Happy Holidays Comedy Fan!

Well, the wait is over. New dates for the Stand-Up Comedy Level One: Writing class are here! We’ll meet on Mondays January 7, 21 & 28 from 5:30-7:30 @ Zanies in Nashville. The investment is $200 total. Gift certificates can be purchased if you would like someone to play Santa Claus.

E-mail me at comedyhomework @ aol com if you would like to officially register with:

1. Your full name
2. Your cell #
3. Preferred method of payment (check, Paypal, credit/debit card, cash)

(Optional Information)
4. A brief note describing any performing or writing experience
5. A link to any youtube video of you performing

The Stand-Up Comedy Level One: Writing class is the foundation for beginners and intermediate comics. In this class we learn over a dozen techniques comics use to make material solid and consistent. We watch comics on Letterman and break down why they make certain choices. We write jokes and have an opportunity to share in class. We don’t get onstage, however. So it’s a pressure-free environment where you can speak up as much (or as little) as you like.

As an added bonus, this class comes with a “Lifetime Warranty”. Once you’ve paid for the class you can attend any and all following writing class sessions at no extra charge. So you can apply the knowledge as you progress through the ranks of comedy to make it a custom fit every time!

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The Stand-Up Comedy Level Two: Performance classes are tentatively scheduled for Mondays in February 2013. We’ll meet three times in this class and the investment is $200 total. E-mail me at comedyhomework@aol.com with “Stand-By Performance Class” if you would like to be on the stand-by list.

The Performance class is designed to get you onstage. We experiment with voices, act outs, impressions, emotion and other performance techniques to make your material pop. You will also get lots of feedback on the material you present from myself and the other students.

In this class you will begin to develop a 3 minute set you can use as your graduation piece at Zanies.

You are encourage to bring a recording device to these sessions so you can watch it back later and take additional steps to improve your performance.

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Intro to Improv Comedy Level One: Games
We will sample many of the games you have seen on “Whose Line is it Anyway?” as well as many you may have never seen. You’ll learn the ground rules that apply to Improvisational Comedy. You’ll be onstage a LOT and will learn to trust your instincts.

You’ll also benefit if you are pursuing stand-up comedy. All of the games in this course can be applied to writing and developing your material. Many students develop characters and bits that they integrate into their act.

The Intro to Improv Comedy Level One: Games classes are tentatively scheduled for Mondays in February or March 2013. We’ll meet three times in this class and the investment is $200 total. E-mail me at comedyhomework@aol.com with “Intro to Improv Class” if you would like to be on the stand-by list.

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The Bu$ine$$ of Comedy Seminar
You will learn more about the business side of being funny in this session than some comics learn in their entire career. You can take this class without any experience. It is a real eye opener into the world of comedy as a living. Among other topics, we’ll discuss …

What goes in my promo kit?
When should I approach the clubs?
How do I get in with bookers?
How do I promote myself? Do I need a web site?
What is deductible?
HOW MUCH DO COMEDIANS MAKE?
What market best suits my act?
What is a realistic time line for my career?
What merchandise sells? Where do I get it?
What should I do for free and where do I draw the line?
and MUCH, MUCH MORE!!!

This class will be offered in the Spring/Summer of 2013. We’ll meet one time for this 3hr class and the investment is $99 total.

E-mail me at comedyhomework@aol.com with “Business of Comedy Class” if you would like to be on the stand-by list.

Friend The Rik Roberts School of Laughs on www.FACEBOOK.com

Check out videos of former students:

http://schooloflaughs.tumblr.com/

www.schooloflaughs.com

comedyhomework @ aol . com

Rik Roberts
Principal / Janitor
School of Laughs

Twitter.com/RikRoberts

Rik Roberts

Hunstville, AL
Comedy Workshop – September 29

Level Two: Performance Class
Mondays, September 24, October 1, 15

Level One: Writing Class
[Tentatively] Mondays October 29, November 5 & 12

==

Huntsville, AL Comedy Workshop!
The School of Laughs is happy to announce a unique opportunity! I will be leading a comedy workshop in Huntsville, AL on Saturday morning September 29 from 9:30AM-12:30PM at The Von Braun Center (700 Monroe Street Huntsville, Alabama 35801).

The workshop will cover techniques as well as performance tips and feedback on a short set you have prepared. We will analyze, write and briefly perform a set all in one session!

