Boston Comedy Classes at Thunderbolt Comedy
Thunderbolt Comedy teaches the Pop Improv training system — a performance-focused approach to improvisation designed to help comedians create original live comedy.
The program is built for experienced performers who want deeper control over scenes, structure, and ensemble play.
Small training cohorts will open soon.
The Pop Improv Approach
Thunderbolt Comedy teaches the Pop Improv system — a training approach focused on the engines that make live comedy work.
Students explore how behavior creates believable scenes, how framing shapes audience expectations, and how ensemble awareness allows performers to build momentum together.
Rather than moving through a simple ladder of levels, the training develops several creative capacities performers use on stage: scene mechanics, style, structure, and collaborative play.
Classes are designed for performers who want deeper control over scenes, ensemble dynamics, and comedic rhythm.
Performers trained by Chris have gone on to work in:
• Broadway productions
• Off-Broadway theatre
• Television and film
• Major comedy publications
• Professional improv theaters
Many former students now perform widely and produce their own original comedy work.
What Students Say
“Chris is warm and easy to work with. He helped take away the fear and helped us understand what improv really is. He tailored the work to our needs, and I’m looking forward to working with him again.”
— Salma Shaw
Broadway, Life of Pi
“Chris is excellent at reading a team’s dynamic and giving you not just what your group wants, but what it needs — always in a positive way. He genuinely cares about the people he works with and is incredibly dedicated.”
— Lauren Brickman
Upright Citizens Brigade; Off-Broadway
“Chris gets you out of your head and onto the floor by paying close attention to everyone’s strengths and weaknesses.
His feedback is thoughtful, supportive, and consistently helpful. Fun, challenging, and insightful.”
— Matt Schimkowitz
The A.V. Club
Upcoming Classes
Thunderbolt Comedy will begin offering Boston classes in the near future.
Initial courses will focus on foundational scenework — developing the tools performers use to build scenes, collaborate with ensembles, and shape comedic structure.
Additional classes will be added as the training program grows.
Button remains: Join the Training List
Faculty
Thunderbolt Comedy classes are taught by working performers, directors, and writers with experience across theatre, television, film, and live comedy.
Faculty members bring professional performance experience directly into the classroom.