Hi! We are Vancouver’s home for improv and sketch comedy classes led by world-class comedians from many award-winning Canadian groups, including Hip.Bang! and The Sunday Service.

We are committed to delivering outstanding comedy training and making comedy as accessible as possible to folks who are under represented in the Vancouver comedy community. Welcome in!

SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER COMEDY CLASSES!

Our fall comedy class lineup is so absolutely stacked! This semester features a hilarious buffet of improv, stand up and sketch classes, some very exciting electives and drop in options, and a full revamping of our long form program. Wow!

Registration opens for these courses on Thursday, September 5 at high noon PST! Highlights include:

– New electives including character workshops with Syd and Kerri and a brand-new game-of-the-scene class with Tom!

– Teens, welcome! Our teen program continues to deliver on the class experience the entire faculty wishes we’d had as young folks!

– Jam Jam! – Devin Mackenzie has created a brand-new jam class where you can drop in, try some scenes and either get feedback or don’t. Keep the tools sharp and have a great time doing it all November!

– Not sure which way to go? Try our Improv and Sketch Taster classes to get your feet wet and see how fun our courses are before hopping into a full one.

See the full list of classes below and get fired up to register Thursday at noon (and anytime after that if there’s space!). 

Alongside these amazing classes, we come bearing news! Read more on some changes we’re making for fall 2024 and we’ll see you soon for a hilarious fall! As always, we welcome your feedback and thoughts via classes@blindtigercomedy.ca at any time.

IMPROV COMEDY CLASSES*

Intro 1

Saturdays, November 2 – November 30

Sundays, November 17 – December 15

Mondays, November 18 – December 16

Weekends, December 7 – December 15

Intro 2

Tuesdays, November 19 – December 17

Advanced Scenes 1

Sundays, November 17 – December 15

Advanced Scenes 2 

Thursdays, November 14 – December 19

Long Form 1

Thursdays, October 31 – December 19

Long Form 2

Tuesdays, October 22 – December 10

The Improv Taster

Saturday, October 19

Monday, October 28

STAND UP COMEDY CLASSES*

Stand Up 1

Sundays, October 20 – December 15

Saturdays, November 9 – December 7

Stand Up 2

Thursdays, November 14 – December 12

SKETCH COMEDY CLASSES*

Sketch 1

Mondays, October 21 – December 9

ELECTIVES & BLOC TEAMS*

Scene Study with Taz VanRassel – Mondays, November 18 – December 9

Characters for Days with Syd Campbell – Tuesdays, November 19 – December 10

Game Hounds with Tom Hill – Sundays, December 1 – December 15

Character POV with Kerri Donaldson – Saturday, December 7

Intro to Voice Work with Racquel Belmonte – Monday, December 9

Bloc Teams –  we strongly encourage all students to consider forming their own team and working directly with a coach! Click the link to find out more.

*Three more things!

Scholarships are available for every class and level!

Payment, Refunds & Cancellations – a 100% refund is available up to two weeks before your class begins. Within two weeks of the class start, registration is non-refundable and non-transferrable. Payment is accepted only via credit card only.

Gift Cards – give the gift of comedy anytime, anywhere, any class!

Changes for Fall 2024

Autumn is the season of change, glorious change, and we are making a few tweaks to how we do things around Blind Tiger Comedy. 

Credit Cards

Effective for all classes starting after October 1, we will only be accepting class payments via credit card. Eventbrite charges a % fee on all transactions, which means the costs of registration will go up a bit but we at BTC will not see any increase. 

We dislike credit card companies as much as the next arts organization, and are loathe to pass Big Tickets another cent. However, this change has become essential to accommodate the significant admin load of processing hundreds of e-transfers and especially the difficulty of creating an organized, professional structure for student communication and care behind the scenes. Also note: if you do not have a credit card, get in touch, we’ll figure something out. 

A Price Increase

Alongside this payment change, we are also raising the price of our core classes from $395 to $420. 

This increase provides for one thing only: the rising costs of venues. This is a tit-for-tat increase and it’s as small as we could manage. Our glorious venue partners have all had to raise their rates lately, and we don’t blame them! Our beautiful city is a tough place to have an arts venue. Ultimately, we need to adjust our prices with theirs.

On the upside, we can all agree the number we’re moving to (420) is the coolest possible price for something, especially a world-class comedy course led by a hilarious, innovative professional comedian. Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em, is what we’re saying.

A Friendly Reminder About Scholarships

With these changes, the total cost of a typical core class including fees is moving from $395 to about $445. That makes now a great time to remind everyone that we work hard to avoid finances being a barrier to our classes with our Diversity and Financial Aid Scholarships.

We have at least two scholarship spots available in every class we run. Many of our classes run with four or five scholarship students. In the last 12 months, we have had 220 scholarship spots in our classes. We don’t share these numbers to brag (though we are proud of them!), but rather to encourage all folks who might be interested in a class to get in touch with us regardless of your funds situation.

Long Form Studio!

One last bit o’ news! We are excited to say that we are tweaking the structure of our long form classes, our most senior improv training, and renaming the entire series The Long Form Studio.  

Moving forward, Long Form 1 will become the prerequisite for all remaining long form classes: Long Form 2, Long Form 3, and Long Form 4. We love these curriculums, and each of 2-4 have unique arcs and offers. 

