Intro To Standup Comedy For Queers

Standup comedy should by all accounts be a great equalizer, only requiring a microphone and a perspective. Unfortunately many Cis, Straight, White Men have molded comedy spaces into places that can be hostile for other folks just starting out. We’re looking to change that.

This course is designed to provide a space for queer folk to be able to get their feet wet in comedy with as many advantages as possible. The best way to learn to do comedy is simply to just go out and do it. This course is intended to provide each student with the tools to enter comedy spaces confidently and navigate them successfully.

Over the 8 week session, students will receive a background in comedy theory, performance basics, and learn several writing exercises. Students will write their own material and receive constructive feedback in a workshop setting. They will also have the opportunity to perform at 2 open mics as part of the 8 week session, and when the class is completed, there will be a graduation show at Strangeways Brewing on Dabney Road on Thursday, March 10th, the week after the last class.

The 8 week session will run from Thursday, March 17th-Thursday, May 5th at diversity Richmond from 6pm-8pm, with the exception of Thursday, February 3rd, and Thursday, March 3rd, where the class will meet at 6pm at Strangeways brewing before participating in an open mic that begins at 7pm.

We offer sliding scale pricing for the class. Our base rate is $160. We offer a low-cost option of $80. If you can afford it, and want to offset a low-cost student’s fees, we offer a deluxe luxury price of $240. There is no difference between what you get at any of these rates, but if you want to feel rich, may I suggest the luxury option?

Students will be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 before the session starts. Anyone who does not provide proof of vaccination will be required to wear a mask to all class meetings.