Intro to Stand-Up Comedy Writing Workshop for Adults | Jersey City

Have you ever wondered whether you could write and perform stand-up comedy, but had no idea where to begin?

Led by Emmy-nominated comedy writer and instructor Ethan T. Berlin, Jersey Creative Lab’s Intro to Stand-Up Comedy Writing workshop is a seven-week workshop for adults who want to learn how jokes work, develop their own comedic point of view, and turn their ideas and experiences into an original set. No previous writing or performance experience is required.

This is more than just a writing workshop; it is a collaborative community experience. You’ll join a small cohort of local creatives, laugh together, bounce ideas off one another, and build lasting connections as you develop your material in a relaxed, friendly environment.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a solid understanding of how stand-up comedy is constructed, including joke structure, setups and punchlines, specificity, heightening, revision, and organizing individual jokes into a cohesive set. You’ll also learn how to turn your own observations, opinions, stories, and experiences into material that reflects your comedic voice. You’ll write, perform, receive feedback, and revise your work until you have a performance-ready stand-up comedy set.

The course concludes with an intimate graduation show for friends, family, and fellow comedy lovers.

If you are nervous about taking the stage, don’t worry - we’ve got your back! With plenty of rehearsal time, an experienced comedian MC’ing the show, and drinks to warm up the crowd, you’ll be set up for success.

No previous writing or performance experience is required.

Enrollment is strictly capped at 10 students so everyone receives individual stage time, personalized feedback, and the opportunity to get to know the other people in the room.

Ethan T. Berlin is an Emmy-nominated comedy writer, television producer, comedian, and longtime comedy teacher with more than 25 years of professional experience.

He has written for performers including Billy Eichner, W. Kamau Bell, Dave Attell, George Lopez, Nikki Glazer, Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman, Sacha Baron Cohen, Robert Smigel, and Michael Ian Black.

His television credits include Crank Yankers, Da Ali G Show, Lopez Tonight, Talkshow with Spike Feresten, and Night of Too Many Stars. He also co-created, executive produced, and starred in IFC’s comedy game show Bunk and has served as an executive producer on programs including Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell, The Filthy Rich Guide, and Paid Off with Michael Torpey.

Ethan has taught comedy writing at institutions including New York University and Stony Brook University. His former students have gone on to write and perform on programs including Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Family Guy, and Severance.

As an instructor, Ethan brings extensive professional experience into the classroom while offering students practical tools, honest feedback, and thoughtful guidance as they develop their own material and comedic voices.

Fun facts about Ethan: His favorite comedians include Maria Bamford, Todd Barry, Bob Newhart, Nate Bargatze, Hannibal Buress, and Bo Burnham. His guilty pleasure is watching YouTube videos of people 3D-printing unnecessary machines.

🗓 Class Dates: 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15

⏰ Class Time: 6:00 to 8:00 PM

📍Class location: 220 9th St. 2nd Floor Jersey City NJ 07302 (Andco North)

✍️ Last Class + Rehearsal: 10/22 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at 510 Washington St. Hoboken NJ 07302 (Symposia Community Bookstore)

🎤 Graduation show*: 10/29 from 7:30 to 9:00 PM at 510 Washington St. Hoboken NJ 07302 (Symposia Community Bookstore)

👥 Maximum enrollment: 10 students

💵 Tuition: $399

Advance registration is required.

*The graduation show will be open to family and friends (additional details will be shared with the class).

September 17

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Location: Andco North (220 9th St. 2nd Floor Jersey City NJ 07302)

September 24

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Location: Andco North (220 9th St. 2nd Floor Jersey City NJ 07302)

October 1

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Location: Andco North (220 9th St. 2nd Floor Jersey City NJ 07302)

October 8

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Location: Andco North (220 9th St. 2nd Floor Jersey City NJ 07302)

October 15

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Location: Andco North (220 9th St. 2nd Floor Jersey City NJ 07302)

October 22: Rehearsal

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Location: Symposia Community Bookstore (510 Washington St. Hoboken NJ 07030)

October 29: Graduation Show

Time: 7:30 - 9:00 PM

Location: Symposia Community Bookstore (510 Washington St. Hoboken NJ 07030)

Jersey Creative Lab creates approachable, high-quality comedy and performing arts workshops for adults in Northern New Jersey.

Our workshops are designed to make creative training feel more local, welcoming, and accessible. They are also built around the idea that learning something new is better when you do it alongside other people.

Whether you’re pursuing comedy seriously, looking for a creative outlet, or hoping to meet more local people who share your interests, our goal is to provide thoughtful instruction, small class sizes, and a supportive community where adults can learn, connect, and take creative risks.

Enrollment is limited to 10 students, and advance registration is required.

Refunds are available up to 30 days before the first session, minus a $25 administrative fee. After that point, refunds are not available.

Registrations may be transferred to another person by emailing [email protected].