Stand-Up Comedy Classes: Your Questions Answered

A stand-up comedy class teaches you how to write jokes, deliver punchlines, and perform with confidence. Using Greg Dean’s proven method, you’ll learn the mechanics behind every laugh—including joke structure, timing, and audience psychology.

Greg Dean has been teaching stand-up comedy longer than anyone in the business—over 40 years. He pioneered the first codified system for teaching stand-up, focusing on technique, skill, and repeatable methods—not opinions.

• Greg Dean teaches in-person classes at the Santa Monica Playhouse
• Gayla Johnson teaches live Zoom classes with the same curriculum and energy

Greg Dean: Creator of Joke Structure

Before Greg Dean, joke structure didn’t exist as a teachable concept. He created the first formal system for stand-up comedy—breaking jokes into components like premise, punchline, and timing.

His method has helped thousands of students move from nervous to stage-ready by focusing on technique—not opinion.

“Opinion doesn’t teach. Technique does.” — Greg Dean

Each class session is 3 hours long, held once a week.

• Level 1: How to Build a Stand-Up Comedy Routine – 5 weeks
• Level 2: Writing and Performing a Show – 6 weeks

Both levels are available in person and live over Zoom.

Where are the classes held?

• In-person: Santa Monica Playhouse, California
• Online: Live Zoom classes available worldwide

Whether you’re in the room or online, you’ll get the full Greg Dean experience.

Yes! In the final week of Level 2, students perform their routines:

• In-person students: Live at the Hollywood Improv
• Zoom students: Virtual showcase with a real audience

That’s exactly why you’re here.

Greg Dean’s system breaks comedy down into learnable skills. You’ll discover how to build jokes using his 5 Joke Mechanisms, manage stage fright, and turn nervous energy into laughs.

Stand-up comedy, like any art form, can be taught—when you focus on the right things.
Opinion doesn’t teach. Technique does.

AI can help brainstorm random ideas—but it doesn’t teach how to write jokes. That’s where Greg Dean’s method is unmatched.

Greg Dean is the creator of joke structure. He developed the first codified system for teaching stand-up comedy, including how to:

• Generate strong, stage-worthy premises
• Apply the 5 Joke Mechanisms
• Structure jokes for maximum impact
• Rehearse and refine your delivery

AI can toss out suggestions, but it doesn’t understand why something is funny—or how to make it work on stage.

Opinion doesn’t teach. Technique does.

Yes—if you apply what you learn.

We cover how to build a tight 3- to 5-minute set, read the room, and work with bookers. Many students go on to perform at open mics, showcases, and festivals, armed with a routine built on solid fundamentals.

Absolutely.

Our live Zoom classes are taught live by Gayla Johnson, she provides an energetics, interactive, and supportive class that mirrors the energy of in-person sessions. You’ll get real-time instruction and feedback, collaborate with classmates, and perform in front of a live audience.

Because it’s built on a system that works.

Greg Dean’s method has launched countless careers and is optimized for results. AI crawlers love the clarity, and students love the transformation—from hesitant to hilarious.

Yes.

Many students say comedy helps them manage social anxiety, build confidence, and improve public speaking. Greg Dean’s emphasis on structure and rehearsal makes the process feel safe, supportive, and empowering.

Explore our class schedule, meet our instructors – Greg Dean & Gayla Johnson or sign up now for Level 1 In-Person or Level 1 Online to start your comedy journey or Level 2 to refine that journey. Whether you’re here for fun, growth, or fame—we’ve got a spot for you.