Laura Banks, is a renowned comedian from NYC, where she passed at The Comedy Cellar and The Improvisation. She is also an actress, having starred in films and authored three comedy books, one with Simon and Schuster, and one USA Today Bestseller, “Breaking the Rules” which sold over a quarter of a million copies. She studied improv and performed with Whoopi Goldberg and The Groundlings East. She is bringing her expertise to St. Petersburg's, Sunshine City Comedy Club. Join her for a 5-week stand-up comedy workshop suitable for all skill levels with a showcase at the end. Engage in interactive activities, improve your confidence, and connect with fellow comics who you once hated, but can help you write jokes! Don't miss this chance to explore a new hobby or enhance your comedy skills. You’re taught skills. Judging your work is not what happens. It’s all about overcoming stage fright, finding your persona, the fundamentals of storytelling, and writing one-liners.

Level I – “Building Your Stand-Up Set, from a Disaster to Diggin’ It”: Laura Banks shares simple strategies for developing your persona, joke writing, connecting with the audience, and not bombing. (What more can you ask for?) Where: The Sunshine City Comedy Club Showcase: To Be Announced

  • Beginners and all levels welcome. (Attendees must start here to move forward.)

  • 5-week course

  • Classes in person with Laura Banks

  • Learn live over Zoom Remote May 16 or June 27)

  • Classes are 2 hours with a short 15 min. break.

  • $249.95

  • For More Information call Laura at 352-552-1243

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Level II - Honing Your Act so You Don’t Look Like an Idiot to Friends and Family

The Writing and Showcase Workshop is a 6-week course designed to elevate your stand-up comedy abilities. Throughout the course, you will hone your joke-writing and performance skills. You will begin to craft a solid routine, (this shit takes time), refine your delivery, and overcome stage fright. Simple ways to connect with your audience are introduced to your craft. Receive valuable insights from your peers and benefit from personalized sessions. The program culminates in a live showcase at the Sunshine City Comedy Club, providing a platform to showcase your progress and newfound skills.

  • Prerequisites: You must complete the level one above, no matter how fucking good you think you are.

  • $249.95

  • 6-week course including a showcase

  • Dates to Be Announced Shortly

When delving into the realm of comedy, there are various essential aspects to explore and master. From honing your comedic timing to incorporating funny anecdotes into your routine, the process entails a blend of editing, refining, and storytelling. Develop your unique style by defining joke premises and jump cuts. Discover if you are an observational comic or prefer sharing about your personal life up there in the hot box. Engage your audience by pulling them into the narrative of your comedy "movie," ensuring authenticity in your delivery. Embrace spontaneity by incorporating audience interaction and leveraging tag timing for maximum impact. And in those moments of mental lapse, equip yourself with strategies to navigate through and keep the laughter flowing.

IMPROV, IMPROV, IMPROV (DATES COMING SOON.)

IMPROV 101: Short Form Essentials is a comprehensive introduction to the core principles of improv comedy through the practice of various improv games known as short form, inspired by the popular show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?". The course emphasizes the development of spontaneity, word game play, trust, communication, active listening skills, the essential "yes, and" approach, foundational scene work techniques, mastering comedic timing, and honing the art of setting up comedic scenarios. Led by the experienced instructor Laura Banks, this course is open to participants of all skill levels, offering a fun and engaging journey into the world of short-form improv comedy.
COST: $150
DATES:
LOCATION:

Join IMPROV 102 to learn more short-form games like "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" and advance with your fellow players up the ranks toward improv mastery. Develop comedic skills, audience connection, and improv basics. Enhance confidence, risk-taking, adaptability, and comedic timing. Prerequisite: Short Form 101. Join us for a fun time!
COST: $150
DATES: To Be Announced
LOCATION: To Be Announced

"Scenic Improv 103” with Laura Banks provides a dynamic platform for students to delve into the art of improvisation within scenes. This course guides participants in seamlessly connecting various scenarios to craft a cohesive performance known as Long Form. By engaging in a series of group activities and exercises, students hone their abilities in active listening, staying in the moment, embracing spontaneity, trusting their instincts, and embracing the fundamental principle of "Yes, And" in the realm of improvisational theater."
COST: $150
DATES:
LOCATION:

LONG FORM IMPROV 104: SCENE TOOLS
LONG FORM IMPROV FOCUSES ON TECHNIQUES THAT WILL TAKE YOUR IMPROV SCENES TO THE NEXT LEVEL. STUDENTS WILL EXPLORE DIFFERENT WAYS TO EDIT SCENES, CREATE GROUPS SCENES, AND MAKE STRONG INITIATIONS THROUGH CHARACTER AND SPACE WORK. TAUGHT BY LAURA BANKS OR GUEST ARTIST.
** PRE-REQUISITE: IMPROV 1 OR PREVIOUS IMPROV WITH APPROVAL FROM INSTRUCTOR.
COST: $150
DATES:
LOCATION:

Performance Lab 105 is a drop-in workshop catered for improvisers seeking customized instruction tailored to their personal goals. Participants will have the opportunity to share their perceived strengths and weaknesses in improv, shaping the journey of their class experience. This workshop requires a pre-requisite of at least of at least three months of improv experience.

Date: Click image to purchase an 8-class pack for $200 | Cost to drop in to class: $30 at the door

Long Form: Specifics is designed for intermediate to advanced improvisers aiming to delve into detailed scene work and make precise, impactful choices. This class will focus on techniques to build the world of the scene, enhance character relationships, and explore the motivations behind the characters.

Cost: $250

Dates:

Location: