What is the Dallas Comedy Club Training Center?
The Dallas Comedy Club Training Center is located at Dallas Comedy Club’s theater in the historic Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas, Texas. Our 10,000 square foot facility includes two classrooms and two large theater spaces where classes and shows take place. We offer a variety of comedy-related courses including Long Form Improv, Short Form Improv, Musical Improv, Sketch writing, Stand-Up writing and performance, and Storytelling, as well as special topic workshops throughout the year.
The Training Center’s spaces are available to rent for meetings and rehearsals for a nominal fee. DCC’s Improv and Sketch Club Teams are permitted to rehearse in classrooms free of charge.
Not sure what class to take first? Try a workshop or see a show!
Where are DCC classes held?
Classes are held in the Dallas Comedy Club Training Center’s two classrooms or one of our two theaters located at 3036 Elm St., Dallas, TX 75226
Where do I park when I come to DCC?
The small lot at the rear of our building is reserved for bank employees and DCC staff only. We want to be great neighbors, so we ask you to please respect retail and employee parking spaces. The additional spaces located behind our building, adjacent to Terry Black’s BBQ, are for their patrons, and towing will be enforced.
How do I sign up for a course?
You can sign up for a course by visiting our Training Center website now!
Enrollment must be completed via the website and cannot be completed in person or over the phone. If you have difficulty enrolling online please email tc@dallas-comedyclub.com for assistance.
I've taken classes at other theaters. Will my classes transfer, or do I have to start over?
Dallas Comedy Club has a one-of-a-kind training program that benefits veteran and novice improvisers alike. Our curriculum is cumulative and students benefit the most from starting in Level One no matter their previous experience.
In rare occasions, seasoned performers are permitted to begin our Long Form and Stand-Up programs in Level Two. If you think this might apply to you, email our Director of Education a PDF of your performance resume along with some footage of a recent performance. Students who have not performed at DCC within six (6) months will not be considered for advanced placement.
When is tuition due?
Tuition is due in full upon class registration. Dallas Comedy Club offers financial aid through our work-study internships and a limited amount of scholarships each term. You can read more about financial aid here.
Do you offer payment plans?
We do not offer payment plans for class tuition. Students must pay their tuition in full to complete registration for any course.
If you are seeking tuition assistance, click here to learn about the DCC Internship and Scholarship Programs! Dallas Comedy Club offers opportunities for students to earn free tuition credit in exchange for internships at the theater.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes we do! The DCC Scholarship Program is designed for students who exhibit talent, demonstrate commitment to their craft, and financial need to have access to classes at low or no cost. Scholarship recipients will receive tuition in exchange for participation in programming initiatives. Scholarships are based on class availability. You are not guaranteed a seat in your most desired class, so please make sure to list out your top options! Applicants may reapply should they be denied the scholarship upon their first application. Applications are evaluated one week prior to the start of a class term. Those interested can apply here!
How often do courses meet?
Courses typically meet once per week for 8 weeks. Class times vary between 2 and 3 hours depending on class type.
What should I bring to class?
First and foremost, a good attitude!
Plan to wear breathable clothing and closed-toed shoes that are easy to move around in. For all classes, plan on bringing a pen and paper to write down your notes and observations. Laptops and tablets are recommended for Sketch and Storytelling courses, but a pen and paper will do just fine!
Who are the teachers?
Courses are taught by experienced and qualified professionals actively working in the DFW comedy scene. You can read more about our faculty here!
Dallas Comedy Club reserves the right to replace any instructor with an equally qualified instructor at any time and without notice.
May I bring a guest to class, or audit classes?
We want to create a safe and comfortable environment for our students to learn without judgment. As such, only students who are actually enrolled in the class will be allowed in the classroom. Guests are welcome to visit Dallas Comedy Club during our regular operating hours of 6pm-midnight, Wednesday through Sunday. Guests will not be permitted to remain in the building outside of club operating hours.
If you know someone interested in Dallas Comedy Club, invite them to a jam or Open Mic, or direct them to our website for course enrollment!
