EDUCATION PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Crossroads Comedy Theater’s  core education program includes Longform Improv, Musical Improv, Sketch Comedy Writing, Stand-up Comedy with new skills and courses always on the horizon. We invite the best instructors in the area to guide you through each course in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. 

We also welcome guest instructors from Indianapolis’ thriving arts scene and beyond to offer courses that supplement our core programs to strengthen the skills and stretch the muscles of our students.  

At Crossroads Comedy Theater Indianapolis you can study a variety of disciplines, because we believe that learning one art can both supplement and complement the skills you gain from another. Improv can help you think faster on your feet as a stand-up comedian or allow you to approach writing from a new direction, comedy writing can strengthen your skills as a stand-up and help you think more narratively on the fly in an improv scene, and so on. Studying with Crossroads Comedy Theater can help you become the best, most well rounded improviser, writer, stand-up, or hobbyist that you can be. 

IMPROV, SKETCH WRITING, STAND-UP COMEDY CLASSES
Crossroads Philly performers, Adam Steiger and Jacob Todd, in an improv scene from Study Hall: Comedy Inspired By Lectures. PHOTO: Channing Billups

You do not need to have performance aspirations to benefit from our courses. The lessons learned at Crossroads go beyond the stage and page to benefit you in your everyday life and work. We can help you improve communication skills, build self-confidence, embrace collaboration, be more positive, think faster on your feet, break out of your shell, meet new people, and have more fun!

For those that are in this for performance opportunities, know that many from our education programs have gone on to perform in or write for shows with Crossroads as well as with other theatre companies and groups/teams around town. Our students are regulars at area auditions and stand-outs in the process. They have brightened the stages by using the skills they’ve learned in our classes to be cast on a wide variety of teams and productions.

Whether you are an experienced performer looking to challenge yourself, an actor looking to expand your skill set, someone looking to step out of their comfort zone and meet new people, or a nine to fiver looking for some play time, we got you covered!

ONE DAY BASICS CLASSES

Are you interested in taking a Crossroads class, but want to test the waters before jumping in to a full course or maybe you just want to have some fun, try something, and meet some new people? These one day workshops are for you! These classes are two hours or less and will give you the basic idea of what you can expect in a full, multi-week class with Crossroads. You will learn something new, make some friends, and have a great time doing it. We are currently offering one day workshops in improv with more options coming soon.

COMEDY WRITING
Writing for the Stage and Screen!

Whether you want to write for a sketch comedy show, write the next hit comedy series, or a big screen laugh riot – our Comedy Program can get your started on your path. We have a growing tracks for Sketch Comedy Writing and TV Writing with more focus areas to come soon. Given the nature of these being writing courses, it allows us to offer both in person and online options.

If you have never written a single sentence in your life or have no professional aspirations – no problem! Our expert instructors will guide you through the process and help you unlock the creative writer inside you.

IMPROV
Core Program, Form and Focus Courses, and More!

Crossroads Comedy Theater currently offers longform improv courses, which are more free flowing than some other styles of improv. We have courses for people just that just want to have some fun for a couple hours each week, people that want to build valuable personal and professional skills, and regular improvisers looking to challenge themselves and realize their full potential as performers and artists. 

In addition to our own electives, we also have a growing list of guest instructors who offer courses through our program both online and in person. 

STAND-UP COMEDY
NOW ENROLLING FOR APRIL 2024!

We are so very excited that to now offer classes in Stand-up Comedy! Our first class is now enrolling for January 2024! The earlier you enroll, the more you save. Payment plans are available.

Our stand-up curriculum is taught by people actively performing throughout Indianapolis and across the country. Through our program, our instructors will guide you from writing your first joke to performing at your first open mic to crafting your own act and finding your comic voice. 

You do not need to have performance aspirations to take a stand-up class. This class will help you get our of your comfort zone, explore your creativity, meet new people, and have more fun!

ACTING AND MORE

ACTING AND MORE
New Classes Coming Soon!

