COMEDY SCHOOL
IMPROV | SKETCH | STAND-UP
FILM & VIDEO | ONLINE
Class Rules | FAQ | Instructors
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Take classes at the Comedy Spot!
Sacramento Comedy Spot has the largest comedy school in Northern California. We offer courses in improv, stand-up, and sketch, as well as several workshops in all types of skills.
If you have any questions about the Comedy School, please do not hesitate to contact us at classes@saccomedyspot.com.
We continually monitor the changing health guidelines and will update our in-person class guidelines, as necessary. We will release additional courses and session dates as soon as we are able, with everyone’s health and safety as top priority.
Before you register for in-person courses, please note the following guidelines:
- At this time, you must be two weeks beyond your second vaccination dose to participate (Pfizer and Moderna). You will be required to present your completed CDC vaccination card and a photo ID when you arrive at the first class. No exceptions.
- Masks will not be required in class, per current CDC guidance for fully vaccinated individuals, but you absolutely may still wear one, if you would feel more comfortable.
- We will continue to monitor the existing health situation and will re-evaluate our vaccination requirement as the situation improves.
IMPROV
IMPROV 101: The Basics
CLASSROOM COURSE – $155
8 sessions, 2 hours each | 7:00pm-9:00pm
Prerequisite: None | Students: 14
This eight-week Improv 101 course is the perfect fit for everyone! We teach you all the basics of improv. Basically, you are going to laugh for two hours each week and play like a kid! You will learn how to create comedy scenes off the top of your head, with no preparation or planning, inspired by students’ true stories. You will learn basic improv skills, like accepting and building on other student ideas, establishing and playing the pattern of the scene, and heightening your pattern from grounded to crazy town. You want to just have fun? You want to perform someday? This class is for everyone! Okay, let’s do this. Register. Stop messing around. Annnd, go!
JUNE 17 • Thursdays
Instructor: Justine Lopez
Meets: June 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5
JULY 6 • Tuesdays
Instructor: Justine Lopez
Meets: July 6, 13, 20, 27, August 3, 10, 17, 24
Location: Comedy Spot Training Center – 915 T Street, Sacramento 95811
Before you register, please note the following guidelines:
- At this time, you must be two weeks beyond your second vaccination dose to participate (Pfizer and Moderna). You will be required to present your completed CDC vaccination card and a photo ID when you arrive at the first class. No exceptions.
- Masks will not be required in class, per current CDC guidance for fully vaccinated individuals, but you absolutely may still wear one, if you would feel more comfortable.
- We will continue to monitor the existing health situation and will re-evaluate our vaccination requirement as the situation improves.
IMPROV 201: Scene Work
CLASSROOM COURSE – $175
8 sessions, 2 hours each | 7:00pm-9:00pm
Prerequisite: Improv 101 | Students: 14
Improv 201 is all about scene work and giving you the confidence to stop thinking and let it rip! This class will focus on characters, improving your scene initiations, reacting in the moment, finding and playing fun simple patterns, and supporting your scene partner. Round two! Let’s make this happen. Register! Do it!
JULY 8 • Thursdays
Instructor: Brian Crall
Meets: July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19, 26
Before you register, please note the following guidelines:
- At this time, you must be two weeks beyond your second vaccination dose to participate (Pfizer and Moderna). You will be required to present your completed CDC vaccination card and a photo ID when you arrive at the first class. No exceptions.
- Masks will not be required in class, per current CDC guidance for fully vaccinated individuals, but you absolutely may still wear one, if you would feel more comfortable.
- We will continue to monitor the existing health situation and will re-evaluate our vaccination requirement as the situation improves.
IMPROV 301 – Returning Soon
OTHER IMPROV PROGRAMS
IMPROV TASTE TEST – Returning Soon
IMPROV GAMES: Short Form – Online Course
ONLINE COURSE – $75
4 sessions, 2 hours each
Prerequisite: None | Students: 12
In this 4-week online Improv Games class, students will learn and play a variety of short-form improv games perfectly fitted for you at home! This class is designed for everyone, from the beginner to the advanced. There is absolutely no previous improv experience necessary to take this class. Are you ready to laugh and have fun? Sign up today!