Long Form 2 focuses on Tap Out, Cut To and the Armando, and works with each group on those forms flexible shapes and styles. Long Form 3 opens up the tool kit to wide open Organic Harolds or open jams, and the power and responsibility that they bring. And Long Form 4 is a profound deep dive unto itself, the Monoscene – a single 20+ minute scene where each player plays a single character. 

By removing the strict order we recommend they be taken in, we hope to allow senior improv students to move more freely through the training, taking semesters off as needed and always being able to train without logistics getting in the way. If you’re partway through the program now, fear not: the changes will be subtle and smooth, you’ll just have more options. If you aren’t in the program, also do not fear. There’s…really no reason for anyone to fear this change. We’re excited about it!

We always want your feedback on this and other decisions we make around here, so please get in touch with us at classes@blindtigercomedy.ca at any time.

About Our Classes

At Blind Tiger Comedy, you’ll learn how to create scenes and shows that audiences love. You’ll study and perform with members of Canadian Comedy Award nominees and winners The Sunday Service and Hip.Bang! as well as the rest of our stacked faculty, and find your voice in one or all of our long form, sketch, or stand up streams.

Our classes prioritize performance opportunities, and senior students may be invited to participate in one of our house teams. While each teacher brings a unique voice and approach to a class’ particular content, the core curriculum of each class will be consistent.

Want to take a class but can’t make the time listed? Join our mailing list at the bottom of this page and you’ll be updated every time we announce new classes. If you have questions, we reply within 48 hours on weekdays. Just email classes@blindtigercomedy.ca.

Please note the deadline for registration for our weekend classes is on the Friday, before the class begins, at 4:00pm. 

Repeats Policy

At Blind Tiger, we’re big on making you get the key learning objectives of each level under your fingers before you move on to more challenging levels that may be frustrating if you get to them before you’re comfortable with earlier levels. Each course has explicit goals that our teachers lay out on the first day, and regular feedback including one on one feedback on or shortly after the last day of class. If a student has not consistently demonstrated the skills of that course in the subjective determination of that teacher, a student may be asked to repeat that course.

Here’s the good news: if you are asked to repeat a class, that class is 50% off.  We offer this discount to emphasize something very important to us: we want you to learn! Moving too quickly makes for a frustrated, unhappy improvisor which in turn makes it tough to learn and have fun. Also note – repeats are common and students can reasonably expect to be asked to repeat at least one course if not several as they move through our training from Intro through Long Form. Since implementing this policy several years ago, we have noticed a dramatic improvement in the quality of our students in all of the Intro, Long Form and Sketch streams, so trust us: this policy is truly in your best interest.

Attendance Policy

All students are expected to attend their class times. If students miss classes for any reason, that impedes their learning and teachers may ask a student to repeat a class if they miss more than two classes out of an eight-week course, or more than one class of a five-week intensive. Students asked to repeat on the basis of attendance are not eligible for 50% off when they retake that level. Again, this policy is here to help everyone learn, and to build the best class environments possible!

Refunds / Cancellation Policy

All classes are subject to our two week refunds/cancellation policy. Refunds are available in full until two weeks before class starts, at which time they are non-refundable. This is to make it possible for us to support our teachers and venues and cover the respective cancellation costs passed on to us by the (wonderful!) venues we work with.

Jump to:
Intro Series
Long Form Improv
Sketch Comedy
Bloc Teams
Drop-Ins, Electives & Free Classes

Intro to Improv Series

INTRO 1 – Welcome to Improv

2-8 weeks. One show. $420.

“With improv, it’s a combination of listening and not trying to be funny.” – KRISTEN WIIG

In this course you’ll be guided confidently into the incredible world of improv. You’ll learn what makes it fun to do and fun to watch. You’ll learn how to be funny without trying to be funny. You’ll build the skills to have fun doing improv scenes, even if that feels scary to read. Your teacher will be a professional, working comedian who is also a seasoned, hilarious teacher.

Heck, you’re going to have a great time. By the time you’re finished with Intro 1, your final showcase will be a breezy walk in a wild fun park.

You will move onto Intro 2 confident making offers, supporting your scene partner, and having fun on stage.

FIVE WEEKS

Saturdays, 1:30 – 5:00pm PST
November 2 – November 30

Location: Carousel Theatre Studios

Show:
This class has one show! While we can’t guarantee show schedules before your class begins, typical Intro 1 shows are on the Wednesday night before their final class.

Instructor: Taz VanRassel

This class will open for registration on Thursday September 5 at high noon PST.

FIVE WEEKS

Sundays, 6:00 – 9:30pm PST
November 17 – December 15

Location: Carousel Theatre Studios

Show:
This class has one show! While we can’t guarantee show schedules before your class begins, typical Intro 1 shows are on the Wednesday night before their final class.

Instructor: Devin Mackenzie

This class will open for registration on Thursday September 5 at high noon PST.

FIVE WEEKS

Mondays, 6:00 – 9:30pm PST
November 18 – December 16

Location: Carousel Theatre Studios

Show:
This class has one show! While we can’t guarantee show schedules before your class begins, typical Intro 1 shows are on the Wednesday night before their final class.

Instructor: Kevin Vidal

This class will open for registration on Thursday September 5 at high noon PST.

TWO WEEKS

Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00 – 6:00pm PST
December 7 – December 15

Location: Carousel Theatre Studios

Show:
This class has one show! While we can’t guarantee show schedules before your class begins, typical Intro 1 shows are on the Wednesday night before their final class.

Instructor: Syd Campbell

This class will open for registration on Thursday September 5 at high noon PST.

INTRO 1 – in Richmond!

