Greg Dean’s Stand Up Comedy Classes

Here is an update review from my first in 2011.
I still write and perform stand-​up comedy and Greg’s techniques are still key to achieving good routines, but here is an example of the wide range of uses his teachings can offer.
I am a designer/​decorator for a large retailer. Engaging with your clients and making the process comfortable, educational, and satisfying is the goal.
Applying what I have learned in Greg Dean’s writing classes have also helped me in achieving a huge following of clients who had a real personal experience because of how I engage with them and create a relaxed, entertaining experience.
My clients feel as if they are relaxing with a friend when they work with me. Not a pushy sales associate! I keep them laughing while also offering a very professional experience.
If you speak publicly,…PERIOD!
You can benefit beyond your expectations with what you can walk away from Greg’s class with!

If you have finally developed the guts to try stand up comedy, Greg Dean’s beginner stand up class is the best way to start.
Not only does he provide each student with an interactive workbook that breaks down the techniques of stand up to the bone, but his engaging teaching strategies and helpful staff give you the confidence to both write and perform your own material.
Greg goes beyond joke writing and prepares you for all elements of stand up, including crowd work and scene act-​outs. He creates a positive learning atmosphere where students are encouraged to give constructive feedback for their peers.
A huge benefit of the beginner class is the ability to sit in on both of his advanced workshops. Not only was I inspired to get up on the stage by watching those perform, but I saw significant improvement in their sets by the time of the showcase.
If you can afford the price, you won’t be disappointed. Not only will you be on the road to becoming a stand up comedian, but you will gain friendships with hilarious individuals.
Plus, he gives out candy. Lots and lots of candy.

The WORST! This guy doesn’t have a clue what he’s talking about. Dean’s been «teaching stand up comedy for over thirty years» and he hasn’t had one successful comic or actor come from any of his classes. How is that possible? Well, you do the math.

Excellent, fun, great methods, relaxed environment… I highly recommend it and only had two classes and feel funnier… looking!

This is probably the most engaging class I’ve ever taken. And super funny to boot!
Greg Dean will teach you everything you need to learn to work in comedy His theory on jokes is rock solid and by learning it you learn to write material on vitally any subject. And he and his staff quickly prepare the students for stage work. I am definitely signing up for the Advanced Class.
I can’t recommend his stand up class enough.
Greg comes across as very personable and gives smart advice.

Greg Dean is a true professional. I met him in 2009 and have been working with him via Skype on a regular basis since then. Greg is smart, funny, talented and he knows his shit. I have seen my stand-​up material and performance improve greatly since working with him. I look forward every time I have a show to working out new stuff and spit shining the old material. I highly recommend Greg. He’s the fastest way to getting better at the craft.
The Comic Shrink

Greg Dean is as good as it gets in the World of Comedy Teachers. He will show you the road to all your comedic dreams. Although at times I found his material way to Heady, and over intellectualizing jokes, I can see where he was coming from and I suppose that is how you get writing jokes to the masses. To me You’ve either got the funny or you don’t. He can teach you either way.
He is accompanied on the journey by a staff of assistants that are just as fabulous as he is,
The Intelligent and Hilarious Roastings of Dennis Langalere and Gayla Johnson who are inspiring as comedians and teachers as well.
Greg Dean has a been there done that approach to Teaching and he has good advice on any comedy topic, just ask him. He is a personable guy and the location of his class couldn’t be more Ideal for the westsider not wanting to drive to the Valley.

If you are a comedy writer, or performer, you must work with Greg Dean and his team. I took this class just to improve my writing skills. I improved my skills, and learned to take good ideas, recognize the ideas, and develop those ideas.
I enjoyed attending the classes, and it seems very clear that Greg loves to teach and watch the creative process develop in his students. Greg and his team encourage collaboration in his classes between writers. He also lays out clear rules and ethics, and leads by example. Feedback is constructive and not patronizing. It’s a great place for writers to learn to work with other writers. I’ve taken writing classes, but never really felt like part of the group. This was not the case at any time. Not only have I greatly improved my writing, I have also gained peers I can work with in writing groups. I also gained the courage to just get out and go to an open mic by myself.
If you are looking for classes to improve your writing and performing skills, Greg Dean’s Stand Up Comedy Classes, are exactly what you need to take.

Ready to discover your comedy genius? If your friends think you are hilarious (or even just funny) take the leap and learn how to make people laugh. Greg Dean and his dedicated team provide a unique, deeply technique-​based process to cultivate your sense of humor and ability to communicate fearlessly.
I have taken many Greg Dean workshops, always had a meaningful experience and developed great material. You will learn to liberate your self from whatever holds you back, find the support you need and meet some new non-​linear friends.
Greg loves his work and has dedicated his life to helping others find their comedic voice. If you are drawn to stand-​up, sit-​com acting and/​or writing this is definitely the place to be. Take a walk on the weird side. It may seem a bit scary, but that is exactly why you should do it. Jump in headfirst. Even if you eat one, that usually gets a big laugh.

