Online May’s Free Improv Jam 3-4:30 PM EST
Sunday 5/16 3:00 pm
Instructor: Sunny Atwal
A fun & supportive environment for improvisers who want to practice all those cool moves learned in class!
Available Classes
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.
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 SNL-Style Sketch Writing
Monday 5/17 7:00 pm
Instructor: Ali Reza Farahnakian
Enjoy a Q&A discussion about writing for SNL and what a packet consists of.
Online Auditioning for an SNL-Type Show
Monday 5/17 8:30 pm
Instructor: Ali Reza Farahnakian
Enjoy a Q&A about what is needed to audition for SNL. What an audition is like and how to prepare so you’re not scrambling when you get your shot.
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!
Online May’s Free Improv Jam 3-4:30 PM EST
Sunday 5/16 3:00 pm
Instructor: Sunny Atwal
A fun & supportive environment for improvisers who want to practice all those cool moves learned in class!
Every month we will featured a unique class for a special discounted price!
See this month’s free offering below, and sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know when the new special is announced!
Online Improv Workshop: Bull/Matador 7-9 PM EST
Thursday 5/13 7:00 pm
Instructor: Chris Griggs
Bull/Matador (created by former Pitizen Matt Donnelly) is a signature improv scene technique that gets performers out of their heads by reacting to body language rather than over thinking about the dialogue. We’re also going to explore game of the improv scene and how to use it in scene-work. We’ll cover heightening, finding it, playing multiple games at once. Great workshop for those new to playing game and improvisers wanting to brush up their skills.
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 Improv Workshop: Bull/Matador 7-9 PM EST
Thursday 5/13 7:00 pm
Instructor: Chris Griggs
Bull/Matador (created by former Pitizen Matt Donnelly) is a signature improv scene technique that gets performers out of their heads by reacting to body language rather than over thinking about the dialogue. We’re also going to explore game of the improv scene and how to use it in scene-work. We’ll cover heightening, finding it, playing multiple games at once. Great workshop for those new to playing game and improvisers wanting to brush up their skills.
Online Exploring Monologue Joke Writing 7-9 PM EST
Thursday 6/3 7:00 pm
Instructor: Nicole Korkolis
Have you ever wondered how late night shows put together a funny and topical monologue night after night? This session will pull back the stage curtain and show you how it's done, exploring how topics are chosen and monologue jokes are constructed. We'll also look at how to write in the host's voice, what it's like in the writer's room and how to prepare a writing packet for submission. Session will include an in-class writing and performing exercise.
Online Hosting 101 7-9 PM EST
Tuesday 6/22 7:00 pm
Instructor: Stephanie Holmes
Stephanie Holmes hosts all across New York City and is currently a regular emcee at Gotham Comedy Club. In addition, Stephanie has experience with hosting trivia privately and for company Trivial Dispute. Her long list of credits also include:
Stand Up NY,
New York Comedy Club,
Broadway Comedy Club,
Greenwich Village Comedy Club,
& Banana's Comedy Club.
Learn how to host, steal the show, and get booked again!
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 Classes2. 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 Scholarships3. 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 Improv Workshop: Bull/Matador 7-9 PM EST
Thursday 5/13 7:00 pm
Instructor: Chris Griggs
Bull/Matador (created by former Pitizen Matt Donnelly) is a signature improv scene technique that gets performers out of their heads by reacting to body language rather than over thinking about the dialogue. We’re also going to explore game of the improv scene and how to use it in scene-work. We’ll cover heightening, finding it, playing multiple games at once. Great workshop for those new to playing game and improvisers wanting to brush up their skills.
Online Character Crash Course 6-9PM EST
Tuesday 5/18
Instructor: Jenn Bianchi
We all find ourselves using the same couple of voices and characters in every show!Well, character is more than a weird voice or a wacky catchphrase. By using speech, movement & attitude, this workshop will build up your creative character-building muscles and help you expand on your instincts. Change the way you view character work and become uniquely wonderful the moment you hit the stage. Our hope is to help you find at least one new character in our time.
Online Level 1 Improv
Wednesday 5/19 – Wednesday 7/7
Instructor: Jenn Bianchi
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!
