Learn to construct a narrative, find your storyteller voice, and present your story effectively for the stage. Split your enrollment into four payments over six weeks with our student payment plan!

In this six week, in-person class we will explore the basic principles of storytelling and support students in developing a story of their own for the stage. We will engage in practical exercises to brainstorm and find personal stories, craft them and develop them with peer and instructor support and feedback. Learn to construct a narrative, find your storyteller voice, and present your story effectively. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, stand-up comedian, professional communicator, or simply interested in telling stories, this class provides an entry point in a fun and supportive environment. Join us on this journey as we empower you to bring your stories to life! No experience necessary.

DATES & TIME: Tuesdays | 1/14 - 2/18 | 7:00pm - 9:00pm
CLASS LOCATION: CIC Philly, 3675 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
SHOWCASE: Sunday, 3/2 @ 12pm, SideQuest Theater, 2030 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
TUITION: Regular price is $279
PAYMENT PLAN: Play now, Pay Later! Want to split your enrollment up into two or more payments? We can do that! At checkout check the "Pay With Payment Plan" Box. We offer two main options: 1) Pay 50% now and 50% the day before class begins and 2) Pay in four, equal payments over 6 weeks. Depending on when you enroll, option #2 may not be available at checkout. Email [email protected] to make a special request to use that plan. Please note payment plans include processing fees.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Martha Cooney is a writer and comedian from Philadelphia. She released her first essay collection, Walk Me Through Your Resume, in 2023. Martha writes a regular humor newsletter "YO from Martha Cooney" and hosts the quarterly variety comedy show YO Live. She is a winner of The Moth GrandSLAM storytelling competition and a frequent First Person Arts Winning Storyteller and Audience Favorite. She has performed on LIVE at the Kelly Writers House, Commonspace Radio Hour on WHYY, and at the United Palace Theater in New York City. Find her at www.marthacooney.com or on social @marthajcooney.

📲CONNECT WITH US!
If you'd like to sign up for our newsletter you can do so here. If you're on social media you can follow us on Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, Facebook, Tik Tok, and LinkedIn. Our newsletter and social media are always the first stops for us to post new classes, discount codes, and other special offers.

💳 PAYMENT OPTIONS
Want to split your tuition into smaller payments? We’ve got options! At checkout, select “Pay With Payment Plan” to see available plans, which may include splitting tuition into 3 or 4 smaller payments. Please note for Improv 1, all tuition must be paid by the first class. Please note: all payment plans may include processing fees.We may also be able to offer AfterPay by request. This option allows you to enroll and continue making payments during the course. Since AfterPay is arranged manually, please email [email protected] before registering if you’d like to use it. 

CLASS BUNDLE DISCOUNT
Taking two or more classes in the same session? You may be eligible for 15% off your total enrollment! This discount applies to the regular enrollment price of our core program classes in improv, comedy writing, musical improv, and stand-up. To use the discount, email [email protected] with the classes you’d like to take, and we’ll send you an invoice. Invoices can also include a payment plan option, allowing you to split your enrollment into two or more installments.

REFER A FRIEND AND EARN A BONUS!
Bring a friend along for the fun! If you refer someone to one of our intro classes, and they enroll, you’ll each receive a $25 Crossroads Comedy Theater gift card good toward future classes or shows. Intro classes are classes with a “1” in the title, such as Improv 1, Writing 1, Musical Improv 1, or Stand-Up 1. Once they enroll, email [email protected] and CC the person you referred, or the person who referred you. We’ll issue the gift cards within a few days after the class begins.

CODE OF CONDUCT
It boils down to this: Treat people with respect. We do not tolerate hateful, discriminatory, or disruptive behavior. Behavior that is racist, misogynist, ableist, homophobic, transphobic, ageist, or any other unacceptable behavior not here mentioned will result in removal from the class. We strive to be inclusive of all experiences. We are always learning and aim to keep the class safe and respectful for everyone. The use of recreational drugs, illegal drugs, and/or alcohol is not permitted during class. The use of substances in class or the impact of prior usage exhibited in disruptive ways in class may result in your removal from class. For full details of this policy, please review the FAQ on the Classes page.

REFUND POLICY
All Crossroads Comedy Theater class sales are final. Please review all class dates, performance dates, policies, etc before enrolling. For full details of this policy, please review the FAQ on the Classes page. 

CROSSROADS @ WORK
Improv is not just for individuals. Organizations of all shapes and sizes partner with Crossroads to instill imperative business skills. Our customized applied improv workshops give you and your coworkers a chance to examine personal and group dynamics, focusing on practical skills like listening, sharing, leadership, being bold, conflict resolution, and working as a team. Our workshops are perfect for any group. Whether you are marketing professionals, sales teams, nonprofit volunteers, lawyers, c-level executives doctors, layers, doctorlawyers, lawoctors, nurses, athletes, circus clowns, and everything in between. Call us today and let us show you how we can help your team. Crossroads is also available to come to your for a one of a kind performance! Check out our business improv page for more information.

PRIVATE PERFORMANCES
Crossroads is now available to come to your organization or gathering for a special performance! Stand-up, improv, storytelling, or a mix of that and more are on the table for your event. Our most popular option makes you and your guests the star of the show! Three to five of your guests will tell stories that will inspire the hilarious scenes to follow. It's part tribute, part roast, and all in good fun. Imagine an anniversary party where people tell stories about the couple that are then used to create a hilarious, heart warming, and inspiring show just for you and your guests. That's the power of what we can do. Check out our hire us page for more information.