Crossroads occasionally offers courses and workshops that fall outside our core program tracks. These special offerings can include, but are not limited to acting, clowning, physical theater, short form improv, storytelling, and more. We are always looking for new and exciting courses to grow and challenge our students or at the very least let them try something new. 

COURSE CATALOG

Below is an up to date list of all the courses that we can offer. Here you will be able to see the various paths you can take as you journey through our education program. As you will see we have more to offer than meets the eye above.

Click the plus sign to view the course description and the accompanying info such as prerequisites, course length, and more. If you have any questions you can reach out to us at indyclasses@xroadscomedy.com or call/text us at 317-203-9497.

TYPE: Core | PREREQUISITE: None | COURSE LENGTH: 6 Weeks | CLASS LENGTH: Two Hours | INSTRUCTOR: Various
DESCRIPTION: Unleash your inner SNL writer by learning the basics of writing sketch comedy in a fun and supportive environment. No experience necessary as our expert instructors will guide you each step of the way. Topics covered in this course include identifying what makes a sketch tick, how to pitch sketch ideas, various types of sketches, editing and re-editing your scripts, and how to give and accept constructive feedback. Students will learn how to use what they know to develop their own ideas, how to turn those ideas into sketches, and how to edit those sketches to be the funniest they can be. Completed sketches will be put into consideration for potential inclusion in upcoming student sketch showcases. Enroll now and start your sketch writing journey.

Don’t see this course scheduled? Click here to express your interest and we may offer it again soon!

TYPE: Core | PREREQUISITE: Sketch 1 | COURSE LENGTH: 6 Weeks | CLASS LENGTH: Two Hours | INSTRUCTOR: Various
DESCRIPTION: This 6 week in person class will build on the basics of sketch comedy writing course. Students will dive deeper into game, working on new sketch types, giving and receiving constructive feedback, and writing as a group. This class will also help those with sketch writing experience to brush up on what they know, learn something new, and generally shake off the cob webs after a long hiatus. Sketch Writing 1 at Crossroads or prior experience required. Please email classes@xroadscomedy.com if you are unsure if you meet these requirements.

Don’t see this course scheduled? Click here to express your interest and we may offer it again soon!

TYPE: Core | PREREQUISITE: Improv 2 | COURSE LENGTH: 10 Weeks | CLASS LENGTH: 2 Hours | INSTRUCTOR: Various
DESCRIPTION: This conservatory style class teach students how to put up an original sketch comedy show. Your instructor / director will go over all the moving parts from the writer’s room pitches, writing and revising sketches, giving and receiving constructive feedback, selecting sketches for the show and finally rehearsing and staging an original show for two performances on the Crossroads stage. Students are expected to both write and perform through the process.

Don’t see this course scheduled? Click here to express your interest and we may offer it again soon!

TYPE: Elective | PREREQUISITE: None! | COURSE LENGTH: 3 Weeks | CLASS LENGTH: 3 Hours | INSTRUCTOR: Rich Talarico
DESCRIPTION: Rich shares insights and writing techniques from his 20+ years in late night TV (SNL, MAD TV, Key & Peele, The Tonight Show) and from having written five resident company shows for Second City in Chicago. Students will learn how to write jokes, how to write blackouts, how to brainstorm and pitch their ideas and how to outline a scene. How to tell a story. How to properly format and write their scenes. How to come up with endings. The group will also learn how to support others’ ideas – a key writers’ room skill. Limited to 8 students.

NOTES:  This class is offered exclusively by Rich Talarico and is done so at the interest and availability of both Talarico and Crossroads. This is an online course offered using Zoom.

Don’t see this course scheduled? Click here to express your interest and we may offer it again soon!

