I joined this class with absolutely zero stand-up experience, and it exceeded all my expectations. Gerry and Heather are phenomenal instructors, and their system truly works. They create a fun, encouraging, and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable taking risks and finding their voice. By the end of the class, I had a set I was proud of and the confidence to get on stage and perform it. The group itself was incredibly supportive, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. read more

I signed up for this class having years of stand up sketch and improv experience, but never taken a class for stand up comedy. I spent a long time skeptical about taking a course and worrying it would lead to generic comedy or hack style. But I've known countless alumni of the class over the years and always wondered what was so special about it because they'd given me glowing reviews. This year I found myself wanting to sharpen tools in joke writing and re-invigorate my perspective on stand up altogether. The class achieved exactly that - plus introduced me to a really great community of people who are funny, smart, and kind. Gerry cultivates an environment that is rare in stand up comedy culture in that it goes against the negative cliches of being brash, cutting, competitive and toxic. The instructors are very generous with giving guidance in and outside of class. Besides feeling inspired personally, I saw classmates flourish and felt a tidal wave of love and appreciation coming out of class. Not to mention a brand new tight 5+ minutes to take around. I think it's a very smart move to start your stand up journey here, and if you're already involved but looking for a huge breathe of fresh air, it's here too. read more

One of the best decisions i ever made was to take this class. Was terrified going in and couldn't have been more supported or felt more safe. Also... can't believe I did that showcase show, I would've never had the bravery or, more importantly, the material, without Gerry and Heather! read more

Gerry and Heather are brilliant. I got more out of this class in 10 weeks than I knew was possible. They will set you up for SUCCESS in a safe, loving, collaborative class that gently pushes you to be the best comic you can be. Absolutely take this class - what I learned is truly invaluable. DO IT! read more

Life-changing experience. The level of support, wisdom, skill and compassion in Gerry & Heather and the space they've created is unmatched. 5 stars isn't enough! read more

Funny AF! He understands the bizz and really cares passionately about comedy and comedians and helping ppl to be their best

I've taken stand-up classes just about everywhere you can take them in Los Angeles (plus writing classes at some of the best universities in the country). Nothing compares to this class, taught by Gerry Katzman and Heather Pasternak. Yes, you'll learn how to write and perform stand-up, and your act will wind up being personal and unique. But where this class really stands head and shoulders above all others is the class experience. Gerry carefully curates who takes the class, so you're not only guaranteed talented fellow comics, but classmates who are kind and supportive. As a result, there's a wonderful alumni network of successful comics, but more importantly a very special class experience. If you only take one comedy class, this is the one. read more

A fantastic class. Gave me the knowledge and confidence to write and perform stand up for the first time. Couldn't recommend it enough!

I have been performing stand up for 8+ years and this class gave me a new perspective on how I can tap deeper into some real sh*t and share that with the world. I am so grateful to Gerry, Heather, Rachel and all of the alumni who helped guide us. This is the most supportive group of people and I highly recommend this class. read more

The positive, wildly intelligent and warm energy that Gerry, Heather and Rachel brought to our class made this the best kind of learning experience. The class is designed to be very challenging, supportive and fun. A bright spot on your weekly calendar. If you're thinking about taking this class, don't think. Just do it. Newbies and veterans alike will get huge returns on their investment. read more

Possible, taking Gerry's class was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I followed my instincts when a fellow actor friend of mine put up her standup set on IG and I asked her who she learned her craft from - she pointed me to this school with a glowing recommendation. She was right on all accounts. She said, "Gerry and Heather will make sure you get on that stage with your best work by the end of these 10 weeks". Check. She said, "they care so much about your work, you will know". Check. She said, "The cost is worth every penny". Check. Professionally, this class gave me the practice ground needed to understand the life of a standup comedian. The 10 week course is perfectly designed to get you to practice the workshopping, writing, reviewing, testing and retesting required for a pro-standup comedian. Personally, I felt seen, understood and empowered in this course. I had class with Heather. She is a courageous and sincere teacher. While she is incredibly skilled in the craft of writing jokes (which she will teach you whether you are ready or not), she was also generous in guiding us over calls and texts between classes. She's got space for your ugly, skill for your lack-there-of-it and the grit to get you past the finish line (the show) - I def honor her as one of my gurus in entertainment. She will know how to handle you. Love, Nabila. read more

Standup Comedy Class - Performing Arts Near Me

There's genuinely something magical about this course. Gerry and Heather create a non-judgmental environment that is great for comedy, confidence, and new friendships. I went into the course feeling nervous about writing and performing, and I was surprised at how naturally and effortlessly that changed with the support of Gerry and the group. I left with a feeling of self-confidence that has helped me in my career and relationships. I was not expecting the process of writing and performing comedy to feel healing, but making comedy was a release of emotional baggage. During my six years living in Los Angeles, Gerry's course was the best experience I had. It's a memory I will treasure, and it's had a huge positive impact on my life. If you've ever had an itch to do comedy, or a feeling you could be more confident in your personal or professional life, or if you just want to hang out with funny and interesting people, you should do this course. read more

