Have you registered yet for winter comedy classes?
http://www.thecomedykids.com/
Improv and Stand-Up Comedy help students discover their best selves building self confidence, creative writing, critical thinking and public speaking. We offer weekly classes Winter, Spring and Fall, plus Summer Camps. We also have teachers at schools, camps and community centers on weekends and after school. Each session starts with Improvisation, playing games that are a ton of fun while teaching valuable life skills. These are the same games we play with corporate groups to develop better leaders, team building, sales, service etc. For our public sessions we include Stand-Up Comedy, taking stories of experience and observation, then crafting original comedy routines. Each session ends a performance showcase of original and improvised comedy skits. The classes and workshops integrate perfectly with cultural arts, language arts and character building/guidance programming.
$250 TUITION includes 8 weeks of classes (including a performance showcase on the 8th week), invitation to bonus master classes and free admission to professional performances by the cast of EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH featuring your teachers (and sometimes a guest appearance by YOU). CLICK HERE for 20% off Discount Registration
WINTER COMEDY CLASSES NEW YORK NY 2019
BONUS CLASSES for all sections Saturdays February 16, 23
10am TEENS 12pm KIDS 8-12
In Town for winter break 2019, drop by our bonus classes with Sam & Ivana.
Our classes for kids & teens include both Improv & Stand-Up Comedy training. By combining the two, students receive a comprehensive education in creative writing and critical thinking while developing strong community and leadership skills – team, public speaking, self confidence, respect, listening, focus, eye contact and more. $40 to drop in, $250 includes 8-week sessions, with performance showcase, FREE admission to bonus master classes and FREE tickets to public professional shows. Bring this program to your school/community center. Our teachers are in residency all over the NYC area. EMAIL for more info
Upcoming Performances EMAIL for more info on shows, classes, group sales, private events and touring company needs.
TUESDAYS 7pm LMAO ALL STARS Times Square NYC LMAO is back in Times Square. The cast of EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH veterans take stage with interactive musical comedy. Many guests invited on stage to play. The show ends with an Improvised musical. Popular
destination for college and corporate groups. PG-13 comedy OK for teens and older but designed for 18yo+. $25 plus TWO drink min
SATURDAYS/SUNDAYS 3pm Times Square NYC EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH takes stage for interactive musical comedy show based on audience suggestions and participation. Bring the whole family! Popular destination for birthday parties, student groups, families,
scout groups etc. $25 plus a ONE drink minimum.
IMPROV 4 KIDS Farmingdale, Long Island, NY Sundays 7pm Sept 9, Nov 4. Bring the whole family! $25 ticket includes general admission to the show, pizza and other snacks, and FREE workshop at 6pm. 3 and under FREE with adults. Workshop recommended for 8yo
and up. $25 includes all. No additional purchase required.
STAND-UP COMEDY at the Broadway Comedy Club $25 plus two drink minimum
CLICK ABOVE LINKS, Select Class day/time. Select registration option. Proceed to check out.
Saturdays 10am COMEDY 4 TEENS CLASS Times Square NYC
Saturdays 12pm COMEDY 4 KIDS CLASS Times Square NYC
Sundays 6pm COMEDY 4 KIDS/TEENS CLASS Farmingdale, Long Island
SUMMER CAMP 2018 Times Square NYC Starts July 9
WINTER CLASS SHOWCASES
March 17 (NYC) ; March 18 (LONG ISLAND) Talk to your teachers this weekend about specific times.
INVITE THE WORLD so all can have a great audience.
STUDENT APPRECIATION DAYS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Saturday March 24 Winter Classes; Saturday May 26 Spring Classes Open to all students and families from ALL classes for kids/teens
1pm Master Class with Walt Frasier, Artistic Director
2:30 PIZZA PARTY for students and families – The whole family is invited for the 3pm Show. We will get pizza. There is a 1 drink minimum/guest at the show. RSVP ASAP Family Name and number of attendees for the class and show. Tickets to the show (reg $25pp) and pizza are on us for all that have attended the entire session and their families. We ask all purchase a beverage ($5-15/drink plus tax/tip includes plenty of non alcoholic options) before show starts to go with the pizza.
