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 (tentative dates)
August 7 - October 5
(no class 9/4-9/7
Session 5
TBD mid-Oct to mid-Dec
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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​SATURDAYS 3:15-6:15 p.m. (red = sold out)​​
July 11th: Build the Tension, Break the Tension with Bill Hillsman
July 18th: Get Out of Your Head! with Caroline Conner
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​SUNDAYS 5:30-8:30 p.m. (red = sold out)​​
August 9th: Hell Yes, And with Brooks Alford
August 16th: Stage Presence with Caroline Conner
August 23rd: Play Like You Mean It with Morgan Morris
August 30th: Too Much? Perfect with Katie McDonald
September 6th: Bad Ideas Only with Carley Haggerty
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
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​Pre-requisite: Third Coast Improv Level 2 or equivalent experience
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Join Third Coast Artistic Director Scott Elam for a three-hour workshop to sharpen your improv skills.
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Making Boring Funny
Saturday, July 4th 12:00-3:00 p.m.
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Unconditional Support
Sunday, July 5th 12:00-3:00 p.m.
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Intentional Listening
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​Pre-requisite: Third Coast Improv Level 3
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Ready to stop guessing what your scene is about and start playing long form with confidence? You’ll practice spotting the first unusual thing, aligning quickly with your partner, and turning it into a clear, repeatable pattern you can escalate. Instead of wandering through plot, you’ll learn how to build focused, dynamic scenes around a strong playable idea — leading to cleaner edits, sharper second beats, and performances that feel intentional rather than accidental.
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*This is a 4-week class*
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If you’re looking to step outside of your comfort zone and add more emotional truth to your Improv, this is the class for you. Learn how to utilize the Meisner technique in order to help you be a more active listener, get out of your own head, activate your point of view, and commit to each moment with your scene partner 100%. In this 6 week course you will be accessing tools to make your Improvisation more authentic, honest, and spontaneous.
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*This is a 6-week class*
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Join Josh Ickes--director, cinematographer, comedy nerd--for this 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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*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. Advanced Short Form II requires instructor recommendation.
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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!