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 in-person and 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.

In-Person Drop-in’s are single session classes that run for a total of 2 hours.

*All remote 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.

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!

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

Check out our Improv Jams!

Jams are a wonderful place for improvisers of all levels to come together & practice what they’ve been learning in class!

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!

In-Person Friday Feel-GOOD IMPROV JAM 5-6PM EST

Improv

Friday 9/17 – Friday 9/24

$5 CASH NO MORE CAP! COME ONE & ALL!! Due to the overwhelming support, we are running it back weekly! A fun way to practice the art of improvisational comedy for all experience levels! Come to the jam and practice what you've been learning in class!

Learn More

In-Person The Rowdy Hour Improv Jam! 9-10PM EST

Improv

Friday 9/17 – Friday 9/24

$5 CASH Due to the overwhelming support, we are adding a late night jam weekly until further notice! A fun way to practice the art of improvisational comedy for all experience levels! Come to the jam and practice what you've been learning in class!

Learn More

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!

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. 

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

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!

 

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.

 

Online Character Crash Course

Improv

Saturday 9/25 1:00 pm

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. 
 

Buy Tickets
Read More

ONLINE Improv Your Life Skills

Life Coaching

Monday 9/27 6:00 pm

Instructor: Taren Sterry

Improv teaches us how to say “yes, and”, relate to others as geniuses, and make bold statements to keep things moving forward.

 

What if you could apply these principles to every aspect of your life and business? 

 

Life and business coach Taren Sterry, PCC, will show you how. In this class we’ll combine the fundamentals of improv with the fundamentals of professional coaching in order to move your life and business forward. 

 

You’ll learn: 

How to create opportunities (not “find” them). 

How to use fear as fuel.

How to make powerful choices (even when the future is uncertain). 

 

How to get unstuck in your projects and goals.

 

Buy Tickets
Read More

In-Person Level 2 Improv 7:00-9:30PM EST

Improv

Wednesday 9/29 – Wednesday 11/17

Instructor: Matt Higgins

 

This class will help students take the basic elements of the IMPROV YOUR LIFE™ philosophy learned in Level One and apply them toward building great scenes that engage an audience. Students will leave this level with an understanding of how to make strong initiations, establish who/what/where, heighten the funniest choices and edit scenes.

Students will learn and practice techniques for starting scenes, enhancing and enriching scenes, finding yourself when you feel lost, and creating characters that are completely unique. There will be a final graduation performance at The PIT for friends, family and others.

(Please note all instructors are subject to change without notice)

SOLD OUT!
Read More

In-Person Joy of Improv (Level 0) 4-6:30PM EST

Improv

Thursday 9/30 – Thursday 10/21

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

In-Person Level 1 Improv 7-9:30PM EST

Improv

Friday 10/8 – Friday 12/10

Instructor: Kihresha Redmond

THIS CLASS WILL MEET AT STUDIOS 353.

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 Level 2 Improv 2-4:00PM EST

Improv

Saturday 10/9 – Saturday 11/27

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

In-Person Level 3 Improv 4-6:30PM EST

Improv

Sunday 10/10 – Sunday 12/19

Instructor: Patrick McCartney

Level 3 is perfect for experienced Improvisers who didn't practice during the pandemic & for the online students who want to begin transitioning their skills to in-person. 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

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 Character Crash Course

Improv

Saturday 9/25 1:00 pm

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. 
 

Buy Tickets
Read More

Online Level 1 Sketch 7-9 PM EST

Sketch

Thursday 10/7 – Thursday 11/11

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 (Online) Level 1 Stand Up 7-9 PM EST

Stand Up

Wednesday 9/22 – Wednesday 10/27

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 7-9:00PM EST

Stand Up

Wednesday 9/22 – Wednesday 10/27

Instructor: Christi Chiello

This course is designed to give womxn+ 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

In-Person Level 1 Stand Up 7-9:30PM EST

Stand Up

Sunday 9/26 – Sunday 11/14

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

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.

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

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 Life Skills

Life Coaching

Monday 9/27 6:00 pm

Instructor: Taren Sterry

Improv teaches us how to say “yes, and”, relate to others as geniuses, and make bold statements to keep things moving forward.

 

What if you could apply these principles to every aspect of your life and business? 

 

Life and business coach Taren Sterry, PCC, will show you how. In this class we’ll combine the fundamentals of improv with the fundamentals of professional coaching in order to move your life and business forward. 

 

You’ll learn: 

How to create opportunities (not “find” them). 

How to use fear as fuel.

How to make powerful choices (even when the future is uncertain). 

 

How to get unstuck in your projects and goals.

 

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 Character Crash Course

Improv

Saturday 9/25 1:00 pm

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. 
 

Buy Tickets
Read More

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 Character Crash Course

Improv

Saturday 9/25 1:00 pm

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. 
 

Buy Tickets
Read More

ONLINE Improv Your Life Skills

Life Coaching

Monday 9/27 6:00 pm

Instructor: Taren Sterry

Improv teaches us how to say “yes, and”, relate to others as geniuses, and make bold statements to keep things moving forward.

 

What if you could apply these principles to every aspect of your life and business? 

 

Life and business coach Taren Sterry, PCC, will show you how. In this class we’ll combine the fundamentals of improv with the fundamentals of professional coaching in order to move your life and business forward. 

 

You’ll learn: 

How to create opportunities (not “find” them). 

How to use fear as fuel.

How to make powerful choices (even when the future is uncertain). 

 

How to get unstuck in your projects and goals.

 

Buy Tickets
Read More

Welcome to our In-Person Classes!!

Classes on this page are considered In-Person PIT Classes. These classes are part of our core curriculum. In-Person PIT classes are meant to help foster comedic growth in a stable & safe environment.

In-Person Level 1 Stand Up 7-9:30PM EST

Stand Up

Sunday 9/26 – Sunday 11/14

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

In-Person Level 2 Improv 7:00-9:30PM EST

Improv

Wednesday 9/29 – Wednesday 11/17

Instructor: Matt Higgins

 

This class will help students take the basic elements of the IMPROV YOUR LIFE™ philosophy learned in Level One and apply them toward building great scenes that engage an audience. Students will leave this level with an understanding of how to make strong initiations, establish who/what/where, heighten the funniest choices and edit scenes.

Students will learn and practice techniques for starting scenes, enhancing and enriching scenes, finding yourself when you feel lost, and creating characters that are completely unique. There will be a final graduation performance at The PIT for friends, family and others.

(Please note all instructors are subject to change without notice)

SOLD OUT!
Read More

In-Person Joy of Improv (Level 0) 4-6:30PM EST

Improv

Thursday 9/30 – Thursday 10/21

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

In-Person Level 1 Improv 7-9:30PM EST

Improv

Friday 10/8 – Friday 12/10

Instructor: Kihresha Redmond

THIS CLASS WILL MEET AT STUDIOS 353.

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

In-Person Level 3 Improv 4-6:30PM EST

Improv

Sunday 10/10 – Sunday 12/19

Instructor: Patrick McCartney

Level 3 is perfect for experienced Improvisers who didn't practice during the pandemic & for the online students who want to begin transitioning their skills to in-person. 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