Write Jokes Like A Pro with Mike Larsen
Comedy class for all levels! Taught by professional comedian and writer, Mike Larsen. Learn how to add more funny to your work! Comedy class in columbus Ohio
Comedy class for all levels! Taught by professional comedian and writer, Mike Larsen. Learn how to add more funny to your work! Comedy class in columbus Ohio
Details:
In this all-day improv intensive, students will learn how to initiate organic scenes with a focus on emphasizing discovery over intention. The class will also focus on giving and using gifts; which allows players to focus on relationship over situation and to dig deeper into character and story. It is taught by legendary comedian, improviser, actor, and writer Rich Talarico.
This class includes two class sessions, a rehearsal, and an improv showcase in the evening. The showcase will consist of two performing groups with 25 minute sets each.
Hosted by Hashtag Comedy.
Requirements:
Intermediate to advanced improv knowledge required.
Schedule:
10am - 1pm: Class session 1 - Initiations and gift-giving
1-2pm: Break
2pm-5pm: Class session 2 - Characters and story
5-7:30pm: Break
7:30-9:00pm: Rehearsal
9:30pm: Showcase at Hashtag's flagship theatre (1253 N. High Street)
About Rich:
Rich Talarico is a Peabody Award Winner who boasts four Emmy nominations and four Writer's Guild Award nominations. Rich is an actor, comedian, improviser and established writer/producer best known for his work on Comedy Central’s Key & Peele. Rich wrote K&P favorites Substitute Teacher, Racist Zombies, Karim and Jahar, Hatz, Teaching Center, Obama Greets, Black Ice and many more. Rich wrote and produced on MADtv, The Tonight Show w. Jay Leno, Saturday Night Live, and the critically acclaimed, Review. Rich did punch up work on Mean Girls and Get Out. Rich’s most recent feature script The Widow Daredevil was an Official Selection of the 2020 Beverly Hills Film Festival Rich took his first improv class from Stephen Colbert at Chicago’s Second City. Rich went on to tour with SC’s National Touring Company and later co-created five original sketch comedy revues with SC’s Etc., and Main Stage Companies. While in Chicago, Rich was a performer and teacher at Improv Olympic (Now iO) under the direction of Charna Halpern and the late, Del Close. Rich played on the Improv Olympic house teams “Mr. Blonde” and “Faulty Wiring” – while co-creating long-form improv shows like “Strap Heads,” “Trio,” “Close Quarters,” and “Dasariski.” As an actor, Rich has appeared in featured roles on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, MADtv, the feature film High Fidelity, and A&W Root Beer’s classic TV ad, “Mr. Dumass.” Talarico’s extensive experience in the comedy industry has made him a sought-after teacher, writer and consultant. — More at richtalarico.com
“Rich Talarico is one of the all time great Caucasian Improvisers.” - Tina Fey
“Rich brings Lakers legendary coach Phil Jackson to mind. A cerebral educator who brings out the best in people.” — Keith "Lucky" Lehrer original drummer of “Circle Jerks”
“Rich is the embodiment of good improv: positive, giving, and genuine. We can’t wait to have him back!”— Colin Thornton - co-founder, Improv Cincinnati“
Rich’s workshop is considered a ‘must take’ at any festival he attends.”— Chris Moody - Producer, Detroit Improv Festival
“Rich's care for his craft and his students shines through.” — Stefanie Jewett, Student, Atlanta, GA
“Rich loves to teach, but also wants to learn from his students. His passion and respect for improv as an ever-evolving art form is infectious. Also, he’s a shitload of fun.”— Amy Rhodes, Student, Los Angeles
Questions?
If you have any questions, please reach out to Hashtag's Director of Curriculum, Shannon Poulsen at shannon@hashtagcomedy.com
Details:
Rich shares insights and writing techniques from his 20+ years in late night TV (SNL, MADtv, Key & Peele, The Tonight Show) and from having written five resident company shows for Second City in Chicago. Students will learn brainstorming and pitching technique, story structure, endings and more.
