Write Jokes like a Pro with Mike Larsen

This is a class for anyone interested in writing jokes like a professional. The class consists of four, three-hour classes (9/14, 9/21, 10/5, 10/12). After the completion of class, students will perform a stand up set in a showcase on October 13th.

Each session includes roughly 2 hours of hands-on comedy writing and instruction, covering joke theory, construction, and application for different audiences. The remaining time will focus on students’ individual comedy projects and questions. Topics will include joke structure, writing exercises, strategic wordplay, joke subtext and much much more.

As with all Mike’s workshops, students are guaranteed to write their own, original joke in the first ten minutes. The class is not just for comedians and aspiring comedy writers; Mike has also instructed attorneys, salespeople, business leaders, regular folks, and even incarcerated men at California’s notorious San Quentin Penitentiary. All levels are welcome. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR MIKE LARSEN

Professional comedy writer and comedian Mike Larsen has entertained millions around the globe with television appearances, live standup performances, and writing for some of the biggest stars in the business. His television credits include HBO, Showtime, and multiple appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and the list of who he’s written for is even more impressive: Bert Kreischer, Ryan Reynolds, Ellen Degeneres, Ron Funches, Whoopi Goldberg, Alec Baldwin, Reba McEntire, Bill Maher (for whom he earned an Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Comedy Writing) and many more. Mike remains in high demand as a writer, penning scripts, speeches, and on-demand comedy for a wide range of clients including comedians, thought leaders and nationally-known political figures.

This class will build on the skills learned in Levels 1 and 2, pushing students to make more grounded, sustaining improv scene choices. This course will be taught by Shannon Poulsen, Director of Curriculum and cast member in TBD: The Improvised Musical! and Ladies Who Lounge.

The course meets on Monday evenings from 7:00pm-9:00pm for a total of six class sessions. The course will take place at our new classroom space in Grandview (1145 Chesapeake Ave, Unit J, Columbus, OH). The 6th class will take place in our Hashtag theatre (1253 N. High Street, Columbus, OH).

Students will perform in an improv showcase after the classes are completed. The showcase for this course will take place August 26th from 8:00pm-9:00pm in our Hashtag Comedy Theatre (1253 N. High Street).

In addition to classes and a showcase, students will also receive a complimentary ticket to a Hashtag Comedy show.

Students must have completed Level 2 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.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Shannon, our Director of Curriculum, at shannon@hashtagcomedy.com.

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 Josh Waddle, cast member in improv groups The Hashtag Improv Show and Donut Sundae.

The course meets on Thursday evenings from 7:00pm-9:00pm for a total of six class sessions. All sessions will take place at our new classroom space in Grandview (1145 Chesapeake Ave, Unit J, Columbus, OH).

Students will perform in an improv showcase after the classes are completed. The showcase for this course will take place August 22nd from 8:00pm-9:00pm in our Hashtag Comedy Theatre (1253 N. High Street).

In addition to classes and a showcase, students will also receive a complimentary ticket to a Hashtag Comedy show.

Students must have completed Level 1 in our curriculum. If you are have other improv experience outside of our program, email Shannon, our Director of Curriculum, at (shannnon@hashtagcomedy.com) for permission to enroll.

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. You and your fellow classmates will gain confidence and begin to support one another throughout the course. Prior improv experience is NOT required! The course will be taught by Paul Stelzer, a founding member of Hashtag Comedy and a cast member in the Hashtag Improv Show.

The course meets on Wednesday evenings from 7:00pm-9:00pm for a total of six class sessions. Classes will take place in our Hashtag Comedy Theatre (1253 N. High Street). Note. This class will not meet on August 21st (the week between the final class and showcase performance).

Students will perform in an improv showcase after the classes are completed. The showcase for this course is August 28th from 8:00-9:00pm and will take place in our Hashtag Comedy Club (1253 N. High Street).

In addition to classes and a showcase, students will also receive a complimentary ticket to a Hashtag Comedy show.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Shannon, our Director of Curriculum, 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, cast member of TBD: The Improvised Musical, Ladies who Lounge, and ROT!

The course meets on Tuesday evenings from 7:00pm-9:00pm for a total of six class sessions. The course will take place at our new classroom space in Grandview (1145 Chesapeake Ave, Unit J, Columbus, OH). The 6th class will take place in our Hashtag theatre (1253 N. High Street, Columbus, OH).

Students will perform in an improv showcase after the classes are completed. The showcase for this course is Tuesday, August 20th from 8:00-9:00pm and will take place in our Hashtag Comedy Theatre (1253 N. High Street).

In addition to classes and a showcase, students will also receive a complimentary ticket to a Hashtag Comedy show.

Students must have completed Level 3 in our curriculum. If you are an experienced improviser who has not taken our courses, email Shannon, Our Director of Curriculum, as (shannnon@hashtagcomedy.com) for permission to enroll.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Shannon, our Director of Curriculum, at shannon@hashtagcomedy.com.

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

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.