Format
1. Opening Guidelines: The program kicks off with two core principles of comedy:
“Good comedy is based in truth.”
“If you have a story, you can be a stand-up comedian.”
This is followed by a demonstration on how comedians connect with their audience by
crafting relatable material.
2. Meet the Comedy Coach: Dave discusses his career as a comedy talent coordinator for
television and live venues in Hollywood and New York City. Of course, similar to the theme of
this program – it is done in a humorous and fun manner.
3. History of Stand-Up Comedy: Take a fun look back at stand-up's roots—from its 19th-century
origins to the launch of the first comedy club in the 1960s.
4. Comedy Worksheet: Each student (including lifelong learners and participants) receives a
one-page worksheet (emailed in advance) with four simple questions:
* Name
* Tell us something about yourself that our audience might not know.
* Do you have a funny story to share (Yes/No)
* Do you have a favorite joke to share (Yes/No)
5. From Real Life to Comedy: While students complete the worksheet, Dave shares how real-
life experiences have inspired popular comedy shows like "Seinfeld" and "Everybody Loves
Raymond."
6. Audience Participation – “The Tonight Show”
The setting becomes a late-night talk show with Dave as host and the instructor or facilitator
as co-host. Students who answered “Yes” to the funny story or joke are interviewed as
celebrity guests (something about yourself that our audience might not know). They share
their answers, then perform their story or joke—ending with applause from the audience,
prompted by the “Tonight Show” host. Participation depends on volunteer availability and
time.
7. The Famous Joke Challenge
As audience participation begins, Dave challenges students: make him laugh, and he’ll
share a favorite joke told to him by a famous comedian. (Spoiler: it always happens!)
8. Q&A Throughout
Students are encouraged to ask questions at any time about the entertainment industry or
comedians Dave has worked with over the years.
Objectives
1. Explore personal creativity and sense of humor.
2. Understand the difference between positive (good) humor and negative (bad) humor.
3. Describe and identify his / her personal sense of humor.
4. Use individual experiences, thoughts and opinions creatively.
5. Explain and demonstrate writing techniques with the focus on humor.
6. Involve participants with public speaking opportunity through in-class presentation.
Standards Alignment
National Standards
NL-ENG.K-12.11 PARTICIPATING IN SOCIETY
* Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities.
NL-ENG.K-12.4 COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS
Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
NL-ENG.K-12.5 COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES
Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
NS.K-12.4 LANGUAGE ARTS
Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
NS.K-12.5 LANGUAGE ARTS
Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purpose.
NS.K-12.12 LANGUAGE ARTS
Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).
Visual Arts: Careers and Community
* Recognize a variety of entertainment related professions and careers in our society.
* Students identify methods for connecting creative skills, ideas, and processes to entertainment related careers as well as other professions.
* Understand how creative experiences affect daily life and identify opportunities for involvement in the arts.