This class includes two class sessions, and a table-read show in the evening.
Hosted by Hashtag Comedy.
Requirements:
Intermediate to advanced comedy writing knowledge required.
Schedule:
10am - 1pm: Class session 1 - Initiations and gift-giving
1-2pm: Break
2pm-5pm: Class session 2 - Characters and story
5-6:30pm: Break
7:00pm: Table read show at Hashtag's flagship theatre (1253 N. High Street)
About Rich:
Rich Talarico is a Peabody Award Winner who boasts four Emmy nominations and four Writer's Guild Award nominations. Rich is an actor, comedian, improviser and established writer/producer best known for his work on Comedy Central’s Key & Peele. Rich wrote K&P favorites Substitute Teacher, Racist Zombies, Karim and Jahar, Hatz, Teaching Center, Obama Greets, Black Ice and many more. Rich wrote and produced on MADtv, The Tonight Show w. Jay Leno, Saturday Night Live, and the critically acclaimed, Review. Rich did punch up work on Mean Girls and Get Out. Rich’s most recent feature script The Widow Daredevil was an Official Selection of the 2020 Beverly Hills Film Festival Rich took his first improv class from Stephen Colbert at Chicago’s Second City. Rich went on to tour with SC’s National Touring Company and later co-created five original sketch comedy revues with SC’s Etc., and Main Stage Companies. While in Chicago, Rich was a performer and teacher at Improv Olympic (Now iO) under the direction of Charna Halpern and the late, Del Close. Rich played on the Improv Olympic house teams “Mr. Blonde” and “Faulty Wiring” – while co-creating long-form improv shows like “Strap Heads,” “Trio,” “Close Quarters,” and “Dasariski.” As an actor, Rich has appeared in featured roles on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, MADtv, the feature film High Fidelity, and A&W Root Beer’s classic TV ad, “Mr. Dumass.” Talarico’s extensive experience in the comedy industry has made him a sought-after teacher, writer and consultant. — More at richtalarico.com
“Rich Talarico is one of the all time great Caucasian Improvisers.” - Tina Fey
“Rich brings Lakers legendary coach Phil Jackson to mind. A cerebral educator who brings out the best in people.” — Keith "Lucky" Lehrer original drummer of “Circle Jerks”
“Rich is the embodiment of good improv: positive, giving, and genuine. We can’t wait to have him back!”— Colin Thornton - co-founder, Improv Cincinnati“
Rich’s workshop is considered a ‘must take’ at any festival he attends.”— Chris Moody - Producer, Detroit Improv Festival
“Rich's care for his craft and his students shines through.” — Stefanie Jewett, Student, Atlanta, GA
“Rich loves to teach, but also wants to learn from his students. His passion and respect for improv as an ever-evolving art form is infectious. Also, he’s a shitload of fun.”— Amy Rhodes, Student, Los Angeles
Questions?
If you have any questions, please reach out to Hashtag's Director of Curriculum, Shannon Poulsen at shannon@hashtagcomedy.com
Building on the foundations and skills learned in Levels 1, 2, and 3, Level 4 introduces students to the advanced form of longform improvisation. This course will be taught by Katie Drown.
Students must have completed Level 3 in our curriculum. If you are an experienced improviser who has not taken our courses, email the instructor (shannnon@hashtagcomedy.com) for permission to enroll.
All students enrolled in an active Hashtag course session will receive a complimentary ticket to a Hashtag show, and will perform in a graduation showcase. The showcase dates are currently being finalized.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Shannon, our Director of Curriculum, at shannon@hashtagcomedy.com.
This introductory class will teach you the basics of improv with a positive, safe, and nurturing approach that will help you and your fellow classmates gain confidence and begin to support one another. Prior improv experience is not required.
