wow, is an understatement when talking about this experience, class, and spectacular comedy journey! i enthusiastically and wholeheartedly recommend this class to anyone wanting to get involved in the world of stand-up comedy. read more

This was such a special class. I've always wanted to do stand up and Gerry and Heather create such a wonderful space to learn and try things and ultimately develop a really solid set. I can't recommend this class enough. It's helped my writing a ton and I feel so lucky to be part of their community of comedians. read more

I really enjoyed this experience. Gerry & Heather put a premium on good vibes, creating a comfortable and extremely nurturing environment so that folks can let loose, be creative, be themselves, and know they're being backed by a loving and supportive team of people. Gerry is really something- he's truly a funny dude, and whip-smart in how he can help you improve your material, but he's also deep and genuine. He's soulful in the way talks about comedy, and the process of going deep into your personal experiences to find material that really soars. In that way it feels like more than just a "comedy" class. Just a really good experience. read more

This class was awesome! Gerry and Heather are amazing teachers. I had taken a couple of standup comedy classes previously, but they were nowhere near the level of awesomeness I experienced in this class. Gerry and Heather provide a very safe space with smaller classes so you feel comfortable opening up in class and sharing your ideas with others. They have so much experience and help you find your own voice and style in your writing. I highly highly highly recommend this class. BEST STANDUP CLASS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

This class is truly special! Heather and Gerry did an amazing job creating a safe/supportive environment and brought out the best in all of us! So glad to have had this experience read more

Gerry's class is a gem. I've been wanting to try stand-up for years but never knew where to start. This was the place!! Not only is Gerry an amazing teacher (he has been teaching for close to 20 years), he's also a great guy. In a fun and inviting atmosphere, Gerry is able to break down the art of stand-up into understandable and doable pieces. Starting with basic premises (mined from our own lives), we were all able to quickly move into writing solid jokes and, by the end of the 10-week session, had polished sets to perform at our live Zoom showcase. Our class was virtual (during COVID-19) which worked quite well - especially considering the fact that, not living in LA, it gave me the opportunity to take the class. For anyone curious about stand-up, or even for established comedians looking to hone their skills, this class is a must. I highly recommend it!! read more

God damn is Gerry good. I mean, we knew he was good, but he's good good. If you've always wanted to do stand-up and don't know where to start, now you know where to start. In three months you'll not only learn how to write and perform a kick-ass set, but you'll also make some lifelong friends. Gerry is one of the most dedicated teachers I've ever worked with. He makes himself available almost 24/7, and truly cares about his students both as jokesters and people. I'm 47, and doing stand-up is something I've wanted to do my whole life. I'm bummed I waited so long, but so happy I found this class. read more

Better than therapy. This class has been one of the highlights of my adult life (I sincerely mean that). Gerry and Heather are a dynamic duo - they foster a safe, supportive and inspiring work environment where you learn about both stand up comedy and yourself. Whole heartedly recommend this class for anyone who loves stand up comedy and wants to give it a go! read more

There's a reason why this class is so highly rated. I was encouraged to take this class by a few friends and I'm so glad I did. Gerry Katzman is a really special human who truly understands comedy and knows how to mold even the most raw talent into polished comedians. This class is as advertised. I took the class during the time of covid and it being entirely virtual worked well. If you want to dedicate yourself to a life in comedy or you just want to gain self confidence as a public speaker, you owe it to yourself to take this class. read more

I don't even no where to start... I was searching for a stand-up class - I scoured the internet, asked friends, read reviews, talked with teachers and finally decided on Gerry Katzman's Standup Comedy Class. Honestly, I was just looking for someone to help me learn the technique behind stand-up - but what I got was so much more. Through working with Gerry I was able to find my own authentic voice, point-of-view and style - it would have taken me YEARS at open mics to get as far as I've come in 2 months. And yes, I also learned technique, structure, mining for material, working with a writer's room, performance, crowd work, etc. etc. - If it has to do with comedy, Gerry taught it. Gerry spends serious time with everyone - he makes himself available outside of class hours to make sure you're getting everything you need to succeed. And if you do the work and follow his direction, you will succeed. Come with an open heart/mind - Bring your own brand of funny and Gerry will bring everything else. You cannot go wrong with this class - It's an investment in your future and it's worth every penny. If you do take the class - Invite me to your comedy showcase - All of his students are consistently funny and I love to laugh :D read more

