Congrats to Jack, Lee, Dono, Maria, Eric, James, Donnie, Cheryl & Robin for graduating Jan 7, 2010!

Stand UP Comedy Level Two: Performance
Mondays, February 8, 15, 22 from 5:30-8:00PM @ Zanies Nashville
The 3 session class fee is $200 total.
Sign-ups start January 20 @ comedyhomework [at] aol [dot] 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.

In this class we will address:

Act-outs
Characters
Comedy Etiquette
Crowd Control
Heckler Target Practice
Impressions
Mike Techniques
Performance Enhancers
Set Timing
Picking the best set
Riffing / Stream of Thought
Stage Picture
Stage Voice
Taking Stage
Thinking out loud onstage
Voices … and much more!

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.

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.

Intro to Improv Comedy Level One: Games
Tentatively set for: Mondays, March 1, 8 & 15 5:30-8:00PM @ Zanies Nashville
The 3 session class fee is $200 total.
Pre-registration is open, request a form today: comedyhomework [at] aol [dot] 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. The instincts will be beneficial in your everyday life. You’ll also benefit if you are pursuing stand-up comedy.
Stand UP Comedy Level ONE: Writing
Tentatively set for Mondays, April 5, 12 & 26 from 5:30-7:30PM @ Zanies Nashville
The 3 session class fee is $200 total.
Sign-Ups Available Beginning March 15 at comedyhomework [at] aol [dot] com.

Space will be limited. 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.
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!

Bu$ine$$ of Comedy

The annual Bu$ine$$ of Comedy seminar was held on Monday, September 14th. Thanks to the 27 fun loving and seriously interested folks who attended. I appreciate your devotion to taking comedy to the next level.

Did you miss it?

You can still pick up all the tips!

You can receive the 30 page workbook along with the seminar on 3 audio CD’s – that’s no joke! Just request a copy today by e-mail at comedyhomework [at] aol [dot] com. The cost is $75.

Why a Business Class???

Because you will learn more about the comedy business in this 3 hour session than some comics learn in their entire career. You can take this class without any previous experience. It is a real eye opener into the world of comedy as a living.
Among other topics we addressed:
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 the merchandise?
What should I do for free and where do I draw the line?
and MUCH MUCH MORE!!!
request your workbook and CD today @ comedyhomework [at] aol [dot] com

Visit www.schooloflaughs.com for more information on these and other classes & tell them NashvilleStandup sent you.

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?
Are you tuned into which techniques you use that 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!

Sign ups are now available. Request at form at comedyhomework(at)aol(dot)com.

Stand UP Comedy Level Two: Performance class is tentatively scheduled for November 9, 16 & 23 5:30-8:30 at Zanies. Class fee is $200 total for the 3 sessions.

Sign ups start November 2nd.

About the class:

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 priority when signing up, followed by new students who have had SOME performing and writing experience outside of the School of Laughs.

In each class you will go on stage for 3 minutes. 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 suggestions, 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.

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

Additional class description on www.schooloflaughs.com.

The Business of Comedy

The annual Bu$ine$$ of Comedy seminar was held on Monday, September 14th. Thanks to the 27 fun loving and seriously interested folks who attended. I appreciate your devotion to taking comedy to the next level.

Did you miss it? You can still pick up all the tips!

You can receive the 30 page workbook along with the seminar on mp3 or audio CD – that’s no joke! Just request a copy today by e-mail at comedyhomework(at)aol(dot)com. The cost is $75 and I’ll waive the shipping cost on the workbook if you order before October 14th.

Why a Business Class???

Because you will earn more about the comedy business in this 3 hour session than some comics learn in their entire career. You can take this class without any previous experience. It is a real eye opener into the world of comedy as a living.

Among other topics we addressed:

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 the merchandise?
What should I do for free and where do I draw the line?

and MUCH MUCH MORE!!!

E-mail me at comedyhomework(at)aol(dot)com to request your workbook and mp3 today!

GRADUATION SHOW

Thanks to all the students who graduated onstage at Zanies on Wednesday September 23rd. All 7 had their best set yet!

Stand-UP Comedy Level Two: Performance

Starts in 6 days!

Stand UP Comedy Level Two: Performance class is scheduled for August 3, 10, 24 & 31. Class fee is $200. There are two sessions to choose from: Early (5:30-7:15) and Late (7:30-9:15). The early class will probably fill up first so if you can be part of the later session that would help out.

About the class:

I limit the sessions to 8 people so we can have enough for an “audience” and can give everyone ample time for feedback.

Students who have taken the writing class have priority when signing up, followed by new students who have had SOME performing and writing experience outside of the School of Laughs.

In each class you will go on stage the first time for 3 minutes. 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 suggestions, as well as constructive criticism on your stage presence, delivery and ability to relate.

