Classes
Classes >>
(To view current available classes and sign up, visit the register page.)
SIX WEEK STAND UP COMEDY PROGRAM
The Laughing Buddha Comedy six week program will guide you through the most important aspects of writing and performing stand up comedy. In addition, you will be given all the necessary tools to begin the road to getting gigs and working in NYC clubs. This workshop will include but is not limited to:
* Effective tools for writing and performing stand up comedy
* Developing a five minute industry set
* Crowd work and hosting (you may co-host with live audiences)
* Developing an original set and persona
* Mic technique
* Memorization techniques
* Effective Setup and Punch
* Opening and closing strong
* Audience connection
* Career guidance
* Promotion and marketing advice individualized for your specific needs
* Interactive workshop where all students can offer constructive critique
* Complimentary soft drinks at every class
This comprehensive workshop will help to make dramatic changes in your act, or get you confident on stage if you're making your debut. You will be given reading, viewing, and writing assignments, and be encouraged to perform on stage as part of your program (optional), which is necessary to be a successful stand up comic.
Tuesdays, 6PM to 8:15PM @ the NY Comedy Club, 241 East 24th St.
Pre-Register now on our register page as our classes always sell out.
One-on-One Sessions
Whether you're looking to punch up existing material, work on new material, or just begin your stand up comedy journey, one on one sessions are a great way for you to get that private coaching to further your stand up comedy needs. Our instructors are all working pros and experts in their area. You can work from the convenience of your home via video skype, via e mail, or on stage at one of our clubs. We offer private instruction in stand up comedy, storytelling, writing, and all aspects of business, marketing and promotion. You may also combine private instruction with shows to create your own specialized course.
ONE MONTH STAND UP COMEDY INTENSIVE
The Laughing Buddha Comedy one month intensive program will guide you through the most important aspects of writing and performing stand up comedy. This workshop will include but is not limited to:
* Effective tools for writing and performing stand up comedy
* Developing an original, five minute industry set
* Mic technique
* Memorization techniques
* Effective Setup and Punch
* Emphasis on opening and closing the set in a powerful, convincing manner
* Audience connection and authenticity
* Interactive workshop where all students can offer constructive critique
This comprehensive workshop will help to make dramatic changes in your act, or get you confident on stage if you're making your debut. You will be given reading, viewing, and writing assignments, and be encouraged to perform on stage as part of your program (optional), which is necessary to be a successful stand up comic.
Register now on our register page, all our classes sell out.
STORYTELLING FOR STAND UP COMICS
We are proud to present our newest, and maybe our most challenging, yet rewarding workshop to date. In this five week program you will:
Learn to take your life story, regardless of circumstances, find the humor, and transform it into a five minute comedy set that is riveting and fresh with every performance. Then, explore the darker side of comedy. The truth is always funnier, and playing it safe with set up punch doesn’t make for a great stand up. A five minute story communicated well, will make everyone remember and cherish you. The most important quality of being a great comic is not how funny you are, but how compelling your message is. This class will assist you in developing characters from storytelling that are rich, funny and unique, and you will learn to incorporate them into your comedic style, while delivering your message. Having the courage to reveal your secrets while learning to trust your comic instincts is vital to be successful; world class comics have the unique ability to make the audience laugh, and then make them cry. You will be encouraged to take risks as a comic, actor and writer, resulting in unbridled confidence. In addition, you can learn the tricks of incorporating crowd work to further your story when you are not connected to your audience. Memorizing, as though a monologue, will be discussed so that even a heckler cannot throw you off of your story. We will address the difference between shock value comedy, and genuine experiences so your comedy will always resonate with your audience. Lastly, and most importantly, this class will assist you in developing a strong point of view so that no one can replicate your material.
At the end of the program you will have a unique, compelling, 5 minute set, that will generate laughs, tell a compelling story that is personal, unique, and be based on the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!
ONLINE STAND UP COMEDY CLASS
"Outlandishly cool"... Rachel Ray Magazine
This is a perfect way for those with busy schedules or who do not reside in the NY area to hone their skills, revamp their writing, and develop their stand up act. It's also a great way for newcomers who would like to learn the basics of joke writing, as well as those whose schedules conflict with our class schedule. Got a birthday, or office event and want to roast someone you love? We can handle that as well as speeches.
* Students can have a face to face session via Skype video conferencing.
* Students can also mail in a DVD, link, or script of their work and have it critiqued, edited, and punched up
* Submit a speech for work or details on your friends or family for event roasts, and get back a script that will surely delight.
