Stand-Up Comedy Teaching and Coaching
There's a lot of debate about whether or not you can teach someone how to be a stand-up. I've seen it time and time again, and the answer is yes. I've been teaching at the FlynnArts program in Burlington since 2005, and have taught over 300 hundred students. Many of my students have gone on to become working comics and lots of students have created and produced their shows. One even ran the only comedy club in Vermont.
My teaching style allows each student to find his or her own comedic voice, while learning the set-up and punch line format of joke writing and learning how to edit. I create a safe space for comics to write, then they present their material and then I give feedback. Each feedback is geared towards the individual material, but I use all feedback as way to teach more about stand-up. Tricks of the trade are shared. This sounds so simple, and really it is. By having students present their work every class they are at ease by their debut night.
I have taught 2-4 eight-week classes for up to fifteen students for the past eight years at the Flynn. I also have taught several four-week classes to incarcerated men and women in Vermont Correctional Facilities for the past year. Currently, I'm volunteering at the Spectrum Center for homeless youth and working on comedy with them.
I also work one-on-one with comedy students who don't have time to take an eight-week class. These sessions are geared towards each comic's specific needs. Sometimes, it's helping someone get over a fear of public speaker by doing stand-up, and often it's working with comics who want to write more and create new material.
Here are some quotes from current and former students about the stand-up class:
Josie joined my high school improvisation class virtually (April 2020) and led a remarkable two session workshop which introduced my students to the art of stand up comedy. Her rapport with young people, clear instruction and authentic, heartfelt presence allowed my students to generate some really funny and thought provoking material. Even in a pandemic on zoom Josie Leavitt shines as an educator!
-Susan Palmer
BFA Theater Instructor/Director
I wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed your class. I started as a dare to myself but after that first class you changed the way I think and look at life. Lynn, student spring 2013
I had always wanted to do stand up but lacked direction and motivation. I took your class a number of times over the years because I enjoyed the energy, advice, and opportunity to hone my skills in a safe environment...working a crowd requires a great deal of perseverance, insight, and confidence. These skills, for however long, are a gift to who you are. You may draw on that experience when you least expect it- like a job interview.--Wendy Whaples Scully, former student
"Josie’s class was the first time I tried standup comedy, and I was quite literally facing my biggest fear,” Ryan says. “I would have never believed that in the next few years I’d perform about 250 more times. By creating a space for us to pretend we were comedians week after week, Josie created a place for us to become real comedians.” Colin Ryan, former student
I think your classes are awesome and help people find humor and joy in the simplest of life activities. I routinely use the lessons learned on your classes to lighten up, reframe my own perceptions and realize that life is full of great material for comedy routines.--Hollie Shaner McCrae, former student
Josie taught me how to be confident in front of people. Not only that, but she helped me develop a comedy style that goes along with my personality. Whenever I would stray from who I am, Josie would put me back on the right path. She is a fabulous teacher and a wonderful person. She gives 110% to each student as if they are her only student at the time. I've taken Josie's Beginner and Advanced Stand Up class and can say without a doubt that because of her guidance I can now get up in front of several hundred people and be relaxed and comfortable--Raymond Wayman, former student for the beginner and Advanced class.
My teaching style allows each student to find his or her own comedic voice, while learning the set-up and punch line format of joke writing and learning how to edit. I create a safe space for comics to write, then they present their material and then I give feedback. Each feedback is geared towards the individual material, but I use all feedback as way to teach more about stand-up. Tricks of the trade are shared. This sounds so simple, and really it is. By having students present their work every class they are at ease by their debut night.
I have taught 2-4 eight-week classes for up to fifteen students for the past eight years at the Flynn. I also have taught several four-week classes to incarcerated men and women in Vermont Correctional Facilities for the past year. Currently, I'm volunteering at the Spectrum Center for homeless youth and working on comedy with them.
I also work one-on-one with comedy students who don't have time to take an eight-week class. These sessions are geared towards each comic's specific needs. Sometimes, it's helping someone get over a fear of public speaker by doing stand-up, and often it's working with comics who want to write more and create new material.
Here are some quotes from current and former students about the stand-up class:
Josie joined my high school improvisation class virtually (April 2020) and led a remarkable two session workshop which introduced my students to the art of stand up comedy. Her rapport with young people, clear instruction and authentic, heartfelt presence allowed my students to generate some really funny and thought provoking material. Even in a pandemic on zoom Josie Leavitt shines as an educator!
