Challenging, eventful, and educational about ones' self. There's no apology in Comedy, it's just the Hard Truth according to one's opinion. If you have mental issues and the psychologist or psychiatrist can't fix you, then run with it with COMEDY... because we are all crazy in the head!!! read more

Greg Dean is simply put a technician. I've been in the stand-up comic realm for the past year. Taking his class has truly transformed the way I perform. Not only is his joke structure revolutionary but the way that he pulls material out of his students is a true testament to his devotion to the craft and art of Comedy. This class challenges you not only to write jokes but to put them into pictures sounds and feelings so that the audience can connect to you as an individual. Participation is key you're acting and performing in every class, which is a lot of fun. In addition to Greg Dean surmountable wealth of knowledge his teaching team Gayla and Fernando, are critical to the success of this class. They not only inspire but also give critical motivational feedback to help students become better comics. I've taken the free introductory course, the beginner course, and two cycles of the advanced class. Plus, performed twice on the main stage at the Hollywood Improv for the classes comedy Showcase. I've not only learned a lot through taking these courses but have also met some incredible people who I now call dear friends. If you're looking to get out of your comfort zone, try something new, and have fun in the process, plus maybe even tell a joke this class is a no-brainer. Thank you Greg, Gayla & Fernando! read more

Greg Dean's Stand Up Comedy Classes - Mistress K's 2nd GD Showcase Performance - Performing Arts Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Greg Dean is a genius at bringing out the best in everyone. He's knowledgeable, experienced, funny, intelligent, and uses a consistent methodology to elicit comedic writing and performing. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to study with Greg. Also a shout-out to Greg's wife Gayla who does her own shows and teaches, coaches, and does private sessions within Greg's school. They are each masterful, great for beginners as well as experienced comedians. One of the things I appreciate about Greg is his depth of understanding of human experience. He has a strong background as a student of the healing arts and he understands comedy as a kind of therapeutic process - as such, he works to bring out the depths of emotion, truth, and resonance with one's own experience. He also has a structured approach to writing and performing, one which guarantees that both are authentic (as well as funny!). Take a class with Greg Dean, Gayla or anyone they train and recommend. I would give more stars if Yelp made them available. read more

I took Greg's class 3 times about 5 years. "Why am I not famous?" You ask. Because I'm a doctor not a comedian. And I had to get back to running a business. Yuck...That being said it was so much fun and if I ever retire I'll take this class again and again. So if acting or comedy is or is not your career goal but you've always wanted to at least try stand up take this class! read more

I'm relatively new to stand up comedy, but I wanted to leave a review because just from the first lesson I understood that Greg is the real deal. His formula for creating jokes, working through them, tweaking them to get the biggest laughs is tried and true. A higher percentage of my newly written jokes get laughs in the first round of testing. Sometimes he's hard on you, but him being hard on you is way easier than bombing in a room full of people. He wants you to succeed, and if you give him 100% he'll invest 100% back into you. I would highly recommend taking his course, I'm already registered in the advanced course. Working towards a Netflix special (or 10 views on YouTube, I'll take either one). read more