5 Weeks. One show. $395.

“With improv, it’s a combination of listening and not trying to be funny. “- KRISTEN WIIG

We are excited to announce we will be launching a new Intro 1 class in Richmond on Monday nights in January and February! Hosted at the glorious Ukranian Community Society of Ivan Franko (aka a lovely community hall!) this class will be led by Artistic Director Tom Hill and will feature the Intro 1 introduction to improv curriculum that has been tried and tested in Vancouver classes for years.

In this course you’ll be guided confidently into the incredible world of improv. You’ll learn what makes it fun to do and fun to watch. You’ll learn how to be funny without trying to be funny. You’ll build the skills to have fun doing improv scenes, even if that feels scary to read. Your teacher will be a professional, working comedian who is also a seasoned, hilarious teacher.

Heck, you’re going to have a great time. By the time you’re finished with Intro 1, your final showcase will be a breezy walk in a wild fun park.

You will move onto Intro 2 confident making offers, supporting your scene partner, and having fun on stage.

This class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.

INTRO 1 – in Surrey!

5 Weeks. One show. $395.

“With improv, it’s a combination of listening and not trying to be funny. “- KRISTEN WIIG

We are super excited for the return of our Intro 1 class in Surrey on Sunday nights in January and February! Hosted at the glorious Inspire Arts Academy (aka a very cool arts studio!) this class will be led by the one and only Syd Campbell and will feature the Intro 1 introduction to improv curriculum that has been tried and tested in Vancouver classes for years.

In this course you’ll be guided confidently into the incredible world of improv. You’ll learn what makes it fun to do and fun to watch. You’ll learn how to be funny without trying to be funny. You’ll build the skills to have fun doing improv scenes, even if that feels scary to read. Your teacher will be a professional, working comedian who is also a seasoned, hilarious teacher.

Heck, you’re going to have a great time. By the time you’re finished with Intro 1, your final showcase will be a breezy walk in a wild fun park.

You will move onto Intro 2 confident making offers, supporting your scene partner, and having fun on stage.

This class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.

IMPROV FOR BEGINNERS

1 Week. One show. $395.

“With improv, it’s a combination of listening and not trying to be funny. “- KRISTEN WIIG

In this course you will explore the keys to making an improv show and improv scene compelling to watch. You will learn how to create dynamic characters, leverage your character’s status, and play with sincerity. You’ll learn the importance of variety and commitment in your offers, and the value of letting a scene breath. No better way to practice being dynamic than in front of an audience with two performances!

You will move onto Intro 3 with the ability to create with your scene partner a full, quality scene, and an ability to commit wholeheartedly to your character.

This class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.

IMPROV FOR BEGINNERS – West Vancouver with Syd Campbell!

8 Weeks. One show. $400.

“With improv, it’s a combination of listening and not trying to be funny. “- KRISTEN WIIG

In this class, you will dive into the core skills of improv and the joy and discovery that improv offers. Led by Blind Tiger Comedy and world-class improviser Syd Campbell (Gender I Hardly Know Them, Treat Show Comedy), this class will touch on techniques like offers, saying yes, playing characters, and following fun.

This class is suitable for folks who are both brand new to improv and those returning to it with some experience under their belts. Your teacher will focus on your particular needs in class, and offer supportive, individualized feedback so that each performer continues to grow and have fun.

Your class will culminate in a glorious comedy showcase at China Cloud Studios which will be very fun even if it doesn’t sound fun now. Laughs guaranteed!

This class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.

IMPROV FOR BEGINNERS IN SURREY!

5 Weeks. One show. $395.

“I think for anyone in improv, the biggest thing to get over is the fear. I think every improviser has that.” RACHEL DRATCH

In this course you will explore the keys to making an improv show and improv scene compelling to watch. You will learn how to create dynamic characters, leverage your character’s status, and play with sincerity. You’ll learn the importance of variety and commitment in your offers, and the value of letting a scene breath. No better way to practice being dynamic than in front of an audience with two performances!

You will move onto Intro 3 with the ability to create with your scene partner a full, quality scene, and an ability to commit wholeheartedly to your character.

Pre-requisite: Intro 1

This class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.

INTRO 2 – Let’s Make This Interesting

5-8 weeks. Two shows. $420.

“I think for anyone in improv, the biggest thing to get over is the fear. I think every improviser has that.” RACHEL DRATCH

In this course you will explore the keys to making an improv show and improv scene compelling to watch. You will learn how to create dynamic characters, leverage your character’s status, and play with sincerity. You’ll learn the importance of variety and commitment in your offers, and the value of letting a scene breath. No better way to practice being dynamic than in front of an audience with two performances!

You will move onto Intro 3 with the ability to create with your scene partner a full, quality scene, and an ability to commit wholeheartedly to your character.

Pre-requisite: Intro 1

FIVE WEEKS

Tuesdays, 6:00 – 9:30pm PST
November 19 – December 17

Location: Carousel Theatre Studios

Show:
This class has two shows, wow! While we can’t guarantee show schedules before your class starts, typical Intro 2’s have one show on a Wednesday night at the midpoint of their classes and another on the Wednesday night before their final class.

Instructor: Kerri Donaldson

This class will open for registration on Thursday September 5 at high noon PST.

ADVANCED SCENES 1 – Don’t Let the Game Play You

Five or eight weeks. Two shows. $420.

