Standupcomedyclass.com - Venice, California

Pat R.

This class is everything. You will go from thinking about/wanting to try standup to having a polished, working five minute set that you will perform in front of a live audience! In eight weeks! Gerry teaches in a very supportive environment and breaks down exactly how to craft a joke by digging into your own life experience. On top of everything else, you’ll meet some great people and have a fantastic time! Don’t think of all the reasons why not, just do it!

Kimberly J.

Heather and Gerry are the absolute best. I took this class to dip my toe in stand up and I learned more than I ever thought I would. This is one of the most challenging (in an amazing way) and rewarding things I have ever done. This class is more than writing jokes. Heather and Gerry provide a safe space to be vulnerable, honest, real, AND funny!!! I’ve also met the most amazing people. If you are even THINKING about taking this, do it. You will not regret it!!

Victoria E. N.

This stand up class is an incubating space for beginner stand up comedians to feel supported while learning the basics of joke writing/structure with a group & receiving ideas/feedback/punch ups on jokes each week.

The class creates accountability, pushes you to be disciplined/work hard, and allows you to grow in your comedic skills while being a safe place to explore. Be ready to work hard & you'll see results!

I had the comedian Heather Pasternak as my teacher. Heather is very talented (checkout the reel on her website!), a cheerleader, a mentor, and always constructive/positive especially if you're putting in the work (often reminding us of how much she loved us and creating a space to learn and grow). Most creative artists & comics have a harsh inner critic (I sure do) so, when she'd focus on what I did well and say things like "we love you Victoria" even after sets that didn't land - that was a great feeling in class.

The best part of the class was when we got to meet with classmates in person. I loved having a sense of community and that it culminates in a final show to test your nerves by delivering a 5 minute set in a packed room. My greatest hope is that these classes will be offered in person in the future - because being in person with the group was my favorite part of this experience! If you're a beginner looking for a supportive, collaborative community of artists, are willing and able to put in several hours of work each week between classes, and have the stamina for zoom classes - this is definitely the perfect class for you! Go for it! It's either 'day one' or 'one day'. Hopefully this class will be your day one of stand up 🙂

Evan A.

This class not only improved me greatly as a comedian but as a person. Now when something “bad” happens to me it doesn’t crush me but instead I see an opportunity to make someone laugh and help them through what I’m going through. Gerry and Heather created a safe place where we could play and process some heavy demons. I also made some life long friends in the process.

Tara M.

I’m so happy I took this class! Gerry and Heather created a safe and friendly class which cultivated a positive environment to learn and grow our comedy skills. They equipped us with foundation and knowledge that made learning stand up approachable . Grateful for there class and the community we built. Happy I took this class and will recommend it!

Jon W.

Easily hands down one of the best things I have ever done. The experience of taking Gerry's comedy class was nothing short of remarkable. I get that this comments seems over the top, but this class deserves this level of praise.

Gerry and Heather taught me and my fellow classmates how to mine our life experiences to create comedy gold and in the process of sharing our varied and vulnerable experiences I connected with some incredible people. Gerry and Heather fostered the environment that made that all possible.

The showcase was nerve wracking in the best way possible. If it isn't scary you aren't growing or challenging yourself enough.

I am tremendously grateful to Gerry, Heather and my fellow classmates for an experience that far exceeded the highest of expectations. I can't say enough good stuff.

Evan O.

If you’re curious about doing stand-up comedy, there are plenty of options out there. But only SCC provided the professional, high-level support I was looking for. After a 9-year break from performing, I’m so glad I chose to work with Gerry. If you’re on the fence about when to start or who to work with, consider this the sign you’ve been waiting for—SCC is excellent! 10/10.

Heather Z.

More than a class. This is a life changing experience. If you are exploring taking standup classes, this is the one. Come ready to learn, work, to stretch yourself and grow… best investment I’ve ever made in myself. Forever grateful for the experience, skills and friendships that came out of this. I’ll be back for the next levels!