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STUDENT RESOURCES

CLASS RESOURCES CLASS EVALUATION • 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. We also offer diversity scholarships for our core courses!

Class Resources

IMPROV

COMEDY SPOT’S HELIX IMPROV FORM

HELIX POSTER

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!

Example Scripts
These are some example scripts from Vivian Yoon’s Screenwriting Workshop

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. 

Safety

  • Know your physical limitations. (They are the same onstage as off.)

  • Also, when we do warm-ups or drills that are physical, you are free to be as physical as you are comfortable. You can even modify anything to fit your comfort level. 

  • Don’t climb on, lift, or be physical with other students.

  • Students should not be under the influence of any substance during class.

  • Soft-soled, closed-toed shoes

  • No flip flops, sandals, boots, or heels

  • Wear clothing that allows you to be physical and move freely while remaining appropriately covered. 

Miscellaneous

  • Non alcoholic beverages are permitted inside the Training Center and Comedy Spot as long as they have a cap or lid to prevent spills.

  • Please be sure to gather your belongings and pick up your trash at the end of class. 

  • It’s OK to ask questions!

Appropriate Conduct

  • If down the line you create or get cast in a show, you should have a frank and honest conversation about the type of contact and content each member of the group is comfortable with.

    • In class we should keep the content PG13 or under. Be smart.

    • Please don’t touch each other.

    • Don’t create scenes that are misogynist, racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic or that disrespect historically marginalized groups. 

    • These are adult classes, and adult subjects might come up. If you are not comfortable with adult subjects then this may not be the class for you.

    • Learn to play clean, being dirty can be a crutch. 

  • A lot of our students become friends, but just remember, you are just getting to know each other.

    • Don’t assume consent. A lot of our students become fast friends. But you don’t assume that you can hug, touch, or walk people to their cars without consent. 

    • Establish clear boundaries through open communication. What is, and is not, okay.  “I feel uncomfortable when you sit too close to me, can you give me a little space?” 

    • Understand and accept people’s boundaries. 

    • Talk to people when they cross those boundaries. 

    • Talk to me or contact the Conduct Committee if you have talked with someone and they aren’t respecting your boundaries. 

    • Treat everyone with respect. Harassment (unwelcome conduct) of any kind will not be tolerated.

      • Copies of the Misconduct Policies and Procedures are posted in the lobby and on the Student Resources page. 

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.

  • 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. Admission is pending availability.
  • Each student will also receive TWO tickets to Anti-Cooperation League, our flagship improv show. These can be used by anyone. Present your ticket to the box office attendant when you arrive. No reservations are needed. Admission is pending availability.
  • 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

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.

COACHES

Coaches are available for hire to assist your group. All of our coaches have completed training with the Comedy Spot. Their areas of focus are listed below. Click on an instructor to learn more. All coaches set their own hourly rates. Please contact coaches directly.

Carrie Jahn

Improv

✉️ Email

Areas of Focus
  • Basic Improv Skills
  • Characters
  • Scenework
  • Montage
  • Personal Performer
  • Coaching
  • Show Notes
Chris Emery

Improv, Sketch

✉️ Email

Areas of Focus
  • Basic to Advanced Improv Skills
  • Characters
  • Sketch
Coreen Lemcke

Improv, Sketch

✉️ Email

Areas of Focus
  • Basic Improv Skills
  • Characters
  • Sketch
  • Sketch/Prov
  • Scenework
  • Montage
  • Personal Performer
  • Coaching
  • Show Notes
Dustin Seidler

Improv

✉️ Email

Areas of Focus
  • Basic Improv Skills
  • Helix
  • Harold / Organic Harold
  • Short Form
  • Narrative
  • Most Forms
  • Scene Work
Justine Lopez

Improv

✉️ Email

Areas of Focus
  • Basic Improv Skills
  • Helix
  • Harold
  • Most Forms
  • Short Form
  • Characters
Lacey Carroll

Improv

✉️ Email

Areas of Focus
  • Basic Improv Skills
  • Short-Form Improv
  • Narrative Long-Form
  • Spolin Theater Games
  • Show Producing
Mickey McKim

Improv

Areas of Focus
  • Basic Improv Skills
Michelle Petro

Improv

Areas of Focus
  • Basic Improv Skills
Ruben Acosta

Improv

✉️ Email

Areas of Focus
  • Basic Improv Skills
  • Helix
Ryan King

Improv

✉️ Email

Areas of Focus
  • Basic Improv Skills
  • Short Form
  • Helix
  • Most Forms
  • Characters
  • Scene Work
Sara Aghamohamadi

Improv

✉️ Email

Areas of Focus
  • Basic Improv Skills
Steven Boyd

Improv

✉️ Email

Areas of Focus
  • Basic Improv Skills
  • Musical Improv

INSTRUCTORS

Brian Crall

Improv, Sketch

✉️ Email

Justine Lopez

Improv

✉️ Email

Dustin Seidler

Improv

✉️ Email

Ryan King

Improv, Helix Program Coach

✉️ Email

Jaime Fernadez

Stand-Up

✉️ Email

Drew Absher

Stand-Up

✉️ Email

Ruben Acosta

Helix Program Coach

✉️ Email

Tessa Brown

Helix Program 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