Welcome to The PIT Comedy School!

Looking to find laughter in this time of social distancing? Use the tabs to the left to check out our online classes for improv, stand-up, sketch writing, acting, producing & so much more!
Student Resources

Black Lives Matter

We have updated our Standards of Conduct, instituted a new ACCESS scholarship for students from diverse backgrounds, & several other measures dedicated to making active strides to become not just inclusive, but actively anti-racist to reach equity of representation and opportunity in all of our spaces.

Please visit the link below to learn more about the steps we are taking, resources, and actionable ways to help.

Details

Frequently Asked Questions

After you register for a remote class, you will receive a confirmation email. Your confirmation email will include: receipt of purchase, class dates, grad show date (if applicable) and all necessary ZOOM links.

*Oftentimes your confirmation email will go to your spam folder. Please check your spam folder before emailing us.

Due to COVID-19 and the temporary closure of our spaces, we are offering online remote classes via Zoom taught by a live instructor.

In-person classes would usually take place at Simple Studios, located at 134 W 29th St, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001.

You do not have to be based in NYC to take our classes! We connect and teach students from all over the world. All you need is a stable internet connection and the device you’re using to read this web page.

If you purchased an “Auditor” ticket, that means you have agreed to pay a reduced price to observe a class only. Your audio and video will be turned off by the host.

Multiple session classes can range anywhere between 3-8 classes and 55 minutes-3 hours in length, depending on the class. Multiple session classes might also have remote grad shows. Grad shows provide students the opportunity to perform what they have been working on in class with their friends, family and peers.

Single session classes are one day only. They can range anywhere between 55 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the class.

Drop-in’s are single session classes that run for a total of 55 minutes.

*All classes require students to have ZOOM in order to participate.
*Depending on overall class size, the overall session time may be cut shorter at the discretion of the instructor.

Why yes we do!

Learn More About Our Scholarship Opportunities

Digital Packet Classes will be taught remotely via Canvas allowing students to “learn at their own pace.” Students will need access to a computer. New lessons and assignments will be dropped on Monday throughout the course. Each video lesson will cover a variety of skills which students will use to complete their weekly assignment. They’ll have until Friday to watch each prerecorded video lesson and submit the assignment.

Check out our Free Monthly Seminars!

We’re proud to announce our new free monthly seminars. Seminars are 40 minutes long and are open enrollment.

See this month’s free offering below, and sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know when new free seminars are up!

Online Intro to Self Producing Seminar

FREE CLASSES

Tuesday 4/13 6:00 pm

Instructors: Matt Prigge, Stephen Stout

Want to start producing your own work, but don't know where to start? Intro to Self-Producing is a series of free workshops facilitated by members of the PIT Artistic Staff that will help you clarify your goals, get organized, and get a plan. Each session is a self-contained workshop meant to help address particular producing challenges and goals, sign up for as many or as few as you like.

Buy Tickets
Read More

Online Intro to Self Producing Seminar

FREE CLASSES

Tuesday 4/20 6:00 pm

Instructors: Matt Prigge, Stephen Stout

Want to start producing your own work, but don't know where to start? Intro to Self-Producing is a series of free workshops facilitated by members of the PIT Artistic Staff that will help you clarify your goals, get organized, and get a plan. Each session is a self-contained workshop meant to help address particular producing challenges and goals, sign up for as many or as few as you like.

Buy Tickets
Read More

Online Improv Your Zoom Meetings

Life Coaching

Tuesday 4/27 6:00 pm

Instructor: Taren Sterry

Are you an executive or entrepreneur leading lots of Zoom meetings? 

Are you struggling with keep it focused, engaged and fun? 

 

Let’s face it, some of the Zooms we are on these days are just plain awful!

 

People reading from a script, going over the time limit--participants multitasking, going off camera or just checking out. All of this is downright painful when you’re the facilitator or presenter.

 

Effective Zoomers know that managing the energy of the meeting impacts credibility, engagement and performance.

 

Leading better Zoom Meetings isn’t as hard as you think!! 

 

In this FREE class you’ll learn how to: 

Use YES, AND of improv to engage your audience.

Leave your audience wanting MORE meetings with you. 

 

Taren will also answer your questions to your toughest Zoom challenges. 

 

Buy Tickets
Read More

Check out our Free Monthly Jams!