Online Joy of Improv
Saturday 5/22 – Saturday 6/12
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.
Online Improv to Sketch 7-9 PM EST
Sunday 5/30 – Sunday 7/18
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.
Online Let’s Get Serious 7-9 PM EST
Thursday 6/3 – Thursday 7/8
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.
Online Level 3 Improv 7:30-9:30PM EST
Tuesday 6/8 – Thursday 7/1
Instructor: Mandy Schmieder
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”.
Online Level 4 Improv 7-9 PM EST
Sunday 6/13 – Tuesday 7/13
Instructor: Chris Griggs
You will go through the basic forms of improv. Harold without games, Pure Harold,The Deconstruction, The Mono scene. Two weeks will be dedicated to each form and will culminate in doing two class shows.
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 Level 1 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.
Online Character Crash Course 6-9PM EST
Tuesday 5/18
Instructor: Jenn Bianchi
We all find ourselves using the same couple of voices and characters in every show!Well, character is more than a weird voice or a wacky catchphrase. By using speech, movement & attitude, this workshop will build up your creative character-building muscles and help you expand on your instincts. Change the way you view character work and become uniquely wonderful the moment you hit the stage. Our hope is to help you find at least one new character in our time.
Online Improv to Sketch 7-9 PM EST
Sunday 5/30 – Sunday 7/18
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.
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
Wednesday 5/12 – Wednesday 6/16
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!
Online Stand-Up Drop In
Sunday 5/16 3:00 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.
Online Level 2 Stand Up 7-9 PM EST
Monday 5/17 – Monday 6/28
Instructor: Nicole Korkolis
Now that you’ve done your first three minutes in front of a live audience it’s time to build on that towards your 5 minutes. If you look up first time appearances of all your favorite stand ups on late night tv from Carson to now, it will generally be around 5 minutes. A tight 5 minutes can take you a long way!
Online Level 1 Stand Up 7-9 PM EST
Tuesday 5/18 – Tuesday 6/22
Instructor: Nicole Korkolis
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.
Online Exploring Monologue Joke Writing 7-9 PM EST
Thursday 6/3 7:00 pm
Instructor: Nicole Korkolis
Have you ever wondered how late night shows put together a funny and topical monologue night after night? This session will pull back the stage curtain and show you how it's done, exploring how topics are chosen and monologue jokes are constructed. We'll also look at how to write in the host's voice, what it's like in the writer's room and how to prepare a writing packet for submission. Session will include an in-class writing and performing exercise.
Online Hosting 101 7-9 PM EST
Tuesday 6/22 7:00 pm
Instructor: Stephanie Holmes
Stephanie Holmes hosts all across New York City and is currently a regular emcee at Gotham Comedy Club. In addition, Stephanie has experience with hosting trivia privately and for company Trivial Dispute. Her long list of credits also include:
Stand Up NY,
New York Comedy Club,
Broadway Comedy Club,
Greenwich Village Comedy Club,
& Banana's Comedy Club.
Learn how to host, steal the show, and get booked again!
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 6-6:55 PM EST
Thursday 5/13 – Thursday 6/3
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.
Online Level 1 Storytelling
Sunday 5/16 – Sunday 6/20
Instructor: Lisa Whitten
You will bring moments from your past to life. Jump right into storytelling! Clearly creating the arc of a story and learning how to emote, you will keep the audience completely captivated. If you have fun, they will have fun listening to you. In a nurturing environment, receive feedback that boosts your confidence and skills as a storyteller. You will share one story at a final, remote, graduation performance at The PIT for your friends, family, and others. Great preparation for future life in school interviews and jobs. Plant the seeds now.
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 Public Speaking
Wednesday 5/26 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!
Online Hosting 101 7-9 PM EST
Tuesday 6/22 7:00 pm
Instructor: Stephanie Holmes
Stephanie Holmes hosts all across New York City and is currently a regular emcee at Gotham Comedy Club. In addition, Stephanie has experience with hosting trivia privately and for company Trivial Dispute. Her long list of credits also include:
Stand Up NY,
New York Comedy Club,
Broadway Comedy Club,
Greenwich Village Comedy Club,
& Banana's Comedy Club.
