NEW YORK -- They say laughter is the best medicine, so the New York Hysterical Society is getting children out of their shells with comedy workshops tailored just for them. We spoke with New York Hysterical Society President Bernie Furshpan about the program. He talked about developing a partnership with local schools, the skills kids will learn, and how to craft a good joke.
30 Pine St, Southampton, NY 11968
770 Middle St, Weymouth, MA 02188
655 Flanders Rd, Flanders, NY 11901
25 Pond Ln, Southampton, NY 11968
"The program we partnered with you this past summer was a success. Our camp program was for youth in K through 8th grade. In just one week, we noticed a marked improvement in some of the quieter participants. Camp staff reported an improvement in campers' sense of confidence. Bernie presented a structure that was clear and defined. It gave those kids in the program permission to feel they could speak in front of their peers, which they would not have done before. Parents were invited for the last class to watch their children perform and their comments were very positive. Most expressed pleasure in knowing their children were receiving confidence-building skills during the camp program."
~ Xiomara Arango
Youth Bureau Director
Town of Southampton Youth Bureau
"I was so impressed with what I saw in your comedy classes. In addition to holding their attention for the hour and a half, you also taught them true skills they can take with them and use later in life. The parents who stayed to watch the youth perform also gave some very positive feedback. I really appreciate partnering with you and look forward to working with you again in the future."
~ Tracy Kolsin, LCSW
Assistant Youth Bureau Director
Town of Southampton Youth Bureau
"Humor helps reduce stress, and can boost mood. This program teaches children how to use humor to connect to others in a positive and engaging way. Learning to present entertaining material in a public forum can foster creativity, promote a positive self-image, and help the youngster gain insight into everyday events and interactions. Kudos to the program developers, and congratulations to the lucky kids who get the program."
~ Lois Shapiro
Former Director of Behavioral Health Services
New York State Office of Children and Family Services
“The comedy class gave a platform to the students that enjoy jokes and laughter. It also gave an outlet to those students that needed a place to relax and enjoy some structured humor”
~ Milena Sandoval
Social Worker
Southampton Elementary School
The comedy classes for kids that we have piloted with Bernie Furshpan and Lois Oliveira of the NY Hysterical Society align with the emphasis that SCC puts on offering quality education and programming related to performing arts to the community.
We began offering the program to children in mid-2020, initially by Zoom and subsequently in person. The classes were developed to meet education standards for social emotional learning, communications, and career education. Research supports the statement that “laughter IS the best medicine”. In a few weeks, children learn about comedy, develop their own jokes, practice speaking to an audience and learn how to use humor to reduce stress and tension with friends and at home with family.
We have received compliments from mental health experts, teachers, families, and children for making the program available. Tuition is low and we offer full and partial scholarships for the program which suits students ages 8 – 13, and 14 – 17.
~ Kirsten C. Lonnie
Executive Director
Southampton Cultural Center
"This is so important a time, when children across the board, are struggling with mental health."
~ Ruth Allan
Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer
UK
"What an amazing experience you gave the kids. They were all so impressive and we are so grateful. Our family all loved it- even from England. So fun."
~ Diana Heather, Parent
"Thank you so much, Bernie! What a great class. It was so much fun seeing my daughter get excited writing down material, and playing around with it. Thank you again for your tireless work and dedication to the kids."
~ Chad Vossen, Parent
"Thank you, Bernie, for making a positive difference in my child’s life and I hope this program will continue to grow. For any parent considering a comedy class taught by Bernie, please, think no further. Sometimes we don’t know the effect we can have on others. Thank you again for being such a positive influence on my child. What a gift."
~ Linda Nelson, Parent
"I love it!!!! The children are precious and I loved getting to see them in action. I love how you have adapted it for the classroom. Congrats on its success!
~ Lizzie Sider
Award-winning singer/songwriter
Copyright ©2022 NY HYSTERICAL SOCIETY. All Rights Reserved.
CONTACT: 1.646.470.5653 comedyclasses4kids@gmail.com
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.