I have been participating in Andy's New Talent shows for over 10 years now, first as a bringer and now as a guest. What keeps bringing me back are the enthusiastic audiences and quality of shows. Andy is the best at this stuff.

"If you're serious about your comedy career then you need to do Andy Engel's New Talent Show. The DVD you get will jumpstart your career in a powerful way."

I was working as a host at Caroline's Comedy Club, many years ago, never intending to attempt stand up and Andy Engel's New Talent Showcase inspired me to take a crack at it. He cultivated a show that gave people of all ages and backgrounds to explore their passion and voice on stage. Twenty one years later, 4 hour stand up specials, 3 seasons of my own television show, 2 upcoming films and 1 dependency on whiskey are all thanks to Andy allowing a scrawny kid from Pittsburgh up on stage to see if he's got what it takes. I guess I owe Andy a note of gratitude? Thanks so damn much Andy.

Andy Engel's New Talent shows are in a class by themselves. I have never made a better quality tape to submit for jobs and that's counting NBC's Last Comic Standing finale! Over the years I have been fortunate enough to do Andy Engel's New Talent shows and I have been seen by agents, managers, comedy festivals and casting directors under the best of circumstances, which means a full house and a hot crowd. Probably my best story was getting cast in a Broadway show when the casting director was there to see someone else!

“From this tape I was able to instantly get bookings around the country. I will be forever grateful to Andy Engel and the platform he provides for new comics. I was doing a new talent show, and Andy went out of his way to introduce me to Chris Mazzilli the owner of Gotham... Chris booked me on AXS TV ‘Gotham Comedy Live’.”

I had been working mics/privatley produced shows for a couple of years before I met Andy Engel, and once I did it was a stepping stone to a better career. I went from doing bar shows to four people in the village to being thrusted into a an electric crowd sandwiched in between the likes on Gaffigan and Seinfeld...yes, on a NEW TALENT show. That's because Andy takes the time to get to know his comics and push them to be the best and throw them into environments that will make them as sharp as a knife. His new talent shows and Manhattan Comedy School courses will make you a better comic and his frienship will make you a better person. Thank you Andy for all of my success!

If you are a comedian, your tape is everything, it’s your calling card, your sales pitch and your #1 marketing tool. Countless comics have gotten their killer tape at an Andy Engel Showcase.

Andy Engel's New Talent shows are undeniably the best of their kind! The room is frequently packed with extremely receptive crowds, enabling new comics as well as seasoned professionals an opportunity to be involved in what is consistently one of the best shows in New York. And NOTHING beats the quality of the DVDs comics can make at these shows, which can be used for anything from finding an agent to procuring a high-profile booking. It's Andy Engel's attention and professionalism that make these shows work week in and week out. Andy is truly a blessing to the New York comedy scene.

I've been performing on Andy's New Talent shows for years. Back when I was really 'new,' I looked at it as a high-quality show I could invite industry to. Now, as a pro, I still love to do it. Andy always mixes new talent with pros, so the audience is guaranteed a good show.

“I booked AXS TV after auditioning via one of Andy’s Showcases. After the filming, Andy put me in touch with a college agent who took me on. With them I was able to start touring, and from there get a manager and a talent agent. Andy was integral in suggesting the showcase and then connecting me with a great college agent. I recommend doing everything you can to showcase for AXS-TV—it’s a very unique, and relatively accessible TV opportunity…that is truly invaluable to people at ANY level. Go…go for it…you have to!"

"I have been wanting to do stand-up for years, and so when the time was right, the first thing I did was get myself into class at MCS. It was my time there in the classroom that I first got to tell my jokes aloud in front of a group of fellow comics, get valuable feedback and finally get up on stage for the first time! Now I am pursuing stand-up full time, and it feels great knowing that I have Andy and the great people at MCS behind me. I am grateful for my time spent there!"

Two years ago, the concept of doing stand-up comedy was completely unfathomable to me. I viewed it as impossible and unattainable, even to a Type-A extrovert like me. Then, I met Andy Engel, and everything changed. Andy, who is incredibly perceptive, professional, and encouraging, has brought together the best of the best instructors at Manhattan Comedy School to make stand-up an attainable goal for anyone with the dream of bringing their stories to the stage. Since I've worked with Andy, I've landed gigs all over the country, thanks to a newfound confidence and skillset that would not have been possible without the School. Stand-up comedy is, single-handedly, the greatest thing one can do for his or her personal and professional development, and I encourage everyone to take a course with Manhattan Comedy School!

"The people who run Manhattan Comedy School go out of their way to make sure you have all the tools you need to begin a career in stand-up comedy. They are available for questions, comments, information sessions, brainstorming and, once you graduate the program, they are always ready and willing to share the contacts and connections they have all across the New York comedy scene. If you are a beginner who has always wanted to try stand-up, the MCS is a great place to get started."

"I think The Manhattan Comedy School is an incredible experience that everyone should try. Whether you're serious about a career in the industry or doing it just for fun, the class gave me the indescribable feeling of being onstage in front of a live audience and getting laughs. With the feedback I got from classmates (as well as the expert teaching staff), I was able to polish my material much faster than I ever could have on my own. The class gave me direction and showed me how and when to approach the industry and I've used that knowledge to secure paid work in all the major clubs in town. I currently perform 15-20 times a week and I can't say enough about the help the Manhattan comedy school gave me in reaching my goals."

"The Manhattan Comedy School" is without a doubt the single best opportunity for new comics in NYC, or visiting NYC, to not only develop their craft with seasoned veteran comics, but to expedite their careers by getting up at the one of the best comedy clubs in the world with some of the greatest comics working today. It's not uncommon to be an attorney a desk, decide on a whim to take a class, and one month later find yourself performing to a friendly, packed house with Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan in the same show. There is literally nowhere else you can have that experience."
 

"Manhattan Comedy School gave me the tools and confidence to make the transition from acting out characters and interpreting texts to creating my own stand up comedy sets. I learned the basics of joke writing, the rules of comedy and most importantly, the confidence to just be myself in front of 300 people. Plus -- I got to say the word "ass" every week into a microphone! The 8 weeks are fast, they're funny and they get you working."

“Doing Andy's New Talent has allowed me to perform on the same show as Jim Gaffigan, Jerry Seinfeld and Judah Friedlander because they drop in quite often to work on material. Most recently New Talent has given me my first TV spot. I've booked AXS Live at Gotham from doing the New Talent show. Very worth it.”

"The Manhattan Comedy School was instrumental in helping me book my first Broadway show, Urinetown the Musical. I took the class in the winter of 2000, and along with tremendous instruction on how to be a quality stand-up, I learned invaluable lessons about how to make strong choices in creating a character, how to tell a story, and to truly commit to the choices I made. I auditioned for Urinetown while taking the class, with all of these things fresh in my head. As a result, I walked into the room and just went for it, applying the lessons I had learned from the class (lessons that apply to all forms of acting and performing). Three weeks later, I booked the show. I honestly do not believe I would have booked the show had I not attended this class."

“There is no way as an up and coming comic I would have been able to land my TV debut on AXSTV without Andy Engel. His showcases gave me the exposure I needed to get the attention of club bookers, TV producers and college agents.”

"MCS is where I got my start. Never told a joke before as a lawyer, and now I am a working comedian. The classes give you a clue about how to write a joke and actually be a comedian.  MCS also is a community. MSC was instrumental in helping me make my television debut on Gotham Comedy Live.  That can happen for you too, put one joke in front of the other and take a class."

“When I wanted to start comedy I was pretty clueless. Taking a class helped me gain the confidence to get on stage and helped me meet other people that were new and nervous like I was. I can't explain how awesome it was to do my first show at Gotham, and then 3 years later do my first TV appearance on the same stage.” 

