STUDENT RESOURCES

CLASS RESOURCES FAQ  •  INSTRUCTORS
PITCH YOUR SHOW COACHES

We’ve compiled some resources to help you find even more information about whatever you are studying at the Comedy Spot. We also want to empower you to put your own groups and shows together- hire a coach or create a show!  If you have any questions about our comedy school, please do not hesitate to contact us at classes@saccomedyspot.com.
Click HERE to see upcoming classes.

Class Resources

IMPROV

COMEDY SPOT’S HELIX IMPROV FORM

HELIX PROGRAM OVERVIEW AND AUDITION INFORMATION

END IN VOWELS EXAMPLE SCENE

IMPROV GLOSSARY
Terms commonly used at the Comedy Spot

IMPROV WARM-UP GAMES

TIPS FOR INTROS AND INTERVIEW OPENINGS

COMEDY SPOT’S IMPROV JAM

COMEDY SPOT’S ANTI-COOPERATION LEAGUE OVERVIEW

COMEDY SPOT’S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN OVERVIEW

COMEDY SPOT’S YOU! THE MUSICAL OVERVIEW

♦ Book – UCB Comedy Improvisation Manual by Matt Besser, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh

♦ Book – Truth in Comedy: The Manual for Improvisation by Charna Halpern, Del Close, and Kimberly “Howard” Johnson

♦ ArticleHow Improv Changed My Life” by Sara Aghamohammadi

STAND-UP

COMEDY SPOT’S OPEN MIC (Tuesdays at 8pm)
Includes performer guidelines – Performer sign-ups are at 7:30pm

SACRAMENTO & SURROUNDING AREA OPEN MICS

♦ Article – “Become a Comedian: The First Seven Stepsby Brian Crall

♦ Article Your Handy Guide to Open Mic Success

Article – The Stand-Up Comedian’s Library: 21 Books for Comics Who Care about Their Craft

SKETCH & CHARACTERS

CHARACTER MONOLOGUES: DEVELOPMENT, WRITING, STAGING
The Comedy Spot guide to creating characters

♦ Podcast – The History of Sketch Comedy by Keegan Michael Key and Elle Key

Film

SAVE THE CAT BOOK
Great guide for writing screenplays.

Fade In Pro
Great screenwriting app. Free version also!

Class Rules
  • Attend class – Each class builds on the ones that came before it. Continued attendance is the best way to learn and develop new skills. If your schedule changes, please let us know. We can try to push your registration to a future class.
  • Please wear soft-soled, closed-toe shoes. No flip flops, sandals, boots, or heels.
  • Please wear clothing that allows you to be physical and move freely while remaining appropriately covered. All students should avoid clothing that is too revealing.
  • Be Smart. Don’t be a hack shock-comic.
  • Know your physical limitations. (They are the same onstage as off.)
  • Don’t climb on, lift, or be physical with other students.
  • Respect each other’s bodies. Don’t touch students in their “bathing suit” area.
  • Students should not be under the influence of any substance during class.
  • Beverages are permitted inside the Training Center as long as they have a cap or lid to prevent spills. We also have drinks and snacks available in each of our large improv classrooms.
  • Please be sure to gather your belongings and pick up your trash at the end of class. Items left behind will be put in the cubbies for you to pick up in the future.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to see Comedy Spot shows related to their course of study while enrolled. Students will be given ID cards that give them unlimited admission to shows Tuesday through Thursday at the Comedy Spot. We also give students FREE tickets to see our headlining shows on Fridays and Saturdays.
Class Evaluation

Class Evaluation

Student Information

Completing this section is optional. Your personal information will not be shared with the instructor.
Your personal information will not be shared with the instructor.

Class Feedback

Questionnaire

Check the box so we know you are a human and not spam!
Misconduct Policies

The Comedy Spot is committed to providing our students, performers, employees, volunteers, management, board members, and fans a positive supportive theater. Please treat everyone with respect. Harassment (unwelcome conduct) of any kind will not be tolerated. Read our Misconduct Policies and Procedures. If you need assistance or support please email conduct@saccomedyspot.com

Take care of each other. We have your back.

FAQ

[Hidden Toggle - Do Not Use]

How old do you have to be to take a class?

The Comedy Spot comedy school is designed for adult students. The minimum age required for all courses is 18.

Which class do I start with? Can I pick any of them?

All course types have a 101 level, where all students should begin. For improv, all students must begin with 101 and then progress to each subsequent level upon successful completion of the one prior. Prerequisites will be noted, if applicable.

Not sure if you should start with improv or stand-up? We encourage Improv 101 as a good intro to comedy and allowing yourself to get comfortable with it, as well as many published benefits that enhance your daily life. Those pursuing stand-up will find added benefits from learning improv that will enhance their stage presence during open mics and showcases.

Want to improve skills like communication, listening, working with others, and getting out of your shell? Take improv!

Want to improve skills like public speaking, storytelling, and writing? Take stand-up!

Still have questions? Email us at classes@saccomedyspot.com.

I have taken improv classes elsewhere. Where do I start?

