Our short courses and workshops have taken a bit of a pause for a couple of years but are back for 2023 with something for all ability levels! Whether you're looking to advance your skills, develop new material for stand-up or sketch, discover new improv formats, or want to try improv for the very first time... we have a class just for you!
Courses will run late April/Early May at The New Adelphi, University of Salford. All prices include a non-refundable £10 deposit. You can book on any of these courses here.
STAND-UP COMEDY "YOUR NEXT FIVE MINUTES" | 22nd April 2023 | £30
Got ideas for your stand-up routine but not sure where to take them? Bored of the same material every night?Kate is here to help! Whether you're a graduate of our Beginning Stand-Up Comedy course or a comedian looking to try out some new ideas, this workshop is a fun and friendly space to develop your material and write your next five minutes! This session is for those with some experience hoping to work on new material.
SKETCH WRITING | 22nd April 2023 | £30
Join Sean as he takes you through the basics of crafting sketch comedy using a variety of writing exercises and improv techniques. Explore ways to make the most of your comedic premise, utilising the tools of comedy to write memorable sketches and comedy characters. No previous experience necessary.
MUSICAL IMPROV | 29th April 2023 | £50
Join our musical director Felix and Rachel on a whistle-stop tour of music, song and long-form exercises to discover the joy of improvising music together. Learn the basics of constructing songs, adding to other's work and how to embed music into a story with substance. Some previous improv experience preferable but open to all levels of singing ability!
Always wanted to try an improv course but not sure if it's for you? Join Sean on this short course that will give you a taste of our 8 week Foundation Improv course. We'll cover basic, core skills like "Yes, And" and Listening... and might even have time for a few games! So if you're totally new to improv check out this short taster class with Manchester's longest running improv comedy schools! No previous experience necessary.
INTRO TO LONGFORM IMPROV | 6th May 2023 | £30
Join Bron for a short course in longform improv! Take your scene and character work to the next level as you explore the basics of popular longform improv formats. Looking at edits, narrative beats and game, this session is a great way to flex your improv muscles and discover different approaches to improvised performance. Some previous improv experience will be assumed.
Want more?
Our 8 week courses will return later in the year with dates to be announced soon - if you would like to register interest for our 8 week courses drop us an email today! You can also sign up to our mailing list for monthly updates on upcoming shows and workshops direct to your inbox.
We're fast approaching our next intake of comedy workshops in Manchester! We have a few spaces left on all of our courses in improv and stand-up comedy. We are Manchester's longest running provider of fun and friendly comedy classes with offerings for all levels of experience. So if you're looking for something fun and different to do with your Saturday afternoons... don't delay and book on a comedy course today!
Our courses are moving to The New Adelphi at University of Salford and will run on Saturdays starting 24th September 2022. We have workshops for all ability levels and all of our workshop spaces are fully accessible. Whether you're looking to be the next big thing in comedy, build confidence and communication skills, develop soft skills for business, add to your actor's résumé or just want to try something new and fun - you'll love taking a comedy course with ComedySportz. But don't just take our word for it...
Sound fun? Visit our workshops page to find out more. Our workshop leaders have 20 years experience performing and teaching comedy. We are proudly part of CSz Worldwide, one of the world's largest comedy course providers.
Our ComedySportz match this Saturday (20th March) marks one year of online shows since the world first went into Lockdown last spring. We hope you'll join us for this very special match with a very special guest player!
Never seen a ComedySportz match before? Two teams go for comedy gold with quick-witted gags and games inspired by your suggestions. It's an all action, all improvised competitive comedy show for all ages with a referee ensuring a good clean match! Who wins? YOU decide! Shows stream every Wednesday and Saturday at 7pm GMT via our youtube channel. Subscribe today and never miss a match!
Last year we had no choice but to "Yes, And" the situation and since then we've done nearly 150 online shows and performed to audiences all over the world. Thank you to everyone that has supported us and laughed with us during this time. This past year has seen plenty of challenges but also, hopefully, plenty of laughs as well.
Our players have kept innovating and inspiring with their creativity and commitment to fun and laughter. We asked some of our players and fans to share what a year of laughs in lockdown has meant to them.
Bron refs our very first online show overcoming new and exciting technical problems!