The second time you get onstage I will interrupt you at some point and have you either explore a premise deeper or exaggerate a performance technique to get a different response.

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.

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

Additional class description on www.schooloflaughs.com.

ASK FOR A SIGN UP FORM NOW!

E-Mail me: comedyhomework [at] aol [dot] com

Stand UP Comedy Level ONE: Writing class is tentatively scheduled for MONDAYS September 21, 28 October 19, 26 5:30-7:30p.m. at Zanies. Class fee is $200.

Rik Roberts

How solid is your material now?

Do you know the reason each joke gets a laugh?

Are you tuned into which techniques you use that 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!

Sign ups will begin a few weeks before the class starts.

If you have any questions about any of the classes feel free to e-mail me and ask.. otherwise here’s a look at what’s coming up..

The Bu$ine$$ of Comedy class is tentatively scheduled for Monday, September 14th. Thanks for your patience. This will be a one evening seminar, from 5:30-8:00/8:30 at Zanies, cost is $75. Sign ups will begin September 1st.

Why a Business Class???

Because you will earn more about the comedy business in this 3 hour session than some comics learn in their entire career. After you pre-register you can submit ANY and ALL questions to be answered at the class. You can take this class without any previous experience. It is a real eye opener into the world of comedy as a living.

Among other 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?

Am I too old to start a career in comedy?

What do I need to have before going “on the road”?

What merchandise sells? Where do I get the merchandise?

What should I do for free and where do I draw the line?

and MUCH MUCH MORE!!!

Stage time for former students at ZANIES!

Zanies has asked if I would run an open mike twice a month on TUESDAYS specifically designed to get my graduates more stage time. The open mic’s have been a huge success! Typically 8 – 12 comics get stage time each show. That is 16-24 spots for comics each month!

Set lengths will vary from 3-7 minutes and there will be opportunities to emcee the shows as well. These shows are a direct result of all the quality new faces who have taken the classes and their material to the next level.

I do want to make it clear, though, that ZANIES books the show. I just HOST it. So, if you want to participate, go to ZANIES.com and click on the open mic link for details on how to sign up!

I will be hosting the OPEN MIC on August 11 and 25. Show starts at 7:30pm. Call or e-mail me for FREE TICKETS

Gift Certificates

Don’t want to spend the money on yourself for classes? Have someone else do it! You can let people know you want to take these classes and have them pay your tuition with a gift certificate. Just have them e-mail me and I will guide them through it. The gift certificate is available for any of the 4 week courses for $200, and for the Business Class for $75. All pre-paid certificate are fully refundable if you decide not to take the class.

Stand-UP Comedy: Level One Writing
Starts in 10 days!!!

Class dates:

MONDAYS, JUNE 29, JULY 6, 20, 27
TIME: 5:30 – 7:30 P.M.
All of the classes listed above will meet at Zanies Comedy Showplace in Nashville, TN. Class fee is $200.

Many have asked, “Which class is best for me?” 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?

Are you tuned into which techniques you use that 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!

ASK FOR A SIGN UP FORM NOW! E-Mail me: rik@rikroberts.com

If you have any questions about any of the classes feel free to e-mail me and ask … otherwise here’s a look at what’s coming up …

The Bu$ine$$ of Comedy class is tentatively scheduled for Monday, September 14th. Thanks for your patience. This will be a one evening seminar, from 5:30-8:00/8:30 at Zanies, cost is $75. pre-registration is required.

Click http://www.schooloflaughs.com for class descriptions.

Stand UP Comedy Level Two: Performance class is tentatively schedule for August 3, 10, 24 & 31. Class fee is $200. Class description on www.schooloflaughs.com. More info as the dates get closer.

DID YOU KNOW …

If you take the writing and performing classes you are granted a spot on a graduation show at Zanies?

Students who successfully navigate the two courses will be invited to perform a set onstage at Zanies. This is the absolute fastest way to get on their stage. You are not REQUIRED to perform in any way. But most students are pretty fired up and ready to get under the spotlight.

That graduation set is recorded to a DVD for you to have forever and share with friends or even online.

Stage time for former students at ZANIES!

Zanies has asked if I would run an open mike twice a month on TUESDAYS specifically designed to get my graduates more stage time.

Set lengths will vary from 3-5-7 minutes and there will be opportunities to emcee the shows as well. These shows are a direct result of all the quality new faces who have taken the classes and taken it to the next level.

The still has a few limited slots available on the “off” nights as it always has. But, your odds of getting stage time has increased radically with this development.

I will be hosting the OPEN MIKE on June 30, July 7 and July 14. Show starts at 7:30pm. Call or e-mail me for FREE TICKETS

Extra Stage Time

nashvilleStandUp.com has a complete list of all the open mikes in the Nashville area.

ALSO … If you have any news you’d like to share with the rest of the School of Laughs please send it on to me and I will put it in the next newsletter.