All listed prerequisites for advanced-level classes must be completed prior to registration. Every comedy school approaches their curriculum and philosophy differently. It is important, and beneficial, for you and your classmates to have the same level of Comedy Spot training and vocabulary. To begin your training with us, start at Improv 101.

Where is my class located?

Unless online or noted below, all core classes are located at the Comedy Spot Training Center – 915 T Street, Sacramento 95811

Workshops are typically located at the main theater on 20th Street. Please refer to your individual workshop’s description for location information.

Stand-Up 201 will have its first night of class meet at our training center (above), with remaining class nights meeting at the Comedy Spot main theater – 1050 20th Street #130, Sacramento 95811

What do I need to bring and wear?

Wear comfortable clothes, closed-toed shoes, and be prepared to move (especially for improv)! Wear clothing that allows you to be physical and move freely while remaining appropriately covered. No skirts, short shorts, or anything too revealing. Bring something to take notes, if desired. Beverages are permitted when held in a sealed container. Please refrain from bringing food, unless necessary.

How can I get in touch with my instructor?

Refer to the Instructors section, below, for the email address of your session’s teacher.

How Does My Student ID Work?

Students are strongly encouraged to see Comedy Spot shows related to their course of study while enrolled. Students will be given ID cards that give them unlimited admission to shows Tuesday through Thursday at the Comedy Spot, with additional opportunities to see Friday and Saturday shows.

  • ID cards can only be used while enrolled in the class, and will expire after the date indicated.
  • ID cards can only be used by the student. 
  • Students can see UNLIMITED shows Tuesday through Thursday for FREE with their ID card. Present your card to the box office attendant when you arrive. No reservations are needed.
  • Each student can also see up to TWO Friday or Saturday shows which pertain to their course of study during their enrollment. (i.e. Improv students may see improv shows; stand-up students may see stand-up shows) The two dots on your card represent the two shows, which will be punched by the box office attendant when redeemed.  
  • Student ID admission is not valid for shows with ticket price of $15 or more.
  • ID cards are also good for FREE admission to student graduation performances.

Do you offer discounts or scholarships?

While we do not have any standing discounts for our courses, we do occasionally toss one out there. Sign up for our weekly email and our text message service to hear about them first! 

Our comedy school does offer a diversity scholarship. Learn more here

Do you offer refunds on classes?

Refunds and exchanges are offered at the discretion of Sacramento Comedy Spot, on a case-by-case basis. Should you wish to transfer to another start date for your class, please contact us.

Show Resources

Pitch Your Show

Do you have a comedy group or show idea, and would like to try it out live on stage? Let’s do this!  We are always looking for shows 30-60 minutes in length. You should start by reading this Comedy Group and Producer Guide and then complete the form below to submit your show for consideration.  Please email Brian Crall,  laugh@saccomedyspot.com if you have any questions.

Show Submission Form
Name
Name
First
Last
Rehearsal Space + Coaches

When we aren’t using the Training Center for classes, we would like to give you a chance to use it to rehearse with your Comedy Spot improv group. We really want you to work with a Comedy Spot coach so that you continue to learn from experienced people. It’s always awkward when someone from your team steps up to “give notes”. You can use the Training Center for free, as long as you hire one of the coaches listed in this section. All participants requesting coaching must have completed Improv 301. Rates for coaching start at $25 per hour. Contact the coach directly, and they will secure the rehearsal space. Please contact us at classes@saccomedyspot.com if you have any questions.

Coach Availability

CHRIS EMERY
Open availability
Basic to Advanced Improv Skills, Characters, Sketch
chris@saccomedyspot.com

DUSTIN SEIDLER
Available: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday
Helix, Harold / Organic Harold, Short Form, Narrative, Most Forms, Basic Skills, Scene Work
dustin@saccomedyspot.com

JUSTINE LOPEZ
Availability: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Basic Improv Skills, Harold, Most Forms, Short Form, Characters
justine@saccomedyspot.com

MEL GELBART
Open availability
Short form, Basic skills
mel@saccomedyspot.com

RUBEN ACOSTA
Available: Tuesday, Friday
Basic Improv Skills, Helix
ruben@saccomedyspot.com

RYAN KING
Available: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Basic Improv Skills, Short Form, Helix, Most Forms, Characters, Scene Work
ryan@saccomeyspot.com

INSTRUCTORS

Brian Crall

Improv, Sketch

✉️ Email

Justine Lopez

Improv

✉️ Email

Dustin Seidler

Improv

✉️ Email

Ryan King

Improv, Helix Coach

✉️ Email

Jaime Fernadez

Stand-Up

✉️ Email

Drew Absher

Stand-Up

✉️ Email

Ruben Acosta

Helix Coach

✉️ Email

Tessa Brown

Helix Coach

✉️ Email

Comedy Spot Logo

Our Main Theater Location
1050 20th St. #130
Sacramento, CA 95811

Comedy Spot Training Center
915 T Street
Sacramento, CA 95811

laugh@saccomedyspot.com

@saccomedyspot

Text (for quickest reply) or call:
916-444-3137

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento Comedy Spot

Comedy Spot Training Center