The course meets on Wednesday evenings from 7:00pm-9:00pm. It is taught by Hashtag Comedy founding member Paul Stelzer.
All students enrolled in an active Hashtag course session will receive a complimentary ticket to a Hashtag Comedy show, and will perform in a graduation showcase. The showcase will take place at the Hashtag Comedy Theatre (1253 N. High Street) on August 21st.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Shannon, our Director of Curriculum, at shannon@hashtagcomedy.com.
Improv without object work is like a toilet without a seat. It's still a toilet technically, but not one that most people are necessarily happy to encounter. Object work should be considered essential, and yet for many improvisers, the default is "talking heads." In this workshop for intermediate to advanced improvisers, we'll gain an understanding of the value and importance of object work and scene painting. We'll also workshop best practices through drilling and coaching.
New and seasoned comedians will (Co)llaborate to refine their jokes and (P)erformances. Expect an evening filled with peer-reviewed feedback sessions, creative brainstorming methods, and skill-building experiments.
Join us on April 18 from 5:30-7:00 pm for a productive session dedicated to improving your comedic craft. We’ll meet at The Hashtag Comedy Company, 1253 N High Street, Columbus. Parking is available on High St.
This class will put the fundamental skills of improv to work, as you learn to build scenes, characters, and relationships. It builds on the skills learned in Level 1. This course will be taught by Chris Heiberger.
Students must have completed Level 1 in our curriculum. If you have some prior improv experience, email the instructor (chris@hashtagcomedy.com) for permission to enroll.
All students enrolled in an active Hashtag course session will receive (1) a complimentary ticket to a Hashtag show, and (2) will perform in a graduation showcase. The showcase dates are currently being finalized. Showcase Show will be held on May 22 at Hashtag Comedy Company.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Shannon, our Director of Curriculum, at shannon@hashtagcomedy.com.
This introductory class will teach you the basics of improv with a positive, safe, and nurturing approach that will help you and your fellow classmates gain confidence and begin to support one another. Prior improv experience is not required.
The course meets on Tuesday evenings at the Hashtag Comedy Theatre (1253 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201) from 7:00pm-9:00pm. It is taught by Hashtag Comedy founding member Paul Stelzer.
All students enrolled in an active Hashtag course session will receive (1) a complimentary ticket to a Hashtag Comedy show, and (2) will perform in a graduation showcase. The showcase dates are currently being finalized.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Shannon, our Director of Curriculum, at shannon@hashtagcomedy.com.
This class will build on the skills learned in Levels 1 and 2, pushing students to make more grounded, sustaining scene choices. Students must have completed Levels 1 and 2 in our curriculum. If you have established improv experience, email the instructor (shannon@hashtagcomedy.com) for permission to enroll.
The course meets on Monday evenings at the Hashtag Comedy Theatre (1253 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201) from 7:00pm-9:00pm. It is taught by Hashtag Comedy performer and Director of Curriculum, Shannon Poulsen.
All students enrolled in an active Hashtag course session will receive (1) a complimentary ticket to a Hashtag show, and (2) will perform in a graduation showcase. This class’s showcase will be held on May 22 at Hashtag Comedy Theatre.If you have any questions, please reach out to Shannon, our Director of Curriculum, at shannon@hashtagcomedy.com.
Kids Level 1 - Introduction to Improv is for ages 8-13.
Our 6 week introduction to improv for kids will be taught on Saturday mornings from 10-11am. We will teach your child the basics of improv through games and other group activities, designed to promote fun and teamwork. Our experienced staff works to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our students to learn, laugh, be included, and gain confidence. The final class is a performance for Family and Friends!
Josh Waddle is our Instructor for this session of classes, and Josh has been teaching our kids program for several years. Josh is joined by Ashley Woodard, who currently teaches at The Arts & College Preparatory Academy in Columbus. They both have a great approach to the class, and the kids will learn to have fun as a group!