"Most men live lives of quiet desperation." - Henry David Thoreau ('And being "quiet" isn't something I've ever been accused of!) I had thought about doing stand up a few times, just a fleeting thought in passing until... I got a call one night from fellow artist & good friend, Victor S., who invited me to see him perform stand up @ The Comedy Store in West Hollywood. Victor S. - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/vXZBKv_OBI4VHry3paofgg?select=w7GnbcuE5M3njVdocnviwg 'And as the cliché goes, the rest was history. I attended the free, introductory workshop, met Greg Dean & Gayla Johnson, the husband & wife team that run the program. Photo - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/vXZBKv_OBI4VHry3paofgg?select=-BYuNs1HU5JiUf3MN7BjBA I also met Fernando R., Benny R., & Dennis L., a few seasoned "Deaners," who I now consider friends. Fernando R. - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/vXZBKv_OBI4VHry3paofgg?select=MyQTHUy-DEiVeewV-wjShg Benny R. - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/vXZBKv_OBI4VHry3paofgg?select=-Tx7GTTRIv4WFzI5qwzFpg Dennis L. - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/vXZBKv_OBI4VHry3paofgg?select=DhndtzDq0XY4RRAW2H-KIw Someone asked me why do stand up?... Simple... 'Because I can. ('And if you're considering it, do it! You only live once.) It's a choice... A choice to do what you want to do despite the fear/outward criticism, the unknown... Some people around you might say, "you're not funny" or "you're going to suck!" ('Just keep in mind, not everyone has the same sense of humor... 'And some, none at all.) 'And of course these critics are the same people living abundantly full lives, selling bulk cheese & Diet Coke, or churros at the Food Court Window... Yes, these are the "experts on comedy" which is so evident as they take your money, followed by the question - "Would you like a hot apple pie with that?" These people are just bitter because their career choice is a fractional notch above "Walmart Greeter." Don't get me wrong, I love a good Greeter! Life is too short... 'There is no mulligan, this isn't dress rehearsal, there are "do-over's" at the end... 'When you die, are you really going to think?... "I should've sold that lady the 2-ply that was on special?..." If you think that up-selling TP might be one of your last earthly thoughts, PLEASE STOP READING NOW... - 'And flip another burger. Do you like making people laugh? Are you always making jokes or saying inappropriate things @ the right time? Do you get accused of being "mean" or non-PC or some crap like that?... "Welcome home! There is nothing like hanging out with a bunch of comics... Generally, no one is going to get butt hurt over a joke, after all we all here looking for "the funny." However, if you already have low self esteem, being surrounded by comics is only going to move that bar in the opposite direction accompanied by pointing, laughing, and additional "tags." (Tag - A secondary punchline) - 'Just remember it's all in good fun and consider it comedic exercises. Greg Dean teaches you some of the basic to more complex ideas behind stand up. Stand up is a eclectic mix of salesperson, psychologist, "mind reader," artist/musician, mechanic, and magician - all wrapped into one. There are a lot of different elements to contend with from basic mic techniques, to "riffing," or dealing with a heckler... 'Not to mention "going blank..." Your material, gone! No where to be found... (Yeh, you're given tools to help deal with that too!) THANK GREG! Like sh*t - "going blank" happens... I of course, speak from experience. 'Not all your sets are going to be great but "bombing" is just as valuable too... 'Not the most enjoyable thing to have to go through but nonetheless vital to learning and growing. (Again, speaking from experience.) I've had good nights and not so good nights... (bg snd fx - "crickets chirping") 'But I would not trade it for anything. It helps teach you to fine tune/fix your material... 'And when I say "your material," I mean "YOUR" material. Greg & Gayla will not censor your subject matter on whether it's too "blue", obscene or inappropriate. What is funny to one person may not be funny to another, you decide that, no one else... It's your stuff, your material. What you will be taught is the foundation of joke structure, audience rapport, performance, and your "comic voice," to just name a few. You may not have aspirations to be the next Carlin, Leno, Seinfeld, Wright, or Chapelle but MAAAANNNNN!... 'What a ride!! At the end of the 5 week workshop, you get to try your material in a 5 minute set on stage at the world famous, "Comedy Store" in West Hollywood. How's that for a life experience?! I wish I lived closer to the laugh action out in the Santa Monica & Hollywood area to see the gang more often! "Most men live lives of quiet desperation." - Henry David Thoreau (Don't be one of those sheep'ish baaaaaaaaa'stards!) - Peace n' Aloha! Food: n/a Ambiance: 4 Service: 5 Value: 5 read more

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Greg Dean is the first comedy teacher who explains how to structure a joke. I have taken many classes from other comedy schools and wasted my money asking so how do I do this for myself? No one could explain the joke process to me just tell me it's funny or it sucks. But I could never get the why? Greg knows what he is talking about and makes the knowledge attainable at all levels. I highly recommend Greg Deans Stand Up approach and classes. You gotta do the work and the results will come. read more

