Is A Comedy Course Right For Me?

Hi, Sean from ComedySportz here! I'm the person who responds to most of the emails that come to us regarding workshops with ComedySportz and I wanted to share the answers to some frequently asked questions about taking a comedy course with us.

If you're thinking about taking an improv comedy course or workshops in stand-up comedy I hope these answers will give you the confidence you need to book a space today - but please don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like more information!

What courses do you run?

We currently run two regular 8 week courses; Foundation in Improv and Beginning Stand-Up Comedy. These courses run Saturdays for 8 weeks plus a showcase/jam for workshoppers. We also run shorter courses (including Longform Improv, Musical Improv, Presentation Skills and Sketch Writing) and regular advanced Improv Drop-Ins.

Who are you guys?

We’ve been entertaining audiences across the UK, USA and Europe since 2001 and host Manchester’s longest running improv comedy courses. Our facilitators are all professional comedians and improvisers and are fully accredited by CSzWorldwide, one of the world’s largest comedy schools. Our workshops have appeared in The Stage, Cosmo UK and The Guardian Online. As well as their own wealth of personal experience many of our workshop facilitators have also trained with the likes of iO, Second City and Keith Johnstone.

Oh, so you know your stuff then?

Yep. And we’re really nice too.

What happens on the Foundation in Improv course?

Over the 8 weeks we will cover the core skills of an improviser. Starting with “Yes, And” we explore listening and focus, creating characters, storytelling and object work. Each session builds on the last to create a tool belt of useful skills. Exercises have a big focus on group work and play. As the weeks progress we introduce you to scene work and improv games. You will receive active feedback and coaching that is constructive and encouraging. Above all, you’ll have a lot of fun and laughter.

What happens on the Beginning Stand-Up comedy course?

Over the 8 weeks, participants look at different aspects of stand-up performance. We take a look at the use of persona, point of view, attitude, performance techniques, and a multitude of different writing exercises. You will receive regular, constructive feedback on your material and delivery. We also make time to talk shop about how the industry works and how to continue either as a hobbyist or as someone who wishes to pursue comedy more professionally. The workshops finish with a showcase where all the participants are asked to present a 5-7 minute set.

Stand Up Workshops

I’m not very funny or imaginative, is that going to be a problem?

This is the most frequently asked question we receive and the answer might surprise you. We can't teach you to be funny ...because you already are!

The first thing to know is that you’re not alone – everyone is going to feel self-conscious on the first day of a comedy course. No one is expecting you to be super confident and capable on the first day of the course – that’s why we’re here!

For those taking Stand-Up we will share a number of writing exercises to help you craft material and shape your jokes. Workshops are a safe and supportive environment to try new things and explore different perspectives. Let us guide you to find the confidence of voice and character to share your comedic skill.

Meanwhile, the best improvisers aren’t worrying about being the most imaginative or the funniest, they’re simply giving 100% commitment and focus to the moment and then reacting accordingly. If you're trying to be funny this often means you’re in your head and not just enjoying and reacting honestly to the scene.

So, take the pressure off yourself and you’ll be surprised by how naturally funny and imaginative you can be!

Okay, that’s good to know. So which comedy course is right for me?

Unfortunately we can’t answer this one for you but hopefully we can help you make the decision that is right for you. It depends on what you want out of the course and chances are your gut is already pulling you in the right direction.

It’s important to remember that not everyone that takes a course wants to be a performer. For some classes are an opportunity to play and meet new people or to build confidence in a specific area (public speaking, networking, communication). We are always happy to discuss how skills can be applied to life both on- and off-stage.

The ability to adapt and improvise to situations is increasingly useful in both the performing and business worlds. Workshops can help build the resilience to face difficult situations with an open and enthusiastic mindset.

Although both Improv and Stand-Up courses run at the same time, we run the courses several times a year so you can always take one now and the other later! Some people take the Improv course to build confidence and then take the Stand-Up course because they now feel ready to get up in front of people. Others might take the Stand-Up course first and then take improv to make them feel more confident ad-libbing or going “off script”.

I’m going to miss a week of the course, is that a problem?

We’ll always work hard to catch you up if you miss a week – just let us know if you’re unable to attend. If you end up missing a large chunk of the course due to unforeseen circumstances we are often able to transfer you to the next course if we feel this will give you a better experience. We do have a cut-off point for joining a course (no later than the second week) as you will have missed core groundwork and group bonding.

