If you’ve ever dreamt of being the next Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Cosby, Ellen DeGeneres or just wanted to venture into the world of stand-up comedy, now’s your chance. Tom Riehl, Orange County’s own comedian, is teaching Stand-up Comedy for Beginners on Wednesdays starting July 14.
The six-week class is from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center through Aug. 18.
The class, which is geared toward students with an interest in performing stand-up comedy, will focus on writing comedy material that works for you; developing your comedy persona; creating a set list; minimizing stage fright; and more.
Tom has certainly been making a name for himself and making people laugh since the early ’90s. The quirky comedian and longtime Mission Viejo resident has worked with the likes of Bob Saget, Paula Poundstone, Alonzo Bodden, Shawn Wayans, and James P. Connolly as well as musical acts Berlin, Three Dog Night and David Pack of Ambrosia.
Along with stand-up, Tom created “Food Rules,” an outrageous, off-the-wall, cable cooking show, which was featured on a Food Network special and can currently be seen in different markets throughout the country, according to his Web site. Most recently, Tom appeared on a Black & Decker infomercial.
The stand-up comedy class is for people 16 years of age and older. Each course will end with a graduation performance in front of family and friends.
Cost for the 6-week-course is $80. Registration is available by referencing course #2058 at eConnect.cityofmissionviejo.org. For more information, visit http://www.tomriehl.com/workshop.htm.
