THE HOME FOR NASHVILLE COMEDY
THIRD COAST TRAINING CENTER
COMEDY CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
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.
2025
CLASS CALENDAR
Session 1
January 5 - March 3
(no class 1/20 & 2/9)
Session 2
March 9 - May 5
(no class 4/20-4/21)
Session 3
May 16 - July 20
(no class 5/23-26 & July 1-6)
Session 4
August - September
Session 5
October - December
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
Demystifying the Monoscene with Touch Baseball
Saturday, July 26th 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
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Controlled Chaos: Multi-person Scenes with Your Crazy Man
Saturday, July 26th 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
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Yapping for Improv: Monologues/Dialogues with Idiot Bitch
Saturday, July 26th 1:30-4:00 p.m.
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BIPOC Jam, hosted by Some Black People
Join Third Coast co-founder Scott Field for the Improv Book Club. Our first book is Will Hines' How to be the Greatest Improviser on Earth. The class will be part analysis, part improv. Students should expect to read a few chapters each week, come prepared to discuss, and ready to hop up on their feet and try out some of the exercises covered in the book. Be sure to purchase in advance!
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Pre-requisite: Third Coast Level 3: Short Form
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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!
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Saturdays 3:15-6:15 p.m. starting May 17th
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***SHOWCASE: Sunday, July 20th at 2:30 p.m.***
Join Josh Ickes--director, cinematographer, comedy nerd--for this 6-week introduction to writing, filming, and editing of sketch comedy videos. This class will cover idea generation, developing sketches, and how to maximize the laughs by using the language and tools of film. Bring your ideas!
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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.
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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 4 IS JULY 11TH!
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!