Classes

Be trained by internationally acclaimed comedian-storyteller Jon Bennett in a workshop to learn how to tell a story, what makes a story GOOD, and how to leave with a story of your very own + an opportunity to tell your story LIVE at Curious Comedy Theater.

Stand-Up Comedy 101

• Learn the basics of stand-up comedy in a structured class setting
• Mold topics into an original routine through a weekly on-stage performance workshop
• Translate your ideas into a crafted act through proper joke structure and editing techniques
• Experiment with elements of improv and acting to create a unique and organic performance
• Hone your joke-crafting skills with a focus on writing content

Since 1993, CSz Portland has been changing the world through collaboration, inspiration, gratitude and fun…Need help choosing a path?

• Anyone looking for a first-time improv class (or first class in a long time) should take CSz 101.
• Anyone looking for public-speaking or improv skills to use offstage should take CSz 101.
• Want to up your public speaking Game? Take CSz 205.
• Looking for Stand-Up? Take CSz 108 with Carl Wolfson.
• Taken several classes elsewhere? Consider CSz 201, 301, 302 or 303. Call us for advice. 503.236.8888 x4.
• Interested in Long Form? Look for CSz 302 & other 300 / 400 level Classes.
• Interested in improv music performance? Take CSz 304, 404 & 504.
• Interested in working on your craft? Look for classes at the 300, 400 & 500 levels.
• Interested in becoming a ComedySportz Professional? Follow the CSz 101, 201, 301, 401 & 501 path.

Where: Covert Cafe (803 SE 82nd)

When: Saturdays at noon-2pm A general workshop for all writing projects. Comedy, fiction, poetry, screenplays, sketches, etc. When we have the people and the script, we do table readings so a great opportunity for acting too.

Bio:
Amanda Lynn Deal is a Second City Graduate who has been performing since 2012. She’s produced over a dozen shows in the Chicago and Portland area, hosted the weekly Haymaker mic in Portland since 2018, and has taught month long comedy workshops in the past. In 2023 she was named one of the Funniest Five Comedians in Portland by the Willamette Week.

Classes offered range from group sessions to one on ones, which is the most popular service she provides. There you can get information on producing and hosting, booking and getting booked, writing new material, and workshopping/editing older material. Thru these sessions you can hone in on finding your voice and gain comfortability and confidence on stage. Whatever you want out of the classes you will get and more! Deal hosts weekly open-mics where you can get in person feedback or just call in a session from the comfort of your home and get crackin’!

Amanda also teach classes at Curious Comedy.

Located in Raleigh Hills, Change Through Play Improv & Training Studio provides improv classes in Portland, Oregon to students of all abilities and backgrounds. We also provide business training to help teams and leaders become better collaborators and communicators.

Our improv class series are anchored in the skills of interpersonal communication and collaboration, verbal and non-verbal communication, and some traditional acting & comedy skills for good measure! Mostly, though: they’re incredibly fun!

Our Foundations Class is geared for beginners who wish to learn the basics; our Community Play Class is geared for those who wish to take their practice to a deeper and more authentic level; and our Advanced Workshop is geared for those improvisers who wish to continue performing regularly as a troupe. Learn more about each class here.

With more flexible class options than any theater in town, we encourage students to ONLY pay for the classes they’re able to take. To register for any of our upcoming classes and events, click here: https://www.changethroughplay.com/calendar

Develop your own style of stand up comedy, find your voice, and write that 5 minute set you have secretly been working on  in a fun and supportive environment!

Under the skilled direction of Arlo Weierhauser, you will gain the knowledge and confidence to get up on stage and own the mic!

“We’re committed to teaching our students to find their authentic voice in comedy by learning the skills necessary to develop rich comedy, support zealously, and create with honesty — both on and off stage.”