Our Fundamental Teaching Philosophy

A Technique-Based Approach To Learning Key Concepts

These three words encompass the general teaching philosophy championed at the Underground Comedy School. With performance art being such a subjective arena of thought, our belief is that objectivity is imperative and allowing students to naturally explore their potential ability makes for a richer learning environment. Although our instructors provide valuable technique-based training in their curriculums, they serve foremost as a structural guide, instilling concepts so students may then formulate personalized solutions unique to themselves.

Unlike the classroom environment found at a university, the Underground Comedy School is an interactive experience where students will partake regularly in active performance exercises. It is quite common that most sessions are actually spent on stage giving students the ability to see personal development in real-time. Collaboration is also encouraged in our writing activities – classmates helping peers explore all possible avenues to their creative side with non-judgmental yet critically constructive feedback.

The Underground Comedy School is geared both for individuals with no previous experience as well as those with a backround in comedy, writing and performing arts. Our courses are divided in a way that students on a similar standing are grouped together and are designed at a pace to make all participants comfortable, yet challenged. Whether you’re enrolling in classes purely as a hobby, to enhance public speaking and presentation writing skills, or looking to pursue comedy seriously as a career, the Underground Comedy School offers training that satisfies all purposes.

In addition to actual course time, our instructors also provide students more individualized one-on-one help outside of the classroom completely free of charge. Through e-mail, phone or in-person at the Comedy Caravan, instructors are regularly available to further clarify concepts taught, critique class work in more detail or discuss areas of your development. It is also encouraged that students attend comedy shows at the club and learn simply by watching professionals work. We truly believe that creative arts is a non-stop educational process regardless of experience level as there is always something interesting to learn.

There are no right or wrong answers. We want to see everyone succeed in their own unique way.