Thrive.
Thunderbolt Comedy gives students the tools and community to become artists and innovators in improv and sketch comedy.
“
Consistently fun, challenging, and thoughtful.
— Matt Schimkowitz, Know your meme
Students becoming friends becoming performers
A record of success
A performer and teacher for more than 20 years, Thunderbolt Comedy’s Chris Griswold (Upright Citizens Brigade, Annoyance) has worked with more than a thousand students worldwide.
Chris’ students have gone on to write, direct, or star in such things as The Simpsons, Saturday Night Live, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Three Busy Debras, Silicon Valley, New Girl, and Broadways’ Stuffed.
20+
YEARS in education
We are dedicated to a lifetime of creating the best performance classes available.
7+
Years ONLINE
Thunderbolt Comedy is a pioneer in online improv education.
1K+
students
Chris Griswold has taught students in NYC, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, and worldwide
Our Classes
Thunderbolt Comedy offers an advanced education in comedy, focusing on the game-of-the-scene style developed in New York City.
Students may take these classes in any order, with the exception of the capstone course.
Scenework
Students learn the simplest, most effective ways to create comedic scenes on the fly, combining a NYC comedic approach to discovering a “game” and a Chicago theatrical approach to character.
The Dollhouse
This original form focuses on the comedic richness of grounded, human behavior and realistic details.
Harold
Simplify the classic longform improv structure that’s the basis for shows like Seinfeld, 30 Rock, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Towers
Learn how to build momentum and wield the game of the scene in this original form by facing your fears and following the fun.
Genre classes
Documentary, Movie, Harry Potter, Romantic Comedy, and more bring narrative and storytelling to your improv.
Capstone
Students who have completed the core curriculum learn to recognize and focus their comedic voice as well as how to create a new improv form based on an audience suggestion.
Unlock your potential
Thunderbolt Comedy classes are designed to bring out the best of you: your creativity, your life experience, your sense of humor. Become the performer you were meant to be, on and offstage.
Discover your talents
Sign up for a comedy class
Become a skilled comedic performer and discover new abilities in reading a room, carrying a conversation and simply being yourself.
Thunderbolt Workplace
Reconnect with your officemates with a fun workshop in communication and creative thinking, online or in person. Contact us for more details.