UPCOMING CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
The Siren Theater is committed to offering classes in all things comedy taught by performing professionals!
Classes will take place in person at the BRAND NEW SIREN THEATER
3913 N. Mississippi Ave
Classes are for those 18+
Classes will take place in person at the BRAND NEW SIREN THEATER
3913 N. Mississippi Ave
Classes are for those 18+
FALL 2023 INSTRUCTORS
Introducing the instructors for Fall, 2023! Class descriptions and registration info below!
STAND UP COMEDY WITH
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IMPROV COMEDY
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SKETCH COMEDY
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STAND UP COMEDY WITH |
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LEVEL 1 STAND UP COMEDY
SUNDAYS
SEPTEMBER 10-OCTOBER 29
12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$275 EARLY BIRD THROUGH SEPTEMBER 3!
$300 AFTER THAT!
Level 1
This is a 8 week course that covers:
1) The basics of stand up comedy as a whole
2) The joke writing process, broken down to three major writing principles
3) Performance mechanics and practice every week
4) Notes and feedback (but just from me, I don't encourage level one performers to give each other feedback)
You'll perform/present something every week and will be assigned homework with practice. The 7th week is a "dress rehearsal" and final practice for our graduation show on week 8, where everyone will perform 5-7 sets at Siren Theater for your friends and family.
You can come to class with some experience or none at all and get plenty of feedback over the 7 weeks!
This is a 8 week course that covers:
1) The basics of stand up comedy as a whole
2) The joke writing process, broken down to three major writing principles
3) Performance mechanics and practice every week
4) Notes and feedback (but just from me, I don't encourage level one performers to give each other feedback)
You'll perform/present something every week and will be assigned homework with practice. The 7th week is a "dress rehearsal" and final practice for our graduation show on week 8, where everyone will perform 5-7 sets at Siren Theater for your friends and family.
You can come to class with some experience or none at all and get plenty of feedback over the 7 weeks!
LEVEL 2 STAND UP COMEDY
SUNDAYS
SEPTEMBER 10-OCTOBER 29
3:30 PM-6:00 PM
$275 EARLY BIRD THROUGH JUNE 18!
$300 AFTER THAT!
Level 2
This class builds on the basics taught in Level 1 and/or also the basics learned from doing open mics and beginner level showcases
1) We work on expanding our writing methods to include other methods of stand up comedy writing
2) We focus on a different practice and delivery style every week including
A) Physical bit/act outs/Non verbal punchlines
B) Storytelling
C) Short form
D) Crowd work
E) Hosting shows
3) Every class includes a performance aspect and feedback/notes
4) We encourage participants to work on their craft outside of class, and share their experiences
6) Homework includes writing assignments and performance goals
7) The class is encouraged to attend shows and open mics and learn from the local stand up comedy scene
8) We will work towards honing a set for the graduation showcase and perform for a live audience at Siren Theater on the last day of class
This class builds on the basics taught in Level 1 and/or also the basics learned from doing open mics and beginner level showcases
1) We work on expanding our writing methods to include other methods of stand up comedy writing
2) We focus on a different practice and delivery style every week including
A) Physical bit/act outs/Non verbal punchlines
B) Storytelling
C) Short form
D) Crowd work
E) Hosting shows
3) Every class includes a performance aspect and feedback/notes
4) We encourage participants to work on their craft outside of class, and share their experiences
6) Homework includes writing assignments and performance goals
7) The class is encouraged to attend shows and open mics and learn from the local stand up comedy scene
8) We will work towards honing a set for the graduation showcase and perform for a live audience at Siren Theater on the last day of class
IMPROV COMEDY WITH NICHOLAS KESSLERNicholas Kessler has been a working actor, comedian and host in Portland, OR for nearly 20 years. As an improviser and comedian, Nicholas has performed on nearly ever stage in Portland, including Portland Center Stage, Helium Comedy Club, and The Winningstad. Nicholas has performed multiple seasons with The Second City, and has had featured roles on Grimm, Portlandia, and The Librarians. He teaches and performs improv at The Siren Theater, and coaches throughout Portland. For the past six years he has been the host of OPB’s The Moth StorySLAM, and has performed stories for BackFence PDX, as well as The Moth. Offstage, Nicholas is a father of two and is a Communication/Empathy Coach for law enforcement, medical and executive professionals!
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INTERMEDIATE IMPROV COMEDY
TUESDAYS
SEPTEMBER 12-OCTOBER 17
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
$250 EARLY BIRD THROUGH SEPTEMBER 5!
$275 AFTER THAT!
For those with improv or other performing experience.
Build on the improv basics and take your improv to a new level. In addition to reinforcing the skills of listening, accepting and building, this class will focus on
- Scenework
- Initiations
-Characters
Build on the improv basics and take your improv to a new level. In addition to reinforcing the skills of listening, accepting and building, this class will focus on
- Scenework
- Initiations
-Characters
SATURDAY MORNING SKETCH with |
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INTRO TO SKETCH COMEDY
SATURDAYS
SEPTEMBER 23-OCTOBER 7
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
$85 early bird through September 16!