The investment is $75.

This is a great chance for those of you who have expressed interest in a “weekend” class. You will get a ton of great information and motivation to put together a comedy routine!

Furthermore … you have the option of attending my stand-up show at the Von Braun Center’s “Comedy Night in the Valley” the night before as part of a “package deal”. The show starts at 7:30 PM on the 28th.

The Friday night show tickets are $20 if you buy them separate. However, you can mention that you are attending the comedy workshop and receive a “package rate” of $85. For the package deal, you will need to contact rocketcitycomedy@gmail.com

Tickets for the show only are available on line at TICKETMASTER.COM.

Be sure to e-mail me to save your spot at the workshop … comedyhomework@aol.com. Please put “HUNTSVILLE WORKSHOP” in the subject header. In the e-mail, let me kmow your name, cell#, perferred method of payment, and if you have any previous comedy or performing experience. I will follow up with a confirmation e-mail and more information.

===

Stand-Up Comedy Level Two: Performance Class
NOW ENROLLING!
Mondays, September 24, October 1, & 15
@ Zanies Nashville

Pick one of the following time frames…
4:00-6:00 PM (5 spots left)
or 6:30-8:30 PM (3 spots left)
The 3 session investment is $200 total

About the class:

This class consists of three sessions. In each class you will go on stage for a short set. After your set you will get feedback from myself and then the other students. Feedback will include ideas and angles to clarify your premise, punch line and tag lines. We’ll offer suggestions on how to take your jokes further, as well as constructive criticism on your stage presence, delivery and ability to relate.
Each week there will be some “homework” geared toward preparing a more solid set for the next time. The class is 100% constructive but you will need to have a little thick skin to take advantage of everything involved.

I limit the size of the class so we can give everyone ample time for feedback and have enough for an “audience” for the students onstage. Students who have taken the writing class have the priority when signing up, followed by new students who have had SOME performing and writing experience outside of the School of Laughs.

Students who successfully navigate the writing and performing classes are invited to a GRADUATION show at Zanies where they will perform a 3 minute set. The set will be recorded and given to you on a DVD along with an evaluation of that set. The graduation set must be CLEAN.

If interested, send me an e-mail: comedyhomework@aol.com with your name, cell #, preferred method of payment (check, cash, credit card), and any stand-up comedy experience. If you have never taken a School Of Laughs class please include a link to a Youtube clip of a recent performance.
—-

Stand-Up Comedy Level One: Writing
[Tentatively] Mondays October 29, November 5 & 12
5:30-7:30 PM @ Zanies Nashville
The 3 session class investment is $200 total

If interested… send me an e-mail: comedyhomework@aol.com with your name, cell #, preferred method of payment (check, cash, credit card), and any stand-up comedy experience.

If you are starting from scratch this is your class. If you have “dabbled” in stand-up and can’t find the consistency you need from your material, this is your class. If you write, blog, tweet or just want to find out how to be funnier … this class is for you.
Ask yourself the following questions. Be honest with yourself!
How solid is your material now?
Do you know the reason each joke gets a laugh?
What techniques suit you the best?
Are you able to mix it up for different types of crowds?
Can you turn a story into a comedy bit?
Do your jokes get consistent laughs?
Are you able to get a laugh every 15 seconds or so?
If you don’t know some of the answers, then you’d benefit enormously from the writing class!
You can pay by check, credit card or money order. Once you’ve paid for the writing class once you have a “Lifetime” membership which allows you to attend any and all of the future writing classes at no extra cost.

==

Any questions? Feel free to e-mail and ask!

Thanks!

Rik

Rik Roberts

Stand-UP Level One: Writing
Mondays 4/30, 5/7 & 5/21
5:30-7:15 PM @ Zanies Nashville
The 3 session class fee is $200 total

If you are starting from scratch this is your class. If you have “dabbled” in stand-up and can’t find the consistency you need from your material, this is your class. If you write, blog, tweet or just want to find out how to be funnier … this class is for you.

Ask yourself the following questions. Be honest with yourself!

How solid is your material now?
Do you know the reason each joke gets a laugh?
What techniques suit you the best?
Are you able to mix it up for different types of crowds?
Can you turn a story into a comedy bit?
Do your jokes get consistent laughs?
Are you able to get a laugh every 10-15 seconds or so?

If you don’t know some of the answers, then you’d benefit enormously from the writing class!

