THE HOME FOR NASHVILLE COMEDY
THIRD COAST TRAINING CENTER
COMEDY CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
2026
CLASS CALENDAR
Session 1
January 5 - March 2
(no class 1/19)
Session 2
March 11 - May 11
(no class 4/1-4/6)
Session 3
May 28 - July 26
(no class 7/2-7/5)
Session 4
August 7 - October 5
(no class 9/4-9/7
Session 5
October 13 - December 20
(no class Nov 3-9 & 24-29)
Comprised of teachers who have lived, performed, and taught comedy all over the country, the Third Coast Training Center exists to cultivate well-rounded, highly-trained performers in the areas of improv, sketch, stand-up, and acting.
Our 6-level improv track teaches students the art of short- and longform improv, starting with the fundamentals and culminating in a run of shows on the Third Coast stage! Our classes are suited for both hobbyists and individuals serious about honing their craft. Whether you’re looking to learn a new artform, find a community, take on a fun challenge, gain confidence, or just laugh a lot, you’ll find what you’re looking for here at the Third Coast Training Center!
Take a dive into the art of stand-up comedy! Our stand-up track offers 2 levels of classes designed to let students develop their writing and performance skills, and get them actual stage time to perform for crowds! All of our classes are taught by experienced stand-up comedians, with frequent drop-ins from local talent who help you punch-up and perfect your set. Graduates will have a showcase at Third Coast and will get the opportunity to network and secure even more stage time in shows all around town!
Combining improv knowledge with the local spirit of Music City, our musical improv track teaches students of all musical backgrounds everything they need to know to improvise full musicals! Classes span from the basics of commitment and song structure to the creation of full shows and ensemble performances. Always a favorite of students, our musical track culminates with a run of shows completely created and performed by the graduating class!
Classes, camps and workshops for kids, tweens and teens! From improv to stand-up, check out Third Coast’s new offerings for our youngest comedians!
SCROLL DOWN FOR ELECTIVES, WORKSHOPS, & SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
SPECIAL OFFERINGS
Sign up for the Third Coast newsletter for the inside scoop on new classes and when registration opens!
Join our Mainstage cast members from the Third Coast Comedy Show in a series of workshops to help hone your improv skills! Click the links below to read more and register. Spaces are limited, so grab a spot now with your favs!​
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​SUNDAYS 5:30-8:30 p.m. (red = sold out)​​
September 13th: Object Work: Making the Pretend Become Real with Elizabeth Berry
September 20th: No Line Left Behind with Mike Garvin
September 27th: Finding the Funny in Vulnerability with Andrea Ley
Pre-requisite: Third Coast Level 5
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Learn the Harold by learning what makes each part of it work. This class introduces the Harold as a structure for creating clear, connected, and dynamic long-form improv. By the end, students will have a practical understanding of the Harold and the tools to create stronger scenes, develop ideas across multiple beats, and contribute to a cohesive ensemble.
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*This is an 8-week class*
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Pre-requisite: Third Coast Improv Level 3
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Students will dive deeper into the world of short-form improv, exploring heightened levels of game and the keys to successful hosting. Expand your bank of games while developing a stronger understanding of short- and long-form alike!
This is the first of two levels of Advanced Short Form.
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*This is an 8-week class*
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Pre-requisite: Meisner for Improvisers
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Description coming soon!
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*This is a 6-week class*
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Face your fears, bust a move, support your comrades, and let your clever self fall away as you tap into your inner fool. Learn to meet the audience where they are, respond more honestly to the world around you, and express yourself with emotional depth, openness, and abandon by practicing tools that build a more physical and visual performance style, making the leap into surreal, absurd, imaginative, unconventional storytelling, finding yourself deep in sh*t along the way. You’ll fail big, win big, belly laugh a lot, and experience the pure joy of connection.
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*This is an 8-week class*
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THIRD COAST TRAINING CENTER CLASS OVERVIEW
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Click on class links for more information on class content, dates, and prices.
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Tuition for all classes is non-refundable. All sales are final.
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Missing more than two classes means you may be asked to repeat the Level. Students are encouraged to attend class on another night to gain the knowledge and skills missed, but doing so is for the student’s benefit and does not excuse the absence.
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Level 1 is required unless you have recently graduated from a formal training program; if you have questions please email the training center. No student may begin past Level 2.
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Third Coast is a safe, creative, and collaborative environment; any behavior to the contrary will be dealt with immediately; if you need to make a report use our Anonymous Reporting Form here.
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Teachers are subject to change without notice.
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If you have any questions please email the training center for more information.
SCHOLARSHIPS
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR SESSION 3 IS MAY 7TH!
Want to sponsor another student's full or partial tuition, either directly or anonymously? You can donate to a specific classmate, or to the general scholarship fund. Email max@thirdcoastcomedyclub.com for info!
The Third Coast Scholarship Fund provides one Level 1 scholarship to a student each session. In an effort to increase access and diversity on our stages, priority is given to groups underrepresented and historically excluded from improv, such as women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
The Jason Bain Memorial Scholarship Fund exists to assist Third Coast students in financial need by providing full and partial scholarships to improv classes at all levels. It was established in memory of Jason Bain, a graduate of the Third Coast Training Center.
Click the banner to learn more about our non-profit partner, Unscripted!