Entertainment Division  

Stand Up Comedy
Have you ever wondered if you could stand on stage with a mic,  and make people laugh? It's a huge high when you pull it off,  but the fear of bombing can be nerve-wracking.  Or maybe you have no idea how to begin. This workshop is a great way to get started.  It's challenging but will probably become your favourite night of the week.  In less than two months,  you will create strong material and gain the confidence it takes years  to build by doing Open Mics alone. 

Instructor: Kirsten Van Ritzen is acclaimed for her  unique curriculum and supportive style of teaching.  She has been teaching for many years and has taught hundreds of 'regular' people from all walks of life.  Many have continued on their path to become comics - performing regularly, hosting shows, appearing on radio and television, even winning comedy competitions.  For others, it is a bucket list item - and we are cool with that too! 

Each week you will get the chance to perform, receive constructive feedback, and be given creative assignments for the next class.  The group will also discuss topics in comedy, get insider tips, and generally laugh a lot.  The session wraps with a comedy show - you will have the option of performing or just kick back and enjoy the show. 

No experience is required,  just bring a sense of humour, a pen and a large old-school notebook. Allow 30 to 60 minutes per week of creative homework  outside of  class.   Open to adults  19+.  

​REFUND POLICY: cancel up to one week before the session begins and get a full refund. After session begins, no refunds for missed classes or dropping out - then it is too late for someone on the wait list to take your spot.  Seats are limited so that everyone gets the time and attention they deserve. Unsure? By request, you are welcome to AUDIT a class in advance of a future session.   
STANDUP  LEVEL 2  - 2019  
7-9pm Thurs. March 14 to April 25 (7 weeks) + show Sat.  April 27  $195 + gst = 204.75  REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! *
James Bay New Horizons 234 Menzies

​Level 2 explores new topics, new forms/styles of stand up, crowd work, heckling and more.  It is only open those who have taken Level 1 with Kirsten in the past few years and have a few shows under their belt.  If it has been several years with no stage time, we encourage you to brush up and repeat Level 1.  Typically offered only once per year.
  
* Contact Broadtheatrics@yahoo.ca to request a spot.  Must register in advance, seats are limited.  
 

SHAW TV  and CHEK TV stories  

 PRAISE
“one of the best teachers I’ve ever had in any subject”

"non-stop encouraging, supportive style of coaching - very inspiring"
"A great experience all around"
"thanks to Kirsten for being a kind, fun and helpful teacher"
"I built confidence."
" a scheduled night of laughter every week"
" Great! I never imagined I would be able to do it!"
"Gave me the kick I needed to get started. Freakin' awesome. "
"This has to be the most fun class I've ever taken"
 
Improv Comedy
 Are you a fan of "Whose Line is it Anyway" or SIN CITY IMPROV... and wondered how they come up with brilliant ideas on the spot? 

Improv  Comedy is a great skill for actors,  comics, and anyone who wants to unleash their spontaneity and creativity.  A structured series of warm-up games and exercises  teach the basics of  improv technique. In this active class  you will laugh really hard while learning how to let go, be silly  and play well with others.

Instructor: Kirsten has taught improv for the legendary  Second City Toronto,  Vancouver Theatresports, Randolph Academy,  The Improv Studio, Kaleidoscope Performing Arts, Victoria Academy  of Dramatic Arts and more. She has performed hundreds of improv shows across North  America, and is a founding member of Edmonton's Canadian Comedy Award-winning Die-Nasty Improvised Soap Opera,  Toronto's Sin City Improv Soap and co-creator/performer of  7 seasons of Victoria's acclaimed SIN CITY IMPROV SERIAL  ~ 145 episodes, two 'M' Award nominations!    ​
Next public workshop dates TBA.  Also available for private workshops with your social group, or office team building! Contact to arrange dates that fit your schedule.  

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 KIRSTEN'S CLASS FEATURED IN THE MEDIA: 

"WHAT IF NOBODY LAUGHS?"  Times Colonist by Adrian Chamberlain  

"LOVE LETTER TO VICTORIA"   Victoria News by Natalie North

''SECRETS OF STANDUP COMEDY REVEALED" in  Nexus Newspaper  ​