Third Coast Training Center Classes
Comprising 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, and stand-up.
1/9 – 3/6 (no class 1/16)
3/12 – 5/8 (no class 4/9-4/10)
5/12-7/18 (no class 5/26-5/30 & 6/28-7/4)
7/28 – 9/25 (no class 9/1-9/4)
10/3 – 12/7 (no class 10/31-11/6 & 11/21-11/27)
Scroll down for electives, Youth Programs, workshops, and other special offerings!
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!Â
If you’ve always wanted to write your own jokes, sketches, or even full television shows, our comedy writing track is perfect for you! In these classes you’ll study existing sketches and break them down into their component parts, then write and perfect your own comedy pieces. Classes will include feedback from your instructor, other aspiring writers, and professional comedy writers from shows such as Key & Peele! When you graduate, you’ll have everything you need to put together your own writer’s packet, or your own sketch show!
Scroll down for electives, Youth Programs, workshops, and other special offerings!
Third Coast Training Center Classes Overview
- Unless otherwise noted all improv courses cost $265Â total and consist of eight 3-hour classes that meet weekly.
- Tuition for all classes is non-refundable. All sales are final.
- 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.
- Level 1 is required unless you have recently graduated from a formal training program; if you have questions please email the training center
- 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.
- Teachers are subject to change without notice.
If you have any questions please email the training center for more information.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Working with our non-profit partner, Unscripted, Third Coast provides a Level 1 scholarship to students 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. Apply at https://www.unscriptedimprov.org/scholarships
SPECIAL OFFERINGS:
Kids Playshop (Ages 4-8) – Saturday, Sept. 30, 10-11 a.m. Join us for an hour of improv games and exercises led by improvisers with a passion for early childhood development. This is a space for families to play and laugh together.
Youth Playshop (Ages 9-12) – Saturday, Oct. 28, 10-11 a.m. Join us for an hour of improv games and exercises led by improvisers with a passion for youth development. This is a space for families to play, connect and laugh together.
Teen Playshop (Ages 13-17) – Saturday, Oct. 28, 10-11:30 a.m. Join us for 90 minutes of improv games and exercises intended to entertain, challenge, and inspire. This is a space to allow teens to step out of their comfort zone, forge new friendships, and cultivate confidence in a fun, supportive environment. Sorry grown-ups, this one is just for the teens!
This two-day workshop explores a body-led approach to improvisation. The touchstones of this workshop are wide ranging: movement principles from Popular and Ensemble Theatre traditions; performance forms such as melodrama, commedia dell’arte and circus; sports and games; and a range of exercises around questions of shape/form, image and the dynamics of the natural world. We then explore what becomes possible when these principles are incorporated into the context of improv.
DATES: Saturday, Sept 30th 1-5 p.m. & Sunday, Oct 1st 1-5 p.m.
This Workshop is for performers who are comfortable with the basics of musical improv but want to challenge themselves and find new ways to raise their game. We will be playing and experimenting with theatricality, being more physical, finding new forms, creating innovative opening numbers, and empowering your musicians to keep things fresh and elevate your shows. As the Founder and Producer of the New York Musical Improv Festival, T.J. Mannix has spent the last decade working with and showcasing innovative musical performers from around the globe.
Does it ever seem as if the more you study improv, the less you know? So many new tools, options, and challenges . . . This 3-hour workshop is all about spontaneity and getting out of your head. Introducing effective techniques and exercises to break out of that negative loop of self-doubt that sometimes drags down your improv work and keeps you standing on the back wall for that one second too long.
This 3-hour workshop is for anyone interested in auditioning for TV, Film, Voice Over and Stage, and creating a great process for themselves.
We will explore how to breakdown your script and sides, rehearsal techniques (including using fun improv exercises!), how to set up and effectively use your equipment, what casting directors, directors, and producers may be looking for in a great self-tape, and how to create a winning mindset for the audition process.