“Fail. Then figure out what to do on the way down.” – DEL CLOSE

This course pushes your improv into the higher levels of scene work. You will become more comfortable with characters outside yourself, filled with hilarious details and emotion, and begin to work on the wild and delicious world of game. You will learn to host your own shows, tackle all kinds of scenes, and become more confident playing with more improvisors at the same time. In short, this course loads the tool belt and begins to help you wield those tools in a way that will make you feel like you’re good with tools.

Pre-requisite: Intro 2

FIVE WEEKS

Sundays, 6:00 – 9:30pm PST
November 17 – December 15

Location: China Cloud Studios

Show:
This class has two shows, wow! While we can’t guarantee show schedules before your class starts, typical Advanced Scenes 1’s have one show on a Wednesday night at the midpoint of their classes and another on the Wednesday night before their final class.

Instructor: Tom Hill

This class will open for registration on Thursday September 5 at high noon PST.

Advanced Scenes 2 – The Scene

Five or eight weeks. Two shows. $420.

“There’s something really freeing about improv: it’s collective, creative, in-the-moment. ” – TATIANA MASLANY

This course seeks to solidify you as a well-rounded, knowledgeable performer, focusing particularly on your group game and group scene skills. You will become comfortable with any suggestion, character choice, or scene style, and can adapt on the fly to the needs of a particular scene. This class also features a significant diagnostic element, where your instructor will identify the areas of scene work you need to improve and help you get there. The focus of this class is you and suiting you up with the the skills and techniques that will best prepare you for the areas of comedy that excite you the most.

You will move onto the advanced streams with the ability to be successful in any scene or show you commit to.

Pre-requisite: Advanced Scenes 1/ Intro 3

FIVE WEEKS

Thursdays, 6:00 – 9:30pm PST
November 14 – December 19*

*No class on November 21

Location: Green Thumb Theatre

Show:
This class has two shows, wow! While we can’t guarantee show schedules before your class starts, typical Advanced Scenes 2’s have one show on a Wednesday night at the midpoint of their classes and another on the Wednesday night before their final class.

Instructor: Tom Hill

This class will open for registration on Thursday September 5 at high noon PST.

The Blind Tiger Comedy Long Form Studio

For many of the BTC faculty, long form improv is the sweet elixir that seduced us into careers in comedy. Once folks are comfortable with all kinds of improvised scenes, long form expands the canvas in some very exciting ways.

As of fall 2024, this program has been the Long Form Studio. Students are required to take Long Form 1 first – you’ll learn the fundamentals of long form while attempting a juicy show structure: the Harold. From there, you can take any of the remaining three classes in any order: Long Form 2, Long Form 3, and Long Form 4. 

Oh, and a little note to the curious of mind! Folks who are at least a couple classes into Long Form Studio (but ideally have completed all four) are automatically in consideration for our House Team program. Each summer, our faculty discusses the senior students in our training and invites some new faces to join for the nine month season (October to June). Ask your teachers for more info as you go! Meanwhile, enjoy one of the great joys of live comedy: long form improv!

LONG FORM 1 – The Harold

Five to Eight weeks. Three shows. $420.

“A Harold is like building a 747 mid-flight.” – DEL CLOSE

In Intro 1 through Advanced Scenes 2, you learn they many joys of swimming while in a nice heated pool. In Long Form, it’s time to swim in the ocean. The canvas is bigger, the things you’ll see and do are wilder, and it is many of the faculty’s first loves. Once you go long, you rarely go back.

In this class, you will study the basic concepts and techniques that make exceptional long form improvisation possible. You will hone the techniques of scene starts, edits, beats, the challenges and opportunities that exist in returning to scenes and the many nuances of group game. You’ll practice these skills on the Harold, a form that offers structure to your newly ocean-bound ensemble. 

Long Form 1 is the prerequisite for three other classes, which together make up our Long Form Studio. Once you’ve moved on from this class, you are eligible for Long Form 2, Long Form 3 and Long Form 4 in any order! 

Pre-requisite: Advanced Scenes 2

EIGHT WEEKS

Thursdays, 7:00 – 9:30pm PST
October 31 – December 19

Location: Carousel Theatre Studios

Show:
This class has three shows!? While we can’t guarantee show schedules before your class starts, typical Long Form 1’s have two shows on Wednesday nights at the midpoint of their classes and another on the Wednesday night before their final class.

Instructor: Allie Entwistle

This class will open for registration on Thursday September 5 at high noon PST.

LONG FORM 2 – Wild Wild Long Form

Eight weeks. Three shows. $420.

“When one has no form, one can be all forms; when one has no style, they can fit in with any style.” – BRUCE F’ING LEE

In this class, you will push your long form skills into performance-ready formats. While continuing to work on advanced scene work and your confidence within a large ensemble, you will explore some of the most exciting long forms out there: Tap Out, Cut To and the Armando. You’ll think more about your influence on show shape, the role of patience and initiative in creating the show arcs you and your classmates are excited about, and soaking it all in delightful games. 

Long Form 2 is one part of the Long Form Studio. Once Long Form 1 has been completed, these courses (Long Form 2-4) can be taken in any order!

Pre-requisite: Long Form 1

EIGHT WEEKS

Tuesdays, 7:00 – 9:30pm PST
October 22 – December 10

Location: China Cloud Studios

Show:
This class has three shows!? While we can’t guarantee show schedules before your class starts, typical Long Form 1’s have two shows on Wednesday nights at the midpoint of their classes and another on the Wednesday night before their final class.

Instructor: Devin Mackenzie

This class will open for registration on Thursday September 5 at high noon PST.

