STAND-UP COMEDY 101
STAND-UP COMEDY 101
WRITER'S WORKSHOP
WRITER'S WORKSHOP
Whether you’re a “newbie” who has never been on stage before, or a comedian who just wants to add “more funny” to your set, our 6-week workshops offer something for everyone.
Stand-up Comedy 101 focuses on those new to stand-up comedy who have limited or no prior stand-up experience. The Stand-up Comedy Writer’s Workshop is for those who’ve been on stage a few times and are looking to take their material to the next level, focusing on writing and fine tuning new and existing material.

Tom was such a supportive and helpful coach in educating us to the basics of stand up comedy and then helping us improve what we wrote with the collaboration of our fellow students… I felt very supportive and appreciated my class mates in improving my set… Graduation Night Was A Blast!!!!

Tom was a great/supportive teacher who helped his students develop and showcase their comedy work. His class was a great learning experience and I would highly recommend it to those wishing to try stand-up comedy.

Everything was covered- from the business aspects of doing open mics, producing, getting gigs to writing which included formulas I hadn’t seen before. Enjoyed performing followed by feedback and group suggestions to punch up jokes (happy to report their suggestions helped!!) Class always great energy and fun!!

I have been producing comedy shows in Orange County for the past 10 years and I love going to the Students of Stand-Up graduation showcases. Many times I have found Tom’s students ready and prepared to perform, and I have booked several of them for my show at the Irvine Improv. As of today I am yet to be disappointed!

I had only two things left on my bucket list. Climb Mt. Everest or take a stand-up comedy class. Sure glad I chose the latter of the two. I thought it would be fun but it exceeded all of my expectations. The six weeks just flew by. Could hardly wait for the next class to begin.
Tom Riehl is a genius as a teacher, mentor and psychiatrist. If you ever wanted to know if you have the talent for stand-up this is the class for you. Want to know how to put a comedy routine together, set ups, punch lines —-this is the class for you. You have the magic formula. It works.

The workshop exceeded my wildest dreams. Tom’s guidance was flawless. The structure of each session gave us the opportunity to share, receive feedback, and offer feedback to the others. The environment was always encouraging and supportive. Watching the growth of my classmates while experiencing my own was incomparable. I left feeling a deep camaraderie with Tom and my classmates and a sense of loss when it was over.