Quite simply, Tom is the bomb. He is the best part of the workshop. He taught us a bit about the realities of doing stand-up comedy out in the world, inspired us, pumped us up and suggested ways to make our material better, tighter and smoother. I looked forward to the class every week. I enjoyed being involved in helping to improve the other student stand-up routines too. Though I was concerned I might mess up my routine or forget part of it, the showcase went well, people actually laughed (even more than once!) and most importantly, IT WAS A BLAST! Thanks for everything, Tom.

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.

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.

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.

Afraid to try comedy?  Relax.  Nervous about what you might say or about getting up in front of others?  Relax.  Never done anything like this before?  No problem in Tom’s class.    Tom is kind, gentle, funny, encouraging and a master of comedy.  Through his class it will all come together.  He makes it work!

The format structure, the progression was well thought out, and got me comfortable in front of a microphone at the right time. Also, it forced me to write and perform at a pace that I would not have had the self discipline to do on my own. Tom has a vast experience, and has an infectious positive attitude that made each class lots of fun.