Our improv program is still gaining traction in the Indianapolis area with lots of room to grow, but we’re not wasting any time introducing another track to our training center. We are so very excited to announce that Stand-up has come to Crossroads Indy! Stand-up 1: Stand-up Comedy Basics will go over such skills as the art of joke writing, mining your life for material, the business of stand-up, and crafting your first set!
We’re also excited to announce that we’re working with the amazing and hilarious Dwight Simmons to launch our new Stand-up program! Dwight has been involved in stand-up since 2009 and brings a wealth of experience to our program as well as connections to the comedy scene and community of Indianapolis in general. Dwight has been selected to comedy festivals such as Limestone, Memphis, Crom and many others. Most recently, Dwight has been heard on Kevin Hart’s LOL Network and on the Bob and Tom show. In 2015, his self produced debut album, Pacifist Aggressive reached #1 on the iTunes charts. In 2018, he was named in Thrillist as one of the 50 “Best Undiscovered Stand-Up Comedians” in the country. His second album “Sip and Pass” also reached #1 on iTunes and Google Play. An avid writer and beer drinker, he contributes regularly to craftbeer.com and produces a traveling web-series called BrewTube Comedy.
We asked Dwight a few questions about himself and why he believes a stand-up class would benefit you – whether you want to pursue performing or not.
What benefits do you feel this class has for people interested in dabbling in stand-up or even pursuing it as a career?
Getting started in stand-up can feel like jumping into the depths of the ocean without a life jacket. This class will provide a structured path on crafting a joke, building a set and finding your voice. From week to week, you’ll learn techniques that will help you develop your own writing and performing style. Getting feedback in real-time is an invaluable tool that just isn’t available outside of a classroom setting.
What do you feel you bring to the classroom?
I love what I get to do and am quite energetic in the classroom. I mean we get to do stand-up comedy! I look at stand-up as an art form and believe it’s important that each student develop their own artistic voice in a supportive setting. As a writer and a nationally touring headliner, I understand what it takes to bring an idea from the page to the stage. I also have tons of real-life stories from being on the road.
Who are some stand-up comedians that you admire and why?
Growing up I was obsessed with comedy. I loved Eddie Murphy’s stage presence and impressions. I really appreciated Ellen’s joke writing. I fell in love with Mitch Hedgeberg’s one-liners and uniqueness. Today some of my favorites are Roy Wood Jr., Maria Bamford, and John Mulaney.
What would you say to someone seeing this and thinking “I’m not funny enough to take a stand-up class”?
I would say that’s nonsense! There are a trillion ways to be funny and the fact that you think that you “can’t be funny” is EXACTLY why you need to take a stand-up class. Let’s unlock that funny bone!
Stand-up 1: Stand-up Basics with Dwight Simmons starts on Tuesday, January 23rd @ 6:30pm – 8:30pm and runs for six weeks plus an optional class performance. The course is on sale for $50 off through December 18th! If you are interested in a payment plan – we got one! Crossroads offers students the ability to break up enrollment into 4 payments over 6 weeks. Enroll at xroadscomedyindy.com or use the link below.