Standup Comedy Class - BJK performing in the class showcase at the HaHa Cafe - Performing Arts Near Me

Don't waste your time on other comedy classes! I made this mistake and wasted years! In a way I feel like I am starting from scratch, but it also feels like a re-birth of me as a comedian: My material is coming from the place of truth and is overall a big step forward. If you are frustrated about your material, if you feel stalled or have a writer's block come to Gerry's class, he will put you on the right pass in your comedic journey! Thank you Gerry for being kind, for being generous with your time , for believing in every single one of us!! Gerry's class is the most supportive environment I've studied in! This class will change your life!! read more

Here is what I can tell you. I had always struggled with wanting to go all in with comedy because I never felt I had the right structure and support to get me there. Well that burning desire never left and in my later thirties I discovered this class. I also believe that nothing in life is a coincidence. I will tell you this... Heather and Gerry changed my life. They are amazing teachers, mentors, and friends. They create an atmosphere that is unlike any other. Not to mention they build an incredible team-like atmosphere with others in the class that becomes like a family. After months of prepping and hard work filled with the best mentorship and comradery I recently did my showcase and am already being booked for shows. Thank you Heather and Gerry for this gift of a class, your support, and ability to bring out more in me then anyone ever has! I am eternally grateful. Do yourselves a favor and take this course! read more

I am so happy I took this class. I had been doing standup for a few years but I felt stuck with my material. Learning technique and joke writing in this class really helped me grow as a comedian and as a person. Heather and Gerry take the time to foster a safe and fun working environment where everyone can thrive. Thank you!!!! read more

It's difficult to describe how great this class really is. Not only did I learn a lot about how to do stand up, write great jokes, and perform; I was able to do it in a supportive and thoughtful environment that Gerry created. He's put in an incredible amount of thought on how to get each student to be and perform their best. The class is fund and deeply rewarding. read more

Honestly, for those of you who think you are funny and could make an audience laugh, I suggest you take Gerry's Standup Comedy Class before settling on that notion. You see, there's funny, and then there's genius! It's the latter that gets the laughter! Gerry and Heather will show you the way to your genie in the bottle! read more

The best Stand up class on the market. An experience that is better than skydiving. I don't have much else to say other than take the class. Heather and Gerry will make a great showcase for you and make you look like a pro. read more

For as weird and scary as a year long pandemic can be, this class absolutely was a highlight of this year. Gerry and Heather care deeply about ensuring their students succeed and want to make sure that they find their voice and the funny. The online version of this class brings together people from all over (virtually) and creates friendships that provide support in comedy writing and beyond. Extremely grateful to have taken this and would recommend to anyone that's been thinking about it. read more

Amazing class! This was my first class and first intro into stand-up comedy and I had an absolute blast with Heather and Gerry. Yes, it was intimidating at first but the support and collaboration and safe space that Heather and Gerry and my classmates fostered enabled me to push through and gave an experience of a lifetime. Very grateful for this class! read more

This class is amazing! Gerry and Heather have a system that works while creating a fun and supportive atmosphere. If you've ever wanted to check off that bucket list item or get a career in comedy started look no further. It's worth every penny and then some. read more

Performing stand-up was something in my mind for years. I knew there had to be something more than just telling stories or saying funny things into a mic. AND THERE IS. This is a craft, and its important to learn aspects of its before venturing off on your own. Im really glad Gerry and his class came highly recommended before I signed up. From learning the craft of stand-up to the growth experienced as a human being, this class has been one of the best experiences of my life. Gerry is everything you would want in a teacher. He cares about you as a person, your development, your spirit. He is always there when you need him most. The class is such a supportive environment, one that encourages you endlessly. Anyone interested in stand-up should start here, and anyone looking to further their craft, this is your place and Gerry is your sage. read more

Gerry is a marvel, and his class is a wonderful, challenging, and rewarding experience. If you're reading about the class, the likelihood is you're at least interested in the art of standup (and if you didn't know it was an art form already, it's one of the things Gerry will show you). Gerry not only teaches you the entire spectrum of standup--from the smallest considerations to the broadest concepts--but as you learn techniques and develop material, he guides you along in an atmosphere of complete patience, warmth, challenge, and inspiration. I had always been curious about standup, and first heard of the class from a friend who had taken it and was rapturous in her praise. But honestly, I was hesitant. Then this same friend brought me to a showcase where class alumni performed, and each comic was unique, clear, and hilarious. They were all really polished and funny, but in their own ways. That was what sold me to sign up, and I'm glad it did. You'll emerge from the class not only with a sense of structure and technique, but with (and I swear I'm not exaggerating) a clearer sense of who you are, what makes you funny, and what your voice is. Gerry is a kind of standup sensei, and he is very, very, VERY good at it. Full stop: Gerry's class is a life-changer, and that's not something you come across every day. read more

Gerry Katzman makes dreams come true. For 10 years I had been wanting to do stand-up comedy, but the fear of getting on stage and the lack of structure, guidance, and know-how had always stopped me from taking the leap. Then, I stumbled upon Gerry's class 5 months ago based solely on this Yelp page before you, and after taking his 10-week course, I now have all the tools I need to pursue stand-up comedy as a craft. Gerry understands how hard and scary stand-up can be for first-timers, so he cultivates a safe and nurturing atmosphere to teach you fundamentals and to get you ready for the stage (which you will be by the end of the class, just in time to dominate your class showcase in front of a packed house!). Gerry genuinely cares about your progress as a comedian, and will go wayyyyyy out of his way to help and guide you in finding your own personal funny. Just take the class, it was one of the best decisions of my life. read more

Like the rest of the rave reviews have said this is an EXCEPTIONAL class. Gerry Katzman is a genius in every way. He knows how to get you to connect with others and, most importantly, yourself. I was turned onto him by a friend whom I saw perform and was blown away. We ended up taking the next class together and I am so grateful for this experience. If you are looking for a class that teaches you not only how to write (because that is really what it is all about), connect with your truth and feel supported throughout the entire process, then truly look no further. Nothing comes close to Gerry's class. He forms a community around all his students. If you need new friends, here ya go!!! My classmates are now my besties and I will forever be indebted to them for their generosity in helping me write better jokes, get to the truth, and support me in a very vulnerable environment. This is not just a class, it's an experience of a lifetime. Gerry curates such an amazing group of people that commit themselves to this process. If you are ready to do the work and bring your best self out, then sign up! Our show KICKED ass, and we were all on fire! I'm hooked, and am so thankful I took this leap! I feel like camp ended and I'm really sad this class ended, I'm ready to do it again! Love you Gerry! read more

See all

Fresh, fun, insightful! A comedy class that doesn't teach you boring and unfunny jokes but well-thought out ideas where the funnies come in! It's also a class built on love and support! Bravo to Gerry and Heather! I love them and my classmates who are now my forever friends! Take this class! It will help sharpen your creativity and showmanship! read more

I jumped into the class feeling it was the next step in my creative endeavor, not necessarily because I wanted to do standup professionally. But the process was so life changing and my cohort was so supportive and inspiring that by the end of it, I want to keep doing It. This class gave me the tools to write and perform standup but more importantly, it helped me rediscover my sense of self and voice as an artist. I have never found myself in any art form the way I have in these 2 months of doing standup. The guides, Gerry and Heather are brilliant and generous and provide a space to fail, to fly and to figure it out without judgment. There is so much love and support in the room. The structure of the class was so intentional. Each week prepared me for the next so by the time showcase came around it felt like the next natural progression. And the showcase was a celebration and just so much fun. Oh! And I just booked my first comedy show, so I guess I will keep doing it! read more

This stand up comedy class is an incredible, transformative experience led by an amazingly gifted teacher who will get you to write and talk about things and craft jokes in ways you never thought possible. This class is one of the best things I've ever done for myself and if you're curious about getting into stand up, you owe it to yourself do it with Gerry. I can't say enough wonderful things about the class, I am truly grateful for the experience. read more

Gerry has that rarest of gifts in teachers: he can get you to draw from deep wells of knowledge that you never knew were there. This class is about so much more than just "learning to be funny"; it's about finding your truth as a performer, and using that truth to make yourself a better comedian, and ultimately, a better person. But of course, Gerry is also very funny. As in ruin-your-underwear, why-didn't-I-think-of-that funny. His wit is quick and honed to a razor's edge, and his heart is full of buoyancy and light. He's a wonderful teacher, and equally importantly, a wonderful person. He creates a community of support that lasts not just through the class, but beyond its end as well. If you're at all interested in comedy, and if you want to take the plunge into the standup world, take this class. No ifs, ands, or buts. Do it! read more