SPRING SESSIONS Start April 7/8
PLEASE NOTE: In the past we have often lost students for Spring Showcases in June, so we will be running Showcases before memorial day with lots of classes after the 3 day weekend.
We may run a second showcase, if there is interest, at the end of June as well.
FEES
$40/week
$150/Month (4 weeks)
$250/10-12 weeks of classes, performance and FREE tickets to professional show
MAY 26 1p-4:30p Student Appreciation Day (See Above)
BONUS/MAKE-UP CLASSES in June 3, 10
Our LI program is small so we can only build in a couple bonus classes, however you are welcome to join us in the city at any time for Saturday programs as make-up sessions
When you are in school, every thing has a clear beginning middle and end. Each semester has that first day of orientation, followed by weeks of classes, ending with a final exam. Along the way their are lectures, class projects, homework assignments, term papers, pop quizzes, and major section tests. But by the end of the semester/year there is a clear arc. The next semester may or may not relate to this semester – except for math of course.
If you were to do a play in school, you have auditions, first read through, rehearsals, tech week, opening night and just a few days later, closing night. Then you are left with that feeling of “NOW WHAT?” or something we called in school “POST MORTEM”. It is that feeling you get when you go form intense 24/7 schedule to nothing and you grasp for purpose. As a young artist it is difficult to see past this next 24 hours.
THERE IS NO END TO PROCESS
As a professional every show becomes just another show. This is not to say they are not as special. But the more shows you do the more important you pick up and continue living. Same goes true with your material.
No open mic or show is ever the finished product. The process of creating new material, developing it and performing for a real audience is never ending.
I want our students to stop thinking of each class cycle as a time to create 2-3 more minutes of material that will be performed once on the last day of class and never again.
Instead think of every open mic session as a show, and adopt this process.
Every time you get on stage try something new – EVERY TIME! Never waste a second of stage time.
Before getting up on stage jot down a few things you want to talk about. If you have a routine that has been worked on for a few sessions, outline your work before getting on stage. Collect your thoughts. Maybe you want to work on some old material form a year ago and perfect it. CLOSE YOUR EYES and envision yourself succeeding as a comic on that stage.
HAVE FUN UP THERE!!!
Take stage. Attack the stage with a fierceness – even if your style is to be Steven Wright-ish. Grab that microphone and show us what you’ve got to offer.
The second you get off stage, then take a moment to reflect what just happened.
How did the audience respond to the material? It is not always about getting a laugh. Especially with new material. Perhaps you have not found the funny yet, but did the audience seem to care about your story? Did they react to it at all?
Remember, Open Mic sessions are not the best reads for material. The room is filled with other comics hopelessly worried about their material. So if you get a laugh at a Mic, right that down; but even if they look up and take notice, that can be something too.
DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!
Last weekend a 10 year old comic presented a potentially VERY compelling argument having to deal with Star Wars. The comic was on to a great idea, except the support for the argument literally was “THIS” and “THAT”. A couple things said were just not true. Working against him is the fat that he is 10 years old and I am a 45 year old Star Wars geek. That being said I told the comic I do not necessarily disagree with the basic premise of the story. About 10 minutes on google could remedy this problem.
One of the reasons I love stories about personal experiences and observations is that they are never wrong. This thing happened to you. As a comic you may exaggerate reality a bit for the laugh, but it is your personal story mixed with fiction. There is no wrong.
The second you start talking pop-culture – especially in today’s world of social media and comic cons, where geeks know WAY TOO MUCH about their favorite shows and movies and performers – you need to get your facts straight. How you interpret those facts – YOUR OPINIONS – is fair game.
Same goes true with history and politics, even in this world of #fakenews and #alternativefacts.
When you make an argument for or against a real thing, the facts have to be accurate. You can make bizarre analogies, interpretations and conclusions but make sure your facts are solid.
These days this takes 2-5 minutes (10 at the most) on google. Don’t be lazy.
OR…
At least have “alternate facts” that sound real for the sake of comedy. I hate this in politics and news media, but in fiction ANYTHING GOES. It’s just sad that politics and news media appears to be more like fiction every day.
These FAKE FACTS need to be totally convincing. It can be fun to watch an audience scratch their heads and wonder “Wait, is that true?”