Gift Certificates

Don’t want to spend the money on yourself for classes? Have someone else do it! You can let people know you want to take these classes and have them pay your tuition with a gift certificate. Just have them e-mail me and I will guide them through it. The gift certificate is available for any of the 4 week courses for $200, and for the Business Class for $75. All pre-paid certificate are fully refundable if you decide not to take the class.

Tuesday, April 21
8am – 9am Get Up, Stand Up (91.1 WRVU-FM)
7:30pm Rik Roberts + OPEN MIC (Zanies)
8pm OPEN MIC Contest (Spanky’s Sportsbar & Grill)

Wednesday, April 22
7:30pm Rik Roberts’ School of Laughs Graduation Performance (Zanies)

The Final Sunday Stand-up Showcase Showdown and Stuff

Friday, April 24
7:30pm, 9:45pm Jeffrey Ross, Lahna Turner, Chad Riden (Zanies)

Saturday, April 25
7pm, 9pm Jeffrey Ross, Lahna Turner, Chad Riden (Zanies)
9pm Renard Hirsch, The Three Brian’s, Ben Bergman (Joe’s Crab Shack)

Sunday, April 26
6pm Sunday Stand-up Showcase Showdown And Stuff – Josh Phillips, Joe Southards, Chad Riden, Iron Comic – THE VERY LAST SHOW @ (Improv Nashville Comedy Theater)
7:30pm Jeffrey Ross, Lahna Turner, Chad Riden (Zanies)
8pm OPEN MIC (Music Row Bar & Grill)

More details can be found in the NashvilleStandUp show calendar in the sidebar.

If you have any questions about any of the classes feel free to e-mail me and ask.. otherwise here’s a look at what’s coming up..

Improv 101 Classes are scheduled for Mondays, April 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 5:30-7:30pm at Zanies. Registration for the Improv class is still a bit away. I will start taking pre-registration on March 16th. I thought I’d up date everyone so you can make some tentative plans. Class fee is $200.

Stand-UP Writing Class is tentatively scheduled for Mondays May 4, 11, 18 & June 8th from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Class fee is $200. Sign ups start April 21st.

The Bu$ine$$ of Comedy class is getting closer to a confirmation date in May. Thanks for your patience. This will be a one day seminar, cost is $75.

All of the classes listed above will meet at Zanies Comedy Showplace in Nashville, TN.

Click http://www.schooloflaughs.com for class descriptions.

SPECIAL EDITION CLASSES:

Toastmaster Classes

If you are a Toastmaster, please e-mail me for a special announcement!!! I have a two class session designed just for you in April!

Christian Comedy Association

I am proud to announce I will be teaching a course at the upcoming CCA Conference May 31-June 2 in Murfreesboro, TN. This one hour session will focus on “Perfecting Your Performance.” Visit www.christiancomedyassociation.com for more information.

DID YOU KNOW …

If you take the writing and performing classes you are granted a spot on a graduation show at Zanies?

Students who successfully navigate the two courses will be invited to perform a set onstage at Zanies. This is the absolute fastest way to get on their stage. You are not REQUIRED to perform in any way. But most students are pretty fired up and ready to get under the spotlight.

That graduation set is recorded to a DVD for you to have forever and share with friends or even online.

Stage time for former students at ZANIES!

Zanies has asked if I would run an open mike twice a month on TUESDAYS specifically designed to get my graduates more stage time. THIS IS AWESOME NEWS FOR YOU!

Set lengths will vary from 3-5-7 minutes and there will be opportunities to emcee the shows as well. These shows are a direct result of all the quality new faces who have taken the classes and taken it to the next level.

The still has a few limited slots available on the “off” nights as it always has. But, your odds of getting stage time has increased radically with this development.

I will be hosting the OPEN MIKES on March 24 and April 7th. Show starts at 7:30pm.

Extra Stage Time

Cross Bright puts on some comedy shows in White Bluff, TN. If you are interested in getting stage time please contact email cross.bright ( at ) yahoo ( dot ) com.

NashvilleStandUp.com has a complete list of all the open mikes in the Nashville area.

ALSO.. If you have any news you’d like to share with the rest of the School of Laughs please send it on to me and I will put it in the next newsletter.

Gift Certificates

Don’t want to spend the money on yourself for classes? Have someone else do it! You can let people know you want to take these classes and have them pay your tuition with a gift certificate. Just have them e-mail me and I will guide them through it. The gift certificate is available for any of the 4 week courses for $200, and for the Business Class for $75. All pre-paid certificate are fully refundable if you decide not to take the class.

Improv 101 Classes are scheduled for Mondays, April 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 5:30-7:30pm at Zanies. Registration for the Improv class is still a bit away. I will start taking pre-registration on March 16th. I thought I’d up date everyone so you can make some tentative plans. Class fee is $200.

