Intro To Comedy For Queers With Mary Jane French

Standup comedy should by all accounts be a great equalizer, only requiring a microphone and a perspective. Unfortunately many Cis, Straight, White Men have molded comedy spaces into places that can be hostile for other folks just starting out. We’re looking to change that.

This course is designed to provide a space for queer folk to be able to get their feet wet in comedy with as many advantages as possible. The best way to learn to do comedy is simply to just go out and do it. This course is intended to provide each student with the tools to enter comedy spaces confidently and navigate them successfully.

Over the 6 week session, students will receive a background in comedy theory, performance basics, and learn writing exercises. Students will write their own material and receive constructive feedback in a workshop setting. They will also have the opportunity to perform at 2 open mics as during the 6 week session, and when the class is completed, there will be a graduation show at Strange ways Brewing on Dabney Road.

The 6 week session will run from Sunday, June 26th-Sundday, August 7th at Diversity Richmond from 2pm-4pm, with the exception of Sunday, July 17th, where the instructor will be out of town.

We offer sliding scale pricing for the class. Our base rate is $160. We offer a low-cost option of $80. If you can afford it, and want to offset a low-cost student’s fees, we offer a deluxe luxury price of $240. There is no difference between what you get at any of these rates, but if you want to feel rich, may I suggest the luxury option?

Students will be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 before the session starts. Anyone who does not provide proof of vaccination will be required to wear a mask to all class meetings.

Host or Publisher Mary Jane French