LONG FORM 3 – The Organic Harold

Eight weeks. Three shows. $420.

“Each of us is full of shit in our own special way. We are all shitty little snowflakes dancing in the universe.” – LEWIS BLACK

In this class, you will learn to peel back all structure and dive into the blank canvas of the organic Harold, or open jam. You’ll tear into the advanced techniques of long forms: transformations, advanced edits, and high level concepts like game of the form. You’ll practice committing to structures, games, and patterns that emerge from the suggestion and the scene work, without any preconceived plan. 

Long Form 3 is one part of the Long Form Studio. Once Long Form 1 has been completed, these courses (Long Form 2-4) can be taken in any order!

Pre-requisite: Long Form 1

This class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.

LONG FORM 4 – Mono Scene

8 weeks. 3 shows. $420.

“The only safe thing, is to take a chance.” -ELAINE MAY

The mono scene is one of the coolest, simplest, and most difficult long forms: one scene that lasts 15, 20, even 60 minutes. In this class you will explore the skills needed to get the best out of this format – patience, detail, strong committed characters and a willingness to continue developing new ideas late in a scene. You will work on connecting closely as an ensemble, and will be directed to challenge yourself as an improvisor while staying entwined with the group.

Long Form 4 is one part of the Long Form Studio. Once Long Form 1 has been completed, these courses (Long Form 2-4) can be taken in any order!

Pre-requisite: Long Form 1

This class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.

Improv for Autistic Folks

We are thrilled to offer improv classes for autistic folks! We have been collaborating and training with the wonderful people at Canucks Autism Network are very excited to offer equivalents to our Intro 1 class for autistic teens and adults respectively starting fall 2022!

This is a pilot program we hope to continue with Intro 2 and higher levels in the semesters to come. We welcome feedback on this and all our programming via classes@blindtigercomedy.ca!

Improv for Autistic Folks with Allie Entwistle

Four Weeks. 8 Hours. One Show. $160.

This class will focus on exploring the joy of improv with games and exercises that focus on fun, collaboration and comedy.

Each week, your teacher will pick a different topic to focus on from the world of improv and lead you through a very fun session that is appropriate for folks who have no improv training AND those who have tried it before.

This intro to improv class is designed for Autistic folks who are 16 years or older. It is best suited to participants who like to learn and engage in a group setting and who can remain on task with limited support. Participants must be able to use the bathroom independently. This class is offered as part of an exciting partnership between Blind Tiger Comedy and Canucks Autism Network (CAN), and CAN support workers will be on hand for each class.

A note on registering for this class! We know getting signed up for a program like this can be tricky, so here’s what we suggest:

• Send us an email at classes@blindtigercomedy.ca to let us know you’re interested.
• We will email you a link to pay for the class, and some forms to fill out.
• It may be good to have a caregiver support this process.

We are still learning about how best to support folks signing up for classes with us, so we’d be happy to hear about your particular needs when doing registration or in the class itself. Thanks for taking the time to consider joining us!

Pre-requisite: none!

A note about the cost of this class! While the majority of spots in this class are paid, we have made extra scholarship spots available in this class. Please let us know if finances are a barrier to your participation or consider filling out our simple scholarship form.

FOUR WEEKS

This class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.

Improv for Youth and Teens

Comedy Camp for Ages 9-13

One week. One show. $295.

This four-day camp is the perfect place to start for kids aged 9-13 who are interested in improv, comedy, and having fun on stage. Each day, the group will learn how to play fun characters, listen to each other’s offers and create fun scenes together. Students will practice their performance skills and be encouraged to riff, laugh and be silly throughout.

This course is the comedy spring break camp the entire faculty wishes we’d had when we were growing up. Led by pro comedian and teen educator Allie Entwistle (Co-Director of Improv Camp, former Brain Boost teacher), this course is a great fit for students who are comfortable on stage or still getting used to expressing themselves.

The course will primarily focus on improv and theatre games, but participants will dip their toes into sketch comedy and writing. The course will wrap up with a short, fun improv show supported by Allie. Fun guaranteed!

Students do not need to have comedy experience to take this class, and those that do have experience will have plenty to enjoy as well. If you have questions or comments about this (or any!) class feel free to reach out to classes@blindtigercomedy.ca – we’ll get right back to you.

FOUR DAYS

This class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.

A Very Good Improv Class for Youth Ages 9 – 13

Six Classes. 12 Hours. $245.

This class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.

A Very Good Improv Class for Teens

Six Weeks. One Show. $245.

The skills you’ll get into in this class are skills that make you a better communicator, a more versatile performer and artist, and funny. Heck, you’re going to have a great time. By the time you hit the stage, your final showcase will be a breezy walk in a wild fun park.

This class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.

Sketch Comedy

We are extremely proud of sketch comedy curriculums, which were developed by Blind Tiger Comedy founders Devin Mackenzie, Caitlin Howden and Tom Hill. Each class focuses on a distinct set of skills that support your development as a comedy writer, and all centre on the notion of honing your ability to identify, refine and celebrate what you personally find funny.

SKETCH 1 – The Seed

Eight weeks. One show. $420.

“Tragedy is when I cut my finger. Comedy is when you fall into an open sewer and die”- MEL BROOKS

This course focuses on developing both your voice as a sketch comedian and good writing habits. By examining existing sketches from the past and present, you will be introduced to a well of resources. You will learn the importance of positive brainstorming, discovering premise ideas from everyday life, and the value of a structured development process from page to stage. Note that Blind Tiger sketch classes, like sketch comedy itself, are homework intensive: there will be work assigned outside class time every week.