Stand-up is a tricky little niche of performance and Gerry will have you working with the moving parts on the first day. It's not endless trial and error (like the open mic world) or a bunch of unusable theory (like that book they make you read in improv class); he will teach you to build something that flies. Also, as others have written and Gerry will not hesitate to remind you, the community vibe is amazing. I've worked in the theater a long time and we truly thank our stars when we find a creative space this safe and generous. You could probably find a class for less and I'm sure you could find them for more. For me (back on a student non-income), this was more than worth a bit of a splurge. I wish my grad school $$ went a quarter as far in terms of actual skills gained. If you have the time and the bandwidth to do it right, this is your class. read more

I just took Gerry's class again for the second time and it was even better than the first (which was also 5 stars)! Doing it again, I realized how much I have grown as a writer and performer from the class just one year ago. I was able to hear and see different things about the process and relax more in to my writing than I could the first time around. I am so grateful to the community of participants that Gerry selects to be a part of this special creative experience. Each person brings so much to the process and we have all grown so close as a group. As a teacher, Gerry gives 200% to his students. He isn't just a teacher, he's a guide, a coach, your biggest fan. He puts his heart and soul in to his students, and the proof is in their success- this year at least 3 alumni have won big comedy festivals! If you want to learn from scratch or hone your skills, this is THE class for it! read more

Ahhhh Gerry Katzman -- these words won't do you or your class justice!!! But I'll try. This class was a game changer in my life. I had heard about him about 3-4 years ago and we ended up having a long amazing and deep conversation about his class and my life -- because my life would be my comedy. Which sounds great in theory but for me it would be my challenge -- I like to hide!! But I knew then his class was going to be epic and change my life. So I immediately signed up right? WRONG. I flaked. I was too afraid. But it bothered me and it would often pop up in my head "You should have taken that class". It just never went away!! The craziest part is that I don't want to do stand up comedy, I just wanted to be a better writer. But regardless, I knew I needed to take his class. So finally years later it was set -- I was back in!!! Yay! But WOW the urge to bail was strong again (I think when you know somethings going to change you, it freaks you out) and I really didn't want to do the show part of it but I knew I had to do it or he probably wouldn't give me ANOTHER chance. So I did it. Whew... what a ride. What can I say, he is a friggen MASTER at this!! He is loving and kind but he's tough and he goes deep. There's no superficial bull**it in this class. But he does it in a sweet and inspiring way that makes you want to dig into your soul even though you may feel like crying or giving up (often simultaneously). But then you walk through it and you are empowered and strong. He just knows... it's like some weird voodoo magic trick... he just knows the human condition really, really well. And I'm a spiritual and self empowerment snob -- I've tried everything to go deep. Ha, forget all that stuff -- just do this class. In addition to all of my Gerry love I can't forget to mention the people in the class -- because of the loving environment in this class we all just supported and encouraged each other all the way through... becoming a super tight family in the process. It's rare to be in a class that doesn't have some form of cattiness and competition. And it was genuine!! Oh and we KILLED it at our show -- we made it just like Gerry said we would! Every person I talk to who came to the show was blown away that we were all new and that every single person in the show was great. You will read this all over and over again in these reviews -- it's ALL true -- all of it. Thank you Gerry!!!! read more

Biggest misconception I hear is that "being funny" is enough to be a great comic. I promise you, it's not. Being funny is a gift, it's like being tall. Comedy is like learning to play basketball. Being tall and learning to play basketball are 2 very different things, as Clipper fans are reminded of way too often. Make no mistake, stand up comedy is a skill, not something you are born with. You can run around going from open mic to open mic performing for an audience of comics that are not paying attention - never getting an accurate read on what jokes do and do not work...OR you can learn the craft. The freakin' ART of comedy. Musicians, actors, painters, writers...every other creative endeavor understands this concept, but for many new comics - the fundamentals are ignored. If and when you feel the need to get up on that stage, to try, to accomplish a goal, to be able to say I AM a comic rather than "what if?" - call this man. He is an insanely talented comic himself and has an ability to help you find your voice...something that takes years to do. Thank you Gerry! read more

If you're thinking about pursuing Stand Up I could not recommend Gerry's class more. Such a warm, loving and fun environment.

