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, 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!
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!
SPECIAL OFFERINGS:
Join us for a week of improvised awesome! This camp is for rising 9th-12th graders. Spend the week learning the basics of improvised comedy through a series of games and exercises intended to entertain, challenge, and inspire. This week is designed to help you step out of your comfort zone, forge new friendships, and cultivate confidence in a fun, supportive environment. Camp culminates in a showcase on Friday at 1:30 p.m., where you will get to perform for friends and family to show off what you’ve learned!
DATES: July 24-28, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Showcase Friday, July 28th at 1:30 p.m.
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.
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!
Pre-requisite: Third Coast Lvl 3
DATES: Sundays 6:30-9:30 PM starting July 30
Showcase Sunday, October 1st at 6:00 p.m.
Discover the Deconstruction in this 8-week Advanced Longform class! This form is like improv Pilates – it works all your improv muscles at once, helping you be a stronger and more agile performer. It’s got a strong core scene which inspires both thematic & commentary pulls, breaking down that core and helping us discover its true meaning. You’ll get to explore many types of scenes – long & short, grounded & high octane – within one piece. Develop sharper focus, broader awareness, and an instinct for connecting scenes beyond narrative. This form is great for both analytical and instinctual players! Taught by Anne Veal.
Pre-requisite: Third Coast Lvl 5
DATES: Sundays 12:00-3:00 PM starting July 30
Showcase Friday, September 29 at 8:00 p.m.
Ever wished you could feel more comfortable moving on stage? Maybe you’d like to add more physicality to your characters? Perhaps you’d just like to try a no-frills movement practice that doesn’t include chanting or pushing a giant tire. Friends, you can get all of these things in Yes, And…Move! Join movement director and teaching artist Gabrielle Saliba for an accessible, fun, deep dive into how our bodies move and the joy and freedom that comes with that awareness.
DATES: Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 PM starting August 2
This is a 4-week course
Musical Theater Moves is a 4 week, fun movement intensive designed to improve your dance and performance skills. Fortify your jazz square while learning choreography from classic and contemporary musicals in a welcoming, supportive environment. Don’t know your Fosse from your Fagan? No fear! There is no experience required. Students should be able to comfortably and safely move for 2 hours while practicing moves that may include but are not limited to kicks, squats and small jumps. No partnering required.
DATES: Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 PM starting August 30
This is a 4-week course
Third Coast Training Center Classes Overview
- Unless otherwise noted all improv courses cost $265 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.