Learn how to host, steal the show, and get booked again!
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 Exploring Monologue Joke Writing 7-9 PM EST
Thursday 6/3 7:00 pm
Instructor: Nicole Korkolis
Have you ever wondered how late night shows put together a funny and topical monologue night after night? This session will pull back the stage curtain and show you how it's done, exploring how topics are chosen and monologue jokes are constructed. We'll also look at how to write in the host's voice, what it's like in the writer's room and how to prepare a writing packet for submission. Session will include an in-class writing and performing exercise.
Online Acting For Camera 7-9 PM EST
Monday 6/7 – Monday 6/28
Instructor: Patrick McCartney
Taught by veteran improviser and actor @thepatrickmac this class will help you learn how to act for the camera. This class will have monologues and scenes. Comedy and drama.
Online Hosting 101 7-9 PM EST
Tuesday 6/22 7:00 pm
Instructor: Stephanie Holmes
Stephanie Holmes hosts all across New York City and is currently a regular emcee at Gotham Comedy Club. In addition, Stephanie has experience with hosting trivia privately and for company Trivial Dispute. Her long list of credits also include:
Stand Up NY,
New York Comedy Club,
Broadway Comedy Club,
Greenwich Village Comedy Club,
& Banana's Comedy Club.
Learn how to host, steal the show, and get booked again!
Welcome to our Single Session Workshops!!
Classes on this page are considered PIT Workshops. These classes are not a part of our core curriculum. Rather, they help highlight & grow a specific trait in your artistic development. PIT Workshops are available to students in any stage of their journey unless otherwise notated that says “Workshop requires a certain completion of our core curriculum.”
Online Improv Workshop: Bull/Matador 7-9 PM EST
Thursday 5/13 7:00 pm
Instructor: Chris Griggs
Bull/Matador (created by former Pitizen Matt Donnelly) is a signature improv scene technique that gets performers out of their heads by reacting to body language rather than over thinking about the dialogue. We’re also going to explore game of the improv scene and how to use it in scene-work. We’ll cover heightening, finding it, playing multiple games at once. Great workshop for those new to playing game and improvisers wanting to brush up their skills.
Online Stand-Up Drop In
Sunday 5/16 3:00 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.
Online SNL-Style Sketch Writing
Monday 5/17 7:00 pm
Instructor: Ali Reza Farahnakian
Enjoy a Q&A discussion about writing for SNL and what a packet consists of.
Online Auditioning for an SNL-Type Show
Monday 5/17 8:30 pm
Instructor: Ali Reza Farahnakian
Enjoy a Q&A about what is needed to audition for SNL. What an audition is like and how to prepare so you’re not scrambling when you get your shot.
Online Character Crash Course 6-9PM EST
Tuesday 5/18
Instructor: Jenn Bianchi
We all find ourselves using the same couple of voices and characters in every show!Well, character is more than a weird voice or a wacky catchphrase. By using speech, movement & attitude, this workshop will build up your creative character-building muscles and help you expand on your instincts. Change the way you view character work and become uniquely wonderful the moment you hit the stage. Our hope is to help you find at least one new character in our time.
Online Improv Your Public Speaking
Wednesday 5/26 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!
Online Exploring Monologue Joke Writing 7-9 PM EST
Thursday 6/3 7:00 pm
Instructor: Nicole Korkolis
Have you ever wondered how late night shows put together a funny and topical monologue night after night? This session will pull back the stage curtain and show you how it's done, exploring how topics are chosen and monologue jokes are constructed. We'll also look at how to write in the host's voice, what it's like in the writer's room and how to prepare a writing packet for submission. Session will include an in-class writing and performing exercise.
Online Hosting 101 7-9 PM EST
Tuesday 6/22 7:00 pm
Instructor: Stephanie Holmes
Stephanie Holmes hosts all across New York City and is currently a regular emcee at Gotham Comedy Club. In addition, Stephanie has experience with hosting trivia privately and for company Trivial Dispute. Her long list of credits also include:
Stand Up NY,
New York Comedy Club,
Broadway Comedy Club,
Greenwich Village Comedy Club,
& Banana's Comedy Club.
Learn how to host, steal the show, and get booked again!