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 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 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.
2024 COURSES
Stand Up Level 1 7-9pm Wednesdays Jan. 10 to Feb. 28 + Sat. March 2 (8 weeks) James Bay New Horizons 234 Menzies Aimed at beginners, no experienced required! Learn the ropes in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Repeaters are also welcome and will be given new ideas and inspiration to keep it fresh. Save the date - you will have the option of performing your new act on Saturday March 2! Two steps to complete registration and reserve your spot: 1)pay the tuition: - on Eventbrite ($239 plus service fee) at Stand Up Comedy Class - Level 1 Winter 2024 Registration, Wed, 10 Jan 2024 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite - etransfer $239 to broadtheatrics(at) Yahoo (dot) ca - cheque or cash by arrangement 2) complete the Google registration form acknowledging the refund and covid policies. Note that filling out the form alone does not save your spot, payment must be received. If this is a gift - please put the name of the participant in the form. (we will not ruin the surprise) Refunds are available up to 7 days before the first class; after the session begins there are no refunds due to high demand & limited spots Stand Up Level 2 7-9pm Wednesdays March 13 to May 2 + Sat. May 4 (8 weeks) James Bay New Horizons 234 Menzies Registration opens in February Continue the journey with Level 2. More jokes - less terror! Open to those who have recently taken Level 1 with Kirsten, or by permission. Rusty? If it have been a while since you've performed or taken Level 1 we recommend repeating Level 1 with new friends. Participants will have the opportunity to perform on Saturday May 2. Save the date and invite your friends! 2023 COURSES Fall 2023 Sorry folks - the fall session has been postponed (the instructor is performing out of town). Check out some Open mics and we will see you in the new year! Spring Session Alternative Comedy 7-9pm Wednesdays April 19 to May 31 James Bay New Horizons 234 Menzies What is alternative Comedy? Anything beyond telling jokes at a mic - think SNL characters, funny original songs or song parodies (like "Weird Al"), "Found Comedy", using your special skills (like puppetry or juggling), physical comedy, solo sketches... Explore these and more in this 7- week session. Open to those who have taken Level 1 OR 2 Stand Up, comics, improvisers, actors, writers, sketch comedians, Tik Tokkers, Youtubers. Stand Up Level 2 7-9pm Wednesdays, March 1 to April 12 + show Saturday, April 15 James Bay New Horizons 234 Menzies SOLD OUT! Intended for those who have previously taken Kirsten's Level 1 - more jokes, less terror! Continue your comedy journey with new topics, rewriting, crowd work, heckling and more in this Level 2 session, typically offered once per year. Stand Up Level 1 Oct./Nov. 2022 SOLD OUT! Jan./March 2023 SOLD OUT! CHEK TV story featuring Patrick Boyle
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KIRSTEN'S CLASS FEATURED IN THE MEDIA:
"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 PRAISE
“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 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" SHAW TV story on a special session "Stand up for This Ability"
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We gratefully acknowledge that land on which we gather is within the traditional territories of the Lkwungen (Esquimalt, and Songhees).