BRON EDGE:
The team really came together to figure out how we could keep connected to our fans. I love this new connectivity we have to the audience, and how our audience can also chat with each other about the show.... or whatever else they are thinking! I'm going to miss that when we are back on a stage, at least I hope people aren't going to be chatting through the show...
It has been lovely to see the spirit of Yes And seep into the audience as well, one audience member even found out that another desperately wanted a specific jumper knitted... and they knitted it for them!
JOHN COOPER:
Its amazing to see how the online shows have develop in the last year. From the beginnings of figuring out zoom and how well a show could even work, to experimenting and finding great new games that really only work online like Art Critic and Story Draw....where I get to draw.....what's not to like ??
KATE McCABE:
I think it's highlighted how important is is to be agile. Not just as an improviser but as a person. One positive is that people have been agile WITH us. Joining us on YouTube and cheering us on while we try new games and keep the good times rolling.
Ben and housemate Harry during a live show!
BEN HODGE:
Starting with ComedySportz online has been such an interesting challenge! Adapting to this new way of performing has been eye-opening and also loads of fun. It has given me the chance to play with so many different people who I may not have had a chance to meet and improvise with otherwise. It's great for connecting with our international friends and having the opportunity to play with them!
SEAN MASON:
Even though lockdown has kept us apart, going online has kept us connected to our CSz Worldwide family and fans. The last year has shown just how positive a force improvisation can be as it gives us the tools and creative mindset to solve problems and adapt. It has been a real joy to keep doing shows and workshops online - a lifeline really.
Being able to develop new games, new ways of playing and connecting has actually been really fun. I am ready to get back into live shows soon though!
Dalu never fails to surprise with his endless supply of wigs.
DALU THEBE:
From starting Comedysportz Manchester most if not all my matches have been played online. This I have found useful in practices, getting to know new games and particularly in allowing me to use and gather props, something that perhaps wouldn't have happened in live shows. (EDITOR'S NOTE: We're not sure if Dalu is going to manage without his trusty Marge Simpson wig. We're not sure the audience will either).
The technology has allowed the show to continue throughout lockdown and has been a constant source of much needed fun and silliness.
Felix getting his team into trouble for timing Chris Tavner's refereeing!
FELIX JANEWAY:
Performing online has shown me that improv is liquid. It has the ability to fill whatever space we give it, and virtual space has offered us new nooks to play in; using backgrounds, props, music and video to make multi-layer jokes which aren't possible in other formats.
I play with Comedysportz for connection and that aspect has not only been unchanged, it has broadened to include connection to anyone anywhere (technology permitting).
The main challenge I have faced is not being able to perform with members of the troupe who are unable to play online, but it has been brilliant to get into the nitty gritty of the structure of the match, the roles which support the match and all the technology we can use to support it.
Even online we've still been able to make use of audience volunteers.
LUCY RYAN (FAN):
We started watching the online Comedysportz shows when they started back in March 2020 – and they have been what has kept us going throughout lockdown. In the misery of lockdown the Comedysportz shows have been the one thing that have always been guaranteed to make us all (adults and children alike) laugh. Laugh out loud, real belly laughs., laugh until we are crying. The humour is genuinely warm – never unkind or mean-spirited – and the shows are deliberately accessible to as wide a range of people as possible. But more than just making us laugh, the Comedysportz shows have created a community; you always know you can show up and “join in". In a year where social interaction had been so lacking THAT is more valuable than I can describe. Thank you everyone at Comedysportz.
JOAN MYERS (FAN):
My husband Jeff and I have been fans of CSz Buffalo in USA since 2006. We had the honor of seeing Manchester perform at the World Championships in Philadelphia in 2019. They are a very talented group. When the pandemic hit and closed everything we started watching Buffalo on ZOOM. We then started to find other ComedySportz cities to watch. Manchester is our go to since it is on at 2 pm our time. We love it because we get to see several games not played in Buffalo. My favorite is Karaoke. We think everyone is very funny and look forward to our Wednesdays and Saturdays. We also love their take on Star Trek. That is totally hilarious!! Although we really haven’t met most of them personally, we love them all and consider them friends. Will miss seeing the shows when live performances start back. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Don't worry, even when live shows return we're going to keep doing online shows as well).
