Stand Up Classes

If you've already tried stand-up, you know the difference between casually joking with your buddies and actually entertaining a paying audience that doesn't know and love you. You have to "earn" their laugher. What you witness on the stage as a spontaneous and fun performance by a stand-up comic is actually the result of writing and rehearsing.

And if you're new to stand-up, I'm often asked is, "Am I funny enough to perform stand-up comedy?"

Anyone who likes to make people laugh can learn do it on stage. Are you told, "You're funny, you should do stand-up comedy?" Then you have what it takes. Smart alecks are welcome! Stand-up comedy is the only job where if people laugh at you, you're doing it right. You can't say that about your day job!

If you've never done stand-up comedy, when you come to class for first time, there are no expectations. You'll first learn stage and microphone etiquette then, week by week, you will develop a comedy routine to perform.

If you've done open mic shows you already know how time-consuming it can be, plus your feedback only comes in small doses. Comedy class will streamline this process. In my comedy classroom you receive:

Valuable stage time to try out and revise your written material
Instant feedback from your fellow comics from an audience perspective
Notes from your coach with 17 years of comedy teaching experience (me!) who zeros in on what you need to do to reach your next level with a quality act that keeps them laughing

After only a few classes, when you go back to open mic, you'll be able to tell who is professional and who isn't.

Open mic can get you a bar act, professional classes can get you a club act.

Class size is limited to 10 students

Classes run for 8 weeks. 7 classes and then conclude with a showcase at Stir Crazy Comedy Club.

Current Available Classes:

» Sign up to be notified when the class next opens

About The Instructor

Brian Kohatsu is an Improvisor, stand-up comedian and media producer. He performs comedy all around the country in comedy clubs, casinos, and churches. Brian has entertained for major corporations such as Nissan and Home Depot, in addition to several national and local charities. An Arizona native, Brian has taught improv around the valley for over a decade and is excited to be teaching at Stir Crazy Comedy Club in his hometown of Glendale.

For more information, contact Brian at

"Razor sharp, deadly funny, and knows how to share a stage... Brian's genius is in knowing how to help you bring on the laughs! It's a rare thing when 'hilarious' and 'generous' describe the same comic, but here, it fits!" - Cory McClosky, Fox 10 News

"I found more value in one interaction with Brian Kohatsu, than an entire year studying improv... and an entire decade studying stand-up." - Robert Fata, Stand Up Comedian, Troupe member at National Comedy Theater and The Brelbry Theater

"Beyond his abilities as an artistic director, instructor, and performer, Brian is a kind, fun, and extremely likable person. He has my highest recommendation. I learned a great deal under Brian's instruction, skills that I still use to this day." - Sarah Farson, Troupe Member The Mixed Nuts, Chaos Comedy, High School Drama Teacher

"I took the class because I wanted to feel more comfortable in front of people without taking a boring speech class. Improv was perfect. It let me break out of my shell in a fun, supportive way." - Marta Schmitz, Video Producer

"As a middle school teacher studying improv with Brian Kohatsu was one of the best decisions I ever made. Not only does his curriculum build from a solid foundation, but I found new ways to keep my 7th and 8th graders engaged and active during class time and during transitions that my students love!" - Amanda Beaubien, Elementary School Teacher

"Class isn't usually synonymous with fun. But this one was. Sure it was structured and taught everyone how to be effective at Improv, but it didn’t feel like a class. I have more confidence. I am quicker on my toes in conversation. I am more relaxed. I'm a better listener. And I'm more at ease when in front of a large group." - Jill Carter, Writer

"Doing improv comedy was always a dream of mine. I didn't realize that signing up for Brian's class would have such a positive impact on my life. In addition to getting up on stage and making people laugh, the skills I learned helped build my confidence and communication skills in my personal life as well as my work life." - Aaron Beaubien, IT Professional

"The class helped me to improve my public speaking skills and how to relate to people. The class is also very FUN! I recommend Brian's Improv Class to everyone!" - Clay McGuire, Pastor

"Taking improv classes with Brian has giving me the tools and confidence to advance not only in performing improv, but also has improved my stand up comedy material, my efficiency at work, and finding the funny in life." - Elinor Stone, Stand Up Comedian and Troupe Member at Improvmania