A Comedy Workshop
for All Levels
“On stage, you’re free. You can say and do things that if you said and did any place else, you’d be arrested."
— ROBIN WILLIAMS
The Workshops
Johnny Steele’s
Zero to Funny in 4 Weeks
Everyone will learn:
How to write jokes
How to string them together
into a setHow to deliver that set
We’ll also discuss the importance of rhythm, establishing POV, mic and mic stand technique, getting applause breaks, act outs, and much more.
Everyone will create and perform a 2 1/2 minute set and perform that set in front of a real audience
Location: Lamorinda Improv Theater
2 Orinda Theater Square Suite 111
(Walkable from BART
15 Miles from SF/A quick drive from central Contra Costa)
4 Staurdays:
10:00 am - 12:00pm
June 6, 13, 20, 27
(Final day includes a Student Showcase
with Family & Friends & each get
2 ½ minutes)
About Johnny
Johnny has performed over 4,500 shows across the United States, Canada, and overseas. He is a winner of the SF Comedy Competition and appeared at several invitational comedy festivals including the prestigious JFL Montreal festival and SF Sketchfest (6x). Johnny has written humor for clients raging from corporate CEOs to Grammy award-winning musicians to Robin Williams. He also hosted a morning radio show and a daily TV talk show in San Francisco.
What’s inside the Workshop
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Stand-up comedy is a skill that can be learned by nearly anyone, refined, and mastered. In this workshop, you’ll dive into the fundamentals of stand-up, exploring joke structure, timing, and delivery. You’ll learn how to craft punchlines, build engaging setups, and develop a natural stage presence. Whether you’re starting from scratch or honing your skills, this foundation will give you the tools to create original, audience-ready material.
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Comedy is deeply personal, and every comedian has a unique style waiting to be discovered. In this workshop, you'll explore different comedic approaches—from storytelling and observational humor to one-liners and character-driven comedy. Through guided exercises and feedback, you’ll find your comedic voice and learn how to shape material that feels authentic to you. Whether you’re sharp and witty, absurd and wild, or dry and sarcastic, this process will help you define the kind of comedian you want to be.
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Great jokes don’t just happen—they’re built with structure, rhythm, and precision. You’ll learn the mechanics of joke writing, from crafting strong setups to delivering impactful punchlines. This workshop will teach you how to find humor in everyday life, develop original material, and avoid common pitfalls. Through hands-on exercises, you’ll refine your writing and gain the confidence to turn ideas into solid, stage-ready jokes.
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The same joke can land completely differently depending on how it’s delivered. In this section, you'll explore various performance techniques—pacing, tone, facial expressions, pauses, and physicality—that can elevate your material. You’ll experiment with different styles and learn how to use your natural strengths to enhance your delivery, ensuring that your jokes hit their mark every time.
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Comedy is a conversation, and knowing how to read an audience is key to keeping them engaged. You'll learn to pick up on crowd energy, adjust your timing, and handle unexpected reactions. Whether you're facing a hot crowd ready to laugh or a tough room that needs warming up, this skill will help you stay in control and make every performance a success.
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The short answer? Yes! Comedy isn’t about having a special gene for humor—it’s about learning the craft, putting in the work, and being willing to take risks. This workshop will show you that anyone with dedication and a willingness to learn can develop their comedic voice. Whether you want to be a stand-up comedian or just bring more humor into your everyday life, the skills you gain here will help you connect, engage, and entertain.