You will move onto Sketch 2 with the ability to lay the groundwork of a sketch, and a strong understanding of the relationship between the page and stage.

Pre-requisite: Intro 2 or equivalent experience. We know some folks will be joining us from outside of Blind Tiger or Vancouver for this class, so think of this pre-req as “moderate writing or comedy performance experience.” Email classes@blindtigercomedy.ca to tell us more, and try us!

EIGHT WEEKS

Mondays, 7:00 – 9:30pm PST
October 21 – December 9

Location: China Cloud Studios

Show:
This class has one show! While we can’t guarantee show schedules before your class begins, typical Sketch 1 shows are on the Wednesday night before their final class.

Instructor: Syd Campbell

This class will open for registration on Thursday September 5 at high noon PST.

Sketch 2 – Full Metal Sketch

Eight weeks. One show. $420.

“Some people have a way with words, and other people…oh, uh, not have way.” -STEVE MARTIN

This class is focused on your ability to turn a good idea into a great sketch, and begins to develop techniques for presenting a cohesive sketch set. Develop the ability to find the best characters for a given premise, and to highlight distinct voices within your scripts. Become skilled at producing material and not be afraid of the blank page.

Blind Tiger sketch classes, like sketch comedy itself, are homework intensive: in Sketch 2 you will be expected to write a sketch a week. This in turn will help you develop your portfolio and give you a greater understanding of what your unique style and voice is.

You will move onto Sketch 3 with a strong portfolio, an ability to write a wide variety of characters and types of sketches, and an understanding of more advanced ways to combine and interweave sketches within a single set.

Pre-requisite: Sketch 1

This class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.

Sketch 3 – Versatility

Eight weeks. One show. $420.

“Gags die. Humour doesn’t” – JACK BENNY

This course will expand your range as a sketch writer. You and your classmates will study and try a wide range of sketch types including audience manipulation, solo, and patience sketches. Every week you will immerse yourself in a different style, and come out wiser, funnier, and more versatile.

Blind Tiger sketch classes, like sketch comedy itself, are homework intensive: in Sketch 3 you will be writing extensively in each week, only some of which will be presented in class shows.

Pre-requisite: Sketch 2

This class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.

Sketch 4 – Senior Project

Ten weeks. One big show and several trials. $470.

“You can’t just yell jokes at people.” -DAVID CROSS

In this class, you will lead the creation of a 15-25 minute live comedy project. The project is yours to define: a 15-minute solo show, a 20-person comedy play featuring everyone you’ve ever met, a short, tight sketch show on a theme, a part-video, part-dance show, or just a single epic patience sketch. You may use some, all, or none of your classmates, but the class will remain a valuable bounce board, rehearsal opportunity, and development outlet throughout.

From an early stage, you will be honing and pitching your project in class in a pitch style that will work the muscles similar to those in professional comedy development. Shows mid-semester will provide a chance to stage test the work you are developing, before final performances at the end of the semester in a special show or shows.

Previous Sketch 4 final showcases have been haunted walking tours, full-scale weddings and restaurants, calamatus one-person shows and barn-burner audience participation experiments. Sketch 4 graduates have gone on to sold out Fringe runs, Second City Touring Co, and several have become Blind Tiger faculty!

Some notes:

• As with all sketch classes, Sketch 4 students will be expected to put in substantial time in outside class time. Only polished final shows will be performed.
• Students who complete this class may be selected to be a part of a Blind Tiger Comedy sketch comedy house team.
• This class is rarely offered! If you’re on the fence, hop off and have a very cool experience!
• If you have questions about this class, don’t be a stranger! Email Artistic Director Tom Hill (tom [at] blindtigercomedy.ca), he’ll do his best to offer clarity/hype

Pre-requisite: Sketch 3

10-WEEKS

This class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.

Stand Up Comedy Classes

We are proud to offer stand up comedy classes to all levels of students. Our program approaches stand up comedy focused on what makes you laugh, while also seeking to train comedians who recognize, celebrate and respect the many voices that have been underrepresented on stand up stages for many years.

STAND UP 1 – Welcome to Stand Up

Five or eight weeks. One show. $420.

This course is an entry level class focused on learning the basics of comedy writing to help you dive confidently into the world of stand up comedy. You will learn the tools to help you crush your first stand up set, learning joke writing structures, comedy writing practices, building that stage confidence, exploring your comedic voice and learning the ins and the outs of the trade. This is the class for you, if you just want to step out of your comfort and try stand up with us!

At the end of Stand Up 1, you will be all geared up for Stand Up 2 where you will learn to develop stronger punchlines, learn how to transition into each joke, honing your comedic voice and give you the tools to help you to do a booked show.

Pre-requisite: none!

EIGHT WEEKS

Sundays, 3:45 – 6:15pm PST
October 20 – December 15*

*No class on November 17

Location: 120 Princess

Show:
This class has one show! While we can’t guarantee show schedules before your class begins, typical Stand Up 1 shows are on the Wednesday night before their final class.

Instructor: Toddy

This class will open for registration on Thursday September 5 at high noon PST.

EIGHT WEEKS

Saturdays, 1:30 – 5:00pm PST
November 9 – December 7

Location: 120 Princess

Show:
This class has one show! While we can’t guarantee show schedules before your class begins, typical Stand Up 1 shows are on the Wednesday night before their final class.

