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!”
BrightLife Innovations – Video Conference
“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.”



CALENDAR
April 23, 2025 – Sandusky, OH
The Beatles In Cleveland at The Commons of Providence Assisted Living, 5ooo Providence Drive, Sandusky OH 44870. Program at 2:30 pm. For more information call 419-624-1171.
April 24, 2025 – Cleveland Heights, OH
The Beatles: Makin’ the 1960s FAB at Coventry Village Branch Heights Libraries, 1925 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118. Program at 7 pm. Seating is limited. For more information call 216-321-3400.
May 2, 2025 – North Ridgeville, OH
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.
May 5, 2025 – Sandusky, OH
Second Show – The Beatles In Cleveland at The Commons of Providence Independent Living, 5ooo Providence Drive, Sandusky OH 44870. Program at 12 pm / noon. For more information call 419-624-1171.
May 7, 2025 – Video Conference
Creativity & Humor: Building the Foundation for Better Communications, Longwood Middle School, Middle Island, NY. Program time is 9:15 am EST. For information about video conferences visit “Author Dave Schwensen” at CILC (Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration) website.
May 7, 2025 – Rocky River, OH
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).
July 17, 2025 – Beachwood, OH
Comedy Workshop at Beachwood Senior Center, 25325 Fairmount Blvd, Beachwood, OH 44122. Program at 1 pm. For more information call 216-292-1911.
July 24, 2025 – Elyria, OH
The Beatles At Shea Stadium: The Beginning of Stadium Rock at Elyria Public Library, 1194 West River Road North, Elyria, OH 44035. Beatles memorabilia display at 5:30 pm. Program at 6 pm. For more information call 440-324-9825.
August 5, 2025 – Video Conference
The Beatles At Shea Stadium: The Beginning of Stadium Rock, for BrightLife Roam From Home Program. Hosted by the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC). Private event program at 4 pm EST.
August 9, 2025 – Cleveland, OH
Comedy Workshop / Writing Stand-Up Comedy at Cleveland Public Library, 325 Superior Avenue NE, Cleveland, OH 44114. In partnership with The Cleveland Comedy Festival. Program at 3 pm. For more information call 216-902-4947.
August 15, 2025 – Avon, OH
The Beatles In Cleveland at Avon Senior Center, 36786 Detroit Road, Avon, OH. Program at 11:30 am. For more information call 440-934-6452.
October 2, 2025 – Elyria, OH
The Beatles: Makin’ The 60’s FAB! at Four Seasons at Chestnut Ridge, 300 Brookhaven Drive, Elyria, OH 44035. Program at 7 pm. For more information call 440-382-7275.
October 18, 2025 – Cleveland, OH
Comedy Workshop / Performing Stand-Up Comedy at Cleveland Public Library, 325 Superior Avenue NE, Cleveland, OH 44114. In partnership with The Cleveland Comedy Festival. Program at 3 pm. For more information call 216-902-4947.
December 13, 2025 – Cleveland, OH
Comedy Workshop / The Business of Stand-Up Comedy at Cleveland Public Library, 325 Superior Avenue NE, Cleveland, OH 44114. In partnership with The Cleveland Comedy Festival. Program at 3 pm. For more information call 216-902-4947.
2025 Past Programs
Cleveland, OH
The Cleveland Funny Bone
Roam from Home
Video Conference CILC
Avon Lake, OH
Old Firehouse Community and Senior Center
East Cleveland, OH
McGregor Senior Living
Ocoee, FL
Arya at Windermere
Tampa, FL
The Tampa Funny Bone
Lake Mary, FL
Sonata Senior Living – Assisted Living
Lake Mary, FL
Sonata Senior Living – Independent Living
Winter Park, FL
Watercrest Winter Park
The Villages, FL
Comedy Workshop – Rohan Center
The Villages, FL
The Beatles – Rohan Center
Bushnell, FL
Bushnell Community Center
Ormond Beach, FL
Aberdeen at Ormond Beach
Apopka, FL
Fran Carlton Recreation Center – The Beatles
Apopka, FL
Fran Carlton Recreation Center – Comedy Workshop
Winter Park, FL
Westminster Winter Park
2024 Past Programs
Medina, OH
Western Reserve Masonic Community
Roam from Home
Video Conference CILC
Brooklyn, NY
St. Charles Jubilee Senior Center
Lindenhurst, NY
Video Conference CILC
Solon, OH
Vitalia Active Adult Community
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Cardinal Retirement Village
Cleveland, OH
The Funny Bone Comedy Club
Kissimmee, FL
Album Monterey Point
Ormond Beach, FL
Aberdeen at Ormond Beach
The Villages, FL
Beatlemaniacs of The Villages
Tampa, FL
The Tampa Funny Bone Comedy Club
Winter Springs, FL
Savoy Gracious Retirement Living
Oviedo, FL
Savannah Court & Cottages
Clermont, FL
Orchard Heights
Winter Park, FL
The Mayflower
The Villages, FL
Comedy Workshop Rohan Center
The Villages, FL
The Beatles: Rohan Center
Dr. Phillips, FL
Overture Dr. Phillips
Lake Mary, FL
Sonata Lake Mary
Ocoee, FL
Arya at Windermere
Winter Park, FL
Westminster Winter Park
Tallmadge, OH
Danbury in Tallmadge
Sandusky, OH
Serving Our Seniors
Parma, OH
Donna Smallwood Senior Center
Independence, OH
Seniors Luncheon / City of Independence
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore County Department of Aging CILC
Avon Lake, OH
Sprenger The Commons Independent Living
Rocky River, OH
Breakwater Normandy Independent Living
Parma, OH
Donna Smallwood Senior Center (2nd program)
Lorain, OH
Lorain Estates Senior Living
Broadview Heights, OH
Broadview Heights Senior Center
Westlake, OH
Concord Reserve
Parma, OH
Donna Smallwood Senior Center (3rd program)
Westlake, OH
Westlake Senior Center
Parma, OH
Donna Smallwood Senior Center (4rd program in 2024)
Brooklyn, OH
Brooklyn Senior Center
East Cleveland, OH
McGregor Senior Living
Mentor, OH
Mentor Senior Center (3rd program!)
Hudson, OH
Laurel Lake Retirement Community
Mentor, OH
Parker Place
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
Cleveland, OH
The Improv Comedy Club