Comedy Camp, Times Square NYC (Ages 6-17)

Each week is a self contained session with daily classes in improv and stand-up comedy. Monday starts with a master class in Improv Comedy, introducing a number of warm-up, technique and performance games. Then we move into an open-mic style session where students develop original stand-comedy routines, starting with personal stories of observation and experience. Tuesday - Thursday are more like rehearsals than classes. A series of mock performance sessions develop experienced performers. Every week we introduce new games, review class faves and develop a new 2-3 minutes of stand-up comedy which get presented at our weekly showcase, Friday at 2pm. 

We have two to three adult teaching artists plus a number of teen interns every day, allowing us to break into smaller groups based on age and skills level. 

DAILY

• 8:45-9:30 early drop offs and morning open mic  parents can drop off early to get to work on time. Also student may take turns using the stage to work on Stand-up as well as sketch and improv. These sessions are loosely moderate by teen conselors. Others are encouraged to write in their journals.
  
• 9:30 Morning Improv Session. We start every morning with a brief role call and morning meeting, wisdom of the day, and / or comedy writing exercise, followed by Improv warm up and performance Masterclass.
• 11:30 Lunch Break and Open Mic. Before and after lunch campers take turns on stage turn personal experiences and observations into original stand up comedy routines.
• 1pm Afternoon Improv Session
• 1:30 Friday showcases are exclusively for students signed up for full weeks of camp.
• Monday-Thursday 3pm Snacks and afternoon activity. This may be watching a pro show performed by teachers and other cast mates from EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH Improv, team bonding games, etc

DAILY HOMEWORK

• SMILE Start every day with a smile! Physically smiling makes us feel great. Usually we smile when someone makes us feel good. It works both days. YOu can actually loosen stiff muscles and minor aches inside and out. Also, when you lead with a smile most smile back. Ignore that one judgemental hiding in the corner. They will judge you no matter what you do. If you want most folks to smile at you, LEAD BY EXAMPLE!
• EXPERIENCE and OBSERVE YOU WORLD Every thing you need for comedy is right in front of you. LIVE with wide open eyes and ears. At school & home, on the subway, in the park, at the store etc etc etc things happen to you and to others around you. 
• RECORD YOUR WORLD Keep a journal. What every observe and experience, write it down. Also record your process. Describe every Improv game you play in your own words. EVERY time you get off stage, record how that experience happened. Process your world, your anxieties, fears, joys etc. Getting things out of your head, frees you to focus in the moment.