Category Archives: Comedy Works best

Edith Weiss

This is the face of a woman who could change your entire creative career; Edith Weiss. A writer, director and actor, Weiss has perfected what is known as a ‘Triple Threat,’ and she wants to help you do the same.

She’s published over 30 plays, toured the country as a comedian with the Military, and was head writer and director for all seven of Pham Aly’s (Physically Handicapped Actors & Musical Actors League) Vox Series.

Edith has acted or directed for the Denver Center, the Arvada Center, the Avenue Theater, Nomads, Littleton Town Hall, Backstage Breckenridge, and the Aurora Fox.

Edith is bringing her expertise to the Comedy Works stage for two more months in 2018 and offering The Best Damn Improv Workshop. Whether you’re an aspiring actor, comedian or just an average person looking for their voice, Edith is here to help.

Edith has performed in three professional improvisation groups – Chicken LipsScenic Overbite, and Plastered in Paris. Edith credits improvisation with allowing her to make a living in the arts for most of her life. “For an artist/performer, be it actor, writer, director, comic -improvisation helps you make original choices. In all areas of life, it brings out the artist in you.”

“I went with the idea of never performing, but in hopes of improving my public speaking skills (I practiced law in Denver), and having some fun. It made such a difference to me in making court appearances. Because I was not in court every day, there were times when I would feel a bit rusty, especially in the more formal context of the appellate courts. Improv gave me the chance to stretch out in thinking on my feet, and overcome nervousness standing up in front of people every week. It was great. People came and went, many of us formed permanent friendships, and we always had a lot of laughs. Edith had an ability to bring out peoples’ strengths and improve their weaknesses, really a good director. I can’t recommend her highly enough.”
— Jane H.

The Best Damn Improv Workshop will offer two classes: Beginners and Beyond Beginners. Beginners is a class tailored to any performer or person looking to increase their public speaking and communication skills. Beyond Beginners is targeted towards people who’ve taken an improv class before (whether it be this one or not) and would like to take the next step.

 

Get your tickets to The Best Damn Improv Workshop Here!

Chris Hardwick Praises Comedy Works for Using Yondr

Chris Hardwick is a comedian, actor, TV host, author, writer and producer. Recently, Hardwick had some good words to share about his past weekend at Comedy Works in April on his podcast called Idiot with Chris Hardwick.

“You sort of forget that people, even if it’s just a little bit, they’re just not in the moment at all times. And having not been in a situation for so long where everyone was just engaged in something without being on their devices, it was… UN-F*%$ING-BELIEVABLE!”

As most Comedy Works’ regulars know, Yondr is a company that we have chosen to create a more substantial comedy experience. Yondr creates little “sleeping bags” for phones that lock with the clasp of a magnet.The phones stay in possession of the owner and are unlock-able at any showroom exit. We use these bags at each show to ensure a quiet, interruption-free environment.

Contrary to Hardwick’s timeline, Comedy Works has used Yondr since 2016, but he was correct in saying Dave Chappelle introduced us to the company.

Yondr hasn’t been limited to our home-club shows. Comedy Works has been seen Yondring at places like the Bellco Theatre and Red Rocks Ampitheatre.

 

Talkin Shop with Wende Curtis

Talkin’ Shop, a podcast hosted by local Denver comic, Anthony Crawfordfocuses on the best and most respected people in comedy. This week’s episode featured Comedy Works’ own, Wende Curtis. 

 photo credit: Andrew Bray
“They don’t F*$%#ing get it,” Curtis whispers as she explains Comedy Works compared to its rivals.

The basement of the Granite Building has been home to the famous Comedy Works downtown showroom since 1981. Ranked in the “Top 20 Things To Do in Denver” on TripAdvisor.com, going to a show at Comedy Works is unlike any comedy club experience in the country.

“There’s something so magical about that room,” Curtis, Comedy Works’ CEO, muses. The shadowy basement that seats over 200 customers “like little sardines” is unique and quaint to Curtis. When she says they just don’t get it, she’s talking about the variety of other comedy clubs who don’t favor the close-knit, underground room. But to so many, Comedy Works’ downtown showroom is the best stage they’ve ever performed on.  As Dave Chappelle put it, “Comedy Works is the best independent comedy club in the United States.” (And Chappelle prefers the downtown club to our other club).

Listen to Wende talk about:

–  creating space for young comedy after The Squire Lounge closed
– booking TJ Miller in the wake of the #MeToo movement
– how to evolve the club with the times
– being a female business owner in a male-dominated industry

 

The Best Damn Improv Workshop You Will Ever Take!

Looking to improve your public speaking skills or comedic timing? We’ve got something for you!
Taught by Edith Weiss this workshop is essential for any artist, performance or otherwise, and ideal for the professional who speaks and communicates with two people or in front of hundreds. You will walk away with better communication skills, creative problem solving, supportive team work abilities and confidence. Open to Ages 16+