JAMESTOWN - The Lucy Desi Center for Comedy has announced its comedic arts education program will be debuting this year in Jamestown at Lucy Fest 2012.
The Lucy Desi Center will be providing comedic workshops that benefit both the experienced comedian and curious first-timer in the areas of improv (Improv Intensive), sketch comedy (Sketch Writing: Page to Stage) and stand-up (Stand-Up Shakedown).
"Whether you're an aspiring comedy writer, producer or performer, a working comic, or have ever just wanted to try to write or perform comedy, this is the perfect experience and environment," Journey Gunderson, Executive Director of the Lucy Desi Center for Comedy, said.
All students completing a workshop will have an opportunity for stage time at Lucy Fest, and students completing the two-day Stand-Up Shakedown will earn a six-minute guest spot on stage at The Gotham Comedy Club in Manhattan, named one of the Top Ten Comedy Clubs by USA Today.
Workshops will be held from July 30 through August 3 to culminate during the festival August 1-5. A youth workshop that includes an introduction to different areas of comedy and participation in a variety show is also available for kids ages 11-17.
"Adults and youth can enjoy 'finding their funny' at the Lucille Ball Comedy Fest, and enjoy affordable dorm housing and tickets to headliners like Billy Gardell and Paula Poundstone," Gunderson said. "Comedy converges in Jamestown that week."
The "Lucille Ball Comedy Fest Bootcamp," which is presented in partnership with Jamestown Community College's Center for Continuing Education, will be taught by Bill Chott, T. Faye Griffin, and the directors of Manhattan Comedy School and New Talent at the Gotham.
Chott won the national INNY award for "Best Improv Coach" and toured alongside Tina Fey and Amy Poehler in The Second City Comedy Troupe before re-uniting with former troupe-mates Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell to work on "The Dana Carvey Show" and "Saturday Night Live."
Griffin is a NAACP Image Award-winning producer and former writer on the show "In Living Color," a personal joke writer for Steve Harvey, and has been featured on A&E, Fox, TNT, The WB, and BET networks.
Registration for youth (ages 11-17) and adults is now open and space is limited to 15 spots per class. Call JCC's Carnahan Center at (716)338-1005 to enroll today and visit www.LucyComedyFest.com for info. Single session evening workshops and accommodations are available.
Course descriptions:
Improv Intensive - Led by Bill Chott: featuring the type of comedy made famous by Chicago's Second City and TV's Whose Line is it Anyway. Participants will learn about improvisation in a fun and supporting atmosphere.
Sketch Writing: Page to Stage - Led by T. Faye Griffin: discover the method to the madness that makes shows like "In Living Color" and "Saturday Night Live" so funny as you experience the process of pitching, writing and producing hilarious comedy sketches like the professionals. Then see your work performed before a live audience in a special showcase.
Stand-Up Shakedown - Led by the directors of Manhattan Comedy School and New Talent at The Gotham: craft material, learn the art of joke writing, develop a set, find your comedic voice, and come away with the confidence and commitment to deliver a solid, 6-minute demo set. For aspiring pros, complete a demo DVD and get a guest spot at the Gotham. For newbies, test the water of you and a mic on stage.
Youth Comedy - Show your funny side and learn about the different types of comedy with Bill Chott and T. Faye Griffin. Then, showcase your talent in front of a live audience during Lucy Fest 2012 on Aug. 4.
