Multiple COMMUNITY VOTES AWARD WINNERS!! Offering Comedy classes in Victoria since 2011
Stand Up Comedy
Have you ever wondered if you could stand on stage with a mic and make people laugh? It's a huge high when you pull it off, but the fear of bombing can be nerve-wracking. Or maybe you have no idea how to begin. This workshop is a great way to get started. It's challenging but will probably become your favourite night of the week. In less than two months, you will create strong material and gain the confidence it takes years to build by doing Open Mics alone.
Kirsten is known for her unique curriculum and supportive style of teaching. She has enjoyed a successful career as a professional actor/comedienne with appearances on TV/film, radio, comedy festivals and stages across Canada and the US. She has received critical acclaim for her comedy performances, multiple Award nominations, and hundreds of media interviews. www.kirstenvanritzen.com Kirsten has been teaching stand up in Victoria for over a decade, showing the ropes to hundreds of regular people from all walks of life. Many have continued on their path to become comics: performing and hosting live shows, radio and television, even winning comedy competitions. For others, it is a bucket list item - and that is fine too!
Each class you will get the chance to perform, receive constructive feedback and be given creative assignments for the following week. The group will also discuss topics in comedy, get insider tips, and generally laugh a lot. The session wraps with a comedy showcase - you will have the option of performing or just enjoy the show with new friends.
No experience is required for Level 1 - just bring a sense of humour, a pen and a large old-school notebook. Allow 30 to 60 minutes per week of creative homework outside of class. Uncensored adult content 19+.
PLEASE NOTE: classes are planned to be in-person but may revert to online delivery to comply with any changes to Public Health Orders; and/or to meet any requirements made by the PHO or venues such as proof of vaccination, masking or social distancing. Kindly stay home if feeling unwell.
Have you ever wondered if you could stand on stage with a mic and make people laugh? It's a huge high when you pull it off, but the fear of bombing can be nerve-wracking. Or maybe you have no idea how to begin. This workshop is a great way to get started. It's challenging but will probably become your favourite night of the week. In less than two months, you will create strong material and gain the confidence it takes years to build by doing Open Mics alone.
Kirsten is known for her unique curriculum and supportive style of teaching. She has enjoyed a successful career as a professional actor/comedienne with appearances on TV/film, radio, comedy festivals and stages across Canada and the US. She has received critical acclaim for her comedy performances, multiple Award nominations, and hundreds of media interviews. www.kirstenvanritzen.com Kirsten has been teaching stand up in Victoria for over a decade, showing the ropes to hundreds of regular people from all walks of life. Many have continued on their path to become comics: performing and hosting live shows, radio and television, even winning comedy competitions. For others, it is a bucket list item - and that is fine too!
Each class you will get the chance to perform, receive constructive feedback and be given creative assignments for the following week. The group will also discuss topics in comedy, get insider tips, and generally laugh a lot. The session wraps with a comedy showcase - you will have the option of performing or just enjoy the show with new friends.
No experience is required for Level 1 - just bring a sense of humour, a pen and a large old-school notebook. Allow 30 to 60 minutes per week of creative homework outside of class. Uncensored adult content 19+.
PLEASE NOTE: classes are planned to be in-person but may revert to online delivery to comply with any changes to Public Health Orders; and/or to meet any requirements made by the PHO or venues such as proof of vaccination, masking or social distancing. Kindly stay home if feeling unwell.
UPCOMINGFALL SESSION 2026
1-3pm Sundays Sept. 20 to Nov. 8 (no class Oct. 11) Classes at James Bay New Horizons 234 Menzies plus SHOW 8pm Sat. Nov. 14 at Sports View Lounge Learn how to craft your original comedy set, practise then make your stand up debut in a fun holiday show! Performing is optional (you don't have to decide right away) but we will encourage you to give it a try! REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! ONLY A HANDFUL OF SPOTS REMAIN! TWO steps to Register and secure your spot: 1) Fill out the Google application form: https://forms.gle/oWrwtCXvKXwmti238 2) pay Tuition $245. Options: etransfer or credit card, link in the form. Hurry - seats are limited and we expect this fall session to fill up quickly! After it is sold out a wait list will be available on Eventbrite only. Refund policy applicable to all courses: Tuition is fully refundable less any service fees up to 7 days before the first class; dropping with 1-6 days notice 50% refund. After a session begins, there are NO refunds for missed classes/dropping out.
PRIVATE COACHING
Class schedule doesn't work for you? Live far away? Previous students looking for a tune-up? Have a big gig coming up?Book a private coaching session with Kirsten!
