THE HOME FOR NASHVILLE COMEDY

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.

2024 Class Calendar
 
Session 1
January 8 – March 4 (no class 1/15)

Session 2
March 17 – May 15 (no class 3/31-4/2 & 4/10)

Session 3
May 28 – July 28 (no class 7/2-7/7)

Session 4
August 2 – September 30 (no class 8/30-9/2)
 
Session 5
October 8 – December 15 (no class 11/5-11/11 & 11/26-12/1)

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, and SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

SPECIAL OFFERINGS:

Grab your partner and spend an afternoon laughing, listening, and seeing each other with fresh eyes. Then stick around for an awesome date night (registration includes two tickets to that evening’s Third Coast Comedy Show)! Come see how the art of improvisation can make you a better partner, a better communicator, and just a more fun person to be around. We guarantee it’ll be the most fun date you’ve had in years!

 

CLICK THE LINKS BELOW TO REGISTER!

NOTE: TICKETS ARE ONE PER COUPLE, NOT PER PERSON

Saturday, July 27th, 3:15-6:15 p.m.

Pre-requisite: Third Coast Level 3

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!

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER!

Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m. starting August 8th

Pre-requisite: Third Coast Musical Improv Level 1
 
Do you struggle to improvise songs that are actually funny? You can be doing everything right, singing beautiful melodies, landing perfect rhymes, and still find yourself delivering songs that are sort of…blah. The solution: finding the game of the song! Come spend a few hours tweaking your approach to musical improv with the former artistic director of Chicago’s world-renowned musical improv troupe, Baby Wants Candy. It’s easier (and more fun) than you think.
 

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER!

Saturday, 3:15-6:15 p.m. August 10th

This is a 6-week course

Ever wondered while watching a play “How do they learn ALL those lines?” Well, Darci Elam can tell you. It is far more than just memorization. Learn how to read and analyze a full play, develop a character while doing powerful actor “homework”, and play opposite another person in a two person scene. Leave this class with applicable tools to use time and time again no matter the material or role.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER!

Sundays, 12:00-3:00 p.m. starting August 18th

This is a one-off workshop!
 
Does the idea of singing in front of people completely stress you out? Do you live in fear of being forced to play “Sing It” in your class show? You don’t have to be an amazing singer to be an amazing musical improviser. You don’t even have to be able to carry a tune. Spend an afternoon learning how to improvise music confidently and competently so you never hang back during the musical portion of the show again!
 

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER!

Saturday, 3:15-6:15 p.m. August 24th

This is a one-off workshop!
 
Face your fears, bust a move, support your comrades, and let your clever self fall away as you tap into your inner fool.  You’ll fail big, win big, belly laugh a lot, and experience the pure joy of connection. Click the link below for more details!
 

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER!

Thursday, 6:30-9:30 p.m. September 5th

This is a one-off workshop!
 
Pre-requisite: Third Coast Level 3
 
Learn the basics of puppetry, and then apply what you’ve learned to the basics of improv! Understand puppet movement and manipulation, create characters, and maintain focus though some standard short form games. Let’s get weird!
 

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER!

Thursday, 6:30-9:30 p.m. September 12th

Pre-requisite: Third Coast Level 2
 
There’s improv magic when a group scene just works. The Group Mind takes over, everything flows, and the scene is hilarious. But when it doesn’t, it can suck. Bad. Nobody is on the same page and you have no idea what’s going on. What do you do when you find yourself on stage with 3, 4, or more people? In this two-week workshop, we’ll explore best practices for doing fun and funny group scenes. There is a method to the madness.
 

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER!

Thursdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m. September 19 & 26

Third Coast Training Center Classes Overview

  • Click on class links for more information on class content, dates, and prices.
  • 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

Application deadline for Session 4 is July 12th!

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.

THIRD COAST SCHOLARSHIP FUND APPLICATION

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.

JASON BAIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND APPLICATION

Click the banner to learn more about our non-profit partner, Unscripted!
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