Curious about improv? Want to learn how to get started? This class will provide you with the fundamentals of improv comedy.
All students enrolled in an active Hashtag course session will receive (1) a complimentary ticket to a Hashtag show, and (2) will perform in a graduation showcase. The showcase dates are currently being finalized.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Shannon, our Director of Curriculum, at shannon@hashtagcomedy.com.
Note: This is one of two "introduction to improv" sections offered for the Winter 2024 quarter. This section will be taught by Hashtag Comedy member Josh Waddle.
The class and show schedule is as follows:
Thurs. Jan 18: Class 1 (7-9p)
Thurs. Jan 25: Class 2 (7-9p)
Thurs. Feb 1: Class 3 (comp ticket option 1: You’ll Want to Sit Down For This)
Thurs. Feb 8: Class 4 (7-9p)
Thurs. Feb 15: Class 5 (7-9p)
Thurs. Feb 22: Class 6 (7-9p)
Showcase Show Dates:
Thurs. Feb 29th, Monday March 4th, Tuesday March 5th, or Thurs.March 7
Curious about improv? Want to learn how to get started? This class will provide you with the fundamentals of improv comedy. This course is designed for adults but high-school aged students can obtain instructor permission to enroll.
All students enrolled in an active Hashtag course session will receive (1) a complimentary ticket to a Hashtag show, and (2) will perform in a graduation showcase. The showcase dates are currently being finalized.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Shannon, our Director of Curriculum, at shannon@hashtagcomedy.com.
Note: This is one of two "introduction to improv" sections offered for the Winter 2024 quarter. This section will be taught by Hashtag Comedy founding member Paul Stelzer.
The class and show schedule is as follows:
Wed. Jan 17: Class 1 (7-9pm)
Wed. Jan 24: Class 2 (7-9pm)
Wed. Jan 31: Class 3 (7-9pm)
Wed. Feb 7: Comp ticket to attend You’ll Want to Sit Down For This
Wed. Feb 14: Class 4 (7-9pm)
Wed. Feb 21: Class 5 (7-9pm)
Wed. Feb 28: Class 6 (7-9pm)
This class will put the fundamental skills of improv to work, as you learn to build scenes, characters, and relationships. It builds on the skills learned in Level 1. This course will be taught by Chris Heiberger.
Students must have completed Level 1 in our curriculum. If you have some prior improv experience, email the instructor (chris@hashtagcomedy.com) for permission to enroll.
All students enrolled in an active Hashtag course session will receive (1) a complimentary ticket to a Hashtag show, and (2) will perform in a graduation showcase. The showcase dates are currently being finalized.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Shannon, our Director of Curriculum, at shannon@hashtagcomedy.com.
The class and show schedule is as follows:
Tues. Jan 16: Class 1 (7-9p)
Tues. Jan 23: Class 2 (7-9p)
Tues. Jan 30: Class 3 (7-9p)
Tues. Feb 6: Class 4 (comp ticket option 1: You’ll Want to Sit Down For This)
Tues. Feb 14: Class 5 (7-9p)
Tues. Feb 20: Class 6 (7-9p)
Showcase: Tuesday March 5th
Building on the foundations and skills learned in Levels 1, 2, and 3, Level 4 takes students on a deep dive into longform improvisation. This course will be taught by Shannon Poulsen.
Students must have completed Level 3 in our curriculum. If you are an experienced improviser who has not taken our courses, email the instructor (shannnon@hashtagcomedy.com) for permission to enroll.
All students enrolled in an active Hashtag course session will receive (1) a complimentary ticket to a Hashtag show, and (2) will perform in a graduation showcase. The showcase dates are currently being finalized.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Shannon, our Director of Curriculum, at shannon@hashtagcomedy.com.