Greg Dean should do a TED Talk on comedy, that's how omniscient he is. I took other comedy classes in the area, but he is the only true 'teacher/coach.' He will coach YOU, and bring out the comedian inside of YOU. He will not turn you into something you are not. Rather, he sees your potential, and gives you clues so you can unlock it yourself. And when you do, it's an indescribable feeling. Comedy is about pain, and unlocking that pain is really uncomfortable; especially in front of other people. But the 'safe place' that he creates within his classroom (to become vulnerable) is unlike any other comedy course in the city. And I have taken a lot of them. The drive to Santa Monica may suck, but I promise what you learn (and learn about yourself) in his classroom is well worth the hours in traffic. ...If he taught at the top of a mountain I would figure out a way to get up there. read more

This Yelp review is WAY past due. I studied with Greg Dean several years ago. I count his class as possibly the most important educational experience of my career. He is, to my knowledge, the ONLY teacher of how the specific mechanics of comedy work. Rather than just listening to you material and telling you what's funny and what's not (in his/her subjective opinion), Greg teaches a deep understanding of what it is that makes human beings laugh. There's actually a science to it, which Greg has deconstructed, and has found a way to teach. I worked professionally as a stand-up for a few years after Greg's class, and benefited not only from his joke writing techniques, but also his detailed performance techniques, because that's the other half of what he teaches. I ultimately got burned out on performing, but have since moved onto a writing career; I was prompted to pop onto to Yelp and write this review, because I just completed a screenplay for a client, and found myself thinking about how ingrained in my writing process Greg's teachings have remained over the years. If you're still reading this review, chances are that you're almost as naturally hysterical (and incredibly physically attractive) as me. You're also probably considering taking Greg's class. I highly recommend it. read more

I've been wanting to do comedy for 35 years and finally got the nerve to make it through Greg's entire workshop (first time was 20 years ago, and i wasn't feeling the confidence) and now the advanced workshop and just had my very first show at the Hollywood Improv. I've always known I could do it. I just needed to figure out how to organize my material. But what I didn't know was that there is a science to joke writing. And Greg teaches that so masterfully! I learned how to write jokes that land... and kill! It was AMAAAAAAZING. I didn't die up there and I learned his method so well, that now my mind can't stop writing jokes all. day. long. THANK YOU, Greg! We also learned what works, how it works, why it works, stage work, act-outs, points of view jokes, riffing, ranting, how to use the mic, etc... I've also had a dream of being a comedy writer and working with other comics and we get to do that in class too. It's SO fun! I HIGHLY recommend this workshop to anyone. He cradles you through the entire process-- even your first show. I am eternally grateful and can't wait for the next workshop and showcase! THANK YOU Greg and Gayla :) read more

Greg Dean's Stand Up Comedy Classes - Nothing like getting a lot of support for your virgin suicide - Performing Arts Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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I had an awesome review of this class that was several paragraphs long filled with big words, sentences and jokes but then I was banned from Yelp and all of my reviews were lost. Anyway, if I could give Greg Dean's class more than 5 stars I would. It's an awesome environment for total newbs with no experience joke writing or performing to learn the craft and get up and not only perform but be very good at performing. He has a talented staff of people that help out and the environment is very friendly. Greg even offers a free class or free portion of the first class for you to check out. Oh and free candy. :) read more

I bought the online course and was very satisfied with the content. I learned a lot about writing jokes and good system to find the funny. Highly recommend read more

Recommend Greg's classes 100%! I'm currently enrolled in his beginners stand up class and I couldn't be happier with what I'm learning and the environment Greg creates in the classroom. Teaching beginners is tough, but Greg does so in a manner that makes you feel at ease and eager to dive in and learn more. His unbridled enthusiasm for comedy, combined with his easy to understand theories around joke structure and technique, make this class a must for anyone interested in building a foundation for standup. I'll definitely continue on to his advanced class and probably anything else he offers, I'm having a blast and Monday nights are now my favorite part of the week! read more