Hit the video above to catch this Saturday's anniversary match. We are delighted to be joined by CSz founder Dick Chudnow. Dick started ComedySportz in the USA in 1984 and we're very excited to have him join us for this online match.
The stream goes live at 6.45pm GMT and the match kicks off at 7pm GMT. As always our online shows are family friendly and free to watch - however donations are gratefully received and go directly to our players.
All being well, our return to live shows with distanced audiences is now only a couple of months away but we'll be continuing with our online shows and workshops too. Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on all of our upcoming online and live events. Got a favourite memory of our online shows? We'd love to hear from you!
We're delighted to announce new dates for online comedy courses in the new year. We will be running both Foundation Improv and Beginning Stand-Up comedy courses from January 2021.
Courses are a great way to learn new skills, boost confidence and meet new people. Whether you're a budding comedy performer or someone who just wants to get more confident giving presentations and networking, these courses are great for life on and off stage.
Not sure if a comedy course is right for you? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions. You can also drop us an email - we'll be happy to answer any questions you have about our workshops and courses.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER
You can also book a space on one of our online comedy courses as a gift for friends and family. Just let us know you're booking as a gift when signing up for the course and we'll get in touch to sort out the details. We can also provide gift certificate to present to them over the holidays. So if you know someone who would enjoy one of our comedy courses but just needs a friendly push get in touch today!
ONLINE FOUNDATION IMPROV
Learn the core skills of improvisation in this fun and friendly online course. Sessions will cover "Yes, And", Listening, Characters, Objects, Games and Storytelling. Build confidence, get creative and rediscover your playful side. No experience necessary.
Book a space on the course here. If you're booking as a gift please include the information of who the course is for (name, email address). We can also email you a gift certificate to present to them. Not sure if an improv course is right for you? Find out more here.
ONLINE BEGINNING STAND-UP COMEDY
Write and deliver your first stand-up comedy routine with this interactive online course! Develop your comedic voice in a supportive environment with regular feedback. Sessions cover everything from writing gags to landing gigs. No experience necessary.
Book a space on the course here. If you're booking as a gift please include the information of who the course is for (name, email address). We can also email you a gift certificate to present to them. Not sure if a Stand-Up comedy course is right for you? Find out more here.
IMPROV DROP-INS
In the meantime we're running a couple more improv drop-ins in December before taking a short winter hiatus. However, we will be running free festive improv jams over the holidays. These jams will be an opportunity to play improv and party games and keep connected over the winter break. Find out more about drop-ins and jams here.
Our courses and workshop leaders are fully accredited by CSz Worldwide, one of the world's largest comedy and performance schools.
UPDATE: Unfortunately Tier 3 restrictions in Manchester mean that Lock 91 is closed for the next few weeks. We hope to book new dates in as soon as possible. In the meantime you can catch our online shows on youtube every Wednesday and Saturday and tickets are on sale now for our 19th Birthday show at Chorley Theatre in November.
We can't wait to be laughing live again and we hope you can join us. We'll soon be posting all the ways that we're adapting shows to ensure an as safe as possible time for everyone.
COMEDYSPORTZ UK
Two teams. One ref. No script. Lots of laughs!
ComedySportz sees teams go for gold with quick-witted gags and games in this all action, all improvised competitive comedy show. There's a referee on hand to ensure a good clean match with penalties for bad behaviour and bad jokes. Join us for an evening of totally unscripted, utterly unpredictable and absolutely unmissable laughs. Who wins? YOU decide! (Find out more)
"…a non-stop stream of gags, sketches and general hilarity." Lancashire Evening Post
"…real winners are the happy audience… hilariously entertaining." Buxton Festival Fringe
ABSOLUTE ONIONS: IMPROV KARAOKE!
Absolute Onions take a Karaoke classic chosen by the audience and perform an improvised narrative that will uncover the surprising real story behind that song! So pour the Prosecco, spin your disco balls and get ready to drop the mic! (Find out more)
"Very Clever!" Number9reviews
The show will start at 7.30pm to ensure finishing before the current 10pm Curfew. If the event needs to be cancelled then tickets will be refunded ASAP. We will be following COVID Secure guidelines to ensure a safe night out.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to their licence Lock 91 is an adults only venue. So, whilst ComedySportz will still be playing it clean, families with children are not able to attend this show.