“Rich knows how to write sketches — that much is obvious. But it was clear that he loves helping people get better too. . . I have never had a sketch class that helps people so much with how to think about comedy. Don’t wait to find a better sketch class. It might not come along.” — Tim Marks, The KC Improv Company and Co-Founder of Fountain City Sketch Company
 
“I seriously don’t think I’ve had the chance to absorb that much good content in a small amount of time ever… even in college!” — Jessica Christopher, Writing Student
ABOUT RICH TALARICO: Rich Talarico wrote Key & Peele favorites; Substitute Teacher, Kareem and Jahar, Dueling Hatz, Racist Zombies, Teaching Center, and many more. Rich has also written/produced “Review” for Comedy Central, FOX’s “MADtv,” NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” as well as “The Tonight Show w. Jay Leno.” Rich wrote on the NBC Must See TV: Tribute to James Burrows as well as NBC’s Red Nose Day and NBC’s New Years’s Rockin’ Eve hosted by Ryan Seacrest. Rich produced and wrote comedian Frank Caliendo’s “Frank TV“ for TBS. Rich was a writer/performer on “The Sketch Pad” for HBO. Rich did script punch-ups on Tina Fey’s “Mean Girls” and Jordan Peele’s “Get Out.” 
 
Rich took his first improv class from Stephen Colbert at Chicago’s Second City in 1992 and then did a stint on the road with Second City’s National Touring Company performing “The Best Of The Second City.” Rich co-created five original sketch comedy revues with Second City’s Etc. and Main Stage Companies. While in Chicago, Rich worked extensively at Improv Olympic (now iO) under the direction of Charna Halpern and the late, Del Close. Rich performed with the early casts of Chicago’s longest running improv show: “The Armando Diaz Experience, Theatrical Movement and Hootenanny,” and performed on iO house teams “Mr. Blonde” and “Faulty Wiring.” Rich co-created the scripted hit parody “The Roof Is On Fiddler” with TJ Shanoff and co-created the long-form improv shows “Strap Heads,” “Trio,” “Close Quarters” and “Dasariski.” 
 
As an actor, Rich has appeared on Comedy Central’s “Review,” “MADtv,” “Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” and the feature film “High Fidelity.” Rich has appeared in numerous TV commercials, most notably A&W Rootbeer’s classic ad, “Mr. Dumass.”

Rich Talarico Highlight Reel Featuring Some of His Key & Peele Sketches

TYPE: Elective | PREREQUISITE: Sketch 1 or Stand-up 1 | COURSE LENGTH: 8 Weeks | CLASS LENGTH: 2 Hours | INSTRUCTOR: Alison Zeidman
DESCRIPTION: In this four-week online course instructed by Emmy-nominated writer, Alison Zeidman, you will learn all about writing for a late night comedy show. Alison will walk you through the process of writing traditional host monologue jokes, longer deep-dive monologue segments (think Last Week Tonight, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee), character and desk bits, and more. By the end of the class, you’ll have all the tools you need to prepare your own late night submission packet. Prerequisites for this course are Sketch Writing 1, Stand-up 1, or two years writing/performing comedy on a regular basis. This course has weekly homework which will be reviewed and discussed each class.

NOTES:  This class is offered exclusively by Alison Zeidman and is done so at the interest and availability of both Zeidman and Crossroads. This is an online course offered using Zoom.

Don’t see this course scheduled? Click here to express your interest and we may offer it again soon!

Alison Zeidman is an Emmy-nominated and WGA Award-winning writer and comedian who got her start doing stand-up and improv in Philadelphia. She’s written for Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (Supervising Writer), Adam Ruins Everything (Head Writer & Co-EP), and Archer (Contributing Writer), and her essays and humor writing have been published in the New York Times. While the WGA is on strike, she’s one of the volunteers working on Contract TK, a weekly Youtube show written and produced by the striking writers of your favorite late night shows. 

She’s a lot friendlier and a lot less tough than she looks in her headshot and definitely hasn’t aged a day since it was taken [redacted] years ago.

TYPE: Core | PREREQUISITE: None | COURSE LENGTH: 6 Weeks | CLASS LENGTH: 2.5 Hours | INSTRUCTOR: Rich Talarico
DESCRIPTION: Rich Talarico shares insights and techniques from his many years in comedy beginning at Second City in Chicago to writing and producing on late night TV shows such as SNL, MADtv, Key & Peele, The Tonight Show. This course course will teach students how to develop characters for pilots and longer pieces.  Course covers creating original characters, brainstorming, pitching, story-structure, script formatting and a variety of pilot writing techniques as well as pilot study. . 