If you are a comedy writer, or performer, you must work with Greg Dean and his team. I took this class just to improve my writing skills. I improved my skills, and learned to take good ideas, recognize the ideas, and develop those ideas. I enjoyed attending the classes, and it seems very clear that Greg loves to teach and watch the creative process develop in his students. Greg and his team encourage collaboration in his classes between writers. He also lays out clear rules and ethics, and leads by example. Feedback is constructive and not patronizing. It's a great place for writers to learn to work with other writers. I've taken writing classes, but never really felt like part of the group. This was not the case at any time. Not only have I greatly improved my writing, I have also gained peers I can work with in writing groups. I also gained the courage to just get out and go to an open mic by myself. If you are looking for classes to improve your writing and performing skills , Greg Dean's Stand Up Comedy Classes, are exactly what you need to take. read more

I've been to many of Greg's workshops, and still remember the first one, learning what comedy is, and how to write jokes. Learning the "Joke Mining" system. The class offers a safe environment to work out new material, and a supportive group of folks who will help you improve your material by offering constructive advice. And Greg doesn't let you get away with any tricks like memorizing lines! You are sure to come away with a natural, smooth show that will keep the audience laughing! Bottom line: Greg knows his stuff, and how to bring the best out of you to find your natural comic voice. read more

This is probably the most engaging class I've ever taken. And super funny to boot! Greg Dean will teach you everything you need to learn to work in comedy His theory on jokes is rock solid and by learning it you learn to write material on vitally any subject. And he and his staff quickly prepare the students for stage work. I am definitely signing up for the Advanced Class. I can't recommend his stand up class enough. Greg comes across as very personable and gives smart advice. read more

This is the place to go if you ever thought about being in comedy or stepping into standup. If you are nervous or scared at all, this is the place to go to get all the jitters out. Greg and his team are highly knowledgeable and make you feel comfortable with whatever perspective you are coming to class with. If you aren't sure, they'll guide you to get there....if you are, they'll help you get focused and find your voice. All-in-all you can benefit from this class if you want to learn, want to have fun, want to laugh on a weekly basis, want to exercise your writing and performance chops, and if you want to take your seemingly funny thoughts and turn them into audience-loving jokes. Don't be hesitant to start your first standup class with people who know what standup is all about. I am so grateful I did. read more

This is an awesome place to learn standup. Greg is super supportive during your journey of finding your voice. I really enjoyed getting to know my classmates in class while working together to learn the mechanics of joke writing. Great class to learn how to write funnier material even if you don't want to be a standup comedian. read more

Greg Dean is as good as it gets in the World of Comedy Teachers. He will show you the road to all your comedic dreams. Although at times I found his material way to Heady, and over intellectualizing jokes, I can see where he was coming from and I suppose that is how you get writing jokes to the masses. To me You've either got the funny or you don't. He can teach you either way. He is accompanied on the journey by a staff of assistants that are just as fabulous as he is, The Intelligent and Hilarious Roastings of Dennis Langalere and Gayla Johnson who are inspiring as comedians and teachers as well. Greg Dean has a been there done that approach to Teaching and he has good advice on any comedy topic, just ask him. He is a personable guy and the location of his class couldn't be more Ideal for the westsider not wanting to drive to the Valley. read more

Greg is a master of his craft. He is both creative and knowledgeable. His classes are elegantly designed to bring forward the best in his students. In the beginner class, I created a foundation for myself. Greg guided the process expertly. He had clear answers for my technical questions, and created a space for me to find my own answers to questions of creativity. And the class culminated with the experience of getting on stage to demonstrate what I had learned, so I knew I was capable. In the advanced class, things really take off. It begins with the creative process of gathering and writing material. Then the source material is worked on to create a set. And finally, there is the opportunity to deliver the goods on stage with a live audience. At each step of the way there is feedback, both from classmates and from Greg. The process is friendly and collaborative. Thanks, Greg ... and your minions, for creating an amazing class/workshop! read more

For those who fear being judged, rest assured - there's a common rule in this writer's room - if you don't have constructive feedback to give, then shut your hole. Greg is an amazing teacher who thoroughly enjoys his job. I had owned his book for years before I finally moved to LA and began taking his class. Learning how to vent about whatever's on your mind and say EVERYTHING you resist saying in regular life, is the most liberating therapy one could ask for. If you're human and you stress like the rest of us, this will help you let it out without getting fired, dumped or slapped. read more