I’m the CEO of a successful company and have been speaking and coaching for years. Then I met Greg and quickly realized his comedy coach applies directly to speaking in front of professional audiences. Wit and humor are not always appropriate. But, when you’re trying to keep people awake in their seats or keep them from leaving, it sure doesn’t hurt at the right time. So, thank you Greg. What you’ve taught me I will be able to immediately implement in the corporate world.

This is the place to go if you ever thought about being in comedy or stepping into standup. If you are nervous or scared at all, this is the place to go to get all the jitters out. Greg and his team are highly knowledgeable and make you feel comfortable with whatever perspective you are coming to class with. If you aren’t sure, they’ll guide you to get there… if you are, they’ll help you get focused and find your voice. All-​in-​all you can benefit from this class if you want to learn, want to have fun, want to laugh on a weekly basis, want to exercise your writing and performance chops, and if you want to take your seemingly funny thoughts and turn them into audience-​loving jokes. Don’t be hesitant to start your first standup class with people who know what standup is all about.
I am so grateful I did.

For those who fear being judged, rest assured — there’s a common rule in this writer’s room — if you don’t have constructive feedback to give, then shut your hole.
Greg is an amazing teacher who thoroughly enjoys his job.
I had owned his book for years before I finally moved to LA and began taking his class.
Learning how to vent about whatever’s on your mind and say EVERYTHING you resist saying in regular life, is the most liberating therapy one could ask for.
If you’re human and you stress like the rest of us, this will help you let it out without getting fired, dumped or slapped.

Greg is a master teacher. He is a master certified NLP practitioner and this deep understanding of the mind, habits, internal voices, and structure of language has helped him craft the PERFECT class for beginner and an amazing SYSTEM for professions.
This is the one class you actually have a shot a being «good» the first few times on stage. Humor is a system he teaches you… if you don’t listen and don’t follow the instructions, then you will die a silent and laugh-​less death. On the other hand, do the homework, read the book, follow the system… and you will succeed.
Don’t take any comedy class until you’ve taken this one first.

I’ve been working with Greg Dean and the «Deaners» for a little under a year now. I think what sets Greg’s workshop apart from other comedy programs is how academic his approach is. From joke structure to the ever important relationship with the audience, his insight into the world of stand-​up comedy is something any comic, regardless of skill level, can benefit from. Another aspect of Greg’s workshops that keeps me coming back is the «family» atmosphere fostered in classes. Criticism is always constructive, and I’ve always felt like I was writing or performing in a safe environment, which is something I believe is important for new comics before they proceed to open mics where most comic dreams go to die. That all said, take Greg’s class. You’ll be funnier, and you’ll actually know why.

Greg and Gayla are literally the best at what they do! An awesome workshop to break into comedy, and the shows are very cool!

I’ve been to many of Greg’s workshops, and still remember the first one, learning what comedy is, and how to write jokes. Learning the «Joke Mining» system.
The class offers a safe environment to work out new material, and a supportive group of folks who will help you improve your material by offering constructive advice. And Greg doesn’t let you get away with any tricks like memorizing lines! You are sure to come away with a natural, smooth show that will keep the audience laughing!
Bottom line: Greg knows his stuff, and how to bring the best out of you to find your natural comic voice.

