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. 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. 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.
2024 SESSIONS
SUMMER COMEDY CAMPS Announcing two mini-sessions: lots of fun, low commitment, and no pressure. Dip your toes in and have some laughs! INTRO to STAND UP
7-9PM TUESDAYS JULY 9, 16, 23 James Bay New Horizons 234 Menzies Want to give standup a try without a big commitment? This 3-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. Bring a notebook and allow at least one hour outside of class time for creative homework. 19+ Sign up by Etransfer to [email protected] or at Eventbrite (service fee applies): Early Bird before June 1: $105 Registration after June 1: $125 Your registration will be confirmed and you will also get a reminder the week before class begins. IMPROV 101 7-9 PM THURSDAYS AUG. 8, 15, 22 James Bay New Horizons 234 Menzies 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 +. Sign up by Etransfer to [email protected] or Eventbrite (service fee applies): Early Bird Registration before July 1: $105 Registration after July 1: $125 Your registration will be confirmed and you will also get a reminder the week before class begins. 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; this is a rare opportunity to take her recreational class! * * * * * * * * * * ** FALL 2024: STANDUP LEVEL 1 Oct. to Nov (8 weeks) + option to perform in the Annual HO HO HO Show on Sat. Nov. 30. Class dates to be confirmed soon. Registration will open Sept. 1. The Fall Level 1 session always sells out quickly ~ repeaters are welcome and will be given fresh inspiration. Sign up for the Newsletter if you would like to get advance notice. Refunds are available up to 7 days before the first class; after the session begins there are no refunds due to high demand & limited spots ______________ SPRING 2024 Stand Up Level 2 Class 7-9pm Wednesdays March 13 to May 2 + Sat. May 4 (8 weeks) James Bay New Horizons 234 Menzies Continue the journey with Level 2. More jokes - less terror! Open to those who have recently taken Level 1 with Kirsten or by permission. Take your comedy up a notch and explore new topics, current events, alternative comedy, crowdwork and hecklers! Perform your new material in a big showcase on Saturday May 4. Rusty? If it have been a while since you've performed or taken Level 1 we recommend repeating Level 1. Refunds are available up to 7 days before the first class; after the session begins there are no refunds due to high demand & limited spots Participants must be 19 + WINTER 2024 Stand Up Level 1 ~ SOLD OUT 7-9pm Wednesdays Jan. 10 to Feb. 28 + Sat. March 2 (8 weeks) James Bay New Horizons 234 Menzies Aimed at beginners, no experienced required! Learn the ropes in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Repeaters are also welcome and will be given new ideas and inspiration to keep it fresh. Save the date - you will have the option of performing your new act on Saturday March 2! Level 3 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! Open to those who have taken Level 1 OR 2 Stand Up, comics, improvisers, actors, writers, sketch comedians, Tik Tokkers, Youtubers. CHEK TV story featuring Patrick Boyle
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KIRSTEN'S CLASS FEATURED IN THE MEDIA:
"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 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).