Can I go straight to the Advanced Improv Drop-In?

Our drop-ins are designed for people who have done some improv training before, whether an 8 week or intensive course with us or elsewhere. If you’ve not done any Improv for a while you might want to consider taking our Foundation Course to ease back into it.

We always suggest you be honest with yourself as to where you feel you are on your improv journey. This is as much for your benefit as it is for others in the session.

Is the workshop space wheelchair accessible?

Our workshop spaces are fully wheelchair accessible. Feel free to drop us an email if there is anything you think we need to know to best assist you before a course starts.

I’m not sure I want to commit to an 8 week comedy course. Can I just take the first class and go from there?

As spaces on workshops are limited we ask people to commit to the full length of the course. You could be taking a space from someone who really wanted to do it! We are always happy to discuss any worries you might have about the course and we work hard to make classes fun, friendly and supportive.

We do understand however that 8 weeks can be a big commitment so run shorter comedy workshops and courses during the summer. These short courses cover the core skills in a much more condensed space of time. We update our workshops pages regularly with new dates. You can also sign up to our mailing list to receive monthly news about upcoming classes.

ComedySportz Comedy Courses Fun and Friendly!

Money is a little tight at the moment, do I have to pay all at once?

You can secure a space on a comedy course by paying a non-refundable £30 deposit. The remainder is due on the first day of the course. However, we do understand that circumstances can change so can make arrangements to pay in instalments if necessary.

Can I book a course as a gift?

Absolutely! There is no better gift than laughter with friends and loved ones. Just let us know when making the booking that this is for someone else. Please include the recipient’s name and contact details so we can contact them with information about the course. Let us know if you need us to contact them after a specific date so we don't spoil the surprise. We can also email you a gift certificate and info sheet to present on the day.

You must make payments for gifts at the full price of the course. If the recipient is not able to attend the course dates they can be transferred onto the next course.

Book a course for a friend or loved one, huh? Can I book a comedy course for someone I hate?

Sure, but they'll have a great time so we're not sure what you're hoping to achieve.

I mean, you would say that. What do other people who have taken courses think?

Here is just a sample of the feedback we’ve received on our courses. You can find more on our workshops page.

“Signing up to do the Improv course, then actually turning up and completing it was a challenge for me as it was definitely something out of my comfort zone. I hugely enjoyed it and that was partly because of the great group of fellow Improvers, but also the great tutors. [They] were very good at giving feedback in a positive way and pushing us to improve without ever making us feel rubbish, whatever our skill level!” Marie Rolli (Doctor)

“I can’t recommend ComedySportz Manchester enough. I’ve just done an 8 week standup course with them and it was fun, inspirational, challenging and very very worthwhile. I can’t wait to do the improv and further comedy writing courses with them.” Vicky Green (Radio Presenter)

“Improv is genuinely the MOST fun you can have on a Saturday afternoon….. learning the basics of impro at a relaxed pace, with fun teachers. It’s a treat… games, scenes, stories, characters, and lots and lots of laughing…it’s the antidote to a boring/routine life. Get out of the house and into the class!” Claire Westood (Wellness and Coach Trainer)


I hope this has given you a little confidence to book a comedy course with ComedySportz. We’re always happy to answer any questions you have over email. Alternatively, you can speak to us in person after one of our shows - we're always happy to help!

More Information

Foundation Improv Course

Beginning Stand-Up Comedy Course

All Upcoming Shows

Give the gift of laughter this Christmas!

Looking for a last minute gift for a friend or loved one? You can book a space on one of our 8 week courses commencing 25th January 2020. There are spaces available on both our Foundation in Improv and Beginning Stand-Up Comedy classes. Both fun and friendly courses will run Saturdays 12.30-2.30pm for 8 weeks. A workshop with ComedySportz is great alternative gift this Christmas.

Think you might want a go as well? Then read on for a fantastically festive limited-time offer!

gift of laughter this christmas with improv and stand-up workshops

Available Courses

Discover the core tenets and skills of an improviser with our Foundation in Improv course. Great fun for anyone who wants to rediscover their playful side, work on their listening and focus, build confidence in groups or face the unknown with confidence and laughter.