NOTES:  This class is offered exclusively by Rich Talarico and is done so at the interest and availability of both Talarico and Crossroads. This is an online course offered via Zoom.

Don’t see this course scheduled? Click here to express your interest and we may offer it again soon!

“Rich knows how to write sketches — that much is obvious. But it was clear that he loves helping people get better too. . . I have never had a sketch class that helps people so much with how to think about comedy. Don’t wait to find a better sketch class. It might not come along.” — Tim Marks, The KC Improv Company and Co-Founder of Fountain City Sketch Company
 
“I seriously don’t think I’ve had the chance to absorb that much good content in a small amount of time ever… even in college!” — Jessica Christopher, Writing Student
ABOUT RICH TALARICO: Rich Talarico wrote Key & Peele favorites; Substitute Teacher, Kareem and Jahar, Dueling Hatz, Racist Zombies, Teaching Center, and many more. Rich has also written/produced “Review” for Comedy Central, FOX’s “MADtv,” NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” as well as “The Tonight Show w. Jay Leno.” Rich wrote on the NBC Must See TV: Tribute to James Burrows as well as NBC’s Red Nose Day and NBC’s New Years’s Rockin’ Eve hosted by Ryan Seacrest. Rich produced and wrote comedian Frank Caliendo’s “Frank TV“ for TBS. Rich was a writer/performer on “The Sketch Pad” for HBO. Rich did script punch-ups on Tina Fey’s “Mean Girls” and Jordan Peele’s “Get Out.” 
 
Rich took his first improv class from Stephen Colbert at Chicago’s Second City in 1992 and then did a stint on the road with Second City’s National Touring Company performing “The Best Of The Second City.” Rich co-created five original sketch comedy revues with Second City’s Etc. and Main Stage Companies. While in Chicago, Rich worked extensively at Improv Olympic (now iO) under the direction of Charna Halpern and the late, Del Close. Rich performed with the early casts of Chicago’s longest running improv show: “The Armando Diaz Experience, Theatrical Movement and Hootenanny,” and performed on iO house teams “Mr. Blonde” and “Faulty Wiring.” Rich co-created the scripted hit parody “The Roof Is On Fiddler” with TJ Shanoff and co-created the long-form improv shows “Strap Heads,” “Trio,” “Close Quarters” and “Dasariski.” 
 
As an actor, Rich has appeared on Comedy Central’s “Review,” “MADtv,” “Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” and the feature film “High Fidelity.” Rich has appeared in numerous TV commercials, most notably A&W Rootbeer’s classic ad, “Mr. Dumass.”

Rich Talarico Highlight Reel Featuring Some of His Key & Peele Sketches

TYPE: Elective | PREREQUISITE: Improv 3 | COURSE LENGTH: 8 Weeks | CLASS LENGTH: 2 Hours | INSTRUCTOR: Rich Talarico
DESCRIPTION: In this exciting Level 2 course, students will learn how to develop original characters, create emotional story arcs, and master proper structure and script formatting as well as learn other key techniques and skills that will enable them to craft compelling and successful original TV pilots. Through in-depth discussions, idea generation exercises, and hands-on writing assignments, students will deepen their understanding of what makes great television and how to create stories that will resonate with audiences. This class is available to any student who completed Pilot 1 or writers with Intermediate experience. This class will provide you with the tools and guidance you need to turn your ideas into powerful, well-crafted first drafts that will have the potential to stand out in a crowded industry. Final class will include a reading of some of the class material to family and friends. 

NOTES:  This class is offered exclusively by Rich Talarico and is done so at the interest and availability of both Talarico and Crossroads. This is an online course offered using Zoom.

Don’t see this course scheduled? Click here to express your interest and we may offer it again soon!

