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???

That our instructor, Tom Riehl, created a comfortable, safe, relaxed, & fun environment for us students new to stand-up comedy to be able to express ourselves freely, be true to ourselves, be confident in our writing & presentation. I would recommend this Class to anyone that has had even a slight interest in doing Stand-up Comedy or even for someone who just needs help with Public Speaking. I’m looking forward to taking the Comedy Writer’s Workshop.

I loved the collaboration with working comics. It was a close knit group that got along really well. Tom has a knack for giving input and ideas and helping comics fine tune their material. Tom is very positive and upbeat and never makes anyone feel like they don’t belong. I’m glad this school exists and I’m proud to have gone through both the beginners class and the writers workshop. I am telling everyone I know about SOS and I hope it stays around for a long time.

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.

If you are thinking of braving the stage then this is the class for you.  Open mic nights alone do not provide enough time on stage or the opportunity for constructive feedback.  I’ve taken the class twice and would highly recommend to anyone considering stand-up.

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.