All Level I stand-up classes include a performance at Gotham Comedy Club, the nation's premier comedy club, accompanied by a broadcast quality, 2-camera shoot DVD of your performance which can be used as a DVD resume!
Topics covered:
1. Inside information not found in any book
2. When/how to audition for agents and clubs
3. How to secure stage time
4. Learn to avoid beginner mistakes
5. How to make a DVD reel that can jump start your career
6. What club bookers look for in new comics
Each stand-up student will work toward creating a polished 5 minute set.
STAND-UP COMEDY
FAQ's about Stand-up Comedy Level I:
Q: How do you differ from your competitors?
Our faculty is in a class by itself (pardon the pun). They don't have big egos or hidden agendas and they genuinely care about their students (as evidenced by the dozens of supportive referrals and testimonials we've received over the years). Furthermore, all of our instructors are working professionals -- people who deal with the inner workings of the comedy industry every day.
Finally, upon graduation, all Stand-up Level I students receive a broadcast-quality DVD of their performance. This is the very same tape that seasoned comics receive when they perform at New Talent Shows (several of which have resulted in people getting development deals).
Q: I'm a little nervous and have never done this before. Am I going to be in a class with other beginners?
First of all, your nervousness is a good thing (it indicates that you're grounded in reality). But not to worry -- our teachers create a very safe and supportive atmosphere. And remember -- everyone in the room feels exactly the way you do.
It's important to note that at The Manhattan Comedy School, we really have only one 'hard and fast' rule that we enforce -- everyone must be supportive of their fellow students. We feel this is one of the reasons many of our students stay in touch even after graduating.
Q: What is the class like?
Good question! Every student will perform (with a microphone) in each class, including the first one, allowing you to receive instant feedback. More importantly, you will get constructive feedback from the instructor. The Class meets once a week for 6 weeks.
Q: Can you tell me about the graduation performance at Gotham Comedy Club?
You will perform in front of family and friends on a Sunday afternoon. All those in attendance will be either friends or family, virtually guaranteeing an audience that is supportive and encouraging. Your performance will total 5 minutes in length. Two weeks later, you will receive your DVD. Lastly, to ensure that things run even more smoothly, we hire an Emcee who has an understanding of the special nature of the show.
Q: How many people are in each class?
The Stand-up Level I class takes 19 people. It's something we have put a fair amount of thought into. Not only do we often lose some people (due to the normal attrition), but we've found that there is a minimum number of students/people required to make the performance aspect of the class both productive and realistic.
• Improvisation classes will help you think outside the box.
• Improvisation skills will help you think on your feet and make you fearless at auditions.
• Improvisation training will help develop your sense of spontaneity and take your creativity to new heights.
• Improvisational skills are essential for actors, writers and stand-ups.
FAQ's about Comedy Improvisation class:
Q: What is comedy improvisation?
Ensemble comedy performed without a script (or as some say performers say, 'without a net'). In other words, this is comedy composed of scenes, games and songs, made up right on the spot.
Q: What are some of the topics covered in Improvisation Level I?
* Ensemble compatibility - You'll learn how to collaborate with other performers in a scene
* Collaborative creative skills - You'll use improvisation to develop ideas, scenes and performance concepts alongside other performers
* Spontaneous reaction and initiative - You'll learn to 'be in the moment' as well as how to respond to a situation without depending on prepared material or stockpiled jokes or one-liners
* Risk taking - The Level I class allows you the freedom to fail. In this type of 'anything goes' environment, you'll quickly discover that the biggest 'mistakes' can also be the funniest ones
* Environment and character - You'll learn to use your range of emotions and experiences and react to your environment in a creative way
* Character driven comedy - You'll learn the ins and outs of comedy based on human behavior and relationships. Also - how to recognize and make the most of 'vulnerability,' 'agenda' and 'subtext.'
Q: Why should I take an Improvisation class?
Whether we're talking about the 'off-the-cuff' genius of Robin Williams, the work of the performers on "Whose Line is it Anyway?", the freewheeling improvisational format of HBO's Emmy-winning "Curb Your Enthusiasm" or the films of actor/director Christopher Guest ("Waiting for Guffman", "Best in Show", "A Mighty Wind"), improvisational skills are invaluable and indispensable to any comedian or actor wishing to make the most of his/her talent. This ability to be spontaneous; to think fast and 'on your feet,' will make you fearless at auditions, as you will be ready for anything (and everything) thrown at you. Finally, improv skills will help you find, create and develop a unique voice and style and will push your creativity and imagination to a whole new level.
Teaching people stand-up comedy for over 12 years. Come learn from national headliners and perform at the best comedy club in NYC, Gotham.
Manhattan Comedy School on Polstar TV
Manhattan Comedy School/Gotham Comedy Club, 208 West 23rd St, New York, NY 10011