“Rich knows how to write sketches — that much is obvious. But it was clear that he loves helping people get better too. . . I have never had a sketch class that helps people so much with how to think about comedy. Don’t wait to find a better sketch class. It might not come along.” — Tim Marks, The KC Improv Company and Co-Founder of Fountain City Sketch Company
 
“I seriously don’t think I’ve had the chance to absorb that much good content in a small amount of time ever… even in college!” — Jessica Christopher, Writing Student
ABOUT RICH TALARICO: Rich Talarico wrote Key & Peele favorites; Substitute Teacher, Kareem and Jahar, Dueling Hatz, Racist Zombies, Teaching Center, and many more. Rich has also written/produced “Review” for Comedy Central, FOX’s “MADtv,” NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” as well as “The Tonight Show w. Jay Leno.” Rich wrote on the NBC Must See TV: Tribute to James Burrows as well as NBC’s Red Nose Day and NBC’s New Years’s Rockin’ Eve hosted by Ryan Seacrest. Rich produced and wrote comedian Frank Caliendo’s “Frank TV“ for TBS. Rich was a writer/performer on “The Sketch Pad” for HBO. Rich did script punch-ups on Tina Fey’s “Mean Girls” and Jordan Peele’s “Get Out.” 
 
Rich took his first improv class from Stephen Colbert at Chicago’s Second City in 1992 and then did a stint on the road with Second City’s National Touring Company performing “The Best Of The Second City.” Rich co-created five original sketch comedy revues with Second City’s Etc. and Main Stage Companies. While in Chicago, Rich worked extensively at Improv Olympic (now iO) under the direction of Charna Halpern and the late, Del Close. Rich performed with the early casts of Chicago’s longest running improv show: “The Armando Diaz Experience, Theatrical Movement and Hootenanny,” and performed on iO house teams “Mr. Blonde” and “Faulty Wiring.” Rich co-created the scripted hit parody “The Roof Is On Fiddler” with TJ Shanoff and co-created the long-form improv shows “Strap Heads,” “Trio,” “Close Quarters” and “Dasariski.” 
 
As an actor, Rich has appeared on Comedy Central’s “Review,” “MADtv,” “Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” and the feature film “High Fidelity.” Rich has appeared in numerous TV commercials, most notably A&W Rootbeer’s classic ad, “Mr. Dumass.”

Rich Talarico Highlight Reel Featuring Some of His Key & Peele Sketches

TYPE: Elective | PREREQUISITE: None | COURSE LENGTH: One Day | CLASS LENGTH: 1.5 – 2 Hours | INSTRUCTOR: Various
This pay what you want, two hour workshop will teach you the building blocks of improv in a fun and supportive environment. You will see that improv is not just for performers, but is for everyone. The skills learned in our classes go beyond the stage and can benefit you in your everyday life and work! Fortune 500 companies are now routinely bringing in improv workshops to help build up their team members and their leaders. Improve communication, build self-confidence, think more positively, embrace collaboration, meet new people, and have more fun! These are just a few of the concepts we will touch on in this workshop through a series of fun exercises and games. Whether you have no performance aspirations or taking the first step on your journey to being a performer – this is for you!

Don’t see this course scheduled? Click here to express your interest and we may offer it again soon!

TYPE: Core | PREREQUISITE: None | COURSE LENGTH: One Day | CLASS LENGTH: 2 Hours | INSTRUCTOR: Various
DESCRIPTION: If you are looking to become a better listener, improve public speaking skills, build self confidence in front of groups, explore your creative side, meet new people, start your journey to becoming a performing improviser, or simply have fun for two hours a week – we got your back! This six week class is for everyone and will introduce you to the building blocks of improv in a fun, supportive, and welcoming environment with the best instructors in the Indy area. Enroll now and start becoming a better you. This class includes free admission to live shows at Red Curb Comedy in Avon for the duration of the class as well as an optional class performance to celebrate your improv journey.

Don’t see this course scheduled? Click here to express your interest and we may offer it again soon!

