Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA. March 13, 2026 – ArtsQuest is thrilled to bring an exciting lineup of Spring Comedy Classes to campus this season. These classes are designed for beginners and experienced performers alike. Each session culminates in a live graduation show where students get to perform in front of an audience.
This season comes as ArtsQuest looks ahead to the highly anticipated opening of the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL. Future comedy classes are expected to take place in the new Creative Factory, including in the brand-new theater on the first floor, launching an exciting new era for ArtsQuest’s comedy programming and giving performers a dynamic new space to learn, create and shine on stage. The theater will host comedy performances, classes, rehearsals and a variety of other programming.
In addition to the Spring Comedy Classes, ArtsQuest offers team-building workshops available by advance group booking. ArtsQuest’s team-building improv workshops are great for businesses and corporations looking to improve their team’s communication skills, encourage creative thinking and provide an environment for team bonding and fun. Guided by professional improvisers, participants will learn lively exercises that teach the fundamentals of improv comedy, bolstering confidence while sparking your team’s sense of humor. Group pre-registration is required. Please contact Addyson Young, ArtsQuest Programming Specialist, at ayoung@artsquest.org to learn more.
For more information and to sign up for comedy classes, visit artquest.org. Please note that all classes require the participant to be aged 18 or older on or before the day of the first class in the session.
Spring Comedy Classes Offered:
Intro to Standup with Glen Tickle
Sundays, May 3 – June 14 (Skips May 24) | Iron Conference Room in the Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Grad Show: Sunday, June 21 at 6:30 p.m.
This class is an introduction to standup comedy from both a creative and practical approach. Attendees will learn and apply the basics of joke construction, acquire useful tips for beginners and receive individualized feedback with the goal of producing 5 minutes of material. The class will culminate with a graduation show where participants will perform their material.
Wednesdays, May 13 – July 1 | Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Grad show: Wednesday, July 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Improv 101 focuses on the 3 core principles of comedic improvisation: agreement, being active, and justification. We designed our classes to create an energetic and supportive environment for play. Whether you’ve never taken the stage before, you’re a seasoned improviser, or you’re simply looking to help yourself in your career and/or life, you’ll get a lot from this class.
Improv 201 with Danielle Tampier
Tuesdays, May 19 – July 7 | Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Grad show: Tuesday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Improv 201 builds on the basic principles of improv and helps develop your improv skills to make strong comedic choices. By finding and exploring Game you will expand your ‘Yes, and’ abilities while also discovering all avenues that Game can play in scenes.
Must have completed Improv 101 at ArtsQuest or have equivalent experience.
Mondays, June 1 – July 20 | Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Grad show: Monday, July 27 at 6:30 p.m.
This Improv 301 class takes a deep dive into a specific Improv Form of the instructor’s choosing.
Must have completed Improv 201 at ArtsQuest or have equivalent experience.
One-Day Workshops:
Friday, April 17 | Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
This 2-hour one day workshop will explore the art of sustained play with one continuous set – no breaks – no resets – just the momentum of the moment. With side-coaching throughout, we’ll figure out what happens when you think you’ve got nothing left but keep going anyway.
For improvisors who have completed a level 1 improv course or higher.
Beginning Music Improv Comedy Workout Workshop
Sunday, May 17 | Blast Furnace Room in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Join Shulie Cowen (director of Opening Night: The Improvised Musical!?) for a beginner music improv comedy workout! The class is a fun opportunity to play with the basics you already know and gain personal confidence with musical improv. Get on your feet and get your reps in!
Three is the Magic Number Workshop
Sunday, May 17 | Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Let’s face it, three person dynamics are inevitably off kilter. In this workshop we’ll tackle different exercises aimed at capturing the imbalance, tension and comedic potential to create fabulously entertaining three person scenes.
Recommended for improv students with at least Improv 101 experience.
Shulie Theatricality in Improv Workshop
Monday, May 18 | Blast Furnace Room in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks
Are you tired of seeing improv shows where it’s just people standing around talking to each other, like something you could see for free outside the theatre? Improv is still THEATRE. Shulie Cowen (Theatre Major, Northwestern University) will help you create a “show” when you do an improv show. This class will not only help you make the most of your improv scenes but will help you make sure the audience has a theatrical experience that keeps them coming back for more.
See if you are eligible for one of ArtsQuest’s scholarship opportunities! ArtsQuest scholarships are designed for individuals and families who demonstrate a financial need and interest in the visual and/or comedy performance arts. Learn more about eligibility, the application process and more when you visit https://fest.formstack.com/forms/scholarship_application.
About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences, using arts and culture as drivers of economic development in our urban communities. ArtsQuest supports this mission through performing and visual arts, film, arts education and outreach, youth programming and a wide range of cultural events, anchored by signature venues and initiatives including its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, a centerpiece for the Valley’s artistic communities; the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks; and the LVHN, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop, an adaptive reuse project expanding space for programming, festivals, private events and nationally touring exhibits. ArtsQuest welcomes more than 1.9 million people annually, with nearly 40 percent of its programs free to attend, generating a regional economic impact of more than $143 million annually. ArtsQuest’s Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign supports the continued growth of its mission to make the arts accessible for all.