Patrick H Short Patrick H Short

CSz 101

Intro to Improv the CSz Way
with Patrick Short
Begins January 5, 2025 - Mondays, 7:00-9:00pm
In Person
$250

Click here more info

Click here to register

Intro to Improv the CSz Way
with Rick Steadman
Begins January 5, 2026 - Mondays, 7:00-9:00pm
In Person
$250

Click here more info

Click here to register

CSz 101 - The Foundation

 

CSz 101 improv classes start three times a year. These classes are the gateway for adults to all things ComedySportz®. You can reserve your place now. 

We've been called one of the top eight comedy schools from around the nation by Paste Magazine. Watch this video with testimonials from CSz 101 Students.

To register, call us now at 503.236.8888, e-mail us, or register on-line.

 

You will have an amazing time:

  • Learn improv the CSz Way - in a concise and organized sequence.

  • Gain incredible insight into what's funny and why

  • Experience the power of letting good things happen

  • Improve your public speaking skills

  • Improve your auditioning skills

  • Equip yourself with new tools for all arts: Speed, Narrative, Movement, Character-building, Conflict, Status and Fun. The improv tools we teach will give you a strong foundation for almost any style of improv.

  • Learn how ComedySportz and other improv styles work

  • Classes are how we find new CSz talent (Does getting paid to play sound interesting? Our pro players get paid.)

  • Meet interesting people, network and make new friends

  • Have a great time, become extremely funny and yes, even smell better!

  • Here are two blog pieces from recent CSz 101 students, on the unexpected effects of taking this class:

Experience is not necessary (although certainly welcome); our classes feature a level and nurturing playing field.

Our lead teacher - Patrick Short - brings over 34 years of improv teaching experience to the class and the January set of classes will be his 104th CSz 101 sequence. Patrick does a terrific job of leading new and experienced adult students to great discoveries, as well as melding folks from different backgrounds into a united group - and CSz never forgets the fun of improv.

When: Mondays, Beginning January 5, 2026; 7:30-9:30pm; 7 weeks.

Where: Portland Comedy Theater, 535 NW 16th Ave
How Much: Cost is $250 for the 7-week, two-hours per week series and includes free tickets for shows during your time in the class.

To register, call us now at 503.236.8888, e-mail us, or register on-line.

 

 

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Patrick H Short Patrick H Short

CSz 201

Improv Scenework
Hosted by Rick Steadman, featuring
Ruth, Amy, Betse, Theresa, Starr, Patrick & Andrew
Improv Scenework
Begins February 23, 2026 (6 Mondays)
7:00-9:00pm
$220

Click here more info

Click here to register

Improv Scenework
February 23, 2026
7:00-9:00pm
$220

Click here more info

Click here to register

CSz 201 - the Next Adventure!

101 gives you the basic tools and theory; in 201, we take those tools and put them to use in lots of scene work. 201 is a six-week class devoted to the who, what and where of improvisation, and we'll work on scene starts, positivity, getting to the point, heightening and finding the game within scenes. 201 is focused on building scene skills for all types of improvisational performance.

 

Led by CSz GM Rick Steadman, this class will also feature co-teachers each week from our CSz Pro Team. Each teacher is selected for their area of expertise. Ruth Jenkins, Amy Gray, Betse Green, Starr Ahrens, Theresa Robbins Dudeck and Andrew Berkowitz are usually involved.

Prerequisite: CSz 101 or equivalent class at another theatre; contact us if you have questions. 

201 will be offered 3 times each year, immediately following the run of a 101 class.

To register, call us now at 503.236.8888, e-mail us, or register on-line.

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Patrick H Short Patrick H Short

CSz 301

ComedySportz Games & Format
Begins January 7, 2026
Wednesdays, 7:00pm -9:00pm
$250

Click here more info

Click here to register

ComedySportz Games & Format
Begins January 7, 2026
Wednesdays, 7:00pm -9:00pm
$250

Click here more info

 

Click here to register

CSz 301: ComedySportz® Games and Format

After learning the tools, and building the skills, it's time to learn ComedySportz®! In this fast-paced 8 week class, you'll learn at least 20 of our games and the format that turns them into the show that's played to millions around the US & Europe since 1984. The same folks who've performed this format over 4,800 times will be guiding  you. The Week 8 Class is a public show for friends and family, featuring a Pro Referee and Announcer, where we will make you look like a rock star!

Led by Jamie Montgomery, CSz Portland Head Coach.

Prerequisite: CSz 201 or substantial improv experience at another theatre; contact us if you have questions. Folks who took CSz 101 prior to Fall 2015 may be eligible as well. Contact Patrick at 503.236.8888 x4 to discuss.

To register, call us now at 503.236.8888, e-mail us, or register on-line.

 

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CSz 401 Rec League

Every Wednesday, 7:00-9:00
CSz Portland Arena; $10 or less with monthly ($35) or quarterly ($105) subscriptions
Pre-requisite: CSz 201/301
Contact patrick (at) portlandcomedy.com

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Every Wednesday, 7:00-9:00
CSz Portland Arena; $10 or by monthly ($35)/quarterly ($105) subscriptions

Pre-requisite: CSz 201/301
Contact patrick (at) portlandcomedy.com

Click here more info

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