Write and perform your first comedy routine with our Beginning Stand-Up Comedy course. Great for anyone who wants to build confidence before getting on stage or wants to develop and hone their material and comedic voice. Workshoppers receive valuable industry insight and regular feedback on material.

Both courses are great for people who want to make new friends, build confidence or just do something bold, fun and a little different in 2020! All workshops will be held at Thoughtworks, Federation Street, Manchester; a short walk from Shudehill Interchange or Victoria Station. There is also plenty of paid parking nearby as well as street parking for disabled access. The workshops spaces are fully wheelchair accessible.

How To Book As A Gift

Just let us know when making the booking who the booking is for. Please include the recipients name and contact details so we can contact them with information about the course. Let us know if you need us to contact them after a specific date so we don’t spoil the surprise. We can also email you a gift certificate and info sheet to present on the day.

You must pay the full price of the course at time of booking if purchasing as a gift. If the recipient is not able to attend the course you’ve booked them on they can be transferred onto the next course.

We've all bought gifts for friends that we secretly wanted for ourselves so if you would also like to book a space for yourself on the same course you can! We'll even give you back £30 from your total spend on the first day of the workshops if booking with a friend. This is a limited time offer that expires at midnight (GMT) on the 31st December 2019 so don't delay and book today!

About ComedySportz

We've been entertaining audiences across the UK, USA and Europe since 2001 and host Manchester's longest running improv comedy courses. Our facilitators are all professional comedians and improvisers and are fully accredited by CSzWorldwide, one of the world's largest comedy schools. Our workshops have appeared in The Stage, Cosmo UK and The Guardian Online.

All Upcoming Workshops

All Upcoming Shows

Present Yourself In 2020!

We received great feedback for our last Presentation Skills workshop and will be running a new one day session in the New Year. If you have a public speaking engagement in 2020 and you'd like to tighten up your delivery or learn how to face a crowd, this fun and friendly workshop is for you!

Use the skills of a stand-up comic to deliver entertaining and engaging presentations. This short intensive session will cover practical methods and discussion on how to increase engagement, develop better storytelling and learn to ad-lib while staying on topic. Our safe and supportive workshop will help you unlock creative thinking and build authentic confidence in front of an audience.

Presentation Skills

"I attended John’s Presentation Skills workshop based on techniques used in Improv and Stand-Up Comedy. It was a different and refreshing way of looking at the skills that we use in presenting. I have been to a number of masterclasses on presenting and got little out of them. I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop and I would be happy to attend again."
- Raj Patel MBE

 

Make public speaking fun again with this interactive one day session which will run Saturday 11th January 2020 12.30-4.30pm. The course will be run by comedian John Cooper.

The workshop will be held at the ThoughtWorks space in Federation House, Balloon St, Manchester. The full cost of the course is £50. You can pay in full now or reserve your space with a £20 deposit (non-refundable) with the rest payable on the day of the course.

You will find a few tips that we shared before our last Presentation Skills workshop here. CSzUK is part of CSz Worldwide and has been delivering effective communication training since 2001.

All Upcoming Workshops

All Upcoming Shows

2020 Workshop Dates Announced!

We're excited to announce our next batch of 8 week courses in Improv and Stand-Up comedy will commence Saturday 25th January 2020. Don't miss your place and sign up now to our immensely popular comedy workshops. Whether you're looking to develop new performance skills, meet new people or just trying something new altogether our fun and friendly courses have something for everyone. Our workshops have featured in The Stage, Cosmopolitan UK and The Guardian Online. We're delighted to confirm that our workshop spaces are also fully wheelchair accessible.

If you're already thinking about your new year, new you be sure to check out our classes for 2020!

An alternative gift for Christmas

Book a workshop for 2020 today!

Foundation in Improv

Whether you're a budding performer or not, the idea of going off script can be intimidating! Learn the core skills of an improviser and rediscover your playful side with our safe and supportive classes. Develop your listening and communication skills to react and be in the moment. Say 'Yes, And' to Improv! Click here to find out more.

Beginning Stand-Up Comedy

Ever imagined yourself performing stand-up live but don't know how to start? Maybe you just want to develop confidence in public speaking or put a few jokes into an upcoming speech you have to make. Even if you are already performing, this course will help you craft jokes, hone your material and develop your comedic voice. Click here to find out more.