TYPE: Core | PREREQUISITE: Improv 1 | COURSE LENGTH: 6 Weeks | CLASS LENGTH: 2.5 hours | INSTRUCTOR: Various
DESCRIPTION: This six week course introduces students to the Crossroads approach to improvised scene work. Students will learn various ways to find and play with the funny in a scene and how to build on it to create scenes that are as much of a joy to be in as they are to watch. Students will also dive deeper into on the spot character creation, how to initiate more clearly, and how to support more fully. You do not need to aspire to be an improviser to take this course. Some of the skills practiced in this course that go beyond the classroom are listening, teamwork, agreement, observational skills, and more. This course ends with an optional class performance. 

Don’t see this course scheduled? Click here to express your interest and we may offer it again soon!

TYPE: Core | PREREQUISITE: Improv 2 | COURSE LENGTH: 6 Weeks | CLASS LENGTH: 2.5 Hours | INSTRUCTOR: Various
DESCRIPTION: This six week class builds on the skills learned in Improv 1 and Improv 2 through a wide variety of new and expanded techniques. This course will push you to not only be a better improviser – but more well-rounded performer all together. Students will exercise their acting ability, learn how to mime objects convincingly, practice building believable environments on stage, get introduced to playing with genre, and other great skills to have as an improviser. If you have no aspirations to perform you will still gain valuable life skills from this course such as teamwork, communicating effectively, being adaptable, and more. This course ends with a class performance.

Don’t see this course scheduled? Click here to express your interest and we may offer it again soon!

TYPE: Core | PREREQUISITE: Improv 2 |COURSE LENGTH: 6 Weeks | CLASS LENGTH: 2.5 Hours | INSTRUCTOR: Various
DESCRIPTION: This 6 week course caps the core longform improv program at Crossroads Comedy Theater by pulling together all of the skills learned in Improv 1 – 3 and funnels them into the signature style of Improv at Crossroads. Students will learn to improvise scenes inspired from any source material. Students will learn how to thoroughly absorb and pick apart the source, use it for all its parts, and create scenes inspired by it that are smart, funny, and clear from the first line. Students will also learn the importance of patience in scenes inspired by a source and how to work together with their scene partners to keep the fun going.

Don’t see this course scheduled? Click here to express your interest and we may offer it again soon!

TYPE: Elective | PREREQUISITE: Prior Improv Experience | COURSE LENGTH: 8 Weeks | CLASS LENGTH: 2 Hours | INSTRUCTOR: Varies
DESCRIPTION: Your improv skills have been lying dormant, withering away with each passing day. Yes, and? Relationship? Harold… Now there’s a name I’ve not heard in some time. This eight week class, aimed at experienced improvisers*, will run you through the ringer to get you back in shape. Each week will focus on a different skillset; starting with the basics; moving to more advanced moves; culminating in a performance. Every two weeks will feature a new instructor, giving you multiple points of view within one eight week course. If you’re nervous about getting back on stage after so long, want a refresher on a variety of improv skills, or simply want to have fun with real humans for two months – we got your back!

Don’t see this course scheduled? Click here to express your interest and we may offer it again soon!

TYPE: Elective | PREREQUISITE: Improv 3 | COURSE LENGTH: 8 Weeks | CLASS LENGTH: 2 Hours | INSTRUCTOR: Various
DESCRIPTION: Build on all the skills you’ve learned in improv and put them to work within the most famous of improv formats – The Harold! The Harold is like CrossFit for improvisers as it works all of your improv muscles – scenework, group scenes, second beats, game of the scene, characters, and more. You’ll get a great workout without having to flip any tires. This six week class will be lead by three instructors each with their own take on the Harold and each with their own focus for their time. If you’ve never studied the Harold, want a refresher, or simply want to do some improv with humans again – we got your back!

Don’t see this course scheduled? Click here to express your interest and we may offer it again soon!

