Summer Comedy Camp at SCC

In these stressful times, for young people, the use of humor, as an art form or as a coping mechanism, can transform kids into confident, witty, and sensitive human beings.      

The curriculum was developed by Dr. Bernie Furshpan, Marketing Expert and Executive Director of The NY Hysterical Society, with help from Lois Oliveira, Co-Developer of Keeping Every Child Safe, an evidence-based Parenting Program, Communications Expert and the former Co-Director of The New York State Project To Implement Career Education.      

They conduct the classes with help from professional comedians, who share their skills, talents, and experience with the kids.     

Students find their comedic voice through improvisation, writing, and exercises. They will learn the creative writing process, write and perform their own material, and gain confidence as a public speaker.  Students learn to create a unique and funny 3-5 minute routine based on their personality and their life.  The instructor also helps each student organize their routine so they can perform it for friends, at school, or upload it to social media. The workshop will conclude with a live performance on stage in front of a live audience. Learning stand-up comedy and humor skills provide kids with:   

• Structured and creative writing skills
• Public speaking skills and confidence-building and overcoming stage fright  
• Character building   
• How to know what, when, where, and how to make something funny  
• Skills that apply to various careers and occupational skills  
• Impromptu speaking skills; quick, think-on-your-feet, wit  
• Acting and performing techniques     
• ability to incorporate humor into their life

Comedy Producer, Bernie Furshpan, is the lead instructor and is joined by working comics who give their feedback in several of the classes.    

Policies:  

• Students are urged to participate in each class.  
• Students will be required to be respectful to each other.  
• Students will be encouraged to be creative and sometimes, silly.  
• All material and video samples used in this program are PG-13 rated.  
• We prohibit matters of racism, vulgarity, and what is generally considered to be offensive.   
• Includes a digital manual via email for printing prior to classes.  There are homework assignments included.     

Classes Cover  

• History of Humor and Laughter  
• Improvisational Exercises  
• Different styles of comedy and samples 
• Glossary of Terms   
• Comedy writing and delivery skills 
• How to use humor in communications and interpersonal relationships    

Important Life Lessons We Cover

• Starting every day with a smile. 
• Ignoring others that judge you, who judge people no matter what they do.
• Lead by example.
• Plenty of funny stories happen in front of you all day.
• Paying attention to how you feel at the moment at the many daily life situations.