Greg Dean’s Level 1 Stand Up Comedy Class
Greg Dean, Author of Step-by-Step to Stand Up Comedy, invented and perfected joke writing and performing fundamentals that have prepared over 40,000 people for a career in comedy.
Greg Dean’s Level 1 Stand Up Comedy Class
Greg Dean, Author of Step-by-Step to Stand Up Comedy, invented and perfected joke writing and performing fundamentals that have prepared over 40,000 people for a career in comedy.
Learn the Greg Dean Stand Up Comedy Step-by-Step System & Learn Principles, Techniques & Skills
Prerequisites: NONE
In this stand up comedy Level 1 5-week class, you’ll learn the fundamentals, principles, techniques, and skills of the Greg Dean Method of stand up comedy. Greg has broken down all the techniques, etc. into a complete and comprehensive system that anybody can learn and use to improve their stand up comedy.
All fields have fundamentals. When you know those fundamentals, you can do so much more with your stand-up comedy routine easily, naturally, and quickly. You’re not taught what “funny” is or is not based upon the instructor’s opinion. You are taught the skills you can use to craft so you can hone “your funny” your way!
People of all experience levels start with this course and move onto the Level 2 course upon completion.
We Teach Two Level 1 Classes
- Greg Dean teaches in person at the Santa Monica Playhouse.
- Gayla Johnson teaches live over Zoom, which allows people from all over the world to come and learn the Greg Dean Method.
Here’s Some of What You’ll Learn
- Greg Dean’s Joke Structure
- Writing “One Liners”
- Five Methods of Generating Material for Jokes and Stories
- Fundamentals of Storytelling
- Overcoming Stage Fright
- Performing with Confidence

Greg’s Level 1: How to Build a Stand Up Comedy Routine
This 5-week class meets every Tuesday night. In this class, you will focus on the fundamentals, principles and techniques of the Greg Dean Method of Stand Up Comedy.
Next 5-week Class Begins October 31, 2023. There will be no classes the week of Thanksgiving.
Class Schedule & Location Greg Dean
- In Person at the Santa Monica Playhouse – 1211 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Every Tuesday Night from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm Pacific Time
About Your Instructor
Greg Dean, the Professor of Stand Up Comedy. Author of the international bestseller, Step-by-Step to Stand Up Comedy, now sold in six different languages. Creator of the original Joke Structure technique. Greg Dean has been teaching stand up comedy for over 40 years and is a true innovator in the field of stand-up comedy education, having launched the first stand up comedy school in the world.
Registration Fee
$297.00 when you pay in full or use our payment plan and make 4 weekly payments at 80 a week. Choose an Option below.

Gayla’s “Level 1: How to Build a Stand Up Comedy Routine”
Class meets every Thursday from 4 pm to 7 pm Pacific Time live over Zoom. In this five-week class, you’ll focus on developing your fundamental stand up comedy skills, techniques and principles using the Greg Dean Method.
Next 5-week Class Begins Nov. 2, 2023. There will be no classes the week of Thanksgiving.
Class Schedule & Location Zoom Class
- In Person over Zoom every Thursday afternoon from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Pacific Time
- Your zoom links for your classes will be sent to you along with your class documents prior to your class. Please look for this email from us 1 to 3 days before your class starts.
About Your Instructor
Gayla Johnson is a well-known talented actress and Stand-up Comedian, appearing on Comedy Central, Comics Unleashed, and Showtime Special, “Fierce Funny Women, Headlining at Comedy Store Improv, Ice House Comedy Club and Laugh Factory Club. She toured London and Montreal comedy clubs. She also has toured many West Coast Comedy Clubs, such as Laugh Out Loud, Rooster T. Feathers, Laughs Unlimited, and Santa Barbara Comedy Club.
Registration Fee
$297.00 when you pay in full or use our payment plan and make 4 weekly payments at 80 a week. Choose an option below.
ADDMISSION
A Few of Greg’s “Greatest Hits”

Whoopi Goldberg
Stand-Up, Film, Television, theater, Books, The View, Oscar Winner
“I studied with Greg Dean and see where I am today!”

Anthony Jeselnik
Comedy Central Specials & Roasts Netflix is a Joke
“I learned joke writing from the best.”

Christina Pazsitzky
Comedy Central & Netflix, Your Mom’s House Podcast with Tom Segura
“I took his comedy class and I fell in love with it.”
The Best Training You’ll Ever Get
Learn from the Professor of Stand Up Comedy – He’s got 40 years in the trenches teaching students how to maximize their “funny!”
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I miss a class?
If, for any reason you cannot make one of the scheduled classes, reach out to your instructor and let them know. They can arrange for you to either attend one of the classes in a different time slot or you can watch the zoom recording class.
Should I attend Your open mics while in class?
Yes! We strongly recommend that you immediately start using what you are learning by attending our online zoom open mic. It’s a great way to practice new skills.
Can I skip the Building Routines class & go straight to the Ongoing Groups if I have lots of experience?
No that’s not possible. The Greg Dean Method is a complete training program teaching unique skills in the basic class, which you will need for everything else. Not having these fundamental principles before going on will only hinder your progress.
What if I am not ready to move on at the end of the class?
There are a few options available to you if you should feel this way. The first is to take the Building Routines class again. The second is to make sure you attend all the office hours sessions that you can while you are in the Building Routines class so that you can work through anything that you have attention on. The third is to not let your fears hold on to you, and simply take the plunge into your next service. The important thing is to keep working on it, don’t go off and flounder!
CHOOSE US
Why Learn with Us?
Greg Dean is The Original Stand Up Comedy Teacher
He was the first to codify, formulate, and develop techniques that could be used to create humor across cultures and languages.
Over 10,000 Graduates
Thousands have graduated the Greg Dean Method and moved on to have very successful careers.
Multiple Training Mediums - Multiple Class Times
In person classes, live zoom classes, ongoing groups, workshops, on demand classes
Certified Greg Dean Instructors
Greg Dean’s Instructors are all certified by Greg Dean himself.
Greg Dean Is Your Best Choice for a Stand Up Comedy Instructor
- ONLY GREG DEAN has been directly involved in the careers of the comedians he names.
- ONLY GREG DEAN has been teaching comedy for over 40 years with a unique, proven technique.
- ONLY GREG DEAN has written the definitive text on stand-up, used by comics throughout the world.
- You will never get an opinion of what we think is funny. You will only be taught real techniques and fundamentals so that you can develop your own “funny”!

Get Started Today!
We’ll Help You Develop Your Talent & Nurture You Every Step of the Way!