Warning: their will be backlash from some, but some artists want that. Like I said above, it is not always about getting a laugh. As artists we have the ability to make folks think and feel. The emotion – laughter or otherwise – is what keeps most coming back. Many like to be challenged intellectually, though. Without the wink, they will see what your doing and love it. Always Be Creating!
But it all begins with process.
Always Be Creating: Brainstorm some new ideas every week.
Get yourself to an OPEN MIC or otherwise get on stage as often as possible to try out these ideas with an audience.
Continue to flesh out the ideas on stage and paper.
EVERY TIME you get on stage try something new – new material, new way of presenting old material, changing a single word for a certain effect, changing the pace/rhythm of the same words.
Comedy is more trial and error than scientific method, but like a scientist, TRACK EVERYTHING in your journals, so you can make educated strategy the next time you take stage.
Don’t wing it. Always have plan. When that plan derails due to the audience or other factors, let those moments breathe. Don’t panic. Just keep talking. Trust yourself and see/hear/feel what happens.
AGAIN when you get off stage record the good, the bad, the ugly. What worked? Bombed? What new thing was exciting to you and the audience?
The cycle never ends till the day you stop doing comedy.
JOURNALING YOUR IMPROV COMEDY
I focus on Stand-Up with this blog because it is easier to see the process, but Improv Comedy and Acting should have a journal process as well.
Every time you take stage, record the experience in your journal.
Where did the scene take place and how did you interact with your environment?
What was the relationship and how did you and your scene partners play that relationship?
What was your character? Is this a character you might want to try again in a different scenario? Did they have a job? How Old? How was this character like you? How different?
WHAT HAPPENED? Did you have a strong action choice?
PANTOMIME? Did you create a strong WHO, WHERE WHAT with your physical performance as much as your words?
Always Be Creating
Actors can double and triple their time in classes and rehearsals with a few simple journal entries. By taking a second to write down an experience that experience is melded to your memory core. Days,weeks, and sometimes years later, you will call upon this moment to support a new moment.
PS Remember you homework! Start every day with a smile. AS my students it is your job to make the rest of the world smile and laugh. NEVER wait for the world to make you smile. It will too often disappoint. But more of us making the world smile makes for a better world!!!
– EIGHT weekly classes in January/February starting January 6/7
– THEN because EVERYONE travels at some point, or we have snow etc We add THREE weeks in March, which includes a performance showcase for friends/family. These bonus sessions are only open to those registered for the full session, as they are focused on putting a show together on week 11.
– PLUS March 24 in the city we have a day dedicated to students in ALL our kids/teens classes with a Master Class with me and FREE tickets to our 3pm show w/ PIZZA.
– SO If students don’t travel AND there is no snow you actually get 12 classes AND a show ($25 tickets COMPED for the whole family ) for $250.
– ONLY added expense is there is a 1-drink min at the show (soda, juice H2O ok of course for all) if you join us March 24
Winter 2018 COMEDY CLASSES for Kids, Teens Manhattan, Long Island
Our classes for kids & teens include both Improv & Stand-Up Comedy training. By combining the two, students receive a comprehensive education in creative writing and critical thinking while developing strong community and leadership skills – team, public speaking, self confidence, respect, listening, focus, eye contact and more. Regular students – those signed up for FULL 8-week winter, spring or fall sessions – invited to perform at session-end showcases, FREE admission to bonus masterclasses classes added between sessions and get FREE tickets to public professional shows.
SUNDAYS 6pm LONG ISLAND 10-13 yos
LOCATION: 610 Carmans Ave, South Farmingdale, NY
– <2-mins from the Southern Parkway,
REGISTRATION: $40/class, $250 /Session
SCHEDULE: January 7, 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25
BONUS CLASSES: March 4, 11
SHOWCASE: March 18
TEACHERS: Evan Schultz, Walt Frasier
This class was started when a local parent organized a private group of students.The program is now open to the public with a growing group of 10-13yos. Great group.
SATURDAYS 10am MANHATTAN Teens 13-17 SATURDAYS 12p MANHATTAN Kids 8-12
LOCATION: 318 West 53rd Street, New York, NY (Just west of 8th Ave)
REGISTRATION: $40/class, $250 /Session ($450 preregister for Winter & Spring)
SCHEDULE: January 6, 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24
BONUS CLASSES: March 3, 10
SHOWCASE: March 17
TEACHERS: Liz Lord, Walt Frasier
These classes have grown from 3 students in 2010 to over 30. Now some of our students are in college and continue to work with us as interns and cast mates. Many are also participating in our online series THE COMEDY KIDS.