«Most men live lives of quiet desperation.» — Henry David Thoreau
(‘And being «quiet» isn’t something I’ve ever been accused of!)
I had thought about doing stand up a few times, just a fleeting thought in passing until… I got a call one night from fellow artist & good friend, Victor S., who invited me to see him perform stand up @ The Comedy Store in West Hollywood.
Victor S. -
‘And as the cliché goes, the rest was history.
I attended the free, introductory workshop, met Greg Dean & Gayla Johnson, the husband & wife team that run the program.
Photo —
I also met Fernando R., Benny R., & Dennis L., a few seasoned «Deaners,» who I now consider friends.
Fernando R. -
Benny R. -
Dennis L. -
Someone asked me why do stand up… Simple… ‘Because I can. (‘And if you’re considering it, do it! You only live once.)
It’s a choice… A choice to do what you want to do despite the fear/​outward criticism, the unknown… Some people around you might say, «you’re not funny» or «you’re going to suck!» (‘Just keep in mind, not everyone has the same sense of humor… ‘And some, none at all.) ‘And of course these critics are the same people living abundantly full lives, selling bulk cheese & Diet Coke, or churros at the Food Court Window… Yes, these are the «experts on comedy» which is so evident as they take your money, followed by the question — «Would you like a hot apple pie with that?»
These people are just bitter because their career choice is a fractional notch above «Walmart Greeter.» Don’t get me wrong, I love a good Greeter!
Life is too short… ‘There is no mulligan, this isn’t dress rehearsal, there are «do-over’s» at the end… ‘When you die, are you really going to think… «I should’ve sold that lady the 2-​ply that was on special…» If you think that up-​selling TP might be one of your last earthly thoughts, PLEASE STOP READING NOW… — ‘And flip another burger.
Do you like making people laugh? Are you always making jokes or saying inappropriate things @ the right time? Do you get accused of being «mean» or non-​PC or some crap like that… «Welcome home!
There is nothing like hanging out with a bunch of comics… Generally, no one is going to get butt hurt over a joke, after all we all here looking for «the funny.» However, if you already have low self esteem, being surrounded by comics is only going to move that bar in the opposite direction accompanied by pointing, laughing, and additional «tags.» (Tag — A secondary punchline) — ‘Just remember it’s all in good fun and consider it comedic exercises.
Greg Dean teaches you some of the basic to more complex ideas behind stand up. Stand up is a eclectic mix of salesperson, psychologist, «mind reader,» artist/​musician, mechanic, and magician — all wrapped into one. There are a lot of different elements to contend with from basic mic techniques, to «riffing,» or dealing with a heckler… ‘Not to mention «going blank…» Your material, gone! No where to be found… (Yeh, you’re given tools to help deal with that too!) THANK GREG! Like sh*t — «going blank» happens… I of course, speak from experience.
‘Not all your sets are going to be great but «bombing» is just as valuable too… ‘Not the most enjoyable thing to have to go through but nonetheless vital to learning and growing. (Again, speaking from experience.) I’ve had good nights and not so good nights… (bg snd fx — «crickets chirping») ‘But I would not trade it for anything. It helps teach you to fine tune/​fix your material…
‘And when I say «your material,» I mean «YOUR» material. Greg & Gayla will not censor your subject matter on whether it’s too «blue», obscene or inappropriate. What is funny to one person may not be funny to another, you decide that, no one else… It’s your stuff, your material.
What you will be taught is the foundation of joke structure, audience rapport, performance, and your «comic voice,» to just name a few.
You may not have aspirations to be the next Carlin, Leno, Seinfeld, Wright, or Chapelle but MAAAANNNNN… ‘What a ride! At the end of the 5 week workshop, you get to try your material in a 5 minute set on stage at the world famous, «Comedy Store» in West Hollywood. How’s that for a life experience?!
I wish I lived closer to the laugh action out in the Santa Monica & Hollywood area to see the gang more often!
«Most men live lives of quiet desperation.» — Henry David Thoreau
(Don’t be one of those sheep’ish baaaaaaaaa’stards!)
— Peace n’ Aloha!
Food: n/​a
Ambiance: 4
Service: 5
Value: 5

Greg Dean was highly recommended to me and once I started his class it was very clear why. Greg knows what the hell he is talking about and teaches in a way that is understandable, motivating and he’s funny!
The environment created by himself, Gayla and the other students feels safe and inspiring. I’ve taken his classes (and privates) over and over through out the years. If you want the real thing in LA there is no other stand-​up comedy teacher to take from.
He’s got SO MUCH valuable information, his classes won’t just help you with stand-​up, but comedy in literally every area of your life.

Greg Dean’s Comedy Workshop is definitely the place to go if you want to learn, or hone your stand up routine. When I first signed up I couldn’t understand how anybody could teach stand up comedy, but once I got there I realized I had a LOT to learn. Like anything, he gives you everything you will need to know… it’s up to you to take it as far as you’d like. Notes are VERY personalized. He’s not trying to make you do what he wants, you call the shots.
This class will help your career in that you weed out a lot of amateur mistakes most people don’t figure out until a few years into doing this on their own… that alone makes this class worth it. The beginner’s workshop builds a solid foundation, and once you go through the advanced level you get to perform a real show at the Comedy Store in front of a crowd that actually wants to see you, it’s a blast!
Greg is an awesome teacher. You’ll notice quickly he understands comedy on a deep level, going beyond hack material and all the other junk, and proves stand up is more than what it seems… You’ll also notice it’s not just Greg, he has a whole squad of seasoned professionals who give you ideas that are equally as helpful… so you basically get all this personalized attention from a group of pros who have been doing this for a looong time… I’d do it again in a second.

Greg Dean’s Comedy Workshop was so fun and a great place to learn how to develop material and mold a comedy routine. He’s a great teacher that brings out the best in you, providing the tools to develop your own style and be funny being yourself. One thing I really appreciated is that he doesn’t dictate to you what is funny or tell you that you can only be funny by doing it his way.
Dean, his wife (Gayla Johnson) and other seasoned comic’s who are part of his team, are supportive and professional, helping you avoid obvious cliché’s that beginner comedians make. By taking his comedy class you are propelled ahead of the fray and you have a blast!