LOL 101: Stand-Up Comedy Class at Wit's End
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Ready to give comedy a try? LOL 101 is a practical, supportive introduction to stand-up. Across six focused sessions, you’ll learn how to turn your funny thoughts into a tight, confident set you can take to an open mic — without the guesswork.
What you’ll learn (and actually practice)
• Foundations of a Joke: Premise → angle → punch → tag. How to spot the “turn,” escalate, and end strong.
• Writing Reps That Work: Brain-dumping, idea mining, and fast drafting. Simple rewrite frameworks (CUT/KEEP/ADD) and when to kill a darling.
• Finding Your Voice: Point-of-view, specificity, and how to avoid sounding like your favorite comic.
• Set Crafting: Set lists, transitions, pacing, closing strong, and building a “tight 5.”
• Stage Presence & Mic Technique: Where to put your hands, working the mic & stand, eye lines, and body language that reads.
• Handling Nerves: Pre-set rituals, breathing, and how to channel adrenaline into timing.
• Crowd Dynamics 101: Reading the room, gentle crowd work, and de-escalating weird energy.
• Open-Mic Etiquette: How mics actually work, how to get up more, and how to get the most out of each rep.
• Recording & Reviewing: How to record clean audio/video, tag your own set, and keep a notes system you’ll actually use.• Professionalism & Next Steps: Submitting for shows, networking without being weird, and the do’s/don’ts that make you easy to book.
Weekly flow (what a typical session looks like)
1. Warm-Ups & Lightning Writes – short prompts to get ideas out fast.
2. Mini-Lesson – a focused concept (structure, tags, presence, etc.).
3. On-Mic Reps – 3–5 minute turns with immediate instructor feedback.
4. Rewrite Sprint – take notes, punch up, and try one variation again.
5. Action Items – clear take-home steps for the week.
You’ll get handouts and simple exercises so you always know what to work on between classes.
What you’ll leave with
• A reliable 3–5 minute set you can run at local mics
• A repeatable writing & rewriting workflow
• Tools to manage nerves and own the stage
• A plan for what to do next (mics, clips, submissions, goals)
Who this is perfect for
• You’ve never tried stand-up and want a safe, structured first run.• You’ve done a few mics and want to tighten up, get consistent laughs, and build a real set.• You’re a writer, actor, or improviser curious about translating your skills to stand-up.
Your instructors
Shawna Jarrett — A sharp writer and club-tested performer known for clear, surgical tags and fearless presence. She’ll help you shape jokes that land.
Josh Bates — Co-owner of Wit’s End and a mainstay of the Charleston scene. Focused on real-world reps, professionalism, and building a set that books.
Dates: Wednesdays, Nov 12 – Dec 17
Time: 5:30pm
Location: Wit’s End Comedy Club
Who can join: 18+. All experience levels welcome. Perfect for total beginners and anyone who’s only hit a handful of open mics.
Price: $150
Ready to join?
Email witsendcharleston@gmail.com with the subject “LOL 101” and we’ll get you enrolled. Spots are limited so we can keep feedback personal.