55+ / Independent Living / Seniors
COMEDY WORKSHOP with Dave Schwensen
Requirements:
Laughter, creativity and having fun.
This is an interactive one hour program that entertains and tickles the funny bone by encouraging audience members to take a memorable turn in the stand-up comedy spotlight. Sharing tips, tales, and top-secret information from his comedy workshops and career as talent coordinator for television and The Improv Comedy Clubs, you will have the opportunity to become the “star” of this fast paced and energetic showcase of laughter!
The History of Comedy
To set the stage, Dave looks back with a brief (and humorous) history lesson into the world of stand-up comedy. From its beginnings in the mid-1800’s through the opening of the world’s first comedy club, New York’s Original Improvisation in the early 1960’s.
Dave also talks about his experiences in New York and Hollywood as a talent coordinator, comedy coach, and working with many of the nation’s top comedians.
After that, the attention turns to the audience…

Audience Participation
There’s an old saying, “Good comedy is based in truth.” Of course, comedy is also a creative art, so we will have plenty of opportunities to stretch that truth for laughs. Audience members are given a handout with a few simple questions – (example: “What’s your favorite song?”) – that will be used to create a short standup comedy routine. There is also the option to tell a favorite joke.
And by the way, the age records for telling a favorite joke is 99 years young in Florida (thank you Betty) and 101 years in Ohio (you rocked Lois). Both have promised to be back next year to keep those titles!
The setting is The Tonight Show with Dave playing host and introducing volunteers to entertain with a newly written comedy routine or favorite joke. The show ends with an improvisational game where two “audience nominated” volunteers hilariously demonstrate the importance of listening – since they’ll have no idea what will be said next!

A Turn In The Spotlight
This presentation is based on the team building & networking seminars Dave brings to corporate training events (see video). The fun includes:
- Finding what makes you laugh – and why
- Creating a short stand-up comedy routine
- Stand-up comedy performances (be prepared for laughter)
- Show-closing improvisation (more laughter)
Corporate Training Video
Your Host and MC…
Dave Schwensen is a nationally recognized comedy coach, former comedian talent coordinator for television, films, and live venues in Hollywood and New York, and author of the books How To Be A Working Comic and Comedy FAQs And Answers. He is a CILC (Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration) 3-time Pinnacle Award Winner for educational programs and has earned the Seal of Alignment for Lifelong Learning.
For more information and to schedule call 440-315-4077 or send an email to dave@thecomedybook.com. Thanks – and keep laughing!
Overture Hamlin, Winter Garden, FL
“Our residents have come to us with many compliments, seems they really enjoyed their time. We look forward to working with you in the future!!!”
Westlake Senior Center, Westlake, OH
“I wanted to let you know that the audience really enjoyed your comedy workshop. I hope you will consider coming back next year!”
Senior Center, Bushnell, FL
“Thank you for coming to Bushnell, it was fun meeting you. We had a great time!”
The Mayflower, Winter Park, FL
“Awesome! They had a great time!”
Pine Technical and Community College, Pine City, MN
“Thank you for the joy you bring to the world. We’ll continue to appreciate your work as long as you keep those one-liners coming. And hey, if you ever get tired of being funny, remember, there’s always a career in motivational speaking!”