Manhattan Comedy School offers a positive platform to enter the world of stand-up comedy. Material for stand-up comedy contains such vulnerability of yourself; learning in a supportive environment is a huge asset while defining and exploring your voice as a comic. Both of my teachers: Karen Bergreen and Cory Kahaney were badasses and instrumental in shaping my material while offering sound advice. Andy Engel, the owner, is always providing opportunities to his students.  I'm grateful for the opportunity of his New Talent Showcase competition at Gotham Comedy Club, where I won a spot on Gotham Comedy Live. We filmed my spot less than a year after taking Karen's class, which was epic. Totally epic. Thanks MCS!

“I first met Andy after joining the Manhattan Comedy School a few years ago. Because of Andy’s new talent shows and with his help, support and exposure I recently auditioned for AXSTV's Gotham Comedy Live and am currently booked on my first stand up TV debut! I can honestly say none of this would have happened without the help of Andy and his new talent shows.”

“Thanks to Andy Engel for setting me up with a live audition for Chris Mazzilli, I managed to make my TV debut on AXS TV!”

"The transformation that I underwent in 6 weeks was nothing short of astonishing. The support of our teacher and the encouragement of the group helped create an environment that was safe, creative and so much fun! As someone who performed stand-up for the first time, I am grateful that The Manhattan Comedy School was there to guide me through the process."
 

Big fan of MCS and all it can offer!  I got passed for a TV spot on Gotham Comedy Live after doing a New Talent Showcase.  The quality performance videos they provide have also helped me book work at clubs and comedy festivals nationwide.  Even that Andy Engel guy is okay.

“Thank you so, so much for the opportunity to audition for AXS and for actually putting me on the show. I did AXS this season and it had profound effects on my career. Since the show I have been booking shows around NYC left and right. It puts me on the same playing field of comics that I've admired for a long time.”

My experience with Andy Engel is that he creates the optimal showcase environment for making a DVD. This is not easily done. Putting a DVD together is critical to communicating what you have to offer, and there's no better place in my experience to do it.

“I simply wouldn't have gotten my first TV credit, AXS TV, without the help of Andy Engel and the platform his New Talent show provided me."

I've known Andy since I've started and many of the biggest career opportunities I've had were through him and his shows, from live touring dates to TV shows like AXS.TV's 'Gotham Comedy Live.'  I definitely owe him a lot and am forever grateful.

“I got a call from Andy Engel to do a spot on his coveted New Talent Show. That night I was booked on Gotham Comedy Live. You never know what could happen on an Andy Engel show.”

“Breaking through is tough as a comic. You're constantly waiting for your big break. In the meantime you have to get good, really good at being a comic and working with Andy Engel helps you with that. His shows are top notch, they force you to get better. You get the best tapes from his shows and after doing his shows I was able to be seen by bookers and other industry types and I was able to earn my first big break of my comedy career by landing my first TV spot with AXS. Thanks Andy!”

“So I basically went from having no representation to having both a manager and an agent for Voice-Overs! Thanks again for making it happen, Andy!”

"Whoever said 'dying is easy, comedy is hard' knew exactly what they were talking about. As an industry, comedy is extremely challenging, because it is always an on-the-job learning experience. While acting can be studied or coached through any number of programs or schools, it is only through surrounding oneself with working professionals, by struggling to discover what really works for the individual, that the novice comedian earns their chops. This is what made the Manhattan Comedy School such a unique experience for me. In both the Stand-Up and Improv classes, I studied under teachers (and along with fellow students) in the midst of their own ongoing careers. It was always challenging, sometimes frightening, but totally rewarding. It is only by really putting yourself out there that you get to experience the 'thrill of the kill' on stage."

"I loved my experience at The Manhattan Comedy School. They sharpened my act, and more importantly, I find it helps me in my business dealings particularly where I'm pitching a new TV sitcom or reality show."

"I would recommend the Manhattan Comedy School to anyone wanting to turn their dreams of being a standup comic into a reality! You'll get invaluable stage time, advice on comedy writing and great delivery tips ...do it now. You won't regret it!"