Instructor: Sasha Mark

This class will open for registration on Thursday September 5 at high noon PST.

STAND UP 2 – Game, Set, Match

Five or eight weeks. One show. $420.

This course is all about punching up your jokes and developing stronger comedic choices to deliver a class act stand up set. You will learn the techniques to take your comedy to the next level, working with more advanced joke writing structures/setups, the importance of body and stage movement, and developing that sweet sweet comedic voice of yours. 

This class will prepare you for Stand Up 3, where you will push your writing and performance capabilities to the maximum. In this class you will explore many different aspects of writing comedy while also exploring the potential of your comedic voice.

Pre-requisite: Stand Up 1 or equivalent experience in another stand up comedy class.

FIVE WEEKS

Thursdays, 6:00 – 9:30pm PST
November 14 – December 12

Location: 120 Princess

Show:
This class has one show! While we can’t guarantee show schedules before your class begins, typical Stand Up 2 shows are on the Wednesday night before their final class.

Instructor: Sasha Mark

This class will open for registration on Thursday September 5 at high noon PST.

STAND UP 3 – The Showcase

Eight weeks. One show. One tape (!). $445.

Stand Up 3 is a special class, with students working towards a statement showcase set that is filmed for you as part of the class. The goal of these sets will be to prepare and capture festival-calibre material that can be submitted to bookers.

You can expect to work on the next-level skills that make outstanding stand up videos pop. Short, effective openers. Call backs. Closers. The detailed rewriting and reps that it takes to get sets polished and pearly. You will also dig into the world of producing your own shows and all the skills that support that beautiful side of comedy.

Final sets will be filmed with nice sound and provided to each student. You will move on from this class with the quality video of your work that you need to make moves in the comedy scene as well as leveled up skills and learning. 

Pre-requisite: Stand Up 2.

This class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.

Comedy Drop-Ins & Electives

Blind Tiger Comedy offers a rotating list of electives, drop-ins and other specialty classes that will enable students to focus on hyper-specific skills, and or focus on new creative philosophies.

Scene Study with Taz VanRassel

Four classes. 10 Hours. $210.

Scene Study is the ultimate class for improvisers looking to take the next step in their comedy. In this workshop you do scenes and get feedback. We keep it light, we keep it fun, we keep it scenes and we keep it feedback. The goal is to identify a skill, a block, and/or an opportunity for each improviser, and then to create opportunities and approaches to rep it out. This class has been a boon for many an improviser, and is often a great way to open up some big next steps in your improv!

This class is open to anyone who has completed Intro 2 or higher and often features a mix of all levels. Playing with different levels is part of the opportunity we get in a scene study class, let’s enjoy it!

FOUR WEEKS

Mondays, 7:00 – 9:30pm PST
November 18 – December 9

Location: Carousel Theatre Studios

Instructor: Taz VanRassel

This class will open for registration on Thursday September 5 at high noon PST.

Characters for Days with Syd Campbell

Four classes. Ten Hours. One show. $210.

Characters are a big deal. They ignite great scenes, they kick off games, and above all they are fun as hell to play. In this workshop, known character Syd Campbell will lead you into the coolest ways to approach characters and practice embodied presence on stage. 

Syd will offer a diagnostic of your go-to character choices and you’ll leave this workshop having expanded your character Rolodex to the point that it is no longer feasible to house your characters in a Rolodex. Plus, you and your classmates will rock an awesome show at the end.

Pre-reqs: Intro 2 or equivalent experience

FOUR WEEKS

Tuesdays, 7:00 – 9:30pm PST
November 19 – December 10

Location: Carousel Theatre Studios

Instructor: Syd Campbell

This class will open for registration on Thursday September 5 at high noon PST.

Game Hounds with Tom Hill

Four classes. 10 Hours. One show. $160.

In this workshop we are going to tear the lid off what makes good scenes into great games and vice versa. You’ll dig into a mix of theory, experimentation, and a fun-drenched approach while Tom leads you and your ensemble from simple games based off the initial offer in a scene all the way to layered, complex multi-game scenes that are built like fancy, hilarious cakes. 

Along the way you’ll experience several original exercises and at least a few unhinged drawings as Tom tries to level up your philosophical understanding of and practical skills in organic games. By the end of four weeks you’ll be sniffing out games in every situation as you and your classmates take it to the stage for a very fun final showcase.

Prerequisite: Intro 2 or Sketch 1. Players are encouraged to come ready to play strong characters! If more reps in that area would help, we recommend Characters for Days or Character POV!

FOUR WEEKS

Sundays, 2:45 – 5:15pm PST
December 1 – December 15

Location: China Cloud Studios

Instructor: Tom Hill

This class will open for registration on Thursday September 5 at high noon PST.

Character POV with Kerri Donaldson

Three Hours. $55.

If you’re just getting into playing characters and are finding them challenging, this class teaches how to enter a scene with a specific, unique point of view. Live, laugh, love; fear of hands; “I always win, even when I lose”; we could go on! You’ll get reps holding on to a very specific, defined and unique perspective (belief, mantra, philosophy) and use it to navigate scene choices based on this perspective.

Character is truly the spice of improv and if you’re looking to rev up your improv cooking this is the class for you! 

Prerequisite: Intro 1 or higher

Saturday, 1:30 – 4:30pm PST
December 7

Location: Carousel Theatre Studios

Instructor: Kerri Donaldson

This class will open for registration on Thursday September 5 at high noon PST.

