Reviews - Stand-Up Comedy Classes At Stand-Up Studios "Several folks asked me where I learned to do stand-up. I learned from Sheila at Stand-Up Studios. It was an awesome experience. Sheila and my classmates were totally supportive, gave great feedback, and helped me build an act from nothing. I had ZERO experience -- not even an open mic. I had no idea how to write a joke. Now I have an act and have experience performing. I thought about doing it for years but never got around to it until now. If you've ever thought about doing stand-up, take this class!" Geoff Embler
Three years after taking Sheila's comedy writing class I have never found another teacher who knows comedy like she does. Since her class at the Writer's center I wrote a comedy memoir (which she worked on with me) I don't know what it is about her, but she inspires me so much. She's done it all and has a gift that she has chosen to share with the world. I am back, with my second comedy venture and will be working with Sheila again. Thank you for helping me find myself." Diane, Los Angeles "I took Sheila's course having no prior experience doing stand-up, and the qualification of being the "funny person" out of my friends. The first day I told my jokes to Sheila, I realized I had a lot to learn. Sheila is smart, patient, kind, and funny. The smaller class size that she offers is intimate and allows you to get more time and attention with her. Sheila was always available outside of class to talk through any ideas or concerns I had. By the end of her class I knew I had developed a lot to comfortably perform at the showcase. Sheila has given me an enormous amount of confidence to perform and helps me develop myself as a comedian. She spends a lot of the class helping students find their voice and applying it to their comedy. I would highly recommend her class to anyone who has ever thought of doing stand-up comedy or storytelling."Steve Asifo I just finished my zoom workshop with Stand-Up Studios and I killed in the showcase! I had no idea how to start being a comedian or what I was supposed to do but Sheila and all the great people in my class made it easy and fun. I never laughed so much. I live in Massachusetts and plan on hitting the open mics as soon as they open up. Now I have an act! I have something funny to say." Daniel R, Boston
Sheila, what a blessing you have been! From my first email to you inquiring about taking your Stand-Up Comedy Class, I could immediately tell you knew what it takes to be a great Comedian. First of all, thank you for making the class so interesting. You were so flexible with allowing all types of comedic styles and creativity. I learned so much from your class and it truly paid off. All my family and friends loved the show. It was so cool!! Listen ya'll, if you're on this website and reading the reviews go ahead and sign up for a class or two, or more. You won't regret it!! Whether you want to get your start in comedy or just enjoy a dope comedy class, start here at Stand-Up Studios, you will love it!" Keyonce Coles
I had taken Stand-Up studios class in person three times and I am now a working comedian in New York and Sheila is also my coach. I thought Zoom might be lame, but frankly it's even better and just as fun. Like Sheila taught me, your material is your safety blanket. Now I know what I am doing on stage and have confidence that she gave me! I am so grateful for Sheila's insight into this business. I am so grateful that I didn't jump on a stage because I thought I was funny. John Wells
"I had a transformative experience at Stand-Up Studios! I thank God for Sheila and her gifts of teaching and refreshing others. She is a blessing. Her class provided me the opportunity to break out of my fear of making people laugh outside of my living room. "Someday" became a reality for me that I will never forget. Initially I wanted to put it off because I felt I was being selfish but I leaned into the understanding that I could be a better me pursuing what I love with the intention of bringing that love to others through joy and laughter. I prayed for an exceptional experience and my prayers were answered! Marcy Darling "It's absolutely crazy to me that I got up in front of an audience of 90 people and made them burst out in hysterics. Just a month ago, I had been looking for a comedy class to work on being a little more outgoing. After flirting with the idea for a bit, I signed up for Stand-Up Studios on a whim and walked into my first class without a clue of how to even stand up on a stage without shaking in my shoes. One week in, I was on a stage telling my class about my week. By the end of my second class, I was developing awareness of all the potentially funny things in my life. I had a short, structured comedy set the next week, and before I knew it I had a spotlight in my face, a mic in my hand, and a room full of laughter right in front of me. How did I get here from "trying to be extroverted?" Sheila! She individualized her coaching to each of us and was truly invested in seeing us develop. I've been inspired to continue stand-up and I'll be sure to come back and take the exact same class after I get more experience under my belt."Zach Wright
When I saw the listing for your Comedy & Humor Writing workshop I was expecting a group of folks taking this class who were just curious and interested in comedy taught by someone from the regional theatre circuit. What I got was an AMAZING bunch of people intent on becoming better at their craft and trying to make a real go of it. Not only that but here is an instructor who is miles beyond expectations. I didn't read your resume or research anything until after the first class and I am blown away! It also explains why you are so good at this. The rapport and the critiques are spot on, and now I know why. Susan M.
