If you're here then you're interested in learning from our super talented faculty, and to meet some awesome people along the way!
The Kickstand Comedy Scholarship is a great opportunity to learn the art of comedy from our passionate and experienced faculty consisting of local and nationally recognized performers. It’s one of the ways we are working to eliminate financial barriers to seeing and doing comedy, and we are excited to get new voices and perspectives in our classes stage and on our stage.
With the exception of Intro to Stand Up w/Jake Noll all classes are held in person.
**APPLICATION DEADLINES
Our Scholarship applications are rolling, what this means is that you can apply at any time. If you have a specific class date you'd like to apply for - you must get your scholarship application in at least 3 weeks in advance of the start date of the session. If you're application is not sent at least 3 weeks before the start of the session - no worries we will roll your application over to the next available class session and be in touch! If you have any questions you can email us at
info@kickstandcomedy.orgOUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
At Kickstand, we strive to use comedy as a platform to both build up and bring together our community—by celebrating both the things that bind us together and those that make us individuals.
Comedy has historically been and continues to be dominated by cis white men. This is further exacerbated in Portland, one of America’s whitest cities. Too many aspiring comedians have gone unseen because they didn’t see their faces, bodies and experiences reflected on stage, and this needs to change. We want our theater and stage to accurately reflect the community we serve
With the Kickstand Comedy Scholarship, we are working to increase representation and opportunity in our theater for historically marginalized identities. Too many aspiring comedians have gone unseen because they didn’t see their faces, bodies, and experiences reflected on stage. And when any portion of Portland isn’t getting space to express their truth, dignity, and worldview—the whole community misses out on growing together.
We understand that scholarships are only a part of the equation when it comes to increasing representation at our theater, but we hope it that decreasing the financial barrier of entry can act as a catalyst to more and more unique voices contributing to the greater comedy community.
OUR MISSION
To transform and enrich the lives of performers and audiences through comedy. We address the ongoing needs of the community and its diverse perspectives through dynamic shows and community outreach events—creating equity across our organization and beyond while providing opportunities for performance, education, and laughter.
**All scholarship recipients must remain in good standing with the Kickstand Comedy Harassment and Attendance policies (students in violation of either policy are at risk of loss of Internship). **