Intro to Voice Work with Racquel Belmonte

One Class. 3 hours. $50.

In this class for adults, you’ll dive into the basics of voice work with one of the hottest names in the industry (and a Blind Tiger Comedy alumni!) Racquel Belmonte (Dragon Prince, Monster Loving Maniacs).

As you go, you’ll learn how to use your voice to its fullest potential while receiving unique, one-on-one tips and tricks to help you nail your auditions, land an agent, or to simply explore the world of voice over. You’ll try different types of commercials and animation sides, and explore three-dimensional character voices by adjusting aspects of your voice to create new characters you never knew existed.

All experiences welcome and no equipment necessary (having a mic and headphones is a bonus but not a requirement because you will be primarily focused on your acting!).

Monday, 6:30 – 9:30pm PST
December 9

Location: ZOOM

Instructor: Racquel Belmonte

This class will open for registration on Thursday September 5 at high noon PST.

Taster Classes

Join us for our taster comedy classes!

Intro to Improv Taster

One class. 90 minutes. $25.

Want to try improv but not sure if you’re up for a full five or eight-week course? This class is for you! 

This workshop will consist of easy and fun games that will give you a taste of the joy, confidence, and discovery that improv can offer. No experience necessary! Whether you’re comfortable performing or have never taken a stage, this class will make you feel welcome.

Must be at least 18 years old.

This workshop will be led by one of the working professional comedians who make up our amazing faculty.

The Improv Taster is $25 plus tax, and comes with a ticket to one of Blind Tiger’s flagship improv shows: Treat Show Comedy! Every Saturday at 7:30 and 9:30.

The show ticket must be used within one month of your taster class, which should be easy: Treat Show performs every Saturday at 7:30 and 9:30 (except long weekends!)!

Saturday, 1:30 – 3:00pm PST
October 19

Location: Carousel Theatre Studios

Instructor: Syd Campbell

register now

This class will open for registration on Thursday September 5 at high noon PST.

Monday, 7:00 – 8:30pm PST
October 28

Location: Carousel Theatre Studios

Instructor: Kevin Vidal

register now

This class will open for registration on Thursday June 6 at high noon PST.

Intro to Sketch Taster

One class. 90 minutes. $25.

Have you always been curious about sketch comedy but never had an opportunity to try it? Well this is the approachable one-class crash course for you. It will include easy, fun, introductory sketch writing exercises, a look at some of the concepts that we think make great sketch writers hilarious, and a chance to try some writing of your own. Beginners welcome, this class is a perfect place to start in the amazing world of sketch!

The Sketch Taster comes with a ticket to one of Blind Tiger’s flagship improv shows: Treat Show Comedy! Every Saturday at 7:30 and 9:30. The show ticket must be used within one month of your taster class, which should be easy: Treat Show performs every Saturday at 7:30 and 9:30 (except long weekends!)!

This workshop will be led by one of the working professional comedians who make up our amazing faculty!

This class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.

Bloc Teams

There’s nothing quite like choosing the group you’re with and collaborating towards a collective comedic goal. With this in mind, we created the Bloc Team Program. Bloc Teams are a great chance for you and your people to find your voices together, with help from a professional comedian/coach, and the next big step for us and our rad community. Here’s how they work:

• • Assemble– Find your people. It could be a duo, a trio, a group of eight…so long as you’re thrilled about every name on the list. They can be at the same point as you in the core classes series (we recommend this) or not, though all performers must have completed Intro 2 or have equivalent experience.

OR

• Rehearse & Perform– Your coach will build your team a rehearsal schedule customized to your strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Each group will get one or two showcases (depending on if you run four or eight weeks) in the Blind Tiger Comedy show schedule.
• Cost – Depends on class length and schedule, but you can generally imagine around $1025 per four weeks at two hours a week, or $1950 for eight. Includes four custom workshops and one show for every four weeks that you are working.
• Submit – Use our Bloc Team application form and give us a sense of your group, your schedule, your preferred coach and what you think you want to do. Notes:
  • Registration for Bloc Teams is ongoing, submit anytime.
  • Note: Bloc Teams are confirmed once we have received payment from you for that group.
  • Once Bloc Team schedules are agreed upon, we are unable to be flexible on changes to your group’s schedule. Measure twice, cut once!
• Then – we’ll review all your info, and get back to you within a couple business days!

Want more information, check out this Bloc Team Information Doc for answers!

If you have questions, we’re at classes@blindtigercomedy.ca

Buy a gift card from us!

Looking to help someone take the plunge into the best decision they’ve ever made? We’ve found gift cards really help with that.
Our gift cards are set up through Gift Up! so that you can easily buy them right here on the site! It’s ridiculous how easy it is, really. Instructions for how to redeem this value are below (spoiler: it’s also really easy). If you or they need any help with gift cards we’re here to help! Get at us via classes@blindtigercomedy.ca

How to Redeem a Blind Tiger Comedy Gift Card
1 – Check out www.blindtigercomedy.ca/classes (that’s this one!) and pick the upcoming class that’s for you
2 – Click the Register Now link or head right to our Eventbrite Page to pick a class
3 – When you get to the Tickets page, click “Enter Promo Code” and enter the code on your card (screenshot of this step below). That will automatically discount off the amount of your card!
4 – If there is a difference remaining to pay, you’ll need to pay by credit card to pay the balance.

A reminder! If you or your recipient have questions, get at us via classes@blindtigercomedy.ca we’re always happy to help.