TYPE: Elective | PREREQUISITE: Improv 4 | COURSE LENGTH: 6 Weeks | CLASS LENGTH: 2 Hours | INSTRUCTOR: Various
DESCRITPION: Are you tired of improvising in the same form over and over? Are you looking for something to challenge your skills as a team and as an individual improviser? This six week course give you a crash course on three different longform structures that will stretch your improv muscles and push you to grow. Forms will range from the famous to the obscure to originals created for this course. Instructors and forms will vary for each offering, so if you’ve taken the course before you may get a new experience taking it again.

Don’t see this course scheduled? Click here to express your interest and we may offer it again soon!

TYPE: Workshop | PREREQUISITE: Improv 4 | COURSE LENGTH: One Day | CLASS LENGTH: 3 Hours | INSTRUCTOR: Mike Marbach
DESCRIPTION: This one day workshop for people with moderate improv experience will focus on the improv move known as the tap-out (or tap-in). Students will learn how to identify what is fun within a scene and how to use that fun to tap-in and how to sustain that fun and turn it into a tag run. By the end of this workshop students will understand how useful taps can be to frame the game, clear up confusion, heighten the scene, and create momentum within the show.

Don’t see this course scheduled? Click here to express your interest and we may offer it again soon!

TYPE: Workshop | PREREQUISITE: Improv 4 | COURSE LENGTH: One Day | CLASS LENGTH: 3 Hours | INSTRUCTOR: Mike Marbach
DESCRIPTION: This one day workshop for people with moderate improv experience will cover one of the core improv techniques at Crossroads Comedy Theater – Playing with premise. Students will learn how to absorb and pick apart a source, use it for all its parts, and create scenes inspired by it that are smart, funny, and clear from the first line.  Students will also learn the importance of patience in scenes that play with premise and how to work together with their scene partners to keep the fun going.

Don’t see this course scheduled? Click here to express your interest and we may offer it again soon!

TYPE: Core | PREREQUISITE: None! | COURSE LENGTH: 6 Weeks | CLASS LENGTH: 2 Hours
DESCRIPTION: This 6 week in-person class will teach the basics of stand-up comedy from writing material to crafting your act. You’ll study with someone currently working in the business to guide you through the ins and outs of getting started. You will also meet like minded people so you can support each other on your comedy journey. Includes a class performance to show off your new stand-up skills. No experience necessary!

TYPE: Core | PREREQUISITE: Stand-up 1 | COURSE LENGTH: 6 Weeks | CLASS LENGTH: Two Hours
DESCRIPTION: This 6 week class will build on the basics learned in Stand-up 1. Students will workshop and organize bits, learn more about growing their jokes, dip into crowd engagement, and more. Students will be expected to make two trips to local open mics after class. This course includes an optional class performance. This course is great for those that have taken Stand-up 1 and are looking to continue on their stand-up journey as well as those who are looking to brush up on skills or learn some new ones.

STUDENT FAQ

Below are a bunch of frequently asked questions we receive for prospective students as well as current students. If you have a question that you do not see addressed here you can email us at classes@xroadscomedy.com and we will help you out.

Crossroads Indy does not have its own home just yet. We are brand new to the area and are taking our time so people get to know us and so we can get to know the community.

In person Crossroads classes are currently held at Union Indy at 525 S Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46225 (map). Union Indy is a coworking space in beautiful downtown Indianapolis. As we are downtown, we do recommend students keep this in mind and leave enough time to find parking to make it to class on time.

Our online classes are held through the magic of the internet via Zoom. These classes currently include options in Comedy Writing and Stand-up with more to come.

Crossroads Indy currently offers classes in Improv including classes for beginners and more advanced improvisers. We also have classes in Comedy Writing including Sketch Comedy Writing, Intro to Comedy Writing for Stage, TV, and Film, and Intro to Pilot Writing. The Comedy Writing courses are through our buddy Rich Talarico who has written for SNL, the Tonight Show, Key & Peele, and more.

We plan on adding our Stand-up Program to Crossroads Indy soon. Acting, Clowning, Musical Improv, and more will follow in time.

