Comedy Camp & Classes

Regular Season Programs: From September through June, we offer 8-week sessions that include integrated bonus classes and a student showcase performance.

Summer Programs: Each week operates as an independent, self-contained experience featuring daily instruction in both improvisation and stand-up comedy techniques. Monday sessions begin with a master class in improvisational comedy that introduces numerous warm-up exercises, advanced techniques, and performance strategies. Following the master class, an open-mic styled workshop allows students to develop original stand-up routines rooted in personal observations and lived experiences. Tuesday through Thursday sessions function more as rehearsal and performance laboratories where experienced comedians run mock performances to develop stage presence and material refinement. We introduce fresh games each week, revisit proven techniques, and work on building 2-3 minutes of polished stand-up comedy that gets showcased live every Friday at 2 pm. Saturday morning sessions also run during the school year from September through June.

Daily Schedule:

• 8:45-9:30 am: Early arrival and morning open mic session; families can drop off early to accommodate work schedules, and students take turns performing stand-up, sketch, and improv material. These loosely facilitated sessions are supervised by teen counselors while other students journal and reflect on their work.
• 9:30 am: Morning improv session begins with roll call, daily announcements, motivational wisdom, and comedy writing exercises, followed by improvisational warm-ups and technique mastery instruction.
• 11:30 am: Lunch break and open mic performances; before and after lunch, students take turns on stage, developing personal observations into original stand-up comedy routines.
• 1:00 pm: Afternoon improvisation session.
• 1:30 pm: Friday showcase performances are reserved exclusively for students enrolled in complete weekly camp programs.
• 3:00 pm (Monday-Thursday): Snack time and afternoon activities, which may include watching professional performances by staff members and guest performers from EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH Improv, team-building games, and social bonding activities.

Daily Assignments Outside of Class:

• SMILE: Start each day with a genuine smile. Practicing this physical action improves mood and loosens tension throughout the body. When you lead with a smile, others typically respond in kind. Focus on those who smile back and dismiss judgment from others; their disapproval reflects their own limitations, not your worth.
• EXPERIENCE AND OBSERVE YOUR WORLD: Everything you need for comedy already surrounds you in plain view. Stay alert with open eyes and ears in all settings: school, home, public transportation, parks, shops, and everywhere else. Observe what happens to you and to those around you.
• RECORD YOUR WORLD: Maintain a regular journal of your observations and experiences. Document each improvisation game you perform in your own descriptive language. Immediately after leaving the stage, record details about the experience and how it transpired. Writing down your internal experiences and anxieties helps clear your mind and allows you to be fully present and focused during performances.