I recently took Greg's beginner class to stand-up comedy. I am very impressed with the technique he teaches and how the class is ran. Many of us are in the class exploring comedy as an option while others are clearly there for the writing techniques. This class has it all. Greg doesn't tell you what's funny or if you're funny or not, he teaches you the "must-have" techniques to joke structure and how to deliver this material. Being funny is subjective and he has expressed this many times. The class overall is a wonderfully safe, non-judgmental environment for one to learn as a complete beginner or as someone trying to freshen up their writing toolbox and material. He has advanced classes and I'll personally be exploring these classes. I can't recommend Greg's class enough. Good luck everyone who reads this and my advice, take the plunge with Greg's class! read more

I loved this class. Greg Dean helps you find out what kind of comedy you are good at. He gives you ways to generate material and also helps with your stage presence. He doesn't tell you what is funny. He lets you decide. BEST CLASS EVER. read more

Ready to discover your comedy genius? If your friends think you are hilarious (or even just funny) take the leap and learn how to make people laugh. Greg Dean and his dedicated team provide a unique, deeply technique-based process to cultivate your sense of humor and ability to communicate fearlessly. I have taken many Greg Dean workshops, always had a meaningful experience and developed great material. You will learn to liberate your self from whatever holds you back, find the support you need and meet some new non-linear friends. Greg loves his work and has dedicated his life to helping others find their comedic voice. If you are drawn to stand-up, sit-com acting and/or writing this is definitely the place to be. Take a walk on the weird side. It may seem a bit scary, but that is exactly why you should do it. Jump in headfirst. Even if you eat one, that usually gets a big laugh. read more

Greg Dean is a true professional. I met him in 2009 and have been working with him via Skype on a regular basis since then. Greg is smart, funny, talented and he knows his shit. I have seen my stand-up material and performance improve greatly since working with him. I look forward every time I have a show to working out new stuff and spit shining the old material. I highly recommend Greg. He's the fastest way to getting better at the craft. The Comic Shrink read more

I hadn't attempted stand-up for almost 10 years, and Greg helped me to finally get back on stage and have a great time doing it! He, Gayla and Fernando are really supportive and great teachers. They mentor YOU and help cater to your strengths and not simply plug you into a general formula. I guarantee you will have a lot of fun, and they will show you that you are capable of things you didn't think were possible! They will also make you feel good about simply getting up there and trying; it's a really nice environment. Take a chance on having a blast! I am really thankful to Greg and the team for helping me to get back into something I love. read more

Greg Dean's Comedy Workshop is definitely the place to go if you want to learn, or hone your stand up routine. When I first signed up I couldn't understand how anybody could teach stand up comedy, but once I got there I realized I had a LOT to learn. Like anything, he gives you everything you will need to know...it's up to you to take it as far as you'd like. Notes are VERY personalized. He's not trying to make you do what he wants, you call the shots. This class will help your career in that you weed out a lot of amateur mistakes most people don't figure out until a few years into doing this on their own...that alone makes this class worth it. The beginner's workshop builds a solid foundation, and once you go through the advanced level you get to perform a real show at the Comedy Store in front of a crowd that actually wants to see you, it's a blast! Greg is an awesome teacher. You'll notice quickly he understands comedy on a deep level, going beyond hack material and all the other junk, and proves stand up is more than what it seems...You'll also notice it's not just Greg, he has a whole squad of seasoned professionals who give you ideas that are equally as helpful...so you basically get all this personalized attention from a group of pros who have been doing this for a looong time...I'd do it again in a second. read more

Greg Dean was highly recommended to me and once I started his class it was very clear why. Greg knows what the hell he is talking about and teaches in a way that is understandable, motivating and he's funny! The environment created by himself, Gayla and the other students feels safe and inspiring. I've taken his classes (and privates) over and over through out the years. If you want the real thing in LA there is no other stand-up comedy teacher to take from. He's got SO MUCH valuable information, his classes won't just help you with stand-up, but comedy in literally every area of your life. read more

