COMMUNITY VOTES PLATINUM AWARD WINNER
BEST "PERFORMING ARTS CLASS"
3 YEARS IN A ROW!
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
STANDUP LEVEL 1 (WINTER 2025)
7-9pm Wed. Jan. 8 to Feb. 19 (7 weeks) + Sat. Feb 22 James Bay New Horizons 234 Menzies Registration is now SOLD OUT. This session is aimed at beginners, but 'repeaters' are also welcome with new inspiration provided. 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 Registration to open mid-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. Explore new topics, current events, alternative comedy, crowd work and heckling! Perform your new material in a big showcase. NEW!
Comedy TROUPE Intensive (Spring 2025) 7pm to 9:30pm Wednesdays May 7, 14, 21, 28, June 4 + May 31 or June 1 afternoon at James Bay New Horizons + Sat. June 8 dress & show at Sports View Lounge Oak Bay Rec Calling 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. In 5 short weeks, the troupe will create and perform a workshop production of new material. What will it be? Who knows... but probably funny! No auditions required, all welcome. 19+ REGISTRATION INFO Dates & Details posted soon. Be in touch if you are interested or have any questions! . STAND UP COMEDY LEVEL 1 (FALL 2025)
7-9pm Wednesdays Oct. 8 - Nov. 26 (8 weeks) + Sat. Nov. 29 Classes at James Bay New Horizons 234 Menzies Registration to open Sept. 1. Potential adult summer comedy camps:
INTRO to STAND UP mini-session Want to give stand up a try without a big commitment? This 4 week mini-session will get you started, with enough inspiration to create your first Open Mic set. This does NOT include a performance but we can point you in the right direction. IMPROV 101 mini-Session Aimed at beginners, the focus will be on the FUN! Come and get silly playing with others - drama games and comedy scenes. No stress, no homework, lots of laughs! Open level ages 16 +. Instructor: Kirsten is a founding member and creator of THREE Award-winning improv troupes: Edmonton's legendary DIE-NASTY, Toronto & Victoria's SIN CITY IMPROV SERIAL. She currently teaches improv to post-secondary acting students at VADARTS. ALTERNATIVE COMEDY What is alternative Comedy? Anything beyond telling jokes as yourself at a mic. Think of your favourite SNL characters; funny original songs or song parodies like "Weird Al Yankovic"; trying "Found Comedy"; using a special skill like puppetry, dance, juggling; voices or physical comedy bits... Explore all of these and more! CHEK TV story featuring Patrick Boyle
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NEW: COMEDIAN MERCH KITWoot! When you sign up for COMEDY CLASS, why not PRE-ORDER some MERCH featuring Kirsten's original design (inspired by a loaf of Wonderbread!) Option to ADD ON to your EVENTBRITE registration OR send an etransfer (and a message with T shirt preference/size) and we will confirm your order.
COMEDY TO GO TOTE BAG A pen and notebook for your jokes, a water bottle to prevent dry mouth, a foamie microphone cover to avoid germs, packed in a 100% cotton tote bag with the unique COMEDIAN design. $50 COMEDIAN TEE Just for comedy class participants! Proudly wear it to your grad show and recognize your colleagues out in the wild! Choose from Unisex/Men's or Women's cut in sizes S, M, l. XL. $30 Taxes & shipping included. 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).