* Get expert business advice on how to succeed in stand up comedy.
* Receive performance tips that will enhance your act.
* Work with professional NYC comics and writers.
* Develop hysterical speeches for business or any other occasion that will leave your friends and colleagues speechless!
* Students in the NYC area are eligible to perform in a graduation show at a major comedy club in NYC.
Our expert staff has written for Behind the Music, Comedy Central, VH1, major networks, and public figures.
Rates vary, please call for a free consultation. 212 982 6363
BIO AND RESUME WRITING FOR COMEDIANS
Having a great bio and resume is a vital tool to promoting oneself in and outside of comedy and it is often overlooked, Being funny is just a small part of being a successful business person or entity in comedy. A captivating bio can draw bookers, managers, and industry personnel into seeing you, being captivated by you, and eventually working with you. A great resume will look professional on your website, in your media kit or in the hands of industry people. If you all ready have these materials, this class will help you refine them and increase your marketability. You will take part in fun exercises that reveal interesting elements of your "persona". No longer do you have to tell an industry guest that you don't have a headshot and resume!
This workshop will help you to
* Focus on your "brand"
* Find your target audience
* Learn what never to do on a resume
* Create a dynamic bio
* How to market your "brand" and find your target audience
* All comics will leave the workshop with a new or revamped bio and resume.
Cost: $60
HOSTING AND CROWD WORK
Ready to host or emcee your first show? In this workshop, students will practice the art of "crowd work" and handling difficult situations in front of a simulated audience.
* How to warm up an audience and open a show
* Keeping the show moving while supporting each and every comic that takes the stage
* How to handle hecklers, distracting cell phones, and difficult situations.
* Learn the business side of hosting and emceeing.
* Tips on dealing with producers, club owners and staffers.
* Getting the gig in NYC and on the road
* Learn when to do your material or do crowd work
This is an essential workshop for both newcomers hoping to emcee as well as comics who want to develop and polish their crowd work skills.
PROMOTING AND MARKETING YOURSELF AS A STAND UP COMIC
What good is being one the funniest people in New York, if you can't market or promote yourself? In this workshop, students learn the basics of creating an online presence and how to promote themselves. This workshop will include
* Marketing yourself to bookers and club owners
* Do's and dont's of posting videos online
* Creating and optimizing a YouTube or Vimeo channel that attracts fans
* Creating an e mail marketing program to build a fan base
* Creating a fan page on facebook and linking twitter and various social networking sites
* Setting up a website
* Choosing the right bringers and open mics
and many other topics necessary to succeed in the NYC stand up market
Cost $60
BREAKING INTO THE COLLEGE MARKET
This is an excellent opportunity to learn the secrets of breaking into the college market. The class will focus on your material and help you construct a set that is geared toward getting these lucrative gigs. You will also learn how NACA (National Association for Campus Activities) operates and selects their comics. You will get expert advice on how to get the gig, prepare for the gig, and handle the myriad of situations that can occur at a campus show. You will also learn what an agent can do for you and how you can secure and negotiate gigs on your own.
Seating is limited to 12 students.
$60
IMPROV FOR STAND UP COMICS
Improvisation is a necessary skill when it comes to comedy. Casting directors, agents, TV and industry personnel are constantly on the lookout for comics that can improvise. From time to time Laughing Buddha Comedy will offer an improv class specifically geared for stand up comedians.
* In this popular, often topical art form improvisational actors/improvisers use improvisational acting techniques to perform spontaneously
* Use audience suggestions to contribute to the content and direction of your comedy act
* Use improv techniques to warm up a crowd
* Knowing when and how to switch between crowd work and material
* Learning improv techniques to audition for on camera commercials
If you are interested in this workshop please contact us.
TRAVELING BUDDHA ONE WEEK WORKSHOP
Get your friends and family together and learn stand up comedy without having the traveling expenses of coming to NYC.
Bring Laughing Buddha Comedy to your town!
Our one week workshop will include:
* A history and overview of stand up comedy
* Finding your true personality on the stage
* Overcoming Stage fright
* Learning to craft a five minute set
* Writing effective punches to your jokes
* Connecting with an audience
* Handling hecklers and difficult audiences
* Effective mic techniques
* Developing strong opening and closing material
* Finding material that transcends all types of audiences
* The business side of earning money in comedy
* Class size to 12 students to maximize personal attention.
* Tuition includes 5 workshops, a private writing session, and a DVD of your graduation show.
* Rates Vary depending on city
