So many things. First, I love how Tom works with your material as an artist and doesn’t try to make you write jokes that are not your style. He really encourages each comic to dig into their individuality and he has the amazing talent of pulling out the best in you. Additionally, Tom has created an incredibly collaborative environment in which artist feel comfortable not only sharing their jokes but their process. We entered as strangers and left as friends. Incredible experience.

Tom taught me how to organize my thoughts in outline and how to “unpack” my jokes getting his feed back and structure was huge for me. After only one session, he had helped me focus my efforts and thoughts on paper. I saw a huge improvement in confidence on stage as the class progressed. Tom was patient, easy to understand, highly intelligent, punctual, and flexible during our writing sessions. Your future self will thank you!  Thanks Tom!

For some time I’ve had all these observations and thoughts written down but was never sure how to craft them into something that might get a laugh. Having gone through the class I have a much better sense of that process now. I also really enjoyed the process of performing the material the way I imagined it in my head.

Comedy isn’t as easy as you’d think, but Tom Riehl has a way of pulling out the best in each of his students. Even the shyest of folks gains the confidence and ability to go WAY outside their comfort zone after the course. What other school allows you to laugh out loud for three hours???

This class rocks. You’re a true professional at comedy, and a natural teacher. And I loved being comfortable to rib each other (and even you) at the end. You took good care of us all! You teach without limiting or censuring, which I think gives the most room for growth. You’ll share your opinion, but if someone still holds to what they believe, you let them. That is ultimately very freeing.

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.