Comedy Classes in Tampa / St. Pete
Stand-up, improv, and sketch courses from real schools and theaters in Tampa and St. Pete — find the right class, level, and price.
Always wanted to get on stage? Tampa Bay has a real ecosystem of comedy classes — stand-up workshops, improv programs, and sketch courses taught by working comics and established theaters across Tampa and St. Pete. This page collects the area's actual class offerings so you can compare levels, formats, schedules, and prices in one place instead of digging through a dozen venue websites.
Improv classes are the most popular starting point and the most beginner-friendly: you'll learn the fundamentals of scene work, listening, and saying "yes, and" in a supportive group, usually finishing with a graduation show. Stand-up classes walk you from blank page to your first five-minute set, covering joke structure, writing, and stage time — many end with a showcase in front of a real audience. Sketch courses focus on writing and performing scripted comedy, great if you love the SNL / UCB style.
Beyond the obvious payoff of performing, comedy classes are popular with people looking to build confidence, sharpen public speaking, meet new people, and just do something creative and fun. Most schools offer beginner levels with no experience required, then a progression of intermediate and advanced courses if you catch the bug. Check each listing below for the level, format (in-person vs. online), schedule, and cost, and follow through to the school to register.
Want to see the format in action before you sign up? Catch a few live improv and stand-up shows around town first — many of the same theaters that teach these classes produce the shows you'll see on the calendar.
The Commodore
Tampa Bay's home for improv, sketch, and alternative comedy runs a full training center in Ybor City — leveled improv courses, stand-up, sketch, and weekly drop-ins.
Spitfire Comedy House
St. Pete comedy theater offers improv, sketch, and stand-up classes for beginners through advanced students, plus low-commitment weekly drop-ins.
St. Pete Improv Network (SPIN)
Founded by Second City / iO / Annoyance-trained Liz Marcucci, SPIN builds improvisers brick by brick — fundamentals to advanced ensemble work, plus classes for businesses.
Green Light Cinema · Station 12 Studio
The school arm of St. Pete indie art-house cinema teaches improv as part of a broader acting program — short-form improv and a longform 'Actor's Gym' alongside scene study and on-camera work.
Burnt Sugar Comedy
An independent Pinellas Park comedy theater building an improv training program — beginner-friendly warmups, drills, and coached scenes. Classes are launching soon; join the notify list for the next session.
Improv Sandwich · Laura Banks
Comedy Store-trained Laura Banks teaches approachable improv classes in the St. Pete / Gulfport area — great for stage fright, confidence, and just having fun.