We are proud to announce our new free monthly jams. Jams are 40 minutes long and have a cap of 50 persons max.

See this month’s free offering below, and sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know when new free jams are up!

Occasionally we offer seats at a discounted price. Take a look below to see this week’s offerings!

Be the first to know when discounted seats are available by signing up for our mailing list. 

Online What’s Your Funny

Stand Up

Wednesday 4/14 – Wednesday 5/19

Instructor: David Rey Martinez

Have you ever taken a class and felt like there wasn't enough work done in class?  Or are you fresh to comedy and  want some kind of foundation? Do you want to write in class then share with your classmates or just with your teacher? Do you want a 60 minute private writing session? Also there will be a class show to showcase and to practice the new material.   

Buy Tickets
Read More

Online Level 2 Improv

Improv

Saturday 4/24 – Saturday 6/12

Instructor: Jenn Bianchi

In level 2 you will continue to focus on strong listening and reacting without interrupting your scene partner. Making sure “the beginning  of your sentence doesn’t get in the way of the middle of theirs”. You will reinforce saying “Yes, and...!” Until you have to say “no thank you”. The goal will be to be able to do a first and second beat of a 2 person scene using the tool of a “time-dash” either going forward or backward in time. Personal, truthful, monologues will also be part of the tool box that will benefit all aspects of life and performance. Editing will be introduced so performers know when it’s time to enter a scene and edit a scene with walk on’s and sweep edits.

Buy Tickets
Read More

Welcome to our Youth Classes!

See our youth classes offerings below, and sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know when new youth classes are up!

Steps to take to sign up for a Youth Class
Please take a moment to follow these steps in order to successfully register for our youth classes.

1. Fill out our Youth Classes Registration Form below. Make sure to indicate on the registration form which class you are interested in taking.
Registration For Youth Classes

2. Apply for a Youth Scholarship! There are Access Scholarship seats reserved in each class, as well as a number of 1/2 Off Scholarships available. If you are interested in registering your student for a scholarship seat, please indicate so in the registration form and apply on our Scholarships page. Make sure to indicate on the scholarship application form which class you are interested in registering your student for.
View Scholarships

3. Register for the Class. Once you’ve submitted your registration form and applied for a scholarship (if applicable), purchase and reserve a set in your preferred class!

 

No events found – Join our Mailing List to receive announcements of upcoming events!

Welcome to our Award Winning Improv Classes!

At The PIT, we have a core Improv curriculum consisting of Improv Levels 1-5. If you are interested in completing our core curriculum, you must complete all 5 levels in this order: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5. (Students may enter into higher levels on a case by case basis and must email classes@thepit-nyc.com to complete this process).

Improv classes that are not level based fall under our elective classes. Elective classes are available to students in any stage of their improv journey unless otherwise notated in the class description. Some Elective classes require a certain completion of our core curriculum.

Scholarship applications for classes are available here.

Online Joy of Improv

Improv

Saturday 4/17 – Saturday 5/8

Instructor: Kihresha Redmond

 

No pressure Improv. Dip your toe into the joyous pool of improv- 0% fear, 100% fun. This is the perfect place for absolute beginners to get acquainted with the art of longform improvisation. Every week you will play in a safe and positive class environment with group exercises and scenework. It’s the perfect spoonful of improv, come have a taste! Please note that there is no graduation show for this class.

Buy Tickets
Read More

Online Level 3 Improv

Improv

Tuesday 4/20 – Tuesday 6/8

Instructor: Kihresha Redmond

 

In level 3 you will continue to focus on strong listening and reacting without interrupting your scene partner. Making sure “the beginning  of your sentence doesn’t get in the way of the middle of theirs”. You will reinforce saying “Yes, and...!” Until you have to say “no thank you”. Work on the first-second and third beats of two person scenes as well as continuing to focus on editing by following your foot connected to your gut and heart to edit scenes at the height. Learn how to “heighten and tighten” a scene organically glued in reality to create “win-win” fun scenes to play to entertain yourself and others while “treating your partner like a genius”.

Buy Tickets
Read More

Online Joy of Improv

Improv

Tuesday 4/20 – Tuesday 5/11

Instructor: Sunny Atwal

No pressure Improv. Dip your toe into the joyous pool of improv- 0% fear, 100% fun. This is the perfect place for absolute beginners to get acquainted with the art of longform improvisation. Every week you will play in a safe and positive class environment with group exercises and scenework. It’s the perfect spoonful of improv, come have a taste! Please note that there is no graduation show for this class.