Ugh. I've taken so many freaking classes in my freaking life. And you know what? I'm still dumber than a box of rocks. But there's one thing I know. This class. Gerry Katzman's Standup Comedy Class, is the best freaking class I've taken in my entire freaking life. I believe it, and you should too. When I enrolled, I'd been doing standup already in Los Angeles for about a year and a half, and I'd worked at the Hollywood Improv for most of that time. I spent a majority of my days watching standup, writing standup, and performing standup. It's a difficult journey to begin as a performer, especially in LA, mostly due to the utter loneliness of open mics and bar shows. Everyone around me was bitter and jaded. Out for themselves. But I pushed on because it was my passion. One day, a friend of mine from college invited me to see his 'end of class' showcase for a standup class he had taken. Immediately I rolled my eyes. I'd seen and been a part of plenty of these 'end of class' showcases, and they're crap. I mean, it's ok that they're crap, considering it's literally people going on stage for the first time...but I'd already become bitter and jaded. "Who's the teacher?" I asked. "Gerry Katzman" he said. Once again I rolled my eyes. Never heard of him, I thought to myself rather proudly. But the guy was my friend, so I went to his show. I bought him a drink before it started, and walked over to the section where the comics were sitting. Out of nowhere, this dude in a suit jacket jumped in front of me, and somehow I knew he was the teacher. He noticed I was holding two drinks. "Hey, I'm Gerry. Is one of those for a performer?" he asked with a smile. "Yeah, it's for my buddy Will." "Great, I'll give it to him." And just like that, he took the drink from me and walked it to a table far away from where my friend was sitting. What the hell? Who does this guy think he is? Before I could make a scene about it, the show began. I sat in the back, arms folded, brow furrowed, pissed. This sucks. Within minutes my jaw was on the ground. I absolutely could not believe what I was seeing. I was laughing at these comics, and not in a "that's my friend up there" kind of way, but with a genuine, unexpected, ugly belly laugh. After working at a comedy club and getting paid to essentially watch comedy every night, you get to a point where you just smile and nod when you think something is funny. But to reiterate, I was laughing my jaded, bitter little butt off in the back of that room, and my buddy hadn't even gone up yet. There's no way these people are amateurs, I thought. And of course, they all were. After the show my friend invited me to a little after party where the classmates and some alumni of the class were hanging out. I was nervous. They all know each other, I'm the odd man out, this is going to be awkward. But it wasn't. They all asked me about myself, engaged in conversations with me, and one of the comedians there (an angel named Chris) even invited me to perform on his show. Asking nothing in return. It was incredible. For the next few months, it was like learning a new word and suddenly you hear it everywhere, all the time. That guy took Gerry's class? She's one of Gerry's kids? How is this possible? So many people had taken the class, and all of them had two things in common. 1) They were all super funny 2) They were all super nice. It was crystal clear. In the deep, dark abyss of the LA standup scene, there was suddenly light. A caravan of hilarious, genuine comics supporting one another, climbing the mountain together. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I needed to take his class. So I did. And let me tell you, the hype is real. In fact, there is no hype. This class is exactly what these yelp reviews say it is. Gerry is an absolute master at building a healthy learning environment. He cares about his students. He'll spend the extra time. He'll call to check in on you. And by the end of it, if you've put the necessary time and effort into your work, you will rise from the ashes with a superpower very few comedians have. Confidence. Doing standup is scary enough, but in LA? As a beginner? It's no wonder 99% of upcoming comics in drink a lot of booze and smoke a lot of weed. Anything to curb the immeasurable anxiety. That's what makes Gerry's mission so ambitious. To give a beginner the confidence to step on stage stone cold sober, and tell their jokes to complete strangers. That's why he took the drink away from Will (until after his set) so many months ago. Because he believed in him. He knows that liquid courage is a weak substitute when compared to the real thing. And that, I think, is absolutely beautiful. Bottom line: if you're serious about standup, take this class. Yes, it's expensive. But I've taken so many freaking classes in my freaking life, and they're all freaking expensive. Only a few of them are actually worth the money. This one is. I believe it, and you should too. read more