-Susan Palmer
BFA Theater Instructor/Director
I wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed your class. I started as a dare to myself but after that first class you changed the way I think and look at life. Lynn, student spring 2013
I had always wanted to do stand up but lacked direction and motivation. I took your class a number of times over the years because I enjoyed the energy, advice, and opportunity to hone my skills in a safe environment...working a crowd requires a great deal of perseverance, insight, and confidence. These skills, for however long, are a gift to who you are. You may draw on that experience when you least expect it- like a job interview.--Wendy Whaples Scully, former student
"Josie’s class was the first time I tried standup comedy, and I was quite literally facing my biggest fear,” Ryan says. “I would have never believed that in the next few years I’d perform about 250 more times. By creating a space for us to pretend we were comedians week after week, Josie created a place for us to become real comedians.” Colin Ryan, former student
I think your classes are awesome and help people find humor and joy in the simplest of life activities. I routinely use the lessons learned on your classes to lighten up, reframe my own perceptions and realize that life is full of great material for comedy routines.--Hollie Shaner McCrae, former student
Josie taught me how to be confident in front of people. Not only that, but she helped me develop a comedy style that goes along with my personality. Whenever I would stray from who I am, Josie would put me back on the right path. She is a fabulous teacher and a wonderful person. She gives 110% to each student as if they are her only student at the time. I've taken Josie's Beginner and Advanced Stand Up class and can say without a doubt that because of her guidance I can now get up in front of several hundred people and be relaxed and comfortable--Raymond Wayman, former student for the beginner and Advanced class.
Corporate/Organizational Work
Lots of companies believe in team building and see the real value in co-workers working together in a different way. Ropes courses often come to mind as a classic team building exercise. But wouldn't it be extraordinary to have all the benefits and of a ropes course without putting on a harness?
Teaching stand-up comedy to a division, team or unit of a company, is a great way to build trust and have a lot fun in the process. I've worked with many companies teaching stand-up and every time I'm amazed at the results. The quietest ones in the office suddenly shine. People get to know each other in a very different way that often leads to a great understanding of individuals. Plus, a half day, or even two-hour training leaves people laughing and sharing in a very different way. And the best part, everyone is scared and everyone gets laughs. Laughing together is possibly the best bonding experience a team can have.
I have worked with medical and dental offices, not-for-profits, and even with the Chittenden South Supervisory Union principals. There are myriad of ways that doing stand-up can help your organization. If you're wondering if a stand-up could be the right team building exercise for your group, please contact me and we can discuss it.
Josie's presentation was a terrific send-off from our Conference! In addition to reminding us of how therapeutic humor can be ~ and providing that therapy! ~ Josie equipped us with a refreshing way to look at work and at life. Our attendees thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated her perspective. Josie's session was the perfect ending to our Conference. -Lynn Sudlow, WBON (Women Business Owners)
Board Member
Whether you want to begin your day with an injection of infectious laughter, wake up your attendees at lunch with humorous musings, or send them home with a big grin, Josie is the "Diva" for the job. Her delightful blend of keen insight and razor sharp wit kept us smiling long after she put down the mic.--Mary Catherine Jones, WBON Board Member
Teaching stand-up comedy to a division, team or unit of a company, is a great way to build trust and have a lot fun in the process. I've worked with many companies teaching stand-up and every time I'm amazed at the results. The quietest ones in the office suddenly shine. People get to know each other in a very different way that often leads to a great understanding of individuals. Plus, a half day, or even two-hour training leaves people laughing and sharing in a very different way. And the best part, everyone is scared and everyone gets laughs. Laughing together is possibly the best bonding experience a team can have.
I have worked with medical and dental offices, not-for-profits, and even with the Chittenden South Supervisory Union principals. There are myriad of ways that doing stand-up can help your organization. If you're wondering if a stand-up could be the right team building exercise for your group, please contact me and we can discuss it.
Josie's presentation was a terrific send-off from our Conference! In addition to reminding us of how therapeutic humor can be ~ and providing that therapy! ~ Josie equipped us with a refreshing way to look at work and at life. Our attendees thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated her perspective. Josie's session was the perfect ending to our Conference. -Lynn Sudlow, WBON (Women Business Owners)
Board Member
Whether you want to begin your day with an injection of infectious laughter, wake up your attendees at lunch with humorous musings, or send them home with a big grin, Josie is the "Diva" for the job. Her delightful blend of keen insight and razor sharp wit kept us smiling long after she put down the mic.--Mary Catherine Jones, WBON Board Member