Comedy Classes
Interested in taking a class to kick your butt into getting onstage and trying out standup? Below are several standup comedy classes (for adults and teens) that are offered in Vermont:
Standup Comedy at Spark Arts (for Adults)
Class Description: You can do it! Anyone with a sense of humor can be a standup comic. This class is designed to help you develop 5 minutes of solid material—and the skills to perform it live in front of a crowd of strangers. Each class you’ll perform jokes for a supportive classroom of aspiring comics, and get expert guidance from the instructor on how to improve your material and tailor your performance. As you hone your act, you’ll learn to “think like a comedian,” using experiences and observations from your own life to create your own unique comic voice. Most exciting, the workshop will culminate with a live performance in a local nightclub in front of students’ family and friends – a safe way to “ease into” the world of standup comedy. Great for developing public speaking skills, meeting new people and being a hit at parties, too!
To find out when the next standup class for adults is at Spark Arts, please contact them here.
Standup Comedy at Spark Arts (for Teens)
Class Description: Who says standup comedy is just for adults? In this fun, supportive class, students will learn how to “think like a comedian,” using stories from their own lives and observations about their world to develop 3 minutes of original standup material. Students will hone their unique point of view and refine what they think is funny into an act that will make any audience laugh. They will also develop their skills in writing, memorization, timing & delivery, and speaking in front of groups. This class is great for building self-esteem in a safe, supportive environment and learning to use humor as a means of coping with the pressures of adolescence. Culminates in a class performance for family and friends.
To find out when the next standup class for teens is at Spark Arts, please contact them here.
 Instructor (Adults Class & Teen Class): Nathan Hartswick has extensive experience as an arts educator, performer, writer and director. He grew up in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont and spent several years in New York City before returning to his home state in 2005. He has taught private and group music lessons to students of all ages, and also has a wealth of experience working with children in theater. Nathan is also a published children’s playwright. As a standup comic, Nathan has performed at venues around New England, including the Flynn Space, Tupelo Music Hall, the Monkey House, and Higher Ground, where he won the grand prize at the 2011 Higher Ground Comedy Battle out of more than 60 comics who auditioned. As the founder of VermontComedyClub.com, he promotes and produces many standup comedy events throughout the Green Mountain State. Nathan and his wife Natalie Miller founded Spark Arts together, a studio located at 180 Flynn Ave in Burlington, VT offering affordable, high-quality classes in music, theater, comedy and movement to students of all ages. Nathan also works as a freelance writer and marketing consultant, and film and theater director. |
Standup Comedy at the Flynn Center for the Arts (for Adults)
Class Description: Join the supportive and hysterically funny folks in this performance-based workshop! Learn the elements of comedy, try fun writing exercises, and develop and practice your own stand-up material in every class. Class ends with the ultimate challenge—an optional live performance in FlynnSpace.
Instructor: Josie Leavitt worked as a stand-up comic in New York City and has taught numerous comedy workshops to high acclaim. She performs stand-up throughout New England when not running her bookstore in Charlotte.
Click here to learn more about this class.