You can pay by check, credit card or money order. Once you’ve paid for the writing class once you have a “Lifetime” membership which allows you to attend any and all of the future writing classes at no extra cost.

————————

Improv Comedy Level One: Games
Mondays 4/30, 5/7 & 5/21
7:30-9:30 PM @ Zanies Nashville
The 3 session class fee is $200 total

Want to release the inner genius trapped inside you? Me too! In the meantime, why not sign up for the Intro to Improv Comedy Class?

I started my comedy career as part of Midwest Comedy Tool and Die – an incredible Improv group in Columbus, OH. We were one of the few traveling Improv troupes to conquer comedy clubs. Our approach was big on laughs with a respect for the art form of Improv. In this intro to Improv class we will do the same.

We will sample many of the games you have seen on “Whose Line is it Anyway?” as well as many you may have never seen. You’ll learn the ground rules that apply to Improvisational Comedy. You’ll be onstage a LOT and will learn to trust your instincts.

You’ll also benefit if you are pursuing stand-up comedy. All of the games in this course can be applied to writing and developing your material. Many students develop characters and bits that they integrate into their act.

A minimum of 8 students is necessary for this class to go forward.

If interested, send Rik an e-mail at comedyhomework AT aol DOT com with the following information:

Which class are you sign up for,
Writing or Improv? ___________________

Name: ____________________________

Cell#: ____________________________

Best E-Mail for class news: ______________

Preferred method of payment (Check, Credit or Cash) ___________________________

And feel free to tell me about any past performance or writing experiences. A link to any YouTube clips would also be cool.

Rik Roberts

Happy Global Warming,

I can’t believe how nice the weather has been this winter. The hot air from all these campaigning politicians must have something to do with it.

I wanted to send one last reminder about the upcoming writing class starting Monday. We still have some room in what looks to be an exciting group of students. If you miss this round the next earliest opportunity would be in May or June. Read on for more information on how to sign up.

Thanks!

Rik

Stand-UP Level One: Writing
Mondays, February 6,  20 &  27
5:30-7:30 PM @ Zanies Nashville

The 3 session class fee is $200 total

E-Mail me at comedyhomework@aol.com
with the following information to reserve your spot:

First & Last Name
Address
Cell #
Past Performance Experience (if any)
Method of payment (check, cash, PayPal, Credit Card)

If you are starting from scratch this is your class. If you have “dabbled” in stand-up and can’t find the consistency you need from your material, this is your class. If you write, blog, tweet or just want to find out how to be funnier … this class is for you.

Ask yourself the following questions. Be honest with yourself!

• How solid is your material now?
• Do you know the reason each joke gets a laugh?
• What techniques suit you the best?
• Are you able to mix it up for different types of crowds?
• Can you turn a story into a comedy bit?
• Do your jokes get consistent laughs?
• Are you able to get a laugh every 15 seconds or so?

If you don’t know some of the answers, then you’d benefit enormously from the writing class!

Stand-Up Level One: Writing comes with a ”Lifetime” membership which allows you to attend any and all of the future writing classes at no extra cost.

==========

Performance Class tentatively set for March 5, 12 & 19.

Registration will begin after the writing class is complete. Students who have already taken the writing class have first choice in signing up.

Typically the class fills with these students. If any spots remain open, I will send a notice via this newsletter.

==

Improv Class tentatively April 16, 23 & 30

==

Business of Comedy Class dates TBA

==

Rik Roberts
Principal / Janitor
School of Laughs

JOIN S.O.L. on FACEBOOK

Check out videos of former students:
http://schooloflaughs.tumblr.com/

www.schooloflaughs.com
comedyhomework@aol.com

2010 was a big year for the school of laughs and it’s graduates. I enjoy hearing about former students grabbing stage time across the country as well as some paying gigs. I’m also impressed with the amount of stage time they’ve donated to causes and fund raisers.

In 2011, I hope to add a couple of “Field Trip” outings for everyone to get together and catch up outside of the comedy club. Networking is a big part of moving forward. Stay tuned for more on that.

That’s all for now, class dates and info below. Business of Comedy class registration is now open. E-mail comedyhomework – at – aol . com for the entry form.

