Lifelong Learners

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!

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…

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!

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)

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!

“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!!!”

“I wanted to let you know that the audience really enjoyed your comedy workshop. I hope you will consider coming back next year!”

“Thank you for coming to Bushnell, it was fun meeting you. We had a great time!”

“Awesome! They had a great time!”

“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!”

“I just wanted to let you know how much the residents enjoyed the program today. You did an excellent job of telling your stories and keeping everyone engaged. I know it can be hard when you are not able to see and hear everyone, but you had them smiling and laughing and that is not an easy thing to do. Thanks again and I hope you have a great year ahead.”

Comedy Workshop at Donna Smallwood Senior Center, 7010 Powers Blvd., Parma, OH 44129. Program at 1 pm. For more information call 440-885-8143.

The Beatles In Cleveland at Westlake Senior Center, 28975 Hilliard Blvd., Westlake, OH 44145. Program at 1 pm. For more information call 440-899-3544.

The Beatles In Cleveland at Donna Smallwood Senior Center, 7010 Powers Blvd., Parma, OH 44129. Memorabilia display at 12:30 pm. Program at 1 pm. For more information call 440-885-8143.

Comedy Workshop at McGregor Senior Living, 14900 Private Drive, Cleveland, OH 44112. Program at 2:30 pm. For more information call 216-851-8200.

The Beatles: Makin’ the 60’s FAB at the Mentor Senior Center, 8484 Munson Road, Mentor, OH 44060. Program at 12 pm (noon). For more information call 440-974-5725

The Beatles In Cleveland at McGregor Senior Living, 14900 Private Drive, Cleveland, OH 44112. Program at 2:30 pm. For more information call 216-851-8200.

Comedy Workshop at Arya at Windermere, 1231 Arya Way, Ocoee, FL 34761. Program at 6:30 pm. For more information call 407-743-8016.

Comedy Workshop at Rohan Recreation Center, 850 Kristine Way, The Villages, FL 32163. Program at 6 pm. For more information call 352-674-1800.

The Beatles: Makin’ The 60’s FAB! at Rohan Recreation Center, 850 Kristine Way, The Villages, FL 32163. Program at 6 pm. For more information call 352-674-1800.

The Beatles: Makin’ The 60’s FAB! at Pioneer Ridge by Del Webb, 9479 Saw Mill Trace, North Ridgeville, OH 44039. Program at 6:30 pm. For more information call 440-327-1867.

Comedy Workshop at Umerley Civic Center, 21016 Hilliard Blvd, Rocky River, OH. Program at 7 pm. This is private event for College Club West (return engagement).

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