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 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 (order our unique TOTE BAG!). 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 (order our unique TOTE BAG!). 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.
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2025 COURSES
LEVEL 3 COMEDY Spring 2025
STANDUP MASTERCLASS & Showbiz 7pm -9:15pm Wed. May 7 to June 4 + show Fri. June 6 Registration NOW CLOSED $170 via etransfer (send separate email with your name) or on Eventbrite: The main focus of this intensive 5 week session is to continue honing your Stand Up writing/delivery, explore new topics and concepts, then perform your new material in a big show on FRIDAY JUNE 6. Try Alternative comedy if you wish. Each class will also touch on SHOWBIZ info geared to local comics: how to produce your own show; handle booked gigs, corporate events, comedy festivals/contests, talent agents, how to get into film/tv or commercials... Kirsten is a professional actor/comedienne who has taught a BUSINESS OF ACTING Course in the diploma acting programs at PFMA and VADARTS. Open to those who have taken Level 1 OR Level 2 and others by permission. Refund policy applicable to all courses: tuition is refundable (less any service fees) up to 7 days before the first class. Once the session begins there are NO refunds for missed classes or dropping out.
SUMMER CAMPS ~ GROWNUP FUNINTRO to STAND UP
Wednesdays 7-9pm July 2, 9, 16 (3 classes) + field trip July 23 (optional) James Bay New Horizons 234 Menzies Registration opens May 20. Steps to secure your spot: 1) Pay tuition: $99 by etransfer or on Eventbrite 2) Fill out this Google registration doc: https://forms.gle/CFP5Pxu8yj5WTsms8 Want to give Stand Up a try without the pressure of a show or a big commitment? This summer mini-session will get you started. Learn the basics and create your first Open Mic set. This does NOT include a class performance but there will be an option to attend a local comedy show with new friends (tickets/refreshments not included). Feeling inspired? You may wish to join us for the full Fall session! 19+ OPTION: Register for Summer Stand Up and either Improv workshop at the same time!IMPROV for Comics
7-9pm Wed. July 30 James Bay New Horizons 234 Menzies Registration opens May 20. Steps to secure your spot: 1) Payment $25 via etransfer or on Eventbrite 2) Fill out this Google registration doc: https://forms.gle/CFP5Pxu8yj5WTsms8 How do comics come up with quick quips, funny comebacks and engaging crowd work? Learn the secrets in this fun workshop that will introduce a few key improv skills - beginner-friendly, all levels are welcome! Group games and laughs in this physically active session ~ no homework or writing! ADVANCED IMPROV JAM 7-9pm Wed. Aug. 6 Registration opens May 20 $25 by etransfer or on Eventbrite Intermediate/Advanced improvisors are welcome to join in this reunion jam with Sin City Improv alumna! Warmups, games, character and long form exploration. Open to requests. 16+ Facilitators: Ian Ferguson & Kirsten are founding members and creators of THREE Award-winning improv troupes: Edmonton's legendary DIE-NASTY, Toronto & Victoria's SIN CITY IMPROV SERIAL. STAND UP COMEDY LEVEL 1 FALL 2025
7-9pm Oct - Nov (8 weeks) + show Sat. Nov. 29 Classes TBC Mondays or Wednesdays. Dates/details to be confirmed in June. Registration to open Sept. 1. Aimed at beginners, this popular fall intro session always sells out quickly! Learn the ropes, hone your set and make your stage debut in a big Holiday showcase. OTHER CLASSES 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. While no prior experience is required, this may appeal to anyone who has done a bit of acting, improv, music, clown, puppetry, sketch... Comedy TROUPE Intensive Inviting actors, improvisors, stand up comedians, musicians, singers, comedy writers.... puppeteers, jugglers, magicians, dancers and clowns! 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. PAST OFFERINGS: STAND UP LEVEL 2 SPRING 2025 7-9pm Wed. March 12 to April 30 (8 weeks) + Sat. May 3 James Bay New Horizons 234 Menzies SOLD OUT!! Continue the journey with Level 2: more jokes - less terror! Open to those who have recently taken Level 1 with Kirsten or by permission. Explore new topics, current events, dip into alternative comedy, intro to crowd work and dealing with heckling! Perform your new material in a big showcase. CHEK TV story featuring Patrick Boyle
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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 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 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" 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).
