Hi! I’m Hannah!
I’m so excited you’re here.
I love teaching comedy as much as I love performing it. I encourage people towards a deeper understanding of how to use their specific comedic voice. Learn how to make what you want to make, not what you think you should. My classes are half character-building and half-soul-searching. I’d love to have you.
About Me!
Hannah Pilkes is a New York City-born improviser, comedian, and Independent Spirit Award-nominated actress (The Woodsman, 2004). She was named a 2023 Just For Laughs Characters New Face and was recognized by New York Magazine/Vulture as a “Comedian You Should and Will Know.” On stage, she has earned praise for her live shows across Los Angeles and New York City, as well as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Telluride Comedy Film Festival, and her recent Varietopia tour with Paul F. Tompkins. She has appeared on various podcasts, including Comedy Bang! Bang!, The Neighborhood Listen and This Book Changed My Life. You can see her on Dropout TV’s Make Some Noise and Monét’s Slumber Party. Her upcoming feature credits include For Worse and 31 Candles, and soon you will see her as “Josie” on the new Chuck Lorre sitcom Leanne on Netflix.
My Approach
Collaborative
I believe comedy and performance is best explored through community and partnership. Though you may be creating characters that can exist on a stage or on camera on their own, you’ll also work together to explore ideas and play around in a generously giving environment.
Defining You
The best characters come from inside you. Through journaling, storytelling, improv and exploratory physical exercises, we’ll work together to draw out the people that live inside you already.
“Hannah’s teaching style was wonderful. She’s really encouraging and gives great direction. She also helps you figure out what works for you, which is invaluable.” - Isabel K.
Testimonials
“Out of all the comedy classes I've taken, this was hands down the best. Hannah’s collective enthusiasm and support made it immensely enjoyable. I'm grateful for all the positivity and advice. Hannah cultivates a safe space for us to be creative weirdos and letting our art flourish. Learning from the best has been a true blessing.” - Sam
“Hannah creates a wonderful environment that feels so supportive.” - Madison
“I’ve now attended Hannah’s workshop multiple times and each has built on the time before - the showcase class and intensives are an incredible way to make the switch in your head from wanting to take comedy seriously (!) to having the tools and motivation to do so - the emphasis on what works and what doesn’t is an extremely helpful framework.” - Guy D.
“Hannah is a gifted teacher who fosters vulnerability with great care. She really knows her shit!” - Brooke
“Hannah’s class is a healthy fail-safe container that feels like it’s supporting you long after class ends, gives you a lasting confidence, and is an amazing place to meet collaborators.” - Mike
One on One Coaching!
In addition to group classes, I offer private coaching sessions! Have an audition coming up? A solo show? A big set? Whatever you’re working on, I’d love to help! Click below!
FAQ
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I’m so excited to have you! Most of my classes are geared towards all experience levels. Whether you’re new to performance or a seasoned character chameleon, we can shape the experience to you.
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Not at all! Someone once described my classes as an embodied Artist’s Way. In other words, whatever your aim is, you’re welcome to join. I’ve taught lawyers, authors, teachers, physical therapists… whatever you do, I’m sure you can find something useful from the practice.
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Yes! Send me an email at hannahpilkesclasses@gmail.com with what you’re looking for, and I’ll get back to you quickly.