Entertainment Division
Stand Up Comedy
Have you ever wondered if you could stand alone with a mic on stage and make people laugh? It's a huge high when you pull it off - but the fear of bombing can be nerve-wracking. This workshop is a great way to get started. It's challenging but fun - in 7-8 weeks participants come up with strong material and the kind of confidence it takes a year or more to build just by doing Open Mics. Instructor: Kirsten Van Ritzen is acclaimed for her unique curriculum and supportive style of teaching. Each week you will get the chance to perform and 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. 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: Note that we do not issue refunds for missed classes or dropping out after a session begins, because 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. If you are curious, you may arrange to AUDIT a class prior to signing up for the next session or even better - attend one of our grad shows to chat with participants! 2018 FALL STANDUP LEVEL 1
Two sessions will be offered ~ save the dates: 7-9pm Thursdays Sept. 6 - Oct. 18 + Sat. Oct. 20 Registration to open Aug. 1 and 7-9pm Thursdays Nov. 1 - Dec. 13 + Sat. Dec. 13 Registration to open Sept. 4 Fall sessions are 7 weeks and take place at James Bay New Horizons 234 Menzies. Class size will be limited. STANDUP LEVEL 2
Level 2 explores new topics, new forms/styles of stand up, crowd work, heckling and more. It is open those who have taken Level 1 with Kirsten in the past few years and is typically offered only once per year. Dates for 2019 to be announced. STANDUP FOR THIS ABILITY & LEVEL 1
This 2018 Spring Session was open to people of all abilities. Participants will be performing on May 26. See TV story below! 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" 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 |
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! ACTING CLASSES
Acting on Camera with Ian Ferguson For those with some training and experience in theatre - make the transition to Acting on Camera! Ian is an experienced acting coach and Film/TV director with a unique and effective curriculum to bring depth to On Camera performance. Acting assignments will be performed for the camera every class, and participants get to watch playback. Next dates TBA. |