Taking Gerry Katzman's stand-up comedy class has been the best decision I have ever made! You'll learn how to write jokes, mine for funny, perform standup comedy- and that's just the tip of the iceberg. The beauty of this class is that many of the skills and techniques that are taught transcend stand-up comedy! I found that the tools that I picked up in this class helped to improve my life both on and off stage. What Gerry teaches at http://standupcomedyclass works. Period. I watched my entire class (myself included) go from never having held a microphone before to performing impressive and polished stand-up routines. The alumni from this class are incredible comedians and vastly supportive. Gerry is the BEST! read more

For years I wanted to do standup. I tried a few open mics, and the dual threat of anxiety and lack of structural knowledge got me a few pity chuckles. I didn't have any recommendations for this class and barely have any roots in entertainment. I found it on Yelp and trusted in the glowing reviews, with a dose of skepticism. Having just had our class's showcase, I will attest that this class is one of the more powerful and positive experiences I have ever had. It was not just a phenomenal learning experience for standup and a boatload of fun, but an opportunity to truly learn about yourself. As much as this class is about creating comedy, it is also about the human experience. Your human experience and your classmate's. You have something to say, and not about airline food and people at the post office. You have something substantial to say about the way you see the world. You can find it in Gerry's class. A note about Gerry: He is one of the most caring, gentle and funny guys I've known. He eases you into this intimidating process in a very supportive environment and makes it something you can develop around. He calls you to check in. He gives wildly helpful notes. He trains you to think differently to arrive at your jokes. He is interested in you and what you are trying to say. One of the unsung benefits of this class is your classmates, and the opportunity to be part of their transformation too. You bond with your class in such a powerful way that the chance to help with a joke they are struggling with is as rewarding as figuring out one of your own. The class is long. It's hard. It gets deep. People cried. It is a massive chunk of time to block out in your week, then double it for time spent working on your material outside of class and rehearsing with classmates. Gerry gives you the tools to create comedy and the space to use them, but you still have to use them. But if you can (and with Gerry's help, you can!), by the end of the class, you're not just doing standup comedy. You're doing your standup comedy. I am so impressed with this class. Thank you, Gerry. Schbangles. read more

Gerry's class is a revelation. First and foremost, this man cares about your development and will spend countless hours with you during and away from class to help you hone your craft. I have never met a teacher more committed to his student. This class is not a cash grab for him and is worth every penny. He doesn't take just anyone, and I can say that everyone in my class was both serious about putting in the work and a good, solid caring person. Built within the DNA of the class is a commitment to positivity for the performer, so that you leave feeling empowered rather than disillusioned. The class works if you put in the work and take people's suggestions, especially Gerry's. You feel leaving a greater understanding of both yourself on a personal level and as a comic on a professional one. This class is a must. I wish I would have taken it earlier in my development. 5 stars. read more

This class is amazing. Amazing. I would say it's life-changing if I didn't think that sounded too lofty. I feel like this review should be hilarious because I'm going to tell you that Gerry taught me to write jokes. That's a lot of pressure. Uh... Gerry puts his whole self into teaching. He invests in every student and makes it his purpose to make you great on stage. He postponed our show a week because he wanted it to be THE BEST one ever. And then he went over my jokes with me one by one so that the right words were accentuated. You can feel safe and secure with him because you know he won't steer you wrong. This review is not at all funny. Shit. Oh, and Gerry will undoubtedly be your friend til the end. He's giving and generous and smart and a great singer. Comics often say that these kinds of classes are stupid. They encourage you to learn comedy the hard way and go bomb at open mics. But if you can get a head start by knowing how to write a good joke first, you get such a head start. Plus, there's a huge community of people who have taken Gerry's classes and we all help each other out. Gerry, is this good enough? Please stop holding that knife up to my throat. read more