SUMMER CAMP 2018
We are starting to line-up Summer Camp options. We may be running for 6 weeks this year. All through July, and 2 Weeks in August
LIVE from TIMES SQUARE
Check out LMAO Off Broadway Improv in Times Square Saturdays 3pm (Added shows for group requests)
The cast of EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH delivers high energy fast paced interactive comedy improvised on the spot based on audience suggestions. Every 5 minutes the MC interacts directly the crowd and you decide what the next scene or song is about. Politics, Sports, your favorite TV shows and films and New York City itself all serve as topical subjects. Many games require the help of audience volunteers on stage to more directly steer the comedy pros. NO TWO SHOWS ARE EVER THE SAME!
From November 4, 2017 comedy showcase from our Times Square NYC fall classes. EMAIL us for more info about shows, classes and more.
Our students develop these routines all by themselves. We help direct our kids and teens to better performances and give them some basic structure. We help find better ways to tell a story. We sometimes step in to say a certain idea/claim is factually incorrect, because the young mind has not been exposed to certain truths yet. But sometimes you just have to let the mind of this 10 year old go. I also tell our students if what you do is funny – if it works – EVERY rule can be broken. The best artist redefine the rules for their own work and generation. Only a egomaniac of a teacher stands in the way of progress and creativity for the sake of technique (too many of those in acting as is).
See both shows (NOON kids and 10am teens programs) from Nov 4 in full CLICK HERE
NEW – LONG ISLAND CLASSES
Sundays 6pm Comedy 4 Kids & Teens
Improv Comedy Class for kids & teens.. These were previously private programs now open to the public. Great group of students already meet every Sunday night. COME PLAY WITH US!!! All students are invited to bring their family to our professional shows Saturdays/Sundays at 3pm in NYC
http://www.thecomedykids.com/
TIMES SQUARE classes winter session starts January 6, 2018
NYC Comedy Classes include instruction in both Improvisation and Stand-Up Comedy. Each week students play various warm-up, technique and performance Improv games designed to teach performance and life skills. We run 8-week programs (actually 9-11 weeks with bonus classes and showcase) Winter, Spring and Fall as well as Summer Camp. Regular students also receive FREE tickets for the whole family to our public shows by the professional cast.
WINTER 2018 Registration includes
January 6, 12, 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24
Bonus Classes March 3, 10
Showcase 17
Over 6000 professional Improv Comedy Shows in Times Square and touring nationwide since 2002. The cast of EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH
COME BE A PART OF THE SHOWS
EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
Field Trips to Times Square
Touring K-12 Schools, Camps and Community Centers
Workshops
After School Programming
Residencies
Professional Development for Teachers
NYC DOE VENDOR via Improv Theater LLC
Improv 4 Kids / Improv 4 Teens plays 300+ shows for K-12 groups in Times Square and touring Schools, Camps and Community centers throughout the New York City Tri-State Area and beyond. We host student groups for day time field trips and at our public shows. We present school assemblies, PTA Nights, Fundraisers and more. Many schools use our teaching artists for after school programming where we recreate our public classes. EMAIL us for more info about shows, classes and more.
OH MY! Mick delivers a hilarious routine. You will never think of pet stores the same
From November 4, 2017 comedy showcase from our Times Square NYC fall classes. EMAIL us for more info about shows, classes and more.
See both shows (kids and teens programs) from Nov 4 in full CLICK HERE
NEW – LONG ISLAND CLASSES
Sundays 6pm Comedy 4 Kids & Teens
Improv Comedy Class for kids & teens.. These were previously private programs now open to the public. Great group of students already meet every Sunday night. COME PLAY WITH US!!! All students are invited to bring their family to our professional shows Saturdays/Sundays at 3pm in NYC
http://www.thecomedykids.com/
TIMES SQUARE classes winter session starts January 6, 2018
NYC Comedy Classes include instruction in both Improvisation and Stand-Up Comedy. Each week students play various warm-up, technique and performance Improv games designed to teach performance and life skills. We run 8-week programs (actually 9-11 weeks with bonus classes and showcase) Winter, Spring and Fall as well as Summer Camp. Regular students also receive FREE tickets for the whole family to our public shows by the professional cast.