This really depends on what you are looking to do. As we say throughout our site, the lessons learned in our courses go beyond the stage and the page to improve and influence your everyday life and work. If you are looking to think faster on your feet, learn to be more adaptable and be open to collaboration, improve your listening and communication skills, and/or improve confidence in front of groups in a course with no real homework - then we suggest our Improv 1 course.

If you are looking to do some writing and explore your creative side and how funny you really are - then Comedy Writing or stand-up is the way to go. Both of these options do have some light homework attached, but that's how you get better!

Our main ticketing partner, Fourth Wall Tickets, accepts most major credit cards. We have expanded options via invoice including Cash App, Apple Pay, ACH Transfer, Crossroads Gift Cards, and AfterPay available via invoice. If needed we can also accept checks or bags of cash with dollar signs on them.

Yes we do! Our main payment plan option is AfterPay. AfterPay allows students to play now and pay later. Enrollment is split into four equal, interest-free payments over six weeks. In some cases, a longer period with interest is permitted, though we have no say  on that. To enroll using AfterPay look on the class description page for the "Click Here To Enroll Using Afterpay" link. If you have issues finding it or it is somehow missing, email us at indyclasses@xroadscomedy.com and we'll take care of you.

You can skip Improv 1 at Crossroads Indy if you have taken courses through another reputable training location (Crossroads Philly, ComedySportz, The Second City, iO Chicago, The Annoyance, etc). In some cases, courses you have taken in college can also count. If you are unsure, email your question to indyclasses@xroadscomedyindy.com, detail your experience, and we will let you know where you can start in our program.

We do allow students to enroll that may have to miss a class or two for any reason. It's no replacement for actually being in class, but we do offer a recap of the class along with brief  takeaways for the week. See our attendance policy in the next question.

Enrolled students are permitted to miss up to two classes during an 8 week class or 1 class during a 6 week course without the absences themselves impacting future enrollment opportunities. Missing more than than the permitted number of times could result in failing the course and could result in removal from the class performance and the need to repeat the course successfully. 

Oh no! We're sorry to see that you'll be missing out on all the fun and lessons of this course you were looking so forward to taking. A refund is available to students that withdraw at least seven days from the first class date. During the seven days leading up to class we offer a credit for a future course. After the start of class no refunds or credits will be offered. To request a refund or credit that is inline with this policy please email indyclasses@xroadscomedy.com.

Once a class has begun no refunds or credits will be available.

If we cancel a class for any reason, you will be given the option of getting a credit for a future class or receiving a refund to your original form of payment. Refunds can take anywhere from 3-10 business days to receive.

We will be having auditions at some point, but there is no timeline just yet. We are brand new to Indianapolis and it will take some time for people to get to know us as for us to get to know the people of Indy. We hope that some of the people that take our classes are looking to perform as well and we will cast our shows from that pool.

A refund is available to students that withdraw at least seven days from the first class date. During the seven days leading up to class we offer a credit for a future course. After the start of class no refunds or credits will be offered. To request a refund or credit that is inline with this policy please email indyclasses@xroadscomedy.com.

Policy updated May 2023.

Our improv courses include an optional performance at the end of the course. These performances are with our theater partner, Red Curb Comedy in Avon. That is all we have right now. We are working to build up a base of strong performers before we start doing shows on our own. Red Curb Comedy occasionally has auditions and as a Crossroads student we will make sure you are prepared. There are also auditions for other teams and shows throughout the city.

You can email any questions to us at hello@xroadscomedyindy.com. You can also call/text us at 317-203-9452.

We do not allow anyone to audit any of our classes, however; we do offer periodic intro classes in improv, stand-up, and comedy writing that you can register for. There are no auditing opportunities for classes beyond the intro level.

We know it happens. A friends comes to town and you are faced with a choice: Miss the class you love so much or leave your friend at your house to root through all your personal stuff. Unfortunately, it's a choice you have to make. We do not allow anyone that is not enrolled in our classes to attend. This is a company wide policy and not something that is up to an individual instructor.

CALL / TEXT: (317) 203-9497
HELLOINDY@XROADSCOMEDY.COM

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