Welcome to Stand-Up Comedy: Building a Stronger, Longer Set! We’re so glad you’re here.
This course is designed to build on your foundational stand-up skills by focusing on refining both your material and delivery. We will begin with an in-depth review of last cycle’s material, then dive into developing new bits, seamlessly integrating them into your existing sets. Along the way, we’ll sharpen your performance skills and take a closer look at your material to uncover the purpose and passion that make your comedy uniquely yours.
Course material and lesson plans are curated and developed by the teaching artist, Hollie Harper of StandUP Girls!
Learning Objectives
- Review and evaluate previous material to identify strengths, areas for growth, and opportunities for refinement.
- Develop and integrate new comedic material that complements and enhances your existing set.
- Strengthen performance skills, including timing, delivery, and stage presence.
- Analyze and refine your set to highlight its core purpose, personal voice, and comedic intent.
Requirements
Cycle 1 – Spring 2025
- 2 pair sessions per month
- Attend all live Journey Meetings (see the Engagement Dates section below)
- Attend at least 1 Office Hours Session with Journey Staff Lead
- Attend 1:1 Office Hours with Journey Teaching Artist (optional)
- Complete all lessons provided in the course Spring 2025: Intro to Stand-up Comedy
- Submit your 5min stand-up set (see the Submissions section below)
- Participate in 1 stand-up comedy showcase
Cycle 2 – Summer 2025
- 2 pair sessions per month
- Attend all live Journey Meetings (see the Engagement Dates section below)
- Attend at least 1 Office Hours Session with Journey Staff Lead
- Attend 1:1 Office Hours with Journey Teaching Artist (optional)
- Complete all lessons provided in the course Summer 2025: Stand-up Comedy: Building a Stronger, Longer Set
- Submit your 10min stand-up set (see the Submissions section below)
- Participate in 1 stand-up comedy showcase
Asynchronous Coursework
Complete each lesson in the the following course. As you progress through each lesson, make sure to press complete before moving on to the next.
- Intro to Stand-Up Comedy (Spring 2025)
This course teaches the fundamentals of joke writing, comedic structure, and crafting punchlines. Aspiring comedians will be guided through the art of writing and performing stand-up comedy. - Stand-Up Comedy: Building a Stronger, Longer Set (Summer 2025)
This course is designed to build on the foundational skills of stand-up by focusing on refining material and delivery.
Engagement Dates
Participants will attend two Journey Live Meetings each month as part of the course for that cycle. Additionally, you can schedule 1:1 office hours with the Journey Instructor for individual assistance as needed.
Each cycle will conclude with Stand-Up Comedy Shows, where participants can perform their sets for a live audience. There will be one hybrid show per cycle.
Spring Cycle Journey Meetings:
March 8th & 22nd
April 5th & 26th
May 10th & 31st
Spring Cycle Stand-Up Comedy Show:
June 8th
Summer Cycle Journey Meetings:
July 12th & 26th
August 9th & 23rd
September 6th & 20th
Summer Cycle Stand-Up Comedy Show:
September 27th
Submissions
For the first course, you’ll submit a 5-minute stand-up comedy set that incorporates the techniques, structure, and insights you’ve learned. In the second course, you’ll build upon this initial set, expanding it to 10 minutes by refining your material, pacing, and delivery. The final submission for the second course will be your full 10-minute set, showcasing your growth and mastery of the skills developed throughout both courses.
Submission instructions are within each course.