Couldn't recommend this class more! Gerry is a warm, funny, and incredibly encouraging teacher who knows how to bring out each student's unique voice. If you're thinking about taking a comedy class look no further! You are in great hands. read more

Gerry Katzman is AMAZING! I can't begin to relate how wonderful my stand-up class was. This was one of the most fulfilling moments ever. Not exaggerating! Gerry is amazing. He was encouraging, always positive, honest in helping us improve, empathetic, and so very friendly. The man is just THE BEST. The bond you form with your classmates... well I truly feel I made some lifelong friends there. But most of all, you learn Stand Up. The basics. And then how to tweak those basics and grow. And learn more. If you are considering Stand-up, Gerry Kazman is the man you want as your teacher. Full stop. read more

Gerry is a phenomenal teacher. He creates a space that's not only safe and supportive, but also pushes you to take risks, be vulnerable and actually be funny. The insights, the energy and care, its real and I felt from day one. Rachel and Heather were awesome as well. Always funny and sharp, the helped me, and i think i can speak for everyone in the course as well, elevate our material in a big big way. By the time the showcase came, the material grew so much that it was it felt amazing to perform and hear the laughter coming from the audience. One of the best experiences i've had in years. read more

I am taken aback by this class. It changed my life. I started comedy two years ago and I was all alone, trying to figure out my jokes and not really feeling like I knew where I was headed. Personally, I have been going through some really hard times. When I took this class, it made me alive again. It gave me something to look forward to. It gave me life, it gave me hope and community. It made me feel like I wasn't so alone, and it brought me out of a dark place. The teachers are the kindest people in the world. I'm serious, they really get it. I believe in kindness over everything and that's what they are about too. They are warm, care about you and they give every comic their all. I absolutely love them and I can't express how wonderful they are. I can't explain how important this class was for me, and how meaningful it was. If you want to meet an amazing community this is for you. read more

Easily hands down one of the best things I have ever done. The experience of taking Gerry's comedy class was nothing short of remarkable. I get that this comment seems over the top, but the class deserves this level of praise. Gerry and Heather taught me and my fellow classmates how to mine our life experiences to create comedy gold and in the process of sharing our varied and vulnerable experiences, we were able to create some incredible connections. Gerry and Heather fostered the environment that made all of this possible. The showcase was nerve-wracking but in the best way possible. If what you are doing isn't making you freak out, then you aren't growing or challenging yourself enough. I am tremendously grateful to Gerry, Heather, and my classmates for an experience far exceeding the highest of expectations. I can't say enough good stuff. read more

I'm so happy I took this class! Gerry and Heather created a safe and friendly class which cultivated a positive environment to learn and grow our comedy skills. They equipped us with foundation and knowledge that made learning stand up approachable . Grateful for there class and the community we built. Happy I took this class and will recommend it! read more

I loved this class and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to write better jokes or wants to get started for the first time. The teachers are excellent and very available and it was a great overall experience. read more

This class was ok. I got more out of the community of my fellow students than I did from the class itself. It's double the price I paid for any other stand up class. Additionally, the instructors keep pushing everyone to take privates for $100/hour. If everyone needs a private coaching outside then the class itself isn't working. Or if you think a private session is important, then include it in the price. Naturally people are nervous about doing stand up for the first time so I feel like coaxing them into privates was taken advantage of their nerves. Unfortunately, you only learn one type of joke structure which is from the Comedy Bible by Judy Carter. I didn't learn any other techniques for writing or improving jokes. The class was better for people who never performed stand up than for existing comics. The existing comics in my class struggled, they said their existing jokes that worked didn't fit into the one joke structure they were teaching. The community of comics was great and I still keep in touch and go to shows with people from my class but the management generally felt a little "ick" to me. It's show business - everyone is trying to make a buck and I got this vibe. read more

Forget AI. Get yourself some GK, HP and RF. Gerry Katzman, Heather Pasternak, and Rachel Forman. Gerry has created a wonderful stand up community where you can feel safe, nurtured, and confident that if you put in the work you'll graduate with the skills necessary to practice the art of stand up. Heather was our class lead and she is a comedy machine goddess. She is so quick, humorous and kind hearted. Just being in class with her you'll absorb years of experience. Rachel is a gem and alumni of the class who set a prime example of what a student of this class should aspire to. The three of them work their butts off to share their knowledge, encourage your personal growth and give YOU the best experience possible. Whether you're a seasoned open mic comic looking to up your game, a newb trying to muster up the courage to hit your first mic, or someone who just wants the experience of a lifetime you cannot go wrong signing up for this class. Take the leap. I wish you the same joy Heather, Rachel and Gerry brought me. read more

