American Comedy Institute, the center for training in comedy performing and writing.

Stephen Rosenfield outlines the goals of the workshop. He reviews the various forms of stand-up comedy. He presents the fundamental techniques of writing and performing stand-up. He concludes the class by assigning a writing and performing exercise designed to get you talking about things and people you feel strongly about.

Meeting 2: The second class. 6:00-8:30 PM (Your choice of either Tuesday or Thursday evening).

Students present their material and receive specific feedback from Stephen about their writing and performing.

Meeting 3: The first one-on-one private writing session with Stephen (40 minutes) individually scheduled between the hours of 11:15-5:10 Monday through Thursday.

You bring in the material you presented in class. Working with Stephen, the material is punched up and tightened.

Week 2:

Meeting 4: The Third class 2: 6-8:30 (Your choice either Tuesday Evening or Thursday Evening

Students bring in the material they have worked on with Stephen as well as new material on topics of their own choosing. They receive specific feedback from Stephen on their writing and performing.

Week 3:

Meeting 5: The second one-on-one private writing session with Stephen (40 minutes) individually scheduled between the hours of 11:15 am and 5:10 PM Monday-Thursday.

You continue to work with Stephen on tightening and punching up your material. At the end of this session, you and Stephen decide which material is ready to be performed at the show, and the order in which the material should be placed.

Meeting 6: The forth class 3: 6-9 (Your choice of Tuesday or Thursday Evening)

Students present the set they are planning to perform at the club. They receive specific feedback from Stephen on their writing and performing.

Meeting 7: Rehearsal and Performance: After an on-stage rehearsal at the club, you will perform your five minute set at either Gotham Comedy Club or Stand Up New York. You schedule your performance through the office.

Meeting 8: Screening 6:00-8:30 (Usually held on Monday after the workshop) Students view the video of their performance.

Stephen talks about the business of comedy - how to continue to improve your work and how to make comedy your career.

3. How does the five-day workshop work? back to top

The same material is covered in the three-week workshop is covered in the five-day workshop. All of your classes, private writing sessions and performance are scheduled within five days.

4. Where are the classes held? back to top

The evening classes are held at 244 West 54th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue in a studio space. The one-on-one private writing sessions are held at our office location, 481 8th Avenue, Suite 736 between 34th and 35th Street on 8th Avenue.

5. Can people come see me perform? back to top

Absolutely! This is an exciting event. You are encouraged to have as many family and friends attend your performance as you can muster.

6. What if I can't get out of work during the day to attend my one-on-one sessions? back to top

Many people have their one-on-one sessions over the phone. You email or fax your material to the office and hold the meeting over the phone during your lunch break.

7. What if I cannot make the Orientation? back to top

No problem. We have the tape of the orientation in our office and you are welcome to come in and watch it before your first class.

8. What if I live out of town or what if I can't do the entire three weeks? back to top

It is possible to do the entire program in as few as five days.

9. Do you provide housing for out of town students? back to top

The American Comedy Institute's office is located at the New Yorker Hotel, a moderately priced, hotel in Mid-town Manhattan. Many of our students opt to stay at the New Yorker. What ever your budget and needs are we can help you find a place to stay.

10. Do you offer private coaching? back to top

Yes. Individual sessions can be scheduled for forty minutes or one hour with the director, Stephen Rosenfield. Click this link for more information on private coaching.

11. Do you offer online courses? back to top

Yes. You can email Stephen your material and he will correspond with you via email and phone.

12. Is there an age requirement or limit? back to top

Absolutely not. People of all ages take the workshop. The youngest has been seven years of age and the oldest in their seventies. The average age is 20-40's.

13. Is it okay if I've never done this before? back to top

Yes. All you need is a pencil and your sense of humor. Stephen conducts the workshop so that when it's time for your club appearance you will have solidly written, funny material and you will be well rehearsed and ready to perform at your peak and beyond. Stephen will help you write your comedy material in private writing sessions. In the group classes he will guide your performance.