Greg Dean's Comedy Workshop was so fun and a great place to learn how to develop material and mold a comedy routine. He's a great teacher that brings out the best in you, providing the tools to develop your own style and be funny being yourself. One thing I really appreciated is that he doesn't dictate to you what is funny or tell you that you can only be funny by doing it his way. Dean, his wife(Gayla Johnson) and other seasoned comic's who are part of his team, are supportive and professional, helping you avoid obvious cliche's that beginner comedians make. By taking his comedy class you are propelled ahead of the fray and you have a blast! read more

If you have finally developed the guts to try stand up comedy, Greg Dean's beginner stand up class is the best way to start. Not only does he provide each student with an interactive workbook that breaks down the techniques of stand up to the bone, but his engaging teaching strategies and helpful staff give you the confidence to both write and perform your own material. Greg goes beyond joke writing and prepares you for all elements of stand up, including crowd work and scene act-outs. He creates a positive learning atmosphere where students are encouraged to give constructive feedback for their peers. A huge benefit of the beginner class is the ability to sit in on both of his advanced workshops. Not only was I inspired to get up on the stage by watching those perform, but I saw significant improvement in their sets by the time of the showcase. If you can afford the price, you won't be disappointed. Not only will you be on the road to becoming a stand up comedian, but you will gain friendships with hilarious individuals. Plus, he gives out candy. Lots and lots of candy. read more

This is so much more than some stand-up comedy workshop, designed to help develop your comedy act, then move you along to make stage space for the next "up-and-coming" hopeful... this is a nurturing, but brutally honest, environment of incredibly talented and creative souls. It is a trusting space to form strong, lasting alliances with like-minded folk, who share the same driving desire to entertain and make people laugh. No judgment. No sugar-coating. Just pure ENCOURAGEMENT to bring The Funny! I have been an active participant of the Greg Dean Comedy Workshop endeavor throughout its many incarnations - from the Hollywood Haunted Studios, to Burbank, to its best home - The Santa Monica Playhouse. Greg, and his amazingly talented partner, Gayla, have served as mentors, cohorts, trench-buddies, guidance counselors, and family to me for almost TWO DECADES! (I know, Greg, I know!) I think I am uniquely qualified to speak truthfully to the tremendous value and importance of their workshops. The word "priceless" has been bandied about in today's popular culture and lame credit card commercials ( how ironic?) so often that it seems to have lost its true meaning and value ( too ironic?) .... but Greg Dean's Comedy Classes have proven to be priceless to this clown. The world of stand-up comedy is hyper-competitive and vicious enough as it is, and its nice to have a place to reconvene, evaluate, recalibrate, reconfigure, and craft your comedy voice to take it back out to the jungle. Greg has provided the tools and the skills needed to flourish in that brash, but worthwhile world of joke-telling... and he's been continually improving on his work to match the ever-changing demands of the comedy marketplace. Quite impressive. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have sought Greg Dean's guidance. He's provided me with a lifetime of amazing friends, memories, and some of the most memorable onstage victories of my life. I am forever indebted to his efforts. If you're considering entering the arena of stand-up comedy and want to develop the skills, safely and properly, to successfully navigate the expanding world of upcoming comedy opportunities, you'd just be plain stupid to pass up on Greg Dean's Comedy. ..seriously, you're stupid if you pass on this. Don't Be Stupid. Be Funny. read more

Greg is a master teacher. He is a master certified NLP practitioner and this deep understanding of the mind, habits, internal voices, and structure of language has helped him craft the PERFECT class for beginner and an amazing SYSTEM for professions. This is the one class you actually have a shot a being "good" the first few times on stage. Humor is a system he teaches you...if you don't listen and don't follow the instructions, then you will die a silent and laugh-less death. On the other hand, do the homework, read the book, follow the system...and you will succeed. Don't take any comedy class until you've taken this one first. read more

Highly Recommend going from Basic to Advanced right away after Basic Class it makes for better joke writing. He is super easy to work with!