"I've performed stand-up in the past but had taken a three year break, so I needed a refresher and wanted to be around some other funny people. Sheila and the other students were very supportive with no judgments. It was a very fun and warm atmosphere. Sheila is very adept at offering feedback. She understands her students and can help them hone their jokes using their own voice. Sheila is one of the most helpful teachers I have ever met in comedy. She does anything she can to help her students succeed and I am very grateful to have found her and Stand-Up Studios. I took several other classes while living in New York and Sheila helped me more in this class than any of the others combined! Cherly Bois
"Okay I'll admit it. I took a comedy class at a big comedy club (they won't let me say the name!) and I didn't learn much. I did the graduation show and ate it hard. Bombed! It was not a good experience and I never got on stage again. But the bug was still biting and I found Stand-Up Studios. OMG what a difference, I could go on and on about Sheila but will end with this - since her class (which I have taken twice and will again) I have been out performing at open mics, writing new material and crushing it for over a year. Very grateful" L.K.
"Stand-Up Studios workshops are a great way to get started in stand-up comedy. Prior to the class I didn't have much experience with public speaking and I didn't know if I could be funny on stage. After completing the workshop I had enough confidence and material to hit up some open mics. Sheila is a very good instructor. She has a lot of experience teaching comedy and a very effective teaching style that helped me improve consistently after each class. I took the workshop twice and benefited both times." Vikash Gupta Sheila you are an amazing teacher, an excellent professional but above all, a wonderful human being. Thank you for all you do, all your tips and the advice. It has been an honor to have been one of your students. I am very happy to have met you and I would like to take more classes with you again. Julio Cruz
For anyone considering taking a class in stand-up or comedy writing with Stand-Up Studios - do it! Sheila is highly attuned to the level and capability of each student and everyone felt good about the whole experience. She is enormously helpful in helping you craft material, in understanding what works and why, and how to present effectively. You'll be glad you did it. Darrell T.
I just finished a national tour and worked with some really big names in comedy. I am a professional, freaking, paid comedian because of Stand-Up Studios! Sheila was a comedy store regular for years, Laugh Factory, Improv, Sketch, you name it. She is an amazing comedian/writer. But even though all that really impressed me I was more impressed by her generosity. She practically writes the jokes for you but pulls back and lets you learn how to do it for yourself. You never forget people that make you shine. Thank u SW and Stand-Up Studios. Tony A.
Thank you Sheila, you're an awesome coach! I found many of your tips very helpful, especially the ones about how to organize and present the jokes in a concise way so we don't lose our audience's attention. When they laugh at your jokes it is the best feeling in the world. I would definitely love to come back! DanDan W.