14. Would I benefit from the workshop if I'm already a stand-up? back to top

Yes. Professional stand-ups continue to use the workshop to develop new material, punch up existing material, sharpen their personas, strengthen their skills and prepare for major performances and auditions. Students in the workshop include award winning stand-ups, comics appearing on television and virtually every comedy club in New York and L. A. They are starring in their own one person shows, some of which are co-written and directed by Stephen Rosenfield.

15. What happens after the workshop? back to top

The workshop is ongoing and returning students pay a reduced rate. In addition to monthly stand-up workshops, we offer The One Year Program in Comedy Performing and Writing for people who know they want to focus their career on comedy. You can find an informative description of the One Year Program on this website. (Click this link.) Also please feel free to call the office for more information. The number is 212-279-6980. Additionally, we offer students who have taken the workshop an opportunity to perform in "Vet Shows". These are stand-up shows held at clubs throughout the city on a weekly basis.

16. What if I bomb at my performance? back to top

This is a very common question. Stephen Rosenfield will help you write your set. He will coach you so that your performance will be well rehearsed. When you begin your collaboration with Stephen it is time to set aside the mental projection that you will bomb and replace it with exciting thoughts of actually getting up on stage and doing what you've always dreamed of doing to the sounds of laughter and applause from an enthusiastic audience.

17. How do I sign up? back to top

There are a few ways to sign up for the workshop. You may down-load the application, choose your form of payment and mail it in. Or you can call the office at (212) 279-6980 and register over the phone. Either way the workshops fill quickly so hurry!

One-Year Program FAQ

1. Do students take all of the performing and writing courses or do they choose which courses they wish to take? back to top

Students take all of the courses. The performing courses contribute to better writing and, in comedy, solid writing is essential to successful performing. The program provides students with an education that enablers them to pursue careers in both performing and writing comedy.

2. Do you offer financial aid? back to top

The Institute offers payment plans that allow students to pay in installments while they are taking the program. The cost of the payment plan is $100.00. Many of our students have chosen to take a low interest personal loan to pay for the program. There are, also, several work-study positions open every year to help our students cover the cost of tuition.

3. Can you help find housing?back to top

We provide guidance in assisting students to locate affordable housing. In addition, students who are interested in roommates are put in touch with each other.

4. Is there still room in the upcoming class?back to top

Yes, as of now. The Institute has a rolling admission policy. Students are notified of the status of their application within two weeks of applying. The class size is limited to 18 students. For this reason it is advantageous to apply as soon as possible.

5. What are the requirements for admission?back to top

The requirements are that students demonstrate an aptitude for comedy, the desire to make comedy a central focus of their career, and the capability of participating in an intensive learning experience that involves working closely with faculty and fellow students.

6. Is there an age requirement?back to top

Applicants who meet the above stated requirements are considered for admission irrespective of their age.

7. What is the schedule of classes?back to top

The program begins the last Monday in September and ends around May 1. The basic schedule is classes Monday through Thursday evenings from 6pm to 9pm. There are breaks for Thanksgiving, a winter break for the holidays and a one week Spring break.

8. Is it possible to hold down a job and also take the program?back to top

Yes. Most of our students have day jobs.

9. Do you accept international students?back to top

Yes. International students should contact their American Embassy to learn what arrangements need to be made to reside in the US for the duration of the program.

10. What is the profile of the student body?back to top

Usually, the class is fairly evenly divided between women and men. The age range of most of our students is 20's - 40's. The youngest students to take the program have been in their late teens and the oldest have been in their 60's.

11. How much does the One Year Program cost?back to top

The One Year Program cost $7,750.

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American Comedy News

Stephen Rosenfield's Stand-Up Comedy Workshop and the One-Year Program Frequently Asked Questions

Stand-Up Comedy Workshop

One-Year Program

1. How much is the course? back to top

2. How does the three-week workshop work? back to top