$100 after that!
This 3 week introduction to sketch comedy class is for absolute beginners and for those who want a refresher course in writing for sketch comedy. Through lecture and individual exercises, students will:
- Learn the basics about the different types of sketch comedy
- Understand how to write a script for live sketch comedy from beginning to end
- Understand how to take an idea and turn it into a sketch
- Begin to explore their unique voice in sketch comedy
- Complete at least one full script for a sketch comedy sketch
This class will focus on writing only. There will be no group work or performance.
- Learn the basics about the different types of sketch comedy
- Understand how to write a script for live sketch comedy from beginning to end
- Understand how to take an idea and turn it into a sketch
- Begin to explore their unique voice in sketch comedy
- Complete at least one full script for a sketch comedy sketch
This class will focus on writing only. There will be no group work or performance.
EXPERIENCED SKETCH PERFORMANCE
SATURDAYS
OCTOBER 14-NOVEMBER 25
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
$275 early bird through October 7!
$300 after that!
OCTOBER 14-NOVEMBER 25
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
$275 early bird through October 7!
$300 after that!
This 7 week course is for those wanting to write and perform sketch comedy who already have performing experience, and who want to be challenged with writing and performance. This course will end in a performance at The Siren Theater the last week of November (date will be established on the first day of class).
Students who register for this class will be sent an email requesting the student's performance history. Students will be sent prompts for sketches two weeks before the first week of class, and will be expected to bring at least one completed script to the first meeting.
Through individual and group work, students will:
- Build on their current sketch writing and performing experience
- Learn how to work through common sketch comedy writing dilemmas (like finding an ending)
- Challenge themselves in developing fresh and new characters
- Write and perform a cohesive sketch comedy show
This class is taught by Shelley McLendon, but students can also expect guest facilitators with expertise in character work, physicality, and writing.
Space is limited to 8 students.
Students who register for this class will be sent an email requesting the student's performance history. Students will be sent prompts for sketches two weeks before the first week of class, and will be expected to bring at least one completed script to the first meeting.
Through individual and group work, students will:
- Build on their current sketch writing and performing experience
- Learn how to work through common sketch comedy writing dilemmas (like finding an ending)
- Challenge themselves in developing fresh and new characters
- Write and perform a cohesive sketch comedy show
This class is taught by Shelley McLendon, but students can also expect guest facilitators with expertise in character work, physicality, and writing.
Space is limited to 8 students.
Interested in taking a comedy class that we are not offering currently? Complete the form below and we will let you know when we have a class coming up that may appeal to your interest!
PAST CLASSES AT THE SIREN THEATER
BEGINNING IMPROV COMEDY WITH
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SUMMER 2022
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SUMMER 2022
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SPRING 2022
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SUMMER 2016-2020
THE SWEATHOGS
SUMMER SKETCH COMEDY INTENSIVE
with SHELLEY MCLENDON
Once a year for 5 years, Siren Theater owner and artistic director, Shelley McLendon, facilitated a sketch comedy writing and performance intensive at The Siren called THE SWEATHOGS. Students were required to apply and be accepted into the program- committing to work their ass off of 8 weeks of writing, rewriting, and rehearsing culminating in a fully produced show at The Siren Theater (except for 2020 when a live show was not possible- the students filmed and edited all of their sketches!)
Check out the gorgeous alumni...
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FALL 2019
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FEBRUARY 2018
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The Siren Theater was THRILLED to host its second month-long improv teaching residency with this amazing improviser.
An Amsterdam-based teacher and performer in the fields of improvisation, theatre, dance and communication skills, part of 5 Dutch improvisation groups performing theatresports, longform, and impro for children. An experienced improv performer and founding member of the Ohana project. She has been teaching for 14 years, including 9 years in her own theatre school, with a background in theatre, dance and Business Administration. Laura taught 3 weekly classes offered throughout February, 2018 and one weekend, two-day intensive, which culminated in a show at The Siren Theater. |
IMPROV WORKSHOPS WITH JAIME MOYERMs. Moyer has gifted The Siren Theater twice with improv workshops in winter 2015 & 2017. Ms. Moyer has been seen on Modern Family, Parks & Rec, 2 Broke Girls and performs weekly at IO West and Second City Hollywood. She is an alum of Second City Detroit. Locally, Ms. Moyer performed in Portland Center Stage's Twist Your Dickens.
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IMPROV WORKSHOPS WITH TORONTO'S BLOODY MARYS, SUMMER 2017
The Bloody Marys' Leigh and Kirsten wowed Portland with their appearance at The Stumptown Improv Fest, so we were THRILLED when they agreed to teach two workshops on STAYING WEIRD and SO MANY CHARACTERS! Both workshops sold out so we hope they will return soon!
JANUARY 2017- IMPROV TEACHING RESIDENCY WITH RACHEL ROSENTHAL
Rachel taught classes in improv comedy for an entire month. Rachel is known for being in New York based the hip hop improv troupe North Coast.
Rachel taught classes in improv comedy for an entire month. Rachel is known for being in New York based the hip hop improv troupe North Coast.