WINTER 2018 Registration includes
January 6, 12, 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24
Bonus Classes March 3, 10
Showcase 17
Over 6000 professional Improv Comedy Shows in Times Square and touring nationwide since 2002. The cast of EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH
COME BE A PART OF THE SHOWS
EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
Field Trips to Times Square
Touring K-12 Schools, Camps and Community Centers
Workshops
After School Programming
Residencies
Professional Development for Teachers
NYC DOE VENDOR via Improv Theater LLC
Improv 4 Kids / Improv 4 Teens plays 300+ shows for K-12 groups in Times Square and touring Schools, Camps and Community centers throughout the New York City Tri-State Area and beyond. We host student groups for day time field trips and at our public shows. We present school assemblies, PTA Nights, Fundraisers and more. Many schools use our teaching artists for after school programming where we recreate our public classes. EMAIL us for more info about shows, classes and more.
How to Play Improv Freeze Tag – The Comedy Kids VIDEO
How to Play Improv Freeze Tag – The Comedy Kids VIDEO
The Comedy Kids demonstrate how to play the popular improv and warm-up game “Freeze Tag” Subscribe for updates on how to play improv games for kids and more funny improv comedy videos in front of a life studio audience in NYC. http://www.thecomedykids.comhttp://www.improv4kids.com Cast Ethan Harkavy Kevin Ourvan Christian Varas Sammy Wasserman Hosted by Walt Frasier
Our classes for kids & teens include both Improv & Stand-Up Comedy training. By combining the two, students receive a comprehensive education in creative writing and critical thinking while developing strong community and leadership skills – team, public speaking, self confidence, respect, listening, focus, eye contact and more. Tuition includes 8 weeks of classses, performance showcase for friends and family, bonus workshops and FREE admission to professional comedy shows
The Comedy Kids is a series featuring kids performing improv comedy in front of a live studio audience in NYC. http://www.thecomedykids.com/
Hosted by Walt Frasier
Comedy Kids Cast:
Niki Pliego
Christian Varas
Alex Tlatelpa
Sean Berman
Kevin Ourvan
Directed by Laurice Fattal
Production Asst: Charnette Soto, Thomas Burns Scully
FALL 2017 PUBLIC CLASSES FOR KIDS & TEENS
TIMES SQUARE – Broadway Comedy Club 318 West 53rd Street 10019
Saturdays 10am Comedy 4 Teens 13-17yo
Saturdays 12pm Comedy 4 Kids 8-12yo
First Day 9/9, Showcase Day 11/4, Bonus Classes 11/11, 11/18
DOWNTOWN – Greenwich Village Comedy Club 99 Macdougal Street 10012
Sundays 1pm Comedy 4 Teens 13-19
First Day 9/24, Showcase Day 11/19
FARMINGDALE, LONG ISLAND
Saturdays 10am Youth Improv Classes (Ages 10-15)
First Day 9/23, Showcase Day 11/18
TIMES SQUARE – Broadway Comedy Club 318 West 53rd Street 10019
Saturdays 10am Comedy 4 Teens 13-17yo
Saturdays 12pm Comedy 4 Kids 8-12yo
First Day 9/9, Showcase Day 11/4, Bonus Classes 11/11, 11/18
DOWNTOWN – Greenwich Village Comedy Club 99 Macdougal Street 10012
Sundays 1pm Comedy 4 Teens 13-19
First Day 9/24, Showcase Day 11/19
FARMINGDALE, LONG ISLAND
Saturdays 10am Youth Improv Classes (Ages 10-15)
First Day 9/23, Showcase Day 11/18
Our classes for kids & teens include both Improv & Stand-Up Comedy training. By combining the two, students receive a comprehensive education in creative writing and critical thinking while developing strong community and leadership skills – team, public speaking, self confidence, respect, listening, focus, eye contact and more. We present 8-week programs Winter, Spring and Fall as well as a growing Summer Camp Program. We host private sessions for student groups and we send teachers to schools, camps, and community centers for workshops and residencies, after school programs and more
Saturdays February 16, 23
