Zanies and Nashville-based comic Rik Roberts are offering new sessions of the popular “School of Laughs” classes. Coming up in the next few months: the Business of Comedy Seminar, Intro to Improv, Stand Up Level One: Writing, and Stand Up Level Two: Performance. More details after the jump..
From Rik:
The Business of Comedy Seminar date is locked in! This once a year 4 hour session will be from 1:00-5:00 PM on Sunday, May 25th. Due to a scheduling conflict with Zanies, I will be holding the seminar at the Holiday Inn, Brentwood. (I-65 South & Old Hickory go east and look for hotel on the left … 760 Old Hickory Boulevard Brentwood, TN 37027) Class fee is $75
Why a Business Class???
Because you will earn more about the comedy business in this 4 hour afternoon than some comics learn in their entire career. After you pre-register you can submit ANY and ALL questions to be answered on the 25th. You can take this class without any previous experience. It is a real eye opener into the world of comedy as a living.
This afternoon 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 are the keys to making a great video …
and how to get one done for free?
What is the most effective way to network?
What is deductible?
How do I get invited to festivals?
HOW MUCH DO COMEDIANS MAKE?
What market am I best suited for?
What is a realistic timeline for my career?
When can I quit my job and go full time?
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 is negotiable, what is standard?
Are comedy competitions a good idea?
Do I need a manager?
What should I do for free and where do I draw the line?
and MUCH MUCH MORE!!!
You are encouraged to submit questions leading up the seminar and I will answer them in front of everyone. Some of you have already sent in questions. If you haven’t asked any yet please feel free to e-mail them to me. Chances are, if you are wondering about it … someone else is too.
If you are interested in signing up please contact me for a registration form rik@rikroberts.com ASAP. Space is limited.
Thirdly, we are nearing the INTRO TO IMPROV class. (May 5, 12, 26 & June 9 5:30-7:30PM Cost $200)
There is a little room left in the class if you are interested. The dates have changed just slightly since the last newsletter. The above dates are correct.
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.
Preregistration is open. To enroll send me an e-mail rik@rikroberts.com today. $50 deposit due to enroll in class, $150 remaining will be due by the second class. To pre-register you must e-mail me and request either a PAYPAL invoice or a printable sign up form.
All class dates below are subject to change in the event of a Zanies show or booking.
STAND UP LEVEL ONE: WRITING (June 16, 23, 30 & July 7 from 5:30 – 7:30PM) Cost is $200 total for the 4 session class.
This class is designed to help you begin writing material, or taking material you already have and making it much funnier. This class is focused on writing and is strongly recommended for beginners and those who have attended open stages, but not developed the material as far as they know it can go.
We’ll discuss and define YOUR style of humor. YOU will write material that can be honed into a building block in YOUR comedy act. Learn how to develop an “EYE” for comedy. As an added bonus you’ll get feedback from everyone else in the class to help you gain extra punch lines.
You’ll learn 22 plus writing techniques that make things funnier. Some are pretty amazingly simple. Others are a little abstract. I guarantee that if you utilize the techniques in your writing you will have more success onstage than if you didn’t learn them.
Once you complete the writing course you will have “lifetime” membership. This means you can take the writing course over and over again at no charge. Past students have used this opportunity to develop more material and friendships.
Those who take the writing class have priority when signing up for the performance class.
Preregistration will open 30 days before the classes start. I will send a reminder at that time. If you want to be on the notification list for the writing classes send me an e-mail rik@rikroberts.com today.
STAND UP LEVEL TWO: PERFORMANCE Dates aren’t locked in yet but should be July 21, 28, August 4, 11) at Zanies.
Graduates of the writing and performing classes will be guaranteed a spot in a graduation show at Zanies in late August or early September. These shows have been a huge success and a great opportunity to get on the Zanies stage in front of your friends or family.
The performance class gets you onstage at least twice each session. You get some practice as well as coaching and group feedback after each set.
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!
Class fee is $200 and includes a DVD and detailed feedback on one of your final sets.
Visit http://www.schooloflaughs.com/ for more info.