Next workshop begins Saturday - May 11, 2013

     SOLD OUT!!

     Also meets May 18 and June 1 from noon to 4 pm

     (We skip Memorial Day Weekend)

     Performance at The Improv - June 5 at 7:30 pm!!

     See details below to register and hold your space

• Meets for 3 Saturdays from noon to 4 pm

• Includes an evening performance at The Cleveland Improv

• Workshop is limited to 10 people

• Members receive VIP Pass for 2 to The Improv ($40 value)!

• See details below and register now to hold your space!

• Click here to receive Dave's weekly newsletter and be the first to know about upcoming workshop dates!

Watch a workshop performance at The Improv!

Being a stand-up comedian is a serious business, with a lot of laughs. Stand-up comedy has become a giant industry and a major source of talent for movies, television and radio. The entertainment world is constantly looking for new faces. 

Becoming a successful comedian takes more than just talent and luck. It involves preparation, experience, a knowledge of the business and knowing what is expected of you. Today's top comedians developed their humor without conforming to any trends or formulas. Talent and originality are the keys to success. However, there are established business methods within the industry that new comedians should be aware of. Developing, writing and performing a stand-up comedy act, and learning how the comedy industry works from an insider's point of view is what this workshop is all about. (It's also a LOT of fun!)

Click Here to sign up for Dave's weekly newsletter and be the first to know about upcoming workshop dates!

"Think you're funny? If so, it may be time to take your talents onstage. However, honing your craft in front of a live audience doesn't do much for either your self-esteem or drink sales. That's where comedy veteran Dave Schwensen enters the picture..." - Cleveland Magazine

Dave's workshops are meant to be fun, supportive and informative about the comedy industry. As the former Talent Coordinator for the television show A&E's An Evening At The Improv, The Improv Comedy Clubs in New York City and Hollywood, and current manager of The Cleveland Improv, Dave shares an understanding of what to expect on both coasts and everywhere in between. Comedy coaching best describes what these types of workshops are all about, but the difference Dave offers is an insider's knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes.

Any good workshop will send you out with five minutes of amateur night worthy material, but most leave you wondering where to go from there. Dave will tell you how to gain valuable learning experience on stage, along with enough information on where and how to get your comedy career started.

"Listening to his insider stories is worth the price of admission. But the purpose of the name dropping isn't to impress - it's to illustrate how comedians make it in the business as well as demonstrate that anyone can do comedy with the right amount of luck, dedication and laughs." - The Sunday Register

In addition to the aspiring stand-up comedians who have taken Dave's workshops, there are many others who have different interests. Teachers and public speakers want to add more humor to their presentations. Past workshop members include doctors, lawyers, psychologists, police officers, grandparents, students and others who are looking to add more humor into their lives. Even those interested in only trying something different... well, we've been told it beats the heck out of a basket-weaving class! This workshop has also been used as a support base to conquer a popular bucket list goal of performing stand-up comedy - even if it's only a one time thrill. It really is an unforgettable experience.

The bottom line is talent. Dave works to bring out your individual and creative sense of humor and takes the time during each session to do it. That's why these workshops are limited to no more than ten people. You already have the ideas, (whether you know it or not), and Dave helps you develop a comedy set that you'll perform during a graduation night show on stage at The Cleveland Improv. And in case you haven't seen one of our shows - they're also a LOT of fun!

"The nice thing about Dave is he doesn't tell you, 'if you want to be funny, do this.' He looks at what you're trying to do and then he helps you fine-tune it." - The Chronicle Telegram

Comedy workshops are not uncommon and quite a few clubs have their local favorites teaching these. That's another area where this workshop is different. As a talent booker Dave is known for supporting local comics, but he also has an experienced knowledge of the different entertainment markets and what the industry is like in New York and Hollywood. If you want to remain a local comic, then choose to work with the best in your area. If you want to know what the business is really like from an insider's point of view, topics covered in this workshop include:

• Talent agents and managers

• Promotional material

• Open mics

• Comedy clubs

• Colleges and universities

• Corporate and private events

• Cruise ships 

"As anyone who's read How To Be A Working Comic, Comedy Workshop: Creating & Writing Comedy Material, Comedy FAQs And Answers, or taken one of my workshops knows, I don't make this stuff up. It's either been learned through experience dealing with the best in the business, or told to me by comics, agents, managers and talent bookers who are all working in the comedy industry." - Dave Schwensen

Here's what's included:

• Three Saturday afternoon sessions from noon to 4 pm at The Cleveland Improv Comedy Club located at 1148 Main Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113, (The West Bank of The Flats / Nautica).

• Tips, techniques and top secret information on how professional comedians write comedy. Each workshop member will write an original five minute stand-up comedy routine.

• Performance coaching. It's one thing to create and develop a comedy act and another to deliver it successfully, (get laughs!), in front of an audience. Each member will have in-class performance coaching on stage at The Improv during each session..

• Accepted and effective business methods used within the comedy industry. Included are examples on how to use your creativity to your advantage when developing promotional material, along with insider tips on how to contact talent agents, comedy club bookers, and use open-mic clubs to your advantage. 

• In class discussions aimed at answering all your questions about the comedy industry.

• Insider stories about many of your favorite comedians and behind the scenes experiences.

• An Evening At The Improv. Each workshop member will perform an original stand-up comedy set at The Cleveland Improv in front of a "real live audience." Of course your family, friends, co-workers and anyone else can also be there to show support and share in the fun and laughter. An unforgettable experience!