Due to the overwhelming response, I’ve added one more Performance Class session. This session will meet Mondays, April 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 8:00-9:30pm (after the Improv class). If you are interested in this session I have 5 spots left. $200 covers the 4 sessions in the above classes.

Stand-UP Writing Class is tentatively scheduled for Mondays May 4, 11, 18, 25, from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Class fee is $200.

The Bu$ine$$ of Comedy class is getting closer to a confirmation date in May. Thanks for your patience. This will be a one day seminar, cost is $75.

All of the classes listed above will meet at Zanies Comedy Showplace in Nashville, TN.

Click http://www.schooloflaughs.com for class descriptions.

SPECIAL EDITION CLASSES:

Toastmaster Classes

If you are a Toastmaster, please e-mail me for a special announcement!!! I have a two class session designed just for you in April!

Christian Comedy Association

I am proud to announce I will be teaching a course at the upcoming CCA Conference May 31-June 2 in Murfreesboro, TN. This one hour session will focus on “Perfecting Your Performance.” Visit www.christiancomedyassociation.com for more information.

DID YOU KNOW …

If you take the writing and performing classes you are granted a spot on a graduation show at Zanies?

Students who successfully navigate the two courses will be invited to perform a set onstage at Zanies. This is the absolute fastest way to get on their stage. You are not REQUIRED to perform in any way. But most students are pretty fired up and ready to get under the spotlight.

That graduation set is recorded to a DVD for you to have forever and share with friends or even online.

Stage time for former students at ZANIES!

Zanies has asked if I would run an open mike twice a month on TUESDAYS specifically designed to get my graduates more stage time. THIS IS AWESOME NEWS FOR YOU!

Set lengths will vary from 3-5-7 minutes and there will be opportunities to emcee the shows as well. These shows are a direct result of all the quality new faces who have taken the classes and taken it to the next level.

The still has a few limited slots available on the “off” nights as it always has. But, your odds of getting stage time has increased radically with this development.

I will be hosting the OPEN MIKES on March 10, 23 and April 7th. Show starts at 7:30pm.

Extra Stage Time

School of Laughs graduate Brian E. Kiley is booking a room in White Bluff, TN. If you are interested in getting stage time please contact him directly at bekiley@yahoo.com.

nashvilleStandUp.com has a complete list of all the open mikes in the Nashville area.

ALSO … If you have any news you’d like to share with the rest of the School of Laughs please send it on to me and I will put it in the next newsletter.

Gift Certificates

Don’t want to spend the money on yourself for classes? Have someone else do it! You can let people know you want to take these classes and have them pay your tuition with a gift certificate. Just have them e-mail me and I will guide them through it. The gift certificate is available for any of the 4 week courses for $200, and for the Business Class for $75. All pre-paid certificate are fully refundable if you decide not to take the class.

GRADUATION SHOW
First off PLEASE come out and support the latest graduating class from the School of Laughs at ZANIES in Nashville on Wednesday, November 19th. The show starts at 7:30p.m., doors open at 6:45. Call Zanies box office (615) 269-0221 to purchase tickets. If you ask for the “friend/family of a performer” discount the price will be $6. The special rate is not available for online purchases. Tickets at the door are $10 if there are any left.
Attending this show will give you a chance to meet students and pick their brain about the classes. It will also give them a full house to perform in front of which will really give them great energy.
2009 CLASS DATES
Many of you have asked when the next round of classes will at Zanies. Although I don’t have dates set in stone yet, here is what I am shooting for:
Stand – UP Writing Class
Mondays, February 2, 9, 16 & 23 5:30-7:30p.m.
Stand – UP Performance Class
Mondays, March 2, 9, 16 & 23 5:30 – 7:30p.m.
Business of Comedy Class
Monday, March 30 5:30-8:30 p.m.
If there is enough interest, I will have an IMPROV class in APRIL. Class descriptions online at www.schooloflaughs.com.
As soon as dates get locked in for any class I will send out an announcement.
GIFT CERTIFICATES
Don’t want to spend the money on yourself for classes? Have someone else do it! You can let people know you want to take these classes and have them pay your tuition with a gift certificate. Just have them e-mail me and I will guide them through it. The gift certificate is available for any of the 4 week courses for $200, and for the Business Class for $75. All pre-paid certificate are fully refundable if you decide not to take the class.
SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION
I will be appearing on “The 20 Greatest Redneck Moments Part 2” on CMT Fri. Nov. 14th – 11:15AM, Tues. Nov. 18th – 10:00PM, Wed. Nov. 19th – 3:00PM & Fri. Dec. 5th – 10:30 PM CST.
If you have a DVR.. I will be appearing on “Bananas” in national syndication through Sony Studios on January 24th & August 1st. Each market has different channels and air times, but those are the dates I’ll be on. So, search it out on your DVR and watch!

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