 

Buy Tickets
Read More

Online Let’s Get Serious

Improv

Thursday 4/22 – Thursday 5/27

Instructor: Anoo Tree Brod

 

Ready to kill it on stage? Let's use quarantine time to become the best improvisers we can be. This class is for experienced improvisers only who want to perfect their craft. Focus will be on scene work, monologues, and duologues as well as copious side-coaching to make you the best improviser you can be. 

Buy Tickets
Read More

Online Level 2 Improv

Improv

Saturday 4/24 – Saturday 6/12

Instructor: Jenn Bianchi

In level 2 you will continue to focus on strong listening and reacting without interrupting your scene partner. Making sure “the beginning  of your sentence doesn’t get in the way of the middle of theirs”. You will reinforce saying “Yes, and...!” Until you have to say “no thank you”. The goal will be to be able to do a first and second beat of a 2 person scene using the tool of a “time-dash” either going forward or backward in time. Personal, truthful, monologues will also be part of the tool box that will benefit all aspects of life and performance. Editing will be introduced so performers know when it’s time to enter a scene and edit a scene with walk on’s and sweep edits.

Buy Tickets
Read More

Online Level 1 Improv

Improv

Sunday 4/25 – Sunday 5/23

Instructor: Chris Griggs

In this class you will use scene work and group exercises to explore the joy of improvisation, be more confident, trusting and graceful on stage. Learn  “Yes, and…!” until you have to say “No, thank you”. Focus on positive choices to initiate scenes, real-life and character monologues grounded in TRUTH!

 

The PIT’s Intro to Improv class creates a rich and nurturing environment that will benefit your physical, emotional and mental health.  A final, remote, graduation performance at the PIT for friends, family, and others.” Spread the Word!

Buy Tickets
Read More

Online Joy of Improv

Improv

Saturday 5/1 – Saturday 5/22

Instructor: Patrick McCartney

 

No pressure Improv. Dip your toe into the joyous pool of improv- 0% fear, 100% fun. This is the perfect place for absolute beginners to get acquainted with the art of longform improvisation. Every week you will play in a safe and positive class environment with group exercises and scenework. It’s the perfect spoonful of improv, come have a taste! Please note that there is no graduation show for this class.

Buy Tickets
Read More

Online Improv to Sketch

Improv

Monday 5/3 – Friday 5/21

Instructor: Patrick McCartney

We’ll take your characters, premises and totally discovered moments in an improvised  set and turn them into written sketch. We’ll pay close attention to game, how to give and take as a reasonable and unreasonable person and flesh out any and all ideas you have, no matter how off the wall. We will improvise until we turn it into a written tightly wound sketch. The most fun ever. Taught by Patrick McCartney.

Buy Tickets
Read More

Online Level 2 Improv

Improv

Monday 5/10 – Monday 7/5

Instructor: Sunny Atwal

In level 2 you will continue to focus on strong listening and reacting without interrupting your scene partner. Making sure “the beginning  of your sentence doesn’t get in the way of the middle of theirs”. You will reinforce saying “Yes, and...!” Until you have to say “no thank you”. The goal will be to be able to do a first and second beat of a 2 person scene using the tool of a “time-dash” either going forward or backward in time. Personal, truthful, monologues will also be part of the tool box that will benefit all aspects of life and performance. Editing will be introduced so performers know when it’s time to enter a scene and edit a scene with walk on’s and sweep edits.

Buy Tickets
Read More

Welcome to our Sketch Classes!

At The PIT, we have a core sketch curriculum consisting of Sketch Levels 1-4. If you are interested in completing our core curriculum, you must complete all 4 levels in this order: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4. (Students may enter into higher levels on a case by case basis and must email classes@thepit-nyc.com to complete this process).

Sketch classes that are not level based fall under our elective classes. Elective classes are available to students in any stage of their sketch journey unless otherwise notated in the class description. Some Elective classes require a certain completion of our core curriculum.

Scholarship applications for classes are available here.

Online Improv to Sketch

Improv

Monday 5/3 – Friday 5/21

Instructor: Patrick McCartney

We’ll take your characters, premises and totally discovered moments in an improvised  set and turn them into written sketch. We’ll pay close attention to game, how to give and take as a reasonable and unreasonable person and flesh out any and all ideas you have, no matter how off the wall. We will improvise until we turn it into a written tightly wound sketch. The most fun ever. Taught by Patrick McCartney.