When I signed up for a stand up comedy class I had no idea how much I would love it and how much I would learn. Manhattan School of Comedy, run by Andy Engel, is a totally great place to find out about the  world of comedy and what your place could be in it!  The teachers (and I have had three) are all excellent professionals in the field of comedy writing and performing.  I work as a psychotherapist, and really enjoy the work that I do, but to have the chance to do something entirely different and a little scary in a safe and supportive environment, has meant so much to me!

Every comedian - active and aspiring - wants to know: how can you get your material heard in the extraordinarily crowded New York City comedy scene? The answer: Andy Engel's New Talent Shows. Andy provides a sharp, professional environment where you can create a great recording of your material with a lively and engaged crowd.

I’ve been doing Andy’s New Talent showcases for years. My very first one I did with Andy was almost two decades ago when I first started out. I traveled all the way down from Boston. The tape gave me a boost in my career that I could never had imagine. Since then, Andy has continued to produce great audience, amazing venues, and beautiful looking tapes that will benefit you for years to come!

“Stage fright? No big deal. Hecklers? No big deal. Negative relatives? No big deal. The MCS will help deal with all these potentially scary elements of stand-up. AND they will teach you be funny! I took the class and still cherish my time there. Two decades later I look a my MCS notebooks, daily.”

Taking comedy class at MCS was a life changing experience The graduation night on stage at GOTHAM CC was indescribable! The first time I stepped on stage AND got a laugh was better than ANY FIRST I've ever had!

When I first got into stand up, a friend recommended Andy's class at Manhattan Comedy School. Five years later, I'm doing it professionally. I get paid to make people laugh and MCS was the launch pad. The teachers are second to none and I'm still using the things I learned from them. They are pros working at the top of their field. Whether you're someone who wants to pursue a comedy career or just looking to gain confidence, these classes are a lifeline. I highly recommend Manhattan Comedy School!

Been working with Andy Engel for over 2 years now and all I can say is this. I'd attend his New Talent showcases & would watch on and perform on them as they'd push me further as a stand up. Not many people gave me shots at club spots, but Andy did and he saw how committed I was to making my comedy stand out in NYC & he's consistently been able make that happen.

When I first started comedy, Andy Engel's new talent showcases were some of the first real shows I did. Getting the experience in front of a real packed crowd taught me a lot and also helped me overcome my fear of doing stand up. Andy and his showcase was one of my first impressions into the stand up world and here I am 8 years later on the road opening up for Adam Sandler and David Spade, and been a producer on Sandler's last 5 Netflix movies and getting and also getting to act in them. Andy's showcases gave me confidence early on and taught me a lot.

After moving back to New York in 2014 in search for more comedic opportunity I was lost in finding a home room to perform in. Fortunately I was able to stumble across Andy Engels New Talent Showcase which is far from a novice showcase with comedic talent from all levels even celebrity pop ups. Since my arrival to New York, Gotham Comedy club has done wonders for my career, providing me with 2 T.V appearance and a T.V show pilot in development. I only have positive things to say about Andy and his new talent showcase, I am his black adopted step child and I am thankful for the platform that he provides me and other comics it is not one to be taken for granted. Love yah!!

Andy Engel's New Talent show was responsible for my career taking off. My first development deal came from a tape that was made at one of his shows. The shows are filled with an appreciative audience that encourages you to do your best. A recorded copy from those shows will always kill!

Andy Engel not only provides new comics with a major platform, but also the encouragement, constructive feedback and network to help cultivate their talents and take their careers to the next level. The tape of my very first new talent show led to meetings with top literary agents and a TV show casting agent. It also led to more invitations to perform at some of New York's top comedy clubs. I can't quite believe it. Thank you, Andy!

Andy Engel produces a high quality show because he's experienced. He has worked with a lot of the best comedians in the business. These New Talent shows are a great place to have people you respect come out to see you. It is a bad place though, to invite people who dislike you or have some kind of issue with you. Those people are best ignored.

The hardest part of comedy is creating jokes and building a set. The 2nd hardest part is capturing it on tape. When I moved to New York I had material, but I couldn't prove it until I did Andy Engel's New Talent Showcase and made a great tape. A professional setting with a supportive audience is hard to find, but that's what Andy consistently delivers.