In class, Greg Dean makes sure you really got how to structure and perform. Turns out, several successful comics I know, trained with Greg. Affordable. Spend the money. Youll make it back so many, many times over. 3 teachers/ coaches per class. read more

I normally wouldn't recommend a stand-up comedy class, as many of them are of questionable value. But Greg Dean's comedy classes and comedy workshops are different than the rest. Very different. If you're looking for a good way to get started in stand-up, or improve an existing act, you owe it to yourself to check out these comedy classes. On his website, Greg Dean offers a free class to introduce new students to his methods. Since it was free and convenient, I went with my bullshit detector on high alert and I half-expected nothing more than a sales pitch and some inflated promises. But instead, Greg Dean delivered a ton of great information and advice crammed into a short presentation that left a few of us shaking our heads wondering why we hadn't heard any of this before. It's a good investment of an evening for anyone writing or performing comedy - and there was no irritating "sales close" like some of the comedy workshops out there. The full comedy class is technique-based, not opinion-based. So instead of learning what Mr. Dean thinks is funny, you'll be taught methods that allow you to develop your own sense of humor and your own style - no matter if you are doing clean comedy or blue material. There are "ah-ha!" moments in every class. And every student gets a lot of focused, personal attention. If you've never done stand-up comedy before, you really won't find a better way to begin. And if you have an act you believe in, but it doesn't seem to be working as well as you think it should, Greg Dean's comedy class is a great place to improve. Check out the free intro class and you'll see. read more

I've attended some of the best and worst comedy classes, comedy workshop, and comedy schools in the country. Greg Dean's is by far my favorite. Read the other reviews for some great feedback that I agree with. But Greg is the BEST at teaching you how to WRITE GOOD JOKES, how to put together a very tight act, how to be a professional, how to find your own comedy voice. And more. Here's an important one... he expects TWELVE great jokes from you PER MINUTE of stage time. THAT WAS THE GREATEST THING HE'S TAUGHT ME IN MY YEARS WITH HIM. His weaknesses? He is TERRIBLE at marketing himself and his workshops. Judy Carter and some other notables market themselves well, but the classes aren't nearly as intense, practical, professional, CLEAR, fun, supportive. The man needs to hire a top of the line marketer! His textbook SHOULD be the comedy Bible, but he markets it terribly. His class 'showcase' at the Comedy Store Belly Room should be held in a better space (either at the Comedy Store or The Improv or wherever), but as a showcase it is VERY WELL RUN, you get a great video of your act, etc. I give him 5 stars because the textbook and classes themselves are the best. My complaints are that his classes and textbook should be better known. read more

I'm halfway through the zoom version of Greg's Stand-Up 101 class. The model for joke-writing is detailed and makes tons of sense. There is enough time and support to figure it out. Three-hour classes and then weekly hour-long office hours if you want them. Teaching staff, Greg himself and my classmates are all just really good people. All-in-all a great experience that is turning out to be a tremendous value for the cost of tuition. read more

By far the best stand up comedy teacher on the face of the earth. Been trying to commit to comedy for years and Greg finally taught me a methodology I can take with me for the rest of my life. I never thought structure and proven methods of preparation could work so well. Other instructors will simply tell you what material works and what doesn't but Greg gives you the WHY of it all and if you take his class, you'll find that his approach can be applied to more forms of communication than just stand up. read more

I've been working with Greg Dean and the "Deaners" for a little under a year now. I think what sets Greg's workshop apart from other comedy programs is how academic his approach is. From joke structure to the ever important relationship with the audience, his insight into the world of stand-up comedy is something any comic, regardless of skill level, can benefit from. Another aspect of Greg's workshops that keeps me coming back is the "family" atmosphere fostered in classes. Criticism is always constructive, and I've always felt like I was writing or performing in a safe environment, which is something I believe is important for new comics before they proceed to open mics where most comic dreams go to die. That all said, take Greg's class. You'll be funnier, and you'll actually know why. read more

Greg and Gayla are literally the best at what they do!! An awesome workshop to break into comedy, and the shows are very cool!!