LA Stand Ups - Stand Up Comedy Classes - Santa Monica, California

Chasity C.

Highly recommended if you're aspiring to be a comedian, just looking to have fun, or finding ways to finesse your technique. The class is a fast-track way to figure out the basics of the comedy scene, and is much easier and less terrifying than going to open mic nights to figure out the right things by trial and error. I was in a class of originally 9 people (2 dropped out due to time constraints) and it was perfect. The group was small enough that everyone had time to show their material, but also big enough to receive substantial feedback. Joe is amazing at providing constructive criticism, suggesting ideas to evolve your set, and is not afraid to tell you if you're taking cheap shots for a half-assed chuckle. At the end, we all performed at the Hollywood Improv in front of our friends, which was an amazing opportunity to be in the limelight. The audience was super supportive of our acts, and classmates who were unsure of their material absolutely KILLED it during the show! If you take Joe's class, you will definitely find a method of writing that suits you and create an on-stage persona that defines you as an artist.

Dalya B.

I took Joe's class a little over a year ago & have been doing comedy since. I honestly would not recommend it now that I know what I know now.

First of all, Joe's expertise comes from his time booking comedy. I do think he has a knack for understanding it, but I don't think he knows how to perform it. This is probably my bad, but I honestly didn't know that I should be going to open mics because it was never explicitly said - this is a beginner comics course, so why wouldn't tools be given on where to go to get on stage?

When I asked about grounding techniques for being on stage, Joe had absolutely no advice and also made me feel like I was asking a stupid question.

Our performance at the end of the course would have been my first time on stage with an audience. Prior to that, we just performed our comedy in front of our classmates and Joe getting feedback.

I found Joe's feedback to be particularly harsh on the non-men in the group. For myself, I'm non-binary and not once did he correctly use they/them pronouns, despite my act being all about people getting my pronouns wrong, but once even called me 'it'. He said my comedy was more about feelings than jokes. I'm honestly so grateful I found a good teacher after him because I don't think I would have continued if I didn't.

If you are stuck in the 90s style of comedy & already have a small foundation of comedy, go for this class. Otherwise, spend your money elsewhere.

Hans ?. G. H.

I took this class about a year ago. I had Zero stand up experience at the time. The class started with the fundamentals of how to create a set, how to trim the fat from jokes to get to the punchlines faster, how to deliver on stage, etc. Every week we performed in class. I can describe the experience as tough love. We got the coaching that we needed to get to improve our material. The type of coaching that creates winners. In 6 short weeks, I saw dramatic improvement from everyone in class. This culminated in our graduation class at the Hollywood Improv. I was blown away in seeing the quality performances from people who couldn’t hardly tell a joke 6 weeks prior. That’s a reflection of the quality teaching & coaching we all received during class. If you want a comedy class that will pull out the best in you, LA StandUps is the place for you.

Comedian H. L.

This is an amazing class and Joe is an awesome teacher and mentor! Stand Up Comedy has been a life long dream of mine. I was scared to try until this class. Taking Joes class gave me the tools and confidence I needed!
What I like most is Joe isn't going to just tell you what you want to hear. He challenges you to be the best and give it your all!!
Truly the only stand up class you need!!!
I plan to continue to work with Joe to continue on this journey and take it to the next level!!

Beck F.

This was one of the most rewarding classes I've ever taken. Joe gives you EXACTLY what you need to do well in standup comedy. Be open. Listen to the notes. Follow the formulas. This will challenge you to look at who you are and what you're made of. It doesn't always feel great, but it truly makes you a better comedian, and human, in my opinion. Not to mention, performing on the Improv stage was the best feeling in the world and this class made that possible. Thanks for everything Joe!!

Tamiyka W.

I recommend anyone taking Joe Falzarono's classes! Whatever level you're at, take that class and get in there and become a student of the art form! Comedy isn't easy. The great comedians we love and admire make it look easy because they have practiced their craft and conditioned themselves like any great athlete by really doing the work! And you have to do the work! Last night's graduation proved that I can be a great comic because I was willing to do the work. And thanks to Joe believing in me and all of his students, I see it's possible that I can do this. So, if you're thinking of taking a class to see if you might have what it takes to be a comic, then I HIGHLY recommend you take Joe's class at LA STAND UPS. Joe is a great teacher! He loves comedy and teaching it. I was scared out of my mind. But he was calm and kind and kept motivating me and the rest of my classmates that I, WE, could do this. And you can, too! So if you're thinking about seeing if you have what it takes to become a comic, take Joe's class. He knows this craft because he, too, is a student of the art form. Thank you Joe!

Agregan A.

This class taught me so much about the art of stand up and most importantly how to write good and funny jokes. Joe helps you grow by giving you specific and real feedback. Then at the end of it all to be able to perform at the Hollywood Improv was really amazing! Anyone that wants to do stand up, needs to take this class.

Nicole T.

Joe was an excellent teacher who has a deep understanding for comedy. He covered many important principles when it comes to doing stand up and finding your own unique style. He helped me to find my voice and to feel comfortable on stage. I could not believe that at the end of the class I was preforming stand up. With an offer to do more!