Things to Know: This class meets online using Zoom. Please download the app to your phone, tablet, or computer ahead of time. We will be sending you a link to join the class prior to the first day.
JULY 12 • Mondays
7:00pm-9:00 pm PST
Instructor: Justine Lopez
Meets on Zoom: July 12, 19, 26, August 2
THE SPACE: BIPOC COMMUNITY – Returning Soon
SKETCH – Returning Soon
STAND-UP
STAND-UP 101: The Basics
CLASSROOM COURSE – $175
4 sessions, 2 hours each | 7:00pm-9:00pm
Prerequisite: None | Students: 8
Have you ever seen a comedian perform and thought, “I can do that!”? Have your friends ever told you that you were hilarious and you should try stand-up comedy? Or do you just love making people laugh and want to give stand-up comedy a try? Our Stand-Up 101 class will give you the skills, practice, feedback, and motivation to perform a five-minute comedy set. This class and instructional environment encourages constructive feedback, sharing, time-tested lessons and tips, and you’ll have a lot of fun in the process. You will gain the skills you need to perform a five-minute comedy set at an actual open mic graduation show at the Comedy Spot, and learn how to continue performing at the various venues in the area once you’re done!
For more information on how to get started, read our article, “Become a Comedian: The First Seven Steps“.
JUNE 14 • Mondays
Instructor: Melissa McGillicuddy
Meets: June 14, 21, 28, July 5
JULY 12 • Mondays
Instructor: Jaime Fernandez
Meets: July 12, 19, 26, August 2
Location: Comedy Spot Training Center – 915 T Street, Sacramento 95811
Before you register, please note the following guidelines:
- All students and instructors will be required to wear a mask or other appropriate face covering throughout the duration of their class.
- Classes will accommodate social distancing between individuals.
- You should not participate in class if you are sick and/or have a temperature, or have been in contact with someone who is sick and/or has a temperature. Health screenings will be conducted prior to classes (touchless temperature readings and questions).
FILM & VIDEO
VIDEO 101: Comedy Filmmaking Basics
CLASSROOM COURSE – $175
6 sessions, 2 hours each | 7:00pm-9:00pm PST
Prerequisite: Familiarity with comedy films | Students: 6
Video 101: Comedy Filmmaking Basics will give the beginning filmmaker a strong foundation in visual comedy techniques and film comedy theory, so they can start making better, funnier videos right away. Through a combination of lecture and hands-on you'll learn the basics of shot composition, camera movement, lighting, pre-production, directing, and editing, all through the lens of comedy. By the end of the class, you'll have completed a group project to show the world!
JUNE 29 • Tuesdays
Instructor: Nick Coleman
Meets: June 29, July 6, 13, 20, 27, August 3
Location: Comedy Spot Training Center – 915 T Street, Sacramento 95811
OTHER COURSES
COMEDIC STORYTELLING 101 – Online Course
ONLINE COURSE – $150
4 sessions, 2 hours each
Prerequisite: None | Students: 12
This 4-week Comedic Storytelling class trains you in the art of comedic storytelling. In the first week of this class, participants learn the basics to good story structure and then learn how to incorporate comedic strategies into their own true personal narratives. In weeks 2, 3, and 4, participants hone their skills as they tell their own stories in front of the class and get constructive feedback. The class is offered in partnership with Capital Storytelling.
Things to Know: This class meets online using Zoom. Please download the app to your phone, tablet, or computer ahead of time. We will be sending you a link to join the class prior to the first day.