For material review, send your 5-10 minute set in two formats: a written doc AND a link to an audio or video of the same material. This can be from a comedy show or just a recording made at home. (upload in GOOGLE doc below) Complete your payment $50 via etransfer Kirsten will confirm and schedule a half-hour meeting on ZOOM or an in-person coaching Please allow 5-7 days for thoughtful review of your material in advance of feedback REQUEST YOUR PRIVATE COACHING with this FORM: https://forms.gle/GVhYWuWJETJKR39f7 RECENT OFFERINGS 2026 FUNNY WOMEN* WORKSHOPS & SHOW
PERFORMER APPLICATIONS CLOSED WORKSHOPS Sundays 1-3pm Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22 at James Bay New Horizons 234 Menzies COMEDY SHOW 8pm Sat. Feb. 28 Oak Bay Rec 1975 Bee Street Performers in any genre of comedy (stand up, character, improv, sketch, musical acts, puppetry, drag, burlesque) develop new original material! Aimed at intermediate to advanced artists with some experience in any genre. Four weeks of expert comedy coaching, collaboration and camaraderie! Rehearse to perform in the Funny Women Show and get a good quality video! Participation by Invitation only, interested performers must apply. * Female/female identifying LGBTQQL + welcome. OFFERED FROM TIME TO TIME
Alternative Comedy What is alternative comedy? Anything other than telling regular jokes at the mic. Explore Comedy characters, comedic songs, "found comedy", props, physical comedy, special skills, duo acts...get creative, get weird. Pre-requisite: Level 1 Stand Up or some experience in acting, improv, dance, music, clown, puppetry, Drag, burlesque, sketch or any other form of performance. Explore a new genre or play in the sandbox of your choice. STAND UP: MASTERCLASS & SHOW BIZ For comics who have taken Level 2 or have considerable Open Mic experience. In addition to honing your material with new topics and comedy concepts, the course will touch on Show biz topics with relevant local info on: running an Open Mic, comedy competitions/festivals, handling corporate gigs, touring, how to get into TV/Film or Commercials, talent agents/manager, performer unions/associations, and more. Comedy TROUPE Intensive Open to: actors, improvisors, stand up comedians, musicians, singers, comedy writers, puppeteers, jugglers, magicians, dancers, clowns, drag performers and more! Who wants to put on a show? In this Intensive program, you will participate in weekly workshops to explore different genres of comedic performance; be given creative exercises and the opportunity to collaborate with others. Explore a new genre or play in the sandbox of your choice. IMPROV for COMICS
How do comedians come up with quick quips, funny comebacks and engaging crowd work? Learn the secrets in this fun workshop that will introduce some key improv skills - beginner-friendly, all levels are welcome. Group games and laughs in this physically active session ~ no homework or writing. |
KIRSTEN'S CLASS FEATURED IN THE MEDIA:
"ARMY VETERAN WITH PTSD FINDS HOPE & HEALING THROUGH HUMOUR" CTV Vancouver Island/National News bc.ctvnews.ca/army-veteran-with-ptsd-finds-hope-and-healing-through-humour-1.6909517 "COMEDY EVENT BRINGS HOLIDAY CHEER" Nexus Newspaper "WHAT IF NOBODY LAUGHS?" Times Colonist "LOVE LETTER TO VICTORIA" Victoria News ''SECRETS OF STANDUP COMEDY REVEALED" in Nexus Newspaper TESTIMONIALS
“one of the best teachers I’ve ever had in any subject” “You are an excellent teacher!... its been a ton of fun with so many hilarious moments.” "i found my joy again as well as laughter" “I knew this was gonna be fun, but I didn't realize *how* fun. Thank you for being an incredible teacher. “ "non-stop encouraging, supportive style of coaching - very inspiring" "A great experience all around" "thanks to Kirsten for being a kind, fun and helpful teacher" "I built confidence." " a scheduled night of laughter every week" " Great! I never imagined I would be able to do it!" "Gave me the kick I needed to get started. Freakin' awesome. " "This has to be the most fun class I've ever taken" "This might change your life! Aside from the comedy, one actually grows as a human because it takes you out of your comfort zone! .....You might makes some friends as well. I highly recommend these classes." SHAW TV story on a special session "Stand up for This Ability"
CHEK TV story featuring Patrick Boyle
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We gratefully acknowledge that land on which we gather is within the traditional territories of the Lkwungen (Esquimalt, and Songhees).
