DCPA Education

For anyone who has ever wished they’d been voted “Class Clown,” — or class clowns who would like to be on the stage instead of in the audience — comedy classes may be just the thing to channel your inner Steve Martin or Wanda Sykes. Even without aspirations toward a career in stand-up and your own Netflix special, classes in comedy and improv can improve confidence, spark creativity, and help you break out of old routines. They say that laughter is the best medicine: here are some places in the Front Range where the (comedy) doctor is in.

RISE COMEDY
1260 22^nd St., Denver

Formerly known as Voodoo Theatre, RISE Comedy in Denver’s Ballpark neighborhood offers shows and the RISE Comedy Training Center with classes that are guaranteed to get you on the other side of the microphone and make fans of your friends and family. Geared to adults 18 and up, the classes are taught by instructors who have appeared at world-famous improv theaters like iO West, iO Chicago, Second City, Groundlings, Annoyance, UCB, and more. Classes usually run from six to eight weeks, and learners can choose from improv, stand-up, sketch and musical improv curriculums. If you’re not quite ready to brave a class, RISE has a variety of shows and a full bar serving beer, wine, and cocktails. 

THE ATHENA PROJECT: GIRLS STAND UP
Locations vary

This year’s “Girls Stand Up” summer camp sold out in a flash, so mark your comedy calendars for next year’s offering from The Athena Project, a Colorado nonprofit nurturing girls’ and women’s artistic expressions. The weeklong summer camp in improv and standup comedy is a fun space for girls and nonbinary kids to revel in laughter and creativity. Until next summer, check out the free monthly “Artfully Minded Open Mic Nights & Workshops” for girls and nonbinary youth in grades 6 to 10.

NORTHGLENN ARTS
Parsons Theatre, 1 E. Memorial Parkway, Northglenn

The City of Northglenn’s Northglenn Arts provides affordable access to the arts in north Denver, with a variety of classes, performances, and events throughout the year. Among these are “Jump Off Center Comedy & Improv.” These six-week sessions encourage students to stretch their natural creativity and develop comfort on the stage.

DENVER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

While all improv is not intended to be comedic, there are often plenty of laughs to be had. Fall enrollment is now underway for all ages at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. From child classes inspired by the DCPA’s production of Elephant and Piggie’s “WE ARE IN A PLAY” to improv classes for teens and adults, a full spectrum of classes offers topics ranging from improv and acting to movement and voiceover. Single day and multi-week classes begin in September.

CHAOS BLOOM THEATER
70 S. Broadway, Denver

On South Broadway in the Baker neighborhood, Chaos Bloom Theater offers a year-round selection of classes in improv, sketch and standup comedy as well as clowning for ages 17 and up. Each summer, parents can sign children ages 9 to 15 up for one (or both!) of two one-week Kids Comedy Camps. Want to watch? Catch shows each Thursday through Sunday.

MONKEY BUTLER IMPROV TROUPE
1535 Pearl St., Denver

“Fail Gloriously” is the motto of Monkey Butler Improv Troupe, which began in Los Angeles but now offers FREE improv workshops each Monday at the Denver Community Church. Workshops are open to all levels and all ages.