The class and show schedule is as follows:
Mon. Jan 15: Class 1 (7-9pm)
Mon. Jan 22: Class 2 (7-9pm)
Mon. Jan 29: Class 3 (7-9pm)
Mon. Feb 5: Class 4 (comp ticket option 1: You’ll Want to Sit Down For This)
Mon. Feb 12: Class 5 (7-9pm)
Mon. Feb 19: Class 6 (7-9pm)
Showcase: Monday February 26
Want to learn improv, but don't know where to start? Join us for our pay-what-you-want Improv Sampler workshop! This is a great way to explore improv in a facilitated setting. All experience levels are welcome, but we'll focus on the basics.
What does being a ninja have to do with improv? The Ninja, Pirate, Robot theory was created by UCB performer Billy Merritt. This theory proposes that improvisers can be categorized into 3 groups and describes the behaviors and tendencies of those 3 types of improvisers: creative initiators, grounded reactors, and people who do both, aka "ninjas". In this workshop for advanced improvisers, we'll gain understanding around the value of being an improv "ninja", and workshop skills to help you become that well-rounded utility player.
Kids Level 1 - Introduction to Improv is for ages 8-13.
Our 6 week introduction to improv for kids will be taught on Saturday mornings from 10-11am. We will teach your child the basics of improv through games and other group activities, designed to promote fun and teamwork. Our experienced staff works to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our students to learn, laugh, be included, and gain confidence.
Josh Waddle is our Instructor for this session of classes, and Josh has been teaching our kids program for several years. Josh is joined by Ashley Woodard, who currently teaches at The Arts & College Preparatory Academy in Columbus. They both have a great approach to the class, and the kids will learn to have fun as a group!
Take the basics you learned in Level 1 and begin to turn them into longer scenes and use them to play Improv games. You’ll be provided more individual coaching, and focus on building strong characters, effectively setting the scene, and create moments that are fun to watch!
PLEASE NOTE: There will be a Graduation performance at Woodland’s Tavern on October 25th!
This 6 week class is taught on Tuesday evenings by seasoned professionals at the new Hashtag Comedy studio at 1253 N. High St. The introductory class will teach you the basics of Improv with a positive, safe, and nurturing approach that will help you and your fellow classmates gain confidence and begin to support one another. Every Level 1 class concludes with a performance to show off your skills!
PLEASE NOTE: There will be a Graduation performance at Woodland’s Tavern on October 25th!
Taking the fundamental skills learned in Levels 1 and 2, learn to build longer scenes working collaboratively with your scene partners. The goals are to learn how to make strong character choices, gain confidence, scene readiness, learn the fundamentals of longform improv, and finally how to make effective edits and choices to help build connected and grounded scenes.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be a Graduation performance at Woodland’s Tavern on October 25th!
Class Length: 6 Weeks
Time/Dates: 11:00AM-11:50 AM, Saturdays
Pre-Requisites: Level One
Building upon the skills in Level One, students deepen their understanding of good stage presence, vocal projection, comedic timing, improv games and principles, and, of course, building their confidence in their own authentic voice. The course runs on Saturdays starting April 11 from 12pm-12:50 pm, with a showcase week six of class.
Kids Level 1 - Introduction to Improv is for ages 8-13.
Our 6 week introduction to improv for kids will be taught on Saturday mornings from 10-11am. We will teach your child the basics of improv through games and other group activities, designed to promote fun and teamwork. Our experienced staff works to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our students to learn, laugh, be included, and gain confidence.
Josh Waddle is our Instructor for this session of classes, and Josh has been teaching our kids program for several years. Josh is joined by Ashley Woodard, who currently teaches at The Arts & College Preparatory Academy in Columbus. They both have a great approach to the class, and the kids will learn to have fun as a group!
Take the basics you learned in Level 1 and begin to turn them into longer scenes and use them to play Improv games. You’ll be provided more individual coaching, and focus on building strong characters, effectively setting the scene, and create moments that are fun to watch!