Buy Tickets
Read More

Online Level 1 Sketch

Sketch

Thursday 5/6 – Thursday 6/10

Instructor: Scott Kremer

In Sketch Writing Level 1: The Basics of Sketch, students will develop the fundamental skills they need to start writing original comedy sketches. Build your sketch toolkit with the essentials - how to come up with a sketch idea, how to employ classic sketch structure, how to create memorable characters, how to clearly communicate your ideas to your audience.   

 

Students will write multiple sketches during the course of this class, with PIT Teacher will guide them through every step of the process with positive, hands-on instruction. 

 

Feedback and collaboration are central to this class that is appropriate for brand new sketch writers, writers who have already completed "Joy of Sketch," or writers with some sketch experience who want to get back to basics.

Buy Tickets
Read More

Welcome to our Stand Up Classes!

At The PIT, we have a core Stand Up curriculum consisting of Levels 1-5. If you are interested in completing our core Stand Up curriculum, you must complete all 5 levels in this order: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5. (Students may enter into higher levels on a case by case basis and must email classes@thepit-nyc.com to complete this process).

Stand Up classes that are not level based fall under our elective classes. Elective classes are available to students in any stage of their Stand Up journey unless otherwise notated in the class description. Some Elective classes require a certain completion of our core curriculum.

Scholarship applications for classes are available here.

Online Women+ Stand-Up Workshop

Stand Up

Tuesday 4/13 – Tuesday 5/18

Instructor: Christi Chiello

This course is designed to give women+ the opportunity to securely develop their comedy chops in a safe, engaging & supportive environment. Classes will serve as a laboratory for creating original stand-up material while discovering your truth and voice. Students will learn how to translate their ideas into a crafted 5 minute set through proper joke structure, writing & editing techniques, all while developing a commitment to their own, unique sense of humor! Students are encouraged to experiment outside their comfort zone and take risks by being specific, vulnerable and having a strong point of view. This class is NOT anti-male nor should it be used to surpass months of open mics. But it will give you the tools you need to both build confidence in the choices you make & in your creative ideas on and off the stage. Course is open to all levels & beginners are welcome!

Buy Tickets
Read More

Online What’s Your Funny

Stand Up

Wednesday 4/14 – Wednesday 5/19

Instructor: David Rey Martinez

Have you ever taken a class and felt like there wasn't enough work done in class?  Or are you fresh to comedy and  want some kind of foundation? Do you want to write in class then share with your classmates or just with your teacher? Do you want a 60 minute private writing session? Also there will be a class show to showcase and to practice the new material.   

Buy Tickets
Read More

Online Stand-Up Drop In

Stand Up

Sunday 4/18 7:00 pm

Instructor: Chris Griggs

 

First timers and those new to stand-up welcome! Wanna write your first joke or work on those jokes you have?  In this drop-in, we focus on joke structure, editing, and polishing. Laughter is healing and let’s make this time productive as well.

Buy Tickets
Read More

Online Level 1 Stand Up

Stand Up

Wednesday 4/21 – Wednesday 6/2

Instructor: Chris Griggs

 

There’s nothing more exhilarating than performing stand up comedy, it can be intimidating.  More of a guide than a conventional class, this goal-oriented program will get you up there doing stand up for the first time. You will come out of this class with disciplined writing tools, informative personal feedback and important advice, as you begin your stand up comedy journey. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced in other walks of comedy life, this class is for you. Class culminates in an online stand-up show, where students present their first 3 minutes of material.

Buy Tickets
Read More

Online Women+ Stand Up Workshop Part 2

Stand Up

Monday 5/3 – Monday 6/14

Instructor: Christi Chiello

 

In this continuation of the Women+ Stand Up Workshop course, expect to polish your existing material, get in depth feedback for auditions and submissions, challenge yourself to expand with various comedic styles, perfect your persona and learn additional skills like hosting and warm-up work. This class is for those comics who have taken the Women+ Workshop course & want to take that elusive "next step" in their comedy careers. How does one go from doing open mics to becoming a professional working comedian? Learn how to build a brand, market yourself, evolve as a professional comedian and get opportunities within the festival circuit and comedy clubs in your city! Included in this course is one 1/2 hour private writing session with Christi.