Unbelievable experience. Gerry, Heather and the other classmates gave me the confidence to take standup from an idea to an actual freaking thing I do now. Forever grateful. If you're reading this, stop and just sign up. You won't regret it! read more

Standup Comedy Class - Performing Arts Near Me

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Gerry is the most loving, smart, hard working, joy seeking comedy teacher on earth! This class made me love, learn, and laugh harder than any class I've ever taken. And the community Gerry helped us build together during class will last forever! read more

Standup Comedy Class - Bravest thing I've ever done! - Performing Arts Near Me

Nothing but incredible things to say about this class. Gerry and Heather are two of the most supportive, talented, genuinely funny people that you could ever hope to have as your teachers. They foster such a caring environment and community, which is not always easy to find in the stand up world. On top of that, they know how to elevate your jokes like nobody's business. I love structure and this class has it. Heather and Gerry give you a precise formula to use when crafting jokes and then help you get it working for your unique voice. Since the class is 10 weeks, you really have the time to delve into everything without feeling super rushed before the showcase, which is lovely. You learn how to come up with personal material that really resonates with people. Also, the structure they provide can be used on your own moving forward so you're not just relying on the class forever. They really teach you to fish (be funny), they don't just cook (write) it for you. 11/10 Great time. read more

I've now taken Gerry's class twice. Both times was like a rebirth as a writer and performer. He's like your secret comedy guru that you will always have in your back pocket. The class is structured in a way that you become lifelong friends with the other students. It's one of the most supportive and the least intimidating comedy classes I've ever taken. He helps you really feel confident in your work and also to not fear a stage and a crowd, and to just get up there and do it! I'm personally a "veteran" in comedy, but in both of my classes there have been a handful of first timers. It's so exciting to watch them grow as writers and performers and get on that stage with little to no fear. As someone who has studied and performed comedy for 20+ years that is really exciting and inspiring thing to watch! He has two teachers that support him, we had Rachel and Heather and both were pitching jokes to literally everyone in class as if it was their own voice they were writing for. These guys are pros and I highly, highly suggest this class if you are considering trying stand up or are just in a rut as a comedian, writer and/or performer. This class is a fricken fresh breath of air! read more

If you're curious about doing stand-up comedy, there are plenty of options out there. But only SCC provided the professional, high-level support I was looking for. After a 9-year break from performing, I'm so glad I chose to work with Gerry. If you're on the fence about when to start or who to work with, consider this the sign you've been waiting for--SCC is excellent! 10/10. read more

Standup Comedy Class - Evan OBrien at HAHA Comedy Club in North Hollywood, CA. - Performing Arts Near Me

Heather and Gerry are the absolute best. I took this class to dip my toe in stand up and I learned more than I ever thought I would. This is one of the most challenging (in an amazing way) and rewarding things I have ever done. This class is more than writing jokes. Heather and Gerry provide a safe space to be vulnerable, honest, real, AND funny!!! I've also met the most amazing people. If you are even THINKING about taking this, do it. You will not regret it!! read more

It's hard starting anything new, but it's a lot easier when it's something as fun as Stand Up. This class is valuable for ANYONE to take, regardless of if they're planning to pursue Stand-Up. You will learn one of the most daunting forms of performance, standing alone on a stage, and be emboldened to tackle any issue. In the process, Gerry and Heather will teach you how to write jokes that illuminate your inner truths and how to connect them to an audience's universal experience. You'll learn how to connect and entertain everyone you meet. And the biggest reason I recommend this class is that it is all done in a positive and encouraging environment. Every course is designed to make you feel better about yourself and your journey. Gerry and Heather are genuinely engaged teachers and hilarious comedians, a potent combo for anyone seeking to learn. read more

I didn't come from a performing, entertaining, or comedy background but always wanted to try stand up. This class was absolutely phenomenal and applicable to everybody regardless of skill level. There were folks like me along with seasoned comedians and entertainers in the class. Gerry teaches this class, along with Rachel and Heather, with genuine love and gives you tangible skills starting on day one. He has a very systematic process to help identify topics that are true to you, build a set, and refine it. By the end of the course every one of us had a tight five minute set that we were very proud of, which got big laughs on stage. Gerry knows what he's doing, gave thoughtful and personal notes to all of us the entire course -- and amazingly made every one of us fell special, supported, and loved the whole time. I cannot recommend the class enough. You will be confident and funny by the end. read more