Will there be homework?
All classes require homework of varying levels of commitment.
All students must see at least one show that relates to the topic they are studying during the duration of the term. Students will receive an ID card for free access to most DCC shows (based on availability). Performance courses require participation at at least one jam or open mic during the term. Writing courses will have written homework assignments each week.
Failure to complete homework assignments (including show attendance) will result in the student having to retake the course in order to be eligible for advancement.
How does my student ID work?
Students receive their ID card on the first day of their class. The ID card can be shown at the box office for complimentary admission to most DCC shows, when available (students will be seated after paying customers). Student ID cards are dated and are valid only during the duration of the student’s course.
Our detailed Student ID Policy is posted in each classroom and at the DCC Box Office.
Will I get to perform?
Yes! All classes culminate in a graduation show held at the theater. Performance opportunities for specialty courses and electives will vary. Jams and Open Mics will be held weekly. They are FREE and tons of fun! Sign up and get onstage!
Do you offer refunds?
All sales are final, non-refundable, and non-transferable.
Do you offer work-study internships?
Dallas Comedy Club offers opportunities for students to earn free tuition credit in exchange for internships at the theater, training center, or during special events. We are currently looking to fill a variety of internship positions, ranging from club interns to social media interns. To see what internships we have available, click here.
When will I receive a class confirmation email?
You will receive an automated confirmation email within 24 hours after your payment has been processed. You will receive a detailed email with everything you need to know a few days prior to the scheduled start date of your class.
If you have questions in the meantime, please email tc@dallas-comedyclub.com
Can I take sketch, improv, or other classes concurrently?
Yes! You may enroll in as many simultaneous courses as your heart desires as long as prerequisites are met.
Which courses require prerequisites?
There are no prerequisites for any Level 1 courses, drop-ins, or electives unless specifically noted. Our improv, sketch, and stand-up students all begin in Level 1 and must successfully complete each level as a prerequisite for the next level. This includes completion of performance, show attendance, and written homework requirements.
What happens if I miss a class?
Students are permitted to miss up to two classes. Absences must be communicated to the instructor ahead of time to avoid consequences, even if the communication is as simple as a text five minutes before class.
If available, students can makeup a missed class within the timeframe of their scheduled course term. Makeup classes are not possible for every class and must be approved by instructors and scheduled by the Director of Education.
More than two absences will result in the student having to retake the course. Students with more than two absences are still permitted to attend class meetings, but will have to retake the level in order to progress in the training program.
Can DCC teach a workshop or perform a show at my school or business?
Absolutely! We love teaching workshops! Dallas Comedy Club can bring the workshops and shows to your school, nonprofit, social club, business, or other organization. We can also provide workshops and private shows onsite in our one of our classrooms or theaters!
Contact events@dallas-comedyclub.com for more information.
Can my troupe rent a room for rehearsals?
Absolutely! Room rentals start at $15/hour and can be reserved when classes are not in session. Theaters are available to rent for $30/hour during non-operating hours for troupes with shows scheduled at Dallas Comedy Club. DCC’s Improv and Sketch Club Teams are permitted to rehearse free of cost on a first-come, first-served basis.
To book a rehearsal time, email tc@dallas-comedyclub.com.
I would like to be a DCC Instructor. How do I sign up?
The Dallas Comedy Club Training Center is always looking to add to our roster of qualified instructors! To be considered for a teaching position, apply here.
Still have questions?
If you can’t find an answer to your question here, contact tc@dallas-comedyclub.com
Have other questions?
You can always email tc@dallas-comedyclub.com for more information on all things related to classes and student performance opportunities!
For specific or sensitive questions, please reach out to the following:
- For marketing, advertising & sponsorship Qs: marketing@dallas-comedyclub.com
- For class, internship & student Qs: tc@dallas-comedyclub.com
- For event/corporate meeting Qs: events@dallas-comedyclub.com
- For theater needs, tech & programming Qs: theatersupport@dallas-comedyclub.com
- Suggestions, complaints, employment Qs & all other needs: info@dallas-comedyclub.com