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Stand Up Comedy Classes – FAQ

Why learn from Joe?

  1. He’s developed, booked, managed, produced, and helped launch the stand-up careers of many of today’s top comedy stars who have gone on to appear on Letterman and the Tonight Show, and wrote for “Seinfeld,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Saturday Night Live,” “Sex and the City,” “Conan,” and “The Daily Show.”
  2. He’s an award winning comedy TV producer who understands the business of funny.
  3. He has taught and instructed stand-ups and comedy writers for over two decades. Although he has had a lot of success as a Producer, his greater talents are in analysis, coaching, and inspiring people to reach their full comedy writing potential.
  4. You learn from an industry insider who wants to share his first-hand knowledge.
  5. Most how-to books, workshops and DVD’s try to give tips, tricks, and techniques to help you write. Intentionally or not, they validate the belief that who you are is not enough. That there’s some other way you need to become, but Joe’s here to tell you that you are enough – all your fears, feelings, hopes, fantasies, and curiosities are all that is necessary to begin writing and performing stand up comedy.
  6. Your hard earned dollars need to be spent on the BEST! Read, watch, listen and learn from the best performers who have reached the top of their craft. DO NOT waste your money on classes, books or DVD’s from anyone who has simply made a career “teaching!” One of the best new books you should read is Judd Apatow’s Sick in the Head.
  7. Unlike other teachers, Joe’s motivation is not to sell you his book, his DVD, or anything other than his time, expertise, passion, and 20+ years of experience working with some of the most amazing joke writers and comedy performers in the business.
  8. Joe tells you want you need to hear, not what you want to hear. Any creative endeavor is bound to encounter circumstances where opinions differ. So, like all great comedy, Joe insists upon honesty. And he invites healthy debate. That said, he knows what he’s doing. He’s not infallible. But he expects that if you’re partnering with him, that you’ll trust his guidance to lead you where you want to go.

Where are the weekly classes held?

Santa Monica Classes are held in a great rehearsal space one-minute off I-10 West at:

The Realm Creative Academy – 400 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, at the corner of 4th and Pico. Pull into the parking lot (parking is FREE) and head straight into Joe’s class.

Can I audit a class?

Normally you could, but during the pandemic we are restricting class size to just the 12 people in class.

What do I need to bring to class?

You, your material, an open mind, plus a pen and notebook, and a digital voice recorder if you have one. Other materials will be provided for you.

What if I already have some material?

It’s not required, but bring it, plus new ideas. This class is perfect to help you punch up jokes, develop half-baked ideas, or reconstruct your entire act.

Where do I go to get stage time?

Click on this link for Open Mics. It’s loaded with great places to try out your act.

What's your Refund and Rescheduling policy?

Because there is a high demand for LA Stand Ups Classes and we limit the number of students per class, we must enforce a strict refund and rescheduling policy. You can receive a FULL refund up to two weeks prior to the start of the first class. After that there are no refunds. If your schedule changes and you need to reschedule your enrollment, please do so at least two weeks prior to the start of the first class. Reschedules with less than two weeks notice will be subject to a $50 rescheduling fee. If your schedule changes and you can not complete the class you are enrolled in, you can always transfer to another class, switch to private lessons, or give your spot away as a gift. If you have to miss a class, you can make it up.

Learn how to do stand up comedy!