JULY 8 • THURSDAYS
7:00pm to 9:00pm PST
Instructor: Lisa Cantrell
Meets: July 8, 15, 22, 29
SATIRE WRITING – Online Course
ONLINE COURSE – $80
4 sessions, 1.5 hours each
Prerequisite: None | Students: 10
This 4-week Satire Writing course is for comedy writers of all levels. In this class we will analyze satirical pieces from websites like McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, Reductress, and Slackjaw. You will learn the basics of online satire writing (from generating topic ideas to revising your drafts) and get a chance to practice writing in two different genres of satire: the list and the character monologue.
Click here to check out works from recent students!
Things to Know: This class meets online using Zoom. Please download the app to your phone, tablet, or computer ahead of time. Click on the "Sessions" tab for upcoming dates and the link to RSVP for the class.
JULY 20 • MONDAYS
7:00pm to 8:30pm PST
Instructor: Janay Lovering
Meets: July 20, 27, August 3, 10
IMPORTANT STUFF
Class Rules & Info
- Attend classes. Each class builds on the ones that came before it. Continued attendance is the best way to learn and develop new skills.
- Students are strongly encouraged to see Comedy Spot shows related to their course of study while enrolled. Students will be given ID cards that give them unlimited admission to shows Sunday through Thursday at the Comedy Spot.
- Be funny. Be Smart. Don’t be a hack shock-comic.
- Students should not be drunk or on drugs when performing.
- Students should approach their education with respect for their fellow performers both on-stage and off, avoiding harassing or abusive conduct targeted toward an individual students. The term “harassment” means unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, physical or visual, that is so severe or pervasive that it unreasonably interferes with an individual’s participation in programs, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational or working environment. Inappropriate behavior should be reported to Brian Crall at laugh@saccomedyspot.com or (916) 444-3137.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is my class located?
Unless online or noted below, all classes are located at the Comedy Spot Training Center – 915 T Street, Sacramento 95811
Stand-Up 201 is located at the Comedy Spot main theater – 1050 20th Street #130, Sacramento 95811
What do I need to bring and wear?
Wear comfortable clothes, closed-toed shoes, and be prepared to move! Wear clothing that allows you to be physical and move freely while remaining appropriately covered. No skirts, short shorts, or anything too revealing. Bring something to take notes, if desired. Beverages are permitted when held in a sealed container. Please refrain from bringing food, unless necessary.
Can I get a refund? Can I switch start dates?
Please read our comedy school refund/transfer policy prior to registering for a class. Should you need to alter your start date, please contact us. Restock/administrative fees may apply.
How can I get in touch with my instructor?
Refer to the Instructors section of your class, below, for the email address of your session’s teacher.
How old do I have to be to take classes?
The Comedy Spot comedy school is designed for adult students, ages 17 and up.
I've studied comedy elsewhere. Can I start Comedy Spot classes at an advanced level?
All listed prerequisites for advanced-level classes must be completed prior to registration. Every comedy school approaches their curriculum and philosophy differently. We feel it is important, and beneficial, for you and your classmates to have the same level of Comedy Spot training and vocabulary.
INSTRUCTORS
Know all the things.
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Know all the things.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep tabs on upcoming shows, classes, special events, and the latest announcements.
More than just a comedy club.
Sacramento Comedy Spot (formerly Sacramento Comedy Foundation) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are Sacramento’s first comedy theater featuring improv, stand-up, sketch comedy, original videos, and short films, and we are Northern California’s largest comedy school. We create unique, comedy-related events, shows, and classes that connect people of all ages and backgrounds through laughter.
Education. Entertainment. Inclusion. Connection.
More than just a comedy club.
Our Main Theater Location
1050 20th St. #130
Sacramento, CA 95811
Comedy Spot Training Center
915 T Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
laugh@saccomedyspot.com
@saccomedyspot
916-444-3137
Comedy Spot Main Location
Shows 6 Nights a Week
1050 20th Street #130
Sacramento, CA 95811
Comedy Spot Training Center
Classes & Rehearsals Only
915 T Street
Sacramento, CA 95811