Bipoc Comedy Program

We currently offer a free 3-level Improv course exclusive to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students as part of our ongoing mission to help eliminate some of the historic barriers that have kept folks from doing comedy

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“I enjoyed everything i learned. I can use these skills in every walk of life. Being an axious person, I now have “yes, and” in my toolbox to move the conversation along.”
— Afiya C.

NEW CLASSES StarT MID NOV 2024 - APPLY BY NOv 1st

FAQ’s

  • 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:

  • 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.

  • 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:

    • Improve your listening skills

    • Strengthen collaboration skills

    • Build trust in yourself and others 

    • Get in touch with your creativity  

    • Release your inner child and have fun playing 

    • 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!

  • The BIPOC Improv Program classes are 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. 

  • 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 our BIPOC class program, we also offer scholarships/internships for all of our other classes, and we’d love to see you in them!