Give the gift of laughter this Christmas!

You can also book a place on either or 8 week Improv or Stand-Up Comedy workshops as a Christmas present for a friend, family member or colleague! Write a note when booking or contact us beforehand to make arrangements. We will provide you with a certificate and info sheet to give on the day. If you think you know someone who would benefit from our classes then give them a gift like no other!

Other Comedy Workshops and Classes

We'll also be continuing to run our improv drop-ins for those looking to learn new skills. We're currently planning another exciting line up of classes which we'll be announcing in the coming weeks. Keep checking back for updates!

We will also be running our sketch writing course again early 2020. Watch this space for dates!

Finally, we're running another Presentation Skills workshops on Saturday January 11th. Our last Presentation Skills intensive proved very popular and we're delighted to be running this class again. Use the skills of a Stand-Up to deliver engaging, entertaining presentations to wow your colleagues in the new year. Secure your space by paying a small deposit or pay in full today!

Find Out More!

ComedySportz UK has been running workshops in Manchester for fifteen years. Our facilitators are fully accredited by CSz Worldwide and have performed and taught all over the world.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch to find out more about our upcoming workshops. Our team will be delighted to answer any questions you might have and help you choose the course that is right for you. Want to see how we put our skills into practice, why not check out a show and members of our team will be happy to answer any questions afterwards.

All Upcoming Shows

All Upcoming Workshops

"Is This On?" Starting Stand-Up Classes

Thinking of joining our next Stand-Up Comedy course?  Always wanted to try your hand at Stand-Up but not sure if taking a course is right for you? Read on to find more about our classes...

ComedySportz Stand Up Workshops Manchester

There's No Wrong Reason To Take Stand-Up Classes

Maybe you've always wanted to try your hand at Stand-Up but you're not sure how to get started. Maybe your friends think you're hilarious but you're not sure how to structure your material. Perhaps you want to hone and tighten your comedic writing. You might already have a few gigs under your belt and you want get feedback on your material, and focus on crafting new jokes. Or, maybe you just want to build confidence in speaking in public. Whatever your reason for taking a Stand-Up class you'll get regular feedback to help you find your voice. Classes are a safe and supportive environment to try out ideas, overcome jitters or just enjoy a couple of hours trying to make other people laugh.

There Are A Billion Different Ways To Be Funny

There is no one right way to perform stand-up as everyone has a different sense of humour and style of delivery. So why take a class? Classes are a great way to hone your material, work on the craft of joke telling and see what works. Whether you want to to be a quick-witted One-Liner comedian or develop a surreal character act, workshops are an environment to discover the kind of comedian you want to be.

Even People Who Are Naturally Funny Can Benefit From Workshops

You might be the funniest person your friends know but performing Stand-Up in front of strangers can be a very different experience. Even the naturally funny can benefit from a little direction, helping to shape gags to get maximum laughter from your routines, stories and jokes. They're a great way to get regular feedback from professional stand-ups & peers and to try out new ideas in a supportive environment.

Stand Up Workshops

Learning Stand-Up Can Give You Fresh Perspectives

Successful Stand-Ups tell jokes and stories with clear points of view and the best try to find a new perspective on even the most banal of subjects. Performing Stand-Up encourages you to think outside the box and see things from a new perspective.

Stand-Up Is Not As Solitary As You Think

Stand-Ups are often told "oh, I could never do that. It's too scary." Of course, standing in front of a crowd with only a microphone and a few jokes can seem very scary. However, starting your stand-up career with another group of comics helps ensure you get the support you need to take your first steps onto stage.

Feedback from a previous course. Shared with permission.

Sign Up To Our Stand-Up Classes Today!

ComedySportz UK has been performing and teaching since 2001. Our workshops have featured in The Stage, Cosmo UK and The Guardian.  If you’re thinking about starting stand-up classes with us we’re happy to answer any questions you have before signing up. You can sign up here.

All of our classes and workshop leaders are fully accredited by CSzWorldwide, one of the world’s largest comedy performance schools. So, when you take a class with us, you’re not just benefiting from our experience but the knowledge of over 30 ComedySportz teams worldwide!

Feeling a little more spontaneous? Why not check out our Foundation in Improv course.

All Upcoming Workshops

All Upcoming Shows