Gerry Katzman has: 1. Helped me fulfill my lifelong dream 2. Helped me overcome my fear of doing stand-up 3. Infinitely broadened my horizons both professionally and personally 4. Inspired me to keep at it no matter how hard it gets 5. Patiently helped me through my challenges 6. Taught me how to WRITE JOKES. Jokes that work, and that are funny consistently, time and time again. 7. Helped me become a better, deeper and more self-realized person. 8. Helped me learn that I AM ENOUGH. Basically, Gerry Katzman is God! What it was Like: As a child, I used to watch the movie "Punchline" with Sally Fields and Tom Hanks and SNL and dreamt of being a comedian. I improvised for many years and performed sketch, but felt that I was too afraid to take the leap into stand-up as I preferred hiding behind outlandish characters and weird voices and costumes. I was afraid to be who I really was onstage, because at the end of the day, I didn't think that I was good enough or worthy enough to command the audience's attention just by being myself onstage. Well, as Rainer Maria Rilke said: "Our fears are like dragons guarding our deepest treasure." I always felt intuitively that if I could push through the fear of performing stand-up, that maybe, just *maybe* I would find something truly unique and worthwhile for me to pursue. What Happened: In a short year my life has *completely* changed. I stared that fear-dragon in the face, Khaleesi-like, and have emerged a Queer. I can now proudly state: "I am Melanie Case, of House Case-Martin. Rightful heir to the Comedy Throne, Queen of the Seven Hoods of Los Angeles, the Queers, and the First Women. I am the Mother of Puppies, the Khaleesi of the Great Beverlywood-Adjacent Apartment, the Mild Chip Eater, the Unpuking, and Breaker of Farts. The Khaleesi, Melanie Case." I only took Gerry's class a year ago, and I have been performing regularly around LA, recently was accepted into a local comedy festival, and have been gaining recognition from my peers in the stand-up community. Gerrry's class is a writing class, performing class, and therapy/personal development workshop. All of this, while hanging out/yukking it up with the funniest, most motivated and most talented group of comedians in LA. These performers are dominating the comedy scene, producing their own shows, booking each other in their shows, and generally helping each other succeed. There is none of that petty and competitive bullshit that can happen in the regular world with comics. All of Gerry's Kids are friendly, down-to-Earth and well-adjusted people who genuinely want to help each other grow and improve. It feels like what I imagine a writer's room would feel like, and it is the most fun you could possibly imagine. It is also where I have had some of the deepest and most profound leaps in development both as a performer and as a person. What it's Like Now: Performing opportunities, writer's groups abound, sketch shorts have percolated, and professional opportunities have emerged as well. The real work of becoming a professional comic is in "showing up" every day (to your shows, your peers' shows, your journal/notebook/voice memo, your class and your responsibilities) and Gerry's Kids show up for each other, and for themselves. I have never been happier or felt more fulfilled since I have taken Gerry's class and for that, I owe him a debt of gratitude. Actually...it's a debt I could never repay. Thank you Gerry for helping my dreams come true!!! I love you, Gerry!! read more

I was once like you, checking out these 5 star reviews and thinking, "Yeah, right! There's no way anyone can be this good, especially in Los Angles." Well my soul is a little less jaded now, and I can attest that, yes, Gerry Katzman deserves all the 5 star reviews in the world. A lot of people have already voiced the greatness that is Gerry, but if you're researching him through Yelp then there has to be one thing on your mind: Is his class worth it? Short answer: YES!! Long answer: See below. This is not some ordinary class where people pay a fee and then drop out (like at UCLA Extension or something). Gerry tries to make sure that you will enjoy the kind of work the class entails before registering you. Speaking of registering, he's just one man giving tons of people his best, so if you don't hear back from him right away- call or text him until you get him. The actual classes will work your funny to the max. Gerry teaches you the fundamentals of stand up comedy (yes, there is such a thing) while you workshop your writing every week. People you have just met will become your new BFFs because you will go through an intimate writing process that brings you all together and develops your voice (essential to every comedian). Gerry creates such a fun and nurturing environment that you won't even mind talking about the most intimate details of your existence. Heck, you may just ditch your therapist and just talk to Gerry about your issues. (It's okay--he's got the tissues.) If you're at all serious about being a comedic writer, then you should sign up for Gerry's class. read more

Gerry is amazing as was this class. I've been doing standup 7 years and felt like I wanted to take a class to actually learn some of the stuff I taught myself along the way and felt maybe I had been unintentionally and unknowingly not doing for the past 7 years. I'm so glad I did that and I feel more confident about my standup and career than I ever have, and I say this in the middle of a global pandemic that has caused all live standup to stop! Take this class. When standup returns, you'll be way ahead of the curve. read more