Gerry and Heather have been doing this for a long time. They know how to help you develop your stand-up comedy in amazing ways. I've been performing for years and I continue to return for the support and accountability. read more

Gerry and Heather are magicians (both literally and metaphorically). They facilitated and created a beautiful online community and I cannot recommend this class enough. If you are considering or are simply curious about Standup Comedy - reach out to them!! They lead the best training/class I've ever taken - hands down. This class was so much fun, full of such amazingly supportive folks, and taught me lessons in comedy and performance I will treasure forever. The community they've created is everything - jump right on in!! Many thanks to Heather and Gerry!! :) read more

Standup Comedy Class - Performing Arts Near Me

I have been obsessed with standup comedy since I was a young boy eating Hungry-Man dinners in front of the TV. I've dreamed of doing it myself just as long. Fear, insecurity and the relentless use of excuses got in my way until one day I woke up and said, "Just do it." Wait, that was a Nike commercial. I got drunk at a happy hour and signed up. This class is life-changing. Gerry and Heather offer a safe space that allows creativity, freedom and your individuality to shine. Their insight and instincts are priceless. You will leave this class with not just a solid set, but a new sense of self. If you're even remotely considering, take the leap. You won't regret it. read more

This class was amazing. It changed my life for the better. Gerry and Heather are the kindest, most supportive teachers I had in a long time, and the atmosphere they created was safe, nurturing and inspiring. I was reluctant to sign up for this class because stand up comedy always seemed scary and intimidating to me. But Gerry breaks down the art form into a formula that's so clear and concise, anyone can do it. At the end of the 10 weeks, our class put on a show that was so hilarious and brilliant, I was very proud to invite people to it. I'm so glad I had the courage to give this class a try. I can't recommend it enough. read more

Standup Comedy Class - Performing Arts Near Me

I love this class!!! I studied with them for my first five-min standup and it was lovely!! I learned so much about the important principles (Do's and Don'ts) from them. Heather and Gerry are both so funny! My classmates are so nice and encouraging! We had a very cute and funny show in the end! read more

This was such a fun experience!! If you want to do stand up this is the class for you. It is the most supportive environment that will help you understand the technique to build a strong set! You will make friends and people laugh. I loved this class. read more

TL;DR TAKE THIS CLASS! No one in my class had even done an open mic before, and by the time we were finished, everyone was writing great jokes, performing with confidence, and had put together a set that got laughs from start to finish. Gerry showed genuine warmth and a deep commitment to helping each of us, not only with material, but with our confidence in our own abilities. I can't emphasize enough how supportive Gerry was as a teacher, and how talented he is at helping people grow. This class is his passion, and he is very generous with his time, putting in more effort than any other teacher I've had, bar none. He also has a great sense of humor, and his specific input into an individual joke, down the choice of a particular word, is spot on. He gives input without taking over your writing process, and he facilitates the class in such a way that you get a ton of useful feedback, from himself, from alums who sometimes join, and from the other students. I have never taken a class in my life where I learned so much in so little time. If you want to learn standup, look no further. Everyone had a lot of fun during the classes, and everyone did really, really well on stage. We were getting genuine laughs, and as I watched the other people in my class perform, it was obvious they had become real comics, as in, they could get paid to do comedy if they chose to pursue it. If you are looking for a fun, new experience, take this class. If you are looking to start your career in comedy, take this class. read more

This was one of the most incredible, enriching, and challenging experiences of my life. I could not recommend this class more. There is a magic that this class brought out in me that I didn't even know was there. read more

Three months ago, I was reading these Yelp reviews thinking, "How the hell could a comedy class be life-changing?" I set my skepticism aside and enrolled anyway, and I am so glad that I did. This class helped me grow as a writer, performer, and person. Gerry and Heather are exceedingly kind, supportive, and, most of all, excellent at what they do. We had our class showcase this past week, and everyone crushed it. I was so proud to be a part of it. If you're on the fence about taking this class, just take it. read more

Gerry and Heather have found a way to make standup the funniest, most authentic journey and have changed my mind that standup is an aggressive, solo, confrontational art form. Instead, it's amazing to see that the art form is collaborative, community-driven, free, fun, and hella supportive. I am blown away by how many people started as non-performers and ended with a solid 5-minute set that had the audience literally eating out of their hands. Magic is done here! read more

The VALUE I obtained from this class is more than any dollar value that could be attributed to this class. The people of this class have walked WITH me from a difficult relationship, going through a break-up, and to meeting the girl of my dreams. By being open and vulnerable, it allowed me to reach SELF-ACTUALIZATION according to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Every person experiences growth in their own ways, mine happened to be LIFE-CHANGING. I would recommend this class to anyone interested in stand-up comedy. read more

Standup Comedy Class - My first stand-up showcase. - Performing Arts Near Me