"Sheila has been my comedy coach for a while now and my act has gone from open mic level to pro very quickly! In what would have taken me years to figure out, she taught me in one session! She helps me organize my set, develop premises and come up with new jokes and ideas so fast it's unbelievable. Now I only do booked shows and clubs and I will keep working with her until she gets sick of me. Do yourself a favor and work with Sheila, she is the best comedy coach and teacher out there and she is one amazing comedian herself. Thank you for everything!" David L, Los Angeles
I joined Sheila and I couldn't have wished for a better instructor. Also, don't feel like you have to know fluent English to work with Sheila because I didn't, yet I never felt that my lack of language skills as a reason not to have a shot in this field. Thank you Sheila for all of your work with me. You are my hero. She taught me the fundamentals of comedy and how to write good comic materials. She studied my strengths and improved them and knew how to work on my weak areas when I started to feel hopeless. By the end of the course, I felt confident because I knew exactly what it takes to be a good comedian. When our show came around, I never knew that what I performed on stage was possible! Everyone that came to support me loved my work and they were really impressed with me as I was with myself. Sheila is very talented and an expert of comedy." Diane Mubarak
"What a thrill it was it was last night to perform for an audience! The hard work of crafting comedy that was birthed with your expert, skillful and always kind, positive and encouraging coaching. Thank you so much for your generosity, compassion and lighthearted teaching! I could have never done it without you." Dr. MZ
"This class was a journey inside myself. It is so diverse and accommodating that from day 1, I could be myself. Sheila (the instructor) is a silent mentor, the kind who lets her students develop over time in a way that they don’t even understand how much they are learning just by being there. She is so calm and relaxed about everything that it used to stress me out on why she is so chill and then I realized it is because she has faith in her students and she is proud of them. She is confident that her students can be in the limelight. She gives credit and lets them develop and stand on their own feet! This is a huge thing!! There are very few mentors and teachers who teach with such rhythm, poise and subtlety that one doesn’t even realize what one’s learning over the course of just a month. Stand-Up comedy is definitely a serious affair which Stand-Up Studios takes seriously and let’s people laugh at themselves until they can make their audience laugh to the core. I had so much fun taking this class that no matter how nervous I am, every time I go on stage after this class, I will know that there is a Sheila around me somewhere somehow. Loved it!!! Freeha Fatima
"What's so great about classes at Stand-Up Studios is that you really do create a comedy act and are ready to get out there and get started. I would never have done this on my own without Sheila. She is like a comedy magician! I don't know how she does it, but the way her mind works is amazing. We all got individual help every step of the way, it was like having your own personal comedy coach. The class is so much fun and I've made lifetime friends. Gonna take it again and keep on building on my new comedy set." J Lange "The journey into the entertainment biz later in life has been a roller coaster ride of self discovery. The goal for taking the Stand-Up Studios classes was to bring out my own funny more, to develop as a comedic actress and performer. Thanks to Sheila and her amazing coaching, I'm really looking forward to seeing what the future holds. I love sharing the gift of laughter because, let's face it, we could all use a break from that complex thing called life. Thank you, Sheila #forevergrateful." Dawn Womack
"I've taken A LOT of comedy classes in a lot of different cities at some big comedy clubs, sketch theaters, you name it. I learned more about comedy writing and performing from Sheila than at any other class I've been in and that's a fact. You really do get a lot of personal attention and her experience in this industry is obvious. I've taken the class twice and had an amazing experience each time." James Zimmer
"Thank you SOOO much for the wonderful stand-up comedy course. I enjoyed it immensely and learned a heck of a lot about the craft in such a short space of time. It was a nice little group we had and you created a very welcoming and fun vibe. The big surprise for me was learning so much about myself in this process and how important understanding who you are is for any comedian when interacting with their audience. Thank you!" Brian B
"This is a class for anyone who has ever, and I mean ever, wanted to try their hand at stand-up comedy! Also to add - it is perhaps one of the most uplifting experiences I have ever had. It's all about fun and laughter so why not give it a try, and Sheila will make you see that!Ryan Hussey
"I would advise anyone to take Sheila's class at Stand-Up Studios. From day one, she takes you out of your comfort zone and makes you get on stage. She structures the course in a way that you'll have more than enough material to perform your 10 minute showcase set. I've wanted to get on stage for years. Sheila's assignments and encouragement made that possible. If you're thinking about doing stand-up and you're on the fence, I encourage you to make your way to Stand-Up Studios." Jhamal McKee
