join kICKSTAND’s FREE BIPOC INTRO TO IMPROV COMEDY CLASS (Online)- next session starts May 2021!!

APPLY FOR THE CLASS HERE - Applications are open!!
Intro to Improv Comedy (Online) w/ Aman Adumer , Sundays from 1:00pm - 3:00pm PST. Classes start 5/2/21

This class is a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) only intro to improv comedy class! Learn from Aman Adumer (UCB Theater, World's Greatest Improv School) - Aman is an exceptionally talented writer-performer at the UCB Theater in Los Angeles. He has performed sketch and improv from New York to California and everywhere in between. Aman performs with the Harold team “LEROY”, the BIPOC super-team “Benetton” and his all black improv and sketch group “Arcade Currency".

Over 8 weeks you’ll learn the foundations of the Kickstand improv philosophy like how to listen, how to “yes and” your classmates’ ideas and how to identify and hone your comedic voice--all in a fun and nonjudgmental space. Whether you have years of acting experience or have never cracked a joke, whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert, all backgrounds are welcome. This class is a space for you to blow off steam, meet new people, stretch yourself creatively and learn a new skill! 

The class is free but limited to 12 spots so please make sure you can attend most classes before applying. All BIPOC folx are welcome to apply, but we will be prioritizing Black and Indigenous students as well as students with the most availability. 

This class will be offered again soon, so if you can’t join this round, stay tuned for the next session. Sign up here to be notified of future BIPOC classes and opportunities at Kickstand

If this sounds like fun (spoiler: it is), you can apply here!

** The deadline for completing this application is 4/23/21 at 10pm.

** Upon successful completion of BIPOC Intro to Improv, students have the opportunity to continue on to BIPOC Advanced Scenework.

** Students must be 18 and up to register for all classes with the Kickstand Training Center

*FAQ below*

Q: What is improv comedy? 

A form of comedy where performers create a series of improvised and unplanned scenes where characters, premises, and jokes are discovered and built together on the spot!  At its core, it’s what’s happening when you’re joking around and riffing with your friends! Here are a few examples:

1.  White Women @ Sonoma Laughfest

2. Astronomy Club @ UCB NY

3. Comedy Bang Bang (yes, improv is on podcasts too!) 

Q: Do I need comedy or acting experience to take this class? 

No! Just come with an open mind and get ready to meet new people and have fun! This class is all about getting you comfortable, honest and playful on stage. No experience necessary.

Q: Do I need to become a performer? 

No! Improv isn’t just about performing, though that is a very enriching and fun aspect. Improv comedy can add to your life in many different ways. Through improv you can:

1. Improve your listening skills

2. Strengthen collaboration skills

3. Build trust in yourself and others 

4. Get in touch with your creativity  

5. Release your inner child and have fun playing 

6. Meet new people and make friends

Some people take classes because they want to hone this craft and become a performer. Other people take classes so they have somewhere to blow off steam after a long day of work. Others take classes to meet new people and find community. All of these reasons (and more!) are valid!

Q: Who is this class for? 

This class is for BIPOC people in our community. Since this is a BIPOC class, we will be prioritizing Black and Indigenous students, but we welcome all POC students to apply. 

Q: Why is Kickstand offering a BIPOC class? 

Comedy has historically been and continues to be dominated by cis white men. This is further exacerbated in Portland, one of America’s whitest cities. Too many aspiring comedians have gone unseen because they didn’t see their faces, bodies and experiences reflected on stage, and this needs to change. We want our theater and stage to accurately reflect the community we serve, and having more BIPOC voices and perspectives will only improve our community and comedy. This class is just one step in our ongoing efforts to create a more diverse, inclusive and equitable space. Outside of this class, we also offer scholarships/internships for all of our other classes, and we’d love to see you in them!!  

Q: How will this class work during social distancing? 

1. This class will be virtual, all you need is an internet connection. You can roll out of bed and call in from the comfort of your room! Class size is limited to 12.  

2. Once it’s safe to do so, we will resume in person classes at the theater!  

APPLY FOR THE CLASS HERE! - APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN