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. Open to all adults 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. Open to all adults 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.
WINTER/SPRING 2023
Stand Up Level 1 Fall 2023 Oct-Nov dates to be announced soon, with registration to open early September. Please sign up for the newsletter if you would like to be notified of this and future sessions. NEW Comedy course: Alternative Comedy 7-9pm Wednesdays April 19 to May 31 James Bay New Horizons 234 Menzies *REGISTRATION CLOSED * What is alternative Comedy? Anything beyond telling jokes at a mic - think SNL characters, Funny songs ("Weird Al"), Found Comedy, special skills (like puppetry or juggling), physical comedy... 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 - and anyone with a sense of humour! Stand Up Level 2 7-9pm Wednesdays, March 1 to April 12 + show Saturday, April 15 James Bay New Horizons 234 Menzies * SOLD OUT * Continue your comedy journey with new topics, rewriting, crowd work, heckling and more in this 7- week session, typically offered once per year. Intended for those who have previously taken Kirsten's Level 1, this gives you a little more time to dig in. More jokes, less terror! Perform your new material in a fantastic show at the Upstairs Lounge at Oak Bay Rec 19+ Refunds available up to 7 days before the first class; after the session begins there are no refunds due to high demand & limited spots. 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).