"Sheila is a great instructor and I definitely recommend taking her classes. She incorporates many exercises and techniques that help generate ideas for material and she helps each student develop their own voice. Even though my material and approach were different from that of other students in the class, she encouraged me to keep pursuing that path through those following weeks of workshopping. Since then I have performed the act multiple times and it has been well received by audiences. If it wasn't for her coaching, I probably wouldn't have found some of my most popular material." Eric Zaman
"Taking a class at Stand-Up Studios was one of the better decisions I've made since moving to DC. I'd taken comedy classes in Los Angeles, so I was a little skeptical that this one would do anything for me either. But thanks to Sheila's teaching style this class re-sparked my interest and passion for comedy! I came in with artistic stage fright and couldn't imagine myself up on stage without freezing, stuttering or bombing. As a creative I know any perceived criticism can be gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, but Sheila does a stellar job of providing constructive feedback and expects that of her students. Sheila is firm and friendly and knows how to work with even the meekest of students. In fact, I thought she was a little too easy on those who didn't appear to have it together or who weren't considered very funny and yet she still seemed to coach their best performance/material out of them. And that's why this class exists! As an unexpected bonus, I have classmates I keep in touch with and we support one another through our journey in the comedy world. If you are considering taking this class, stop considering and just sign up!"Andrew V
This class was a great introduction into Stand Up Comedy! Sheila helped me learn to listen for the comedy in my normal conversations and taught me how to develop a routine. The class environment was very supportive and the assignments really stretch the way you view your daily life. I am now finding the funny everyday and looking forward to getting back on the stage! Clyde Thompson
"Dear Stand-Up Studios, just wanted to thank you for an amazing comedy show last night. We got our tickets on Eventrbrite looking for something to do last minute and the BYOB was very enticing! We didn't know what to expect but what a wonderful surprise. Everyone was soooo good! Sheila was incredible. Thank you. We are definitely coming back next month." Zoe Bakshi(audience)
"I would highly recommend this class to anyone! I started off never being on stage or doing anything like this. However, by the end I had a great routine that got tons of laughter! How you may ask, because Sheila is just wonderful and great at her craft and helping other at all levels." Omar Haq
"I’ve been involved in various performance endeavors and public speaking since I was a child, but stand-up comedy was always something I had my eye on, but was too scared to try. I am so thankful I found Sheila’s class. Sheila is such a great, supportive teacher and the class provides the perfect creative incubator to take risks. I highly recommend this class to anyone! You won’t regret it."Jenny Questell
"Sheila is an excellent teacher - she gives individual attention to everyone in class, provides helpful exercises and knows how to highlight the funniest parts of a story. The small class size gives everyone plenty of time on stage and creates a space for everyone to help each other hone their material. About to start my THIRD class - highly recommend to both newbies and veterans!" Katy Grossman
"Stand-Up Studios is a fantastic introduction to the art of Stand-Up! Sheila will guide you through your first time on stage and help you develop so much material for the open mic circuit." Patrick Furie
"Like anything else in life, when you start, you don't know where to start. Sheila taught me it was okay to be myself and gave me the confidence I needed to remember I could do this. Sheila is a great teacher, but also a great friend. Stand-Up Studios was a perfect place for me to start." Skyler Champagne
"I got 3 private coaching sessions with Sheila at Stand-Up Studios as an anniversary gift. Why my wife thought it would do me any good is beyond me. Well, guess what. It did me a lot of good! I tried toastmasters, public speaking courses, Improv classes but could never write anything with wit. Sheila taught me how to get to the funny. I use it now for work even in everyday emails. I am taking a class now too because I feel ready to get up in front of a comedy audience and give it a real shot!" Brett Douglas
"I thoroughly enjoyed taking comedy classes with Stand-Up Studios! Taking the class helped me increase my material for the stage and helped me with my delivery. The writing exercises expanded my mind and will be a helpful tool I will use, especially when I have to do comedy for specific audiences. I highly recommend Stand-Up Studios for comedians, those thinking about comedy and comedy writers. Sheila is a great teacher and gives honest critiques and encouragement." Angela Moore
"I've been performing comedy on and off over the past few years and was looking to take my set to the next level. Stand-Up Studios gave me the platform I needed to accomplish that. The class exposed me to some different comedic delivery styles and writing techniques. Highly recommended for anyone looking to get into comedy or take the next step on the journey." Byron Chen
"Tonight I conquered a huge fear!! I've always wanted to do standup comedy. Secret desire and huge fear but I hate living life with what ifs so I gave it a try. I didn't talk much about it because this year is all about action for me. Hopefully by this time next year I would've accomplished a lot. Tonight was a big accomplishment in my book. More to come!!" Lathisha Harrison
"Sheila has one of the best reps on the stand-up circuit because she is so prolific and original and I wanted to learn how she does it. She coached me one-on-one and taught me how to uncover humor in almost everything without having to resort to the lowbrow material most comics do today."Kris McKay