ArtsQuest is offering a lineup of Spring Comedy Classes designed for beginners and experienced performers alike, culminating in a live graduation show where students perform in front of an audience.
The classes arrive as ArtsQuest prepares to open the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, which will feature a new theater on the first floor for comedy performances, classes, and rehearsals. The new space is expected to enhance ArtsQuest’s comedy programming by providing performers with a dynamic environment for learning, creating, and performing.
In addition to the spring classes, ArtsQuest offers team-building improv workshops for businesses and organizations. Guided by professional improvisers, these sessions teach the fundamentals of improv comedy while promoting communication, creativity, and team bonding. Group pre-registration is required through ArtsQuest Programming Specialist Addyson Young at ayoung@artsquest.org.
All classes are open to participants aged 18 and older. More information and registration are available on the ArtsQuest website.
Spring Comedy Classes offered
Intro to Standup with Glen Tickle
Sundays, May 3 – June 14 (Skips May 24) | Iron Conference Room in the Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Grad Show: Sunday, June 21 at 6:30 p.m.
This class is an introduction to stand-up comedy from both a creative and practical approach. Attendees will learn and apply the basics of joke construction, acquire useful tips for beginners, and receive individualized feedback with the goal of producing 5 minutes of material. The class will culminate with a graduation show where participants will perform their material.
Wednesdays, May 13 – July 1 | Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Grad show: Wednesday, July 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Improv 101 focuses on the 3 core principles of comedic improvisation: agreement, being active, and justification. We designed our classes to create an energetic and supportive environment for play. Whether you’ve never taken the stage before, you’re a seasoned improviser, or you’re simply looking to help yourself in your career and/or life, you’ll get a lot from this class.
Improv 201 with Danielle Tampier
Tuesdays, May 19 – July 7 | Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Grad show: Tuesday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Improv 201 builds on the basic principles of improv and helps develop your improv skills to make strong comedic choices. By finding and exploring Game you will expand your ‘Yes, and’ abilities while also discovering all avenues that Game can play in scenes.
Must have completed Improv 101 at ArtsQuest or have equivalent experience.
Mondays, June 1 – July 20 | Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Grad show: Monday, July 27 at 6:30 p.m.
This Improv 301 class takes a deep dive into a specific Improv Form of the instructor’s choosing.
Must have completed Improv 201 at ArtsQuest or have equivalent experience.
One-Day Workshops
Friday, April 17 | Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
This 2-hour one-day workshop will explore the art of sustained play with one continuous set – no breaks – no resets – just the momentum of the moment. With side-coaching throughout, we’ll figure out what happens when you think you’ve got nothing left but keep going anyway.
For improvisors who have completed a level 1 improv course or higher.
Beginning Music Improv Comedy Workout Workshop
Sunday, May 17 | Blast Furnace Room in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Join Shulie Cowen (director of Opening Night: The Improvised Musical!?) for a beginner music improv comedy workout! The class is a fun opportunity to play with the basics you already know and gain personal confidence with musical improv. Get on your feet and get your reps in!
Three is the Magic Number Workshop
Sunday, May 17 | Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Let’s face it, three person dynamics are inevitably off kilter. In this workshop we’ll tackle different exercises aimed at capturing the imbalance, tension and comedic potential to create fabulously entertaining three person scenes.
Recommended for improv students with at least Improv 101 experience.
Shulie Theatricality in Improv Workshop
Monday, May 18 | Blast Furnace Room in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks
Are you tired of seeing improv shows where it’s just people standing around talking to each other, like something you could see for free outside the theatre? Improv is still THEATRE. Shulie Cowen (Theatre Major, Northwestern University) will help you create a “show” when you do an improv show. This class will not only help you make the most of your improv scenes but will help you make sure the audience has a theatrical experience that keeps them coming back for more.
See if you are eligible for one of ArtsQuest’s scholarship opportunities! ArtsQuest scholarships are designed for individuals and families who demonstrate a financial need and interest in the visual and/or comedy performance arts. Learn more about eligibility, the application process and more when you visit https://fest.formstack.com/forms/scholarship_application.