Stand-Up Comedy Workshop
An eight-session workshop in writing and performing stand-up comedy
February 10, 17 & 24; March 3, 17, 24 & 31; April 7, 2010
6:00-900 pm
Workshop Fee: $650 per person
Stand-Up Comedy Workshop Registration Form (PDF)
The Stand-Up Comedy Workshop at Emerson College is designed for budding comedians who aspire to write and perform their own comedy sets for live audiences. In this exciting eight-week journey to the stage, you'll begin with your natural talent to make people laugh, and develop new writing and performance skills.
- Learn essential writing techniques from the workshop's instructor, comedian-author Mike Bent. Create routines that reflect your personal "comedy voice."
- Prepare new material by exploring such topics as keeping a comedy notebook, writing joke routines, creating a character, and overcoming writer's block.
- Get ready to take the stage by learning microphone and performance techniques, and find out how to deal with hecklers.
The workshop also includes a special master class taught by comedian Eddie Brill, talent coordinator for the Late Show with David Letterman.
On the last night of the workshop, you'll have an opportunity to present a stand-up comedy routine to a live audience at the Comedy Studio in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Whether you're looking to launch a new stand-up comedy act or breathe life into an existing set, join the Stand-Up Comedy Workshop. Develop your writing skills and take your stand-up comedy to the next stage.
Mike Bent, workshop instructor 
In addition to performing over 250 shows a year, Mike has taught comedy writing at Emerson College for over 20 years. He has appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS, HBO, Showtime, A&E, and Comedy Central. Mike is author of The Everything Guide to Comedy Writing, published by Adams Media, 2009. Watch one of his performances on America's Super Showcase.
Eddie Brill, master class instructor 
Eddie Brill, for the past 11 years and counting, has worked on The Late Show with David Letterman. He is the audience warm-up, and talent coordinator for comedians who appear on the show. Eddie has hosted and performed at hundreds of events, including corporate events for ESPN, Glaxo Welcome, Hyatt Hotels and BMC Software. He has performed on the stages of such well-known venues as Los Angles' Shrine Auditorium and New York City's Radio City Music Hall. Watch an excerpt from one of Eddie's specials.
Fees, Payments and Policies
Workshop fee is due in full upon registration for the Stand-Up Comedy Workshop. Workshop participants may incur additional workshop-related expenses. Such additional expenses are separate from workshop fee and payments.
Emerson College reserves the right to change any provision of its programs and courses at any time. The College specifically reserves the right to change its tuition rates and any other financial charges. The College also reserves the right to rearrange its courses and class hours, to drop courses for which registration falls below the minimum enrollment, and to change instructor assignments.
Note: Participants must hold a minimum of a high school diploma (or GED) to participate in this workshop.
