix registration page where you can choose the date(s) you’d like to attend. It’s a fast & secure way to register for classes online with your credit card. Tuition for outdoor classes follow our new refund policy. Unless specified otherwise, these classes are for adults 18 and older. Tuition for online workshops is non-refundable. Teachers listed may be subject to change at the Arcade’s discretion or as a result of unforeseen scheduling conflicts — while we try to avoid teacher substitution, it does happen from time and time and is not grounds for a refund.
If you have any questions at all, feel free to call us at 412-339-0608 and we’ll get back to you right away!
The Arcade Campus
Accessibility
Arcade is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our patrons, students, and performing artists. Our outdoor facilities are at the Trust Oasis, 133 Seventh St (next door to Proper Brick Oven) are designed for wheelchair access both in our audience and on our stages. We are unable to offer accessible restrooms in our outdoor space. If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact us at: academy@arcadecomedytheater.com