- Rik

UPCOMING CLASS DATES
(descriptions below)

January 24, 2011 Business of Comedy Seminar

February 7, 21, 28 Stand-UP Level One: Writing

March 7, 14, 21 Stand-UP Level Two: Performance

April 4, 11, 18 Improv Comedy Level One: Games
===

The Bu$ine$$ of Comedy Seminar

Monday, January 24

5:30 – 8:00 PM @ Zanies in Nashville

The cost is $75 for this one evening seminar

Registration is open, just request a form today by e-mail at comedyhomework – at – aol . com.

Why a Business Class???

Because you will learn more about the comedy business in this session than some comics learn in their entire career. You can take this class without any experience. It is a real eye opener into the world of comedy as a living.
Among topics we will address:
What goes in my promo kit?
When should I approach the clubs?
How do I get in with bookers?
How do I promote myself? Do I need a web site?
What is deductible?
HOW MUCH DO COMEDIANS MAKE?
What market am I best suited for?
What is a realistic time line for my career?
What merchandise sells? Where do I get it?
What should I do for free and where do I draw the line?
and MUCH, MUCH MORE!!!

In fact, send in any question you want answered prior to the seminar and I’ll find the answer for you.
====

Stand UP Comedy Level One: Writing

Tentatively set for Mondays, February 7, 21, 28

5:30-7:30 PM @ Zanies Nashville

The 3 session class fee is $200 total

Sign-Ups Available Beginning January 17th, 2011
Request a form at comedyhomework – at – aol . com.

How do you know if the writing class is the starting place for you? Ask yourself the following questions. Be honest with yourself!

How solid is your material now?
Do you know the reason each joke gets a laugh?
What techniques suit you the best?
Are you able to mix it up for different types of crowds?
Can you turn a story into a comedy bit?
Do your jokes get consistent laughs?
Are you able to get a laugh every 15 seconds or so?

If you don’t know some of the answers, then you’d benefit enormously from the writing class!

You can pay by check, credit card or money order. Once you’ve paid for the writing class once you have a “Lifetime” membership which allows you to attend any and all of the future writing classes at no extra cost.
===

Stand UP Comedy Level Two: Performance

Tentatively set for Mondays, March 7, 14 & 21

From 5:30-8:00 PM @ Zanies Nashville

The 3 session class fee is $200 total

Sign-ups start February 28, 2011
Request a form at: comedyhomework – at – aol . com

About the class:
In each class you will go on stage for a short set. After your set you will get feedback from myself and then the other students. Feedback will include ideas and angles to clarify your premise, punch line and tag lines. We’ll offer suggestions on how to take your jokes further, as well as constructive criticism on your stage presence, delivery and ability to relate.
Each week there will be some “homework” geared toward preparing a more solid set for the next time.

The class is 100% constructive but you will need to have a little thick skin to take advantage of everything involved.

I limit the size of the class so we can give everyone ample time for feedback and have enough for an “audience” for the students onstage. Students who have taken the writing class have the priority when signing up, followed by new students who have had SOME performing and writing experience outside of the School of Laughs.

Students who successfully navigate the writing and performing classes are invited to a GRADUATION show at Zanies where they will perform a 3 minute set. The set will be recorded and given to you on a DVD along with an evaluation of that set. The graduation set must be CLEAN.

Intro to Improv Comedy Level One: Games

Mondays, April 4, 11 & 18

From 5:30-8:00 PM @ Zanies Nashville, TN

The 3 session class fee is $200 total

Sign-ups start March 21, 2011.
Request a form at: comedyhomework – at – aol . com

Want to release the inner genius trapped inside you? Me too! In the meantime, why not sign up for the Intro to Improv Comedy Class?

I started my comedy career as part of Midwest Comedy Tool and Die – an incredible Improv group in Columbus, OH. We were one of the few traveling Improv troupes to conquer comedy clubs. Our approach was big on laughs with a respect for the art form of Improv. In this intro to Improv class we will do the same.
We will sample many of the games you have seen on “Whose Line is it Anyway?” as well as many you may have never seen. You’ll learn the ground rules that apply to Improvisational Comedy. You’ll be onstage a LOT and will learn to trust your instincts.
You’ll also benefit if you are pursuing stand-up comedy. All of the games in this course can be applied to writing and developing your material. Many students develop characters and bits that they integrate into their act.
Visit www.schooloflaughs.com for more information on these and other classes.

Look for The Rik Roberts School of Laughs on www.FACEBOOK.com. Friend the school for weekly news!