Lifelong Learners

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 record for telling a favorite joke is 99 years young – and she has promised to be back next year to raise that to 100!

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!!!

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!

CALENDAR

June 15, 2023 – Middleburg Heights, OH

Middleburg Heights Community Center / Seniors, 16000 Bagley Rd., Middleburg Heights, OH 44130. Lunch & Learn Program – start time 12 pm (noon). For more information call 440-234-2255.

June 16, 2023 – Sandusky, OH

Parkview Community, 3800 Boardwalk Blvd., Sandusky, OH 44870. Program at 2 pm. For more information call 419-621-1900.

June 22, 2023 – North Olmsted, OH

North Olmsted Senior Center, 28114 Lorain Road, North Olmsted, OH 44070. Program at 12:30 pm. For more information call 440-716-5434.

September 14, 2023 – Mentor, OH

Mentor Senior Center, 8484 Munson Road, Mentor, OH 44060. Program at 12 pm. For more information call 440-974-5725.

October 27, 2023 – Westlake, OH

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

February 29, 2024 – The Villages, FL

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

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