Have fun learning the art of comedy!

Have you ever wanted to try stand up comedy but weren’t sure how to start? This class is for you! You’ll learn exercises, tools, and techniques for generating ideas, writing jokes, preparing your act, and analyzing and improving your performance. We’ll cover on-stage mechanics and “comedy etiquette.” This class explores the wide variety of styles of Stand-up, extracting lessons that can be incorporated into your act, in a supportive and fun environment. Through this 8 week course that culminates with a class show, you’ll discover and develop your personal comedy voice, while building a foundation for continued growth.

Teacher: Sean Collier
6:30–9:30PM
First class: October 16
No class: November 20
Class show: December 11
Prerequisites: none

$280 | 18+

This class will focus on the fundamentals of sketch writing, including idea generation, brainstorming, comic premises and sketch structure. Whether you’re a beginning writer, a seasoned writer looking to learn a new form, or just want to refocus your writing in an encouraging, collaborative atmosphere, this class is for you. Through class exercises and assignments, students will learn to write comedy sketches from beginning to end. We recommend brining a laptop or tablet to class but a notebook works too!

Teacher: Frank McDade
Wednesdays 6:30–9:30PM through November (No Class November 22)
First class: October 18
No class: November 22
Staged readings rehearsal: Thursday December 7
Class show of staged readings: Thursday December 14
Prerequisites: none

$280 ($250 through September) | 18+

This eight-week, three-hour class is open to everyone and appropriate for all levels of improv experience. Whether you are completely new to improvisation, or are a seasoned performer who wants to get back to basics, this class is for you. Learning skills through improv games & exercises, our focus is on: “Yes And” (agreement and extension), group mind, give and take, and basic environment and object work in a supportive, playful environment. Improv 101 ends with a class show performance for friends and family!

Teacher: Beth Geatches
Mondays 6:30–9:30PM
First class: October 16
No class: November 27
Class show: December 11

$280 ($250 through September) | 18+

This eight-week class focuses on one of the most critical elements of great improv: scenework. Building on the foundations and skills of Improv 101, here we focus on starting scenes with decisive initiations and confident stage presence.  Agreement and group mind will be taken to the next level as well as working on character development and emotional investment. Trusting yourself as well as your scene partner is the first step towards great scene work. Improv 102 concludes with a class performance showcasing the skills of building strong scenes.

Instructor: Molly Graham
Wednesdays 6:30–9:30PM
First class: October 18
No class: November 22
Class show: December 13
Prerequisites: Improv 101 or approval of submitted prerequisite exception form.

$280 ($250 through September) | 18+

This class addresses one of the most common points of confusion for improv students: how do I find and play “the game of the scene?” By focusing on game and pattern for eight weeks, this class will give you the tools you need to kick up the humor quotient of any short form game or longform set you perform. Improv 103 is also a fantastic class for seasoned improvisers who feel they’re in a slump and want to sharpen up, or performers returning to the craft after some time away.

$280 ($250 through September) | 18+

Building on previous concepts of scene work and game, Improv 201 focuses on short form improv. We’ll be delving into a variety of different performance games including character-based games, justification games, guessing games, gimmick games, and line games, teaching students how to master the mechanics of each and apply their scene work skills for successful gameplay. Students will gain valuable experience in short form improv mechanics — a skill that the Arcade believes is a fundamental piece of a well-rounded improviser.

Teacher: Kevin O’Brien
6:30–9:30PM
First class: August 7
Class show: September 25
Prerequisites: Improv 101 and 102; or approval of submitted prerequisite exception form.

$280 $250 through July 24 | 18+

The long-awaited return of Arcade’s unique and exciting Improv 202 is finally here! This class offers 4 weeks of additional training to finesse your short form performance, followed by 4 weeks of class shows so you can hone your skills in front of a live audience, getting the irreplaceable feedback of the laughter of a crowd. In addition to practicing more short form games, Improv 202 students learn the ins and outs of putting on a great improv show: creating setlists, hosting games, and working with audiences. 

Teacher: Kevin O’Brien
8 weeks
First class: October 18
No class: November 22
Class shows: November 15, November 29, December 6, December 13
Prerequisites: Improv 101, 102, and 201 (Improv 103 recommended); or approval of submitted prerequisite exception form.

$280 ($250 through September) | 18+

This class focuses on the Harold, the gold standard of long-form improv. The Harold provides improvisors an opportunity to learn and practice all the basic building blocks commonly used in long-form improv: openings, edits, games, group scenes, and callbacks. This class will give you the tools to forge group mind and build a spontaneous and evocative piece of improvised theater.

Teacher: Nick Jaramillo
Tuesdays 6:30–9:30PM
First class: October 17
No class: October 31
Class show: December 12
Prerequisites: Improv 101, 102, 103 (Improv 201 recommended); or approval of submitted prerequisite exception form.

$280 ($250 through September) | 18+