Charlotte Comedy Theater
About
CCT has been voted Best of the Best in Charlotte as well as on the Top 50 comedy clubs in the US! Our key trainer, Keli Semelsberger is a 23 year Chicago improv veteran who learned from the masters; Del Close, Charna Halpern, Amy Poehler and MIck Napier. CCT has been teaching improv artists in the Southeast for over 16 years to wild acclaim. Improv is not just our art but our way of life! Live in the moment, improvise!
Highlights
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Our classes run in 6 week sessions all year long. New students contact Owner, Keli Semelsberger at [email protected] to reserve a space in class and they pay via on line payment or in cash the first day of class. New students are encouraged to put no pressure on themselves as no experience is necessary and there are no expectations except to have fun!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been a corporate trainer for 25 years, and an improv comedy teacher, director and performer for 23 years. I have performed and taught in Chicago LA and Charlotte as well as various festivals and workshops with corporations from around the world.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Improv classes are $23- to $250 per person for each 6 week session. Our training center has three levels of instruction then a performance/coaching level .
How did you get started teaching?
I was a corporate trainer when I started learning improv in Chicago at IO, Second City and Annoyance Theaters in the early 90's. I fell in love with improv and started applying the principals of improv to my corporate training, and have been teaching improv for stage and business ever since.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked will all types, from children thru seniors, and people of all education and socio-economic stations in life. For example I have taught Doctors, Lawyers, Ministers, YMCA Camp Kids, Handicapped adults and children, The Womans Latino group of Charlotte, Levin Scholorship graduates and people just looking to put more fun in thier life.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
We just celebrated our 16 year anniversary playoffs and did a show in a 200 seat theater that rocked the house. We had most of our 60 performers on stage at one time or another.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure they have had to really earn their stripes in a big city improv theater, not just someone who took some improv classes, did a few shows and decided to open their own theater. They should have gotten thier original instruction from one of the well known theaters or they will be passing on half cocked philosophy to you. They should teach with heart and passion and not have any ego or bullish tendancies.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
If you have any physical limitations since it's higly active and if you are willing to really let go of ego to allow yourself to be vulnerable and have fun. It takes a lot to let go of old limiting thoughts and habits. Improv helps you to learn to live in the moment and let go of judgment, but you have to be williing to go along for the ride and get fully into it.