CALENDAR
December 30, 2023 – Cleveland, OH
Dave Schwensen’s Comedy Workshop. The Cleveland Improv Comedy Club and Restaurant. 1148 Main Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113. Session run from noon to 4 pm. Dave is a nationally-recognized comedy coach and author of How To Be A Working Comic.
January 4, 2024 – Video Conference
The Beatles At Shea Stadium: The Beginning of Stadium Rock – Video Conference. Roam from Home program targeted for lifelong learners, sponsored by the Center For Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC). Program starts at 3 pm EST. For details about video conferences visit CILC.org – Author Dave Schwensen. Dave is the author of The Beatles At Shea Stadium: The Story Behind Their Greatest Concert.
January 6, 2024 – Cleveland, OH
Dave Schwensen’s Comedy Workshop. The Cleveland Improv Comedy Club and Restaurant. 1148 Main Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113. Session run from noon to 4 pm. Dave is a nationally-recognized comedy coach and author of How To Be A Working Comic.
January 8, 2024 – Brooklyn, OH
Comedy Workshop at Brooklyn Senior Center, 7727 Memphis Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44144. Program at 12 pm (noon). For more information call 216-635-4222.
January 11, 2024 – Solon, OH
Comedy Workshop at Vitalia Active Adult Community Solon, 6050 Kruse Drive, Solon, OH 44139. Program at 12 pm (noon). For more information call 440-271-5973.
January 13, 2024 – Cleveland, OH
Dave Schwensen’s Comedy Workshop. The Cleveland Improv Comedy Club and Restaurant. 1148 Main Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113. Session run from noon to 4 pm. Dave is a nationally-recognized comedy coach and author of How To Be A Working Comic.
January 16, 2024 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Comedy Workshop at Cardinal Retirement Village, 171 Graham Road, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223. Program at 1:30 pm. For more information call 330-928-7888.
January 17, 2024 – Cleveland, OH
Dave Schwensen’s Comedy Workshop – Showcase Performance. The Cleveland Improv Comedy Club and Restaurant, 1148 Main Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113. Doors open at 6:30 pm – Show time 7:30. See tomorrow’s comedy stars tonight! Tickets available at the box office on evening of the show. To purchase advance tickets online visit ClevelandImprov.com.
February 5, 2024 – Ormond Beach, FL
Makin’ The 60s FAB with The Beatles, Aberdeen at Ormond Beach, 50 Allwood Green Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL 32174. Program at 7 pm. For more information call 386-615-6621.
February 8, 2024 – Orlando, FL
Makin’ The 60s FAB with The Beatles at Renaissance Senior Center, 3800 S. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, FL 32829. Program at 1:30 pm. For more information call 407-254-9070.
February 16, 2024 – Clermont, FL
Comedy Workshop at Orchart Heights Gracious Retirement Living, 3650 Highway 27, Clermont, FL 34711. Program at TBA. For more information call 352-242-2235.
February 29, 2024 – The Villages, FL
Comedy Workshop at Rohan Recreation Center, 850 Kristine Way, The Villages, FL 32163. Program at 6 pm. For more information call 352-674-1800.
March 5, 2024 – The Villages, FL
Makin’ The 60s FAB with The Beatles! (Yes, back for a 2nd event – 3rd in a year!). Rohan Recreation Center, 850 Kristine Way, The Villages, FL 32163. Program at 6 pm. Audience limited to 150 people. For more information and reservations call 352-674-1800.
April 24, 2024 – Tallmadge, OH
Comedy Workshop at Danbury Senior Living, 73 East Avenue, Tallmadge, OH 44278. Program at 3 pm. For more information call 330-247-1875.
May 2, 2024 – Sandusky, OH
Serving Our Seniors, Venue – TBA, Sandusky, OH. Program at 1:30 pm. For more information visit servingourseniors.org.
TBA 2024 – Willoughby, OH
Willoughby Senior Center, 38032 Brown Avenue, Willoughby, OH 44094. Program at 1 pm. For more information call 440-951-2832. To be rescheduled from earlier date.
2023 Past Programs
North Ridgeville, OH
Pioneer Ridge by Del Webb
Bradford, Ontario
The Elden of Bradford – Video Conference CILC
Tampa, FL
The Tampa Improv Comedy Club
Winter Park, FL
The Mayflower at Winter Park
Orlando, FL
Westminster Towers
Bushnell, FL
Bushnell Community Center
Winter Garden, FL
Overture Hamlin
Cleveland, OH
The Cleveland Improv Comedy Club
Middleburg Heights, OH
Middleburg Hts. Community Center
Sandusky, OH
Parkview Community
North Olmsted, OH
North Olmsted Senior Center
Elyria, OH
Wesleyan Village
Mentor, OH
Mentor Senior Center
Parma, OH
Donna Smallwood Senior Center
Avon, OH
Avon Oaks Country Club
Middleburg Heights, OH
Community Center (2nd program!)
Westlake, OH
Westlake Senior Center
Broadview Heights, OH
Danbury Senior Living
Medina, OH
Brookdale Camelot Life Long Learners
Parma, OH
Parma Snow Branch / Cuyahoga County Public Library
The Villages, FL
The Enrichment Academy
Chagrin Falls, OH
Bainbridge Senior Center
Middlefield, OH
Middlefield Branch / Geauga County Public Library
Niagara Falls, NY
Niagara Falls High School – Video Conference CILC.org
Cleveland Heights, OH
Coventry Village Branch of Heights Libraries
Middlefield, OH
Middlefield Branch / Geauga County Public Library
Rocky River, OH
Normandy Independent Living
Avon Lake, OH
Avon Lake Senior Center
Parma, OH
Donna Smallwood Senior Center
Elyria, OH
Four Seasons at Chestnut Ridge
Garfield Heights, OH
Jennings Center for Older Adults