This 6 week class is taught on Tuesday evenings by seasoned professionals at the new Hashtag Comedy studio at 1253 N. High St. The introductory class will teach you the basics of Improv with a positive, safe, and nurturing approach that will help you and your fellow classmates gain confidence and begin to support one another. Every Level 1 class concludes with a performance to show off your skills!
PLEASE NOTE: There will be a break in this class for the 4th of July holiday.
Take the basics you learned in Level 1 and begin to turn them into longer scenes and use them to play Improv games. You’ll be provided more individual coaching, and focus on building strong characters, effectively setting the scene, and create moments that are fun to watch!
This 6 week class is taught on Tuesday evenings by seasoned professionals at the Hashtag Comedy studio in Grandview. The introductory class will teach you the basics of Improv with a positive, safe, and nurturing approach that will help you and your fellow classmates gain confidence and begin to support one another.
Taking the fundamental skills learned in Levels 1 and 2, learn to build longer scenes working collaboratively with your scene partners. The goals are to learn how to make strong character choices, gain confidence, scene readiness, learn the fundamentals of longform improv, and finally how to make effective edits and choices to help build connected and grounded scenes.
Kids Level 1 - Introduction to Improv is for ages 8-13.
Our 6 week introduction to improv for kids will be taught on Saturday mornings from 10-11am. We will teach your child the basics of improv through games and other group activities, designed to promote fun and teamwork. Our experienced staff works to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our students to learn, laugh, be included, and gain confidence.
Josh Waddle is our Instructor for this session of classes, and Josh has been teaching our kids program for several years. Josh is joined by Ashley Woodard, who currently teaches at The Arts & College Preparatory Academy in Columbus. They both have a great approach to the class, and the kids will learn to have fun as a group!
This 6 week class is taught on Thursday evenings by seasoned professionals at the Hashtag Comedy studio in Grandview. The introductory class will teach you the basics of Improv with a positive, safe, and nurturing approach that will help you and your fellow classmates gain confidence and begin to support one another.
Take the basics you learned in Level 1 and begin to turn them into longer scenes and use them to play Improv games. You’ll be provided more individual coaching, and focus on building strong characters, effectively setting the scene, and create moments that are fun to watch!
Kids Level 1 - Introduction to Improv is for ages 8-13.
Our 6 week introduction to improv for kids will be taught on Saturday mornings. We will teach your child the basics of improv through games and other group activities, designed to promote fun and teamwork. Our experienced staff works to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our students to learn, laugh, be included, and gain confidence.
Josh Waddle is our Instructor for this session of classes, and Josh has been teaching our kids program for several years. Josh is joined by Ashley Woodard, who currently teaches at The Arts & College Preparatory Academy in Columbus. They both have a great approach to the class, and the kids will learn to have fun as a group!
Take the basics you learned in Level 1 and begin to turn them into longer scenes and use them to play Improv games. You’ll be provided more individual coaching, and focus on building strong characters, effectively setting the scene, and create moments that are fun to watch!
This 6 week class is taught on Tuesday evenings by seasoned professionals at the Hashtag Comedy studio in Grandview. The introductory class will teach you the basics of Improv with a positive, safe, and nurturing approach that will help you and your fellow classmates gain confidence and begin to support one another.
Level 1 - Introduction to Improv begins on June 7th, 2022.
We’re so glad to get our classes started again, and we thank all of you who have reached out anxiously awaiting the announcement of classes. We will have many more to come, as we ramp back up our education program.
Paul Stelzer will be leading this class, and he is a true seasoned veteran, an outstanding improviser, and does a great job with our new students. You will learn a lot, and gain confidence every week. As will all our classes, there will be a graduation performance so you can showcase your new found skills to your friends and families! (performing in the graduation show is not required, only encouraged)
The Hashtag Comedy Company is a professional organization bringing improv entertainment, education, and experiences to Columbus, OH. We started nine years ago and have been dedicated to building and growing improv comedy right here in the heart of the Midwest.
We can't wait to share the joy of improv with you.