Buy Tickets
Read More

Welcome to our Storytelling Classes!

At The PIT, we have a core Storytelling curriculum consisting of Levels 1-3. If you are interested in completing our core curriculum, you must complete all 3 levels in this order: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3. (Students may enter into higher levels on a case by case basis and must email classes@thepit-nyc.com to complete this process).

Storytelling classes that are not level based fall under our elective classes. Elective classes are available to students in any stage of their storytelling journey unless otherwise notated in the class description. Some Elective classes require a certain completion of our core curriculum.

Scholarship applications for classes are available here.

Online Joy of Storytelling

Storytelling

Saturday 4/10 – Thursday 5/20

Instructor: Lisa Whitten

No pressure storytelling. Enter the wondrous world of words. This is perfect for the absolute beginner to get acquainted with the art of storytelling. Every week you will mine your memory and share a story in a safe space.  Whether you want to make the audience giggle or gasp, this is the class for you. Please note that there is no graduation show for this class, but feel free to practice telling your story to your friends and family on zoom or at the dinner table.

Buy Tickets
Read More

Welcome to our Life Skills Classes!

Classes on this page are considered PIT Elective classes. These classes are not a part of our core curriculum. Elective classes are available to students in any stage of their journey unless otherwise notated that said Elective requires a certain completion of our core curriculum.

Online Improv Your Zoom Meetings

Life Coaching

Tuesday 4/27 6:00 pm

Instructor: Taren Sterry

Are you an executive or entrepreneur leading lots of Zoom meetings? 

Are you struggling with keep it focused, engaged and fun? 

 

Let’s face it, some of the Zooms we are on these days are just plain awful!

 

People reading from a script, going over the time limit--participants multitasking, going off camera or just checking out. All of this is downright painful when you’re the facilitator or presenter.

 

Effective Zoomers know that managing the energy of the meeting impacts credibility, engagement and performance.

 

Leading better Zoom Meetings isn’t as hard as you think!! 

 

In this FREE class you’ll learn how to: 

Use YES, AND of improv to engage your audience.

Leave your audience wanting MORE meetings with you. 

 

Taren will also answer your questions to your toughest Zoom challenges. 

 

Buy Tickets
Read More

Online Improv Your Public Speaking

Life Coaching

Monday 5/3 6:00 pm

Instructor: Taren Sterry

IMPROV YOUR PUBLIC SPEAKING

Improv Skills are essential for public speaking.
Being 100% prepared and 100% present are required if you want to leave your audience wanting more.
Whether you are looking to tell a story, educate, or entertain, going “off script” is fun for you and builds trust with your audience.
Improv teaches you how to be a master of going off-script.
In this course you’ll learn:
The basics of improv.
The three ways to set up any presentation.
How to actively engage your audience.
How to effectively handle Q&A.
And more!

Buy Tickets
Read More

Welcome to our Film/TV/Streaming/Stage Classes!

Classes on this page are considered PIT Elective classes. These classes are not a part of our core curriculum. Elective classes are available to students in any stage of their journey unless otherwise notated that said Elective requires a certain completion of our core curriculum.

Online How To Solo Show

Film/TV/Streaming/Stage

Tuesday 4/27 – Tuesday 6/1

Instructor: Patrick McCartney

 Last year @thepatrickmac wrote and performed the critically acclaimed solo show “Sinister Kid” and directed the highly regarded one woman show “God Girl”. Now he’d like to help you create the story you need to tell. In this six week session you will learn how to write and perform your very own solo show. It will be a process that is as rewarding as it is difficult. We will be vulnerable, find light in the darkness, streamline a usually complicated story and reveal truths about the human condition that can only be touched on in the art of the solo show. For more info on  Patrick McCartney go to www.patmccartney.com

Buy Tickets
Read More

Online Advanced Acting for Camera

Film/TV/Streaming/Stage

Thursday 4/29 – Thursday 5/20

Instructor: Patrick McCartney

This class will be for students with moderate to advanced level experience of acting that want to learn from PIT acting teacher Patrick McCartney. We will be doing dramatic and comedic scenes with the focus on connecting to the material in honest and vulnerable ways. It’s all about truth and staying challenged. Taking this after taking basic acting is highly recommended.

Buy Tickets
Read More