class policies

I’ve never done comedy before, could I still take a class?

Can I audit a class for free first?

  • We get asked this question a lot, but no - we did not allow prospective students to audit or take a class for free before signing up. You can sign-up for a 1-day drop-in class, if available for your subject, and check out our testimonials and reviews.

Where do your classes take place?

  • At The Dog House (137 Montrose Ave, Brooklyn) and The Pig Pen (144 Boerum St) - just a 2 min walk from Montrose L, 10 min walk from G or JMZ trains and both just a 1 min walk away from our shows at Eris (167 Graham Ave, Brooklyn).

Is there street parking?

  • Usually, there is available parking on nearby streets.

Are you ADA accessible?

  • The Pig Pen is fully ADA accessible.

  • The Dog House is on the ground floor, except for one step up to get in the front door. Doors are not ADA-sized.

Refunds/Credits

  • Class payments (unless the BCC cancels or reschedules the class) are non-refundable. In the event you have to drop a class before it begins and give us at least seven days notice, we can credit your tuition toward a future class at the BCC.

  • For sold out classes, we can only offer a credit only if we are able to fill your spot before the class starts with someone off the wait list. Any exception to this policy is at the BCC’s discretion.

Payment Plans

  • We can set-up a weekly payment plan via Venmo if you need to pay for a class over installments. Email classes@brooklyncc.com if interested.

Gift Certificates

  • You can purchase a gift certificate of a class here.

Class Absences

  • In order to progress to the next level of class, you may miss no more than 2 classes. If there is another section of a level running concurrently in the same term, you can email us at classes@brooklyncc.com to make-up one missed class in the other concurrent section for free. Students who miss more than 2 classes will not be permitted to rejoin the current class or take the next level of that curriculum. We do not allow students to sign up for a class if you have to miss the first 2 classes.

Joining Late

  • We allow students to join any class up until the second class date. You can just sign up on the website and we’ll put you in touch with the class teacher to get you up to speed on what you missed.

Prerequisites

  • Any prerequisites for a class will be noted in the class description. Some classes allow you to skip Level 1 with appropriate prior training/experience - you must clearly indicate why you are skipping level 1 or we will ask you to switch into the appropriate section.

Retaking a Class

  • Students may retake any class they have completed at the BCC for 50% off by emailing classes@brooklyncc.com with their request. We reserve the right to approve each retake request based upon availability, though we will do our best to accommodate everyone. Once approved, your spot is confirmed in that class at the reduced price.

Age

  • Our classes, unless otherwise noted, are for adults ages 17 and up. For those under 21, you will not be able to see shows at Eris, but can perform in your class show that one night. Shows are the Pig Pen are ages18+.

Class Size

  • Classes are limited to 10-16 students max - see course description for detail.

Teacher Subs

  • Classes may have a substitute teacher on short notice. 

Class Cancellation

  • In the event a class fails to meet a minimum number of sign-ups (6 enrollments), students will be notified by email and given the option to transfer into another class, keep a class credit on the books, or offered a full refund - whichever is preferable to the student.

Class Shows

  • While it’s highly encouraged to attend your class show, if you have to miss it - no worries.

COVID-19

  • We are no longer requiring proof of vaccination to enroll in a class. Masks are optional. If you feel sick at all, please stay home and get better! You can contact classes@brooklyncc.com to make-up the missed class in another section.

Harassment Policy

Harassment Policy: The BCC is a home for creativity, risk-taking and expression. We value the safety of all participants and performers. Comedy classes are a delicate balance: while we encourage students to take risks and explore areas that may feel unusual or even a bit uncomfortable, there is a difference between uncomfortable and unsafe. We empower every student to have the right to stop an improvised scene or any moment in class at any time necessary, for any reason, and as teachers we look to protect every participant, read the room, and stop to address an inappropriate situation before it escalates or even takes place. We encourage dialogue and frank discussion about any issues or feelings that arise in class. Homophobic, sexist, racist, or offensive comments made for the sake of simply saying or doing something "edgy" or "inappropriate," or as the butt of a joke or “punching down,” are not tolerated. Students who violate this policy will receive a written warning for the first offense and will be removed from classes (without refund) for further offenses, in order to maintain classroom integrity for our creativity community. During classes, each instructor is to operate according to the policy outlined above and ensure a safe environment for all involved and report any issues immediately to the BCC managing staff. Teachers are strictly not allowed to date or have any sexual interaction with any student while that student is a member of that teacher's class.

If any party on staff is the subject or party to a harassment claim, that person is recused from decision-making about the consequences/outcome/punishment.

Reporting Harassment: Anyone can report an instance of harassment via this form, which will be automatically sent to Artistic Director Philip Markle and Programming Director Maya Sharma. If there is a claim against Maya or Philip, you can also reach out to the other party by emailing philip@brooklyncc.com, or maya@brooklyncc.com directly. The harassment form can be filled out anonymously if desired, though that will limit our ability to follow-up and address any claims.