An Interactive 2 Day Seminar Teaching Students Both The Art Form & Business Aspects of Stand-Up Comedy
Day 1:
A two hour classroom session that discusses the background of Stand-Up, the progression to current day and the potential opportunities for students who may be interested in making it part of their career path. What is a Stand-Up Comedian, Do I want to become one and if so, How? The course is designed to provide students insight into the journey of a professional comedian. It will define and explain basic industry vernacular l “What is a ‘Feature?’” “What’s the role of an M/C?” “What’s a Booker?”
We explore the basic components of a professional comedy show, This Includes the various aspects for the production from the physical layout of different type venues, interacting with staff and management, coordinating the talent, and making a great experience for guests aka“The Audience.”
Day 2:
Combine the knowledge and experience from the first day and the students then produce a professional 90 minute comedy show on campus for students, staff and faculty.
This includes incorporating all aspects of a production from promotion, venue preparation, ticket distribution, and staffing the show with comedians, which are the students themselves. Student/Comedians will be doing a 3-5 minute “set” and responsible for crafting their material, rehearsing and then performing.
Background:
Jerry Donovan earned a Bachelor Degree in Business Management from The University of Illinois. After spending part of his career in retail sales, he transitioned to insurance sales working for industry giants Allstate and Liberty Mutual Insurance.
Having been awarded a soccer scholarship for college, Donovan then took on the role of Soccer Coach & Athletic Director at Robert Morris University in Springfield, Illinois initiating the men’s and women’s programs.
Combining education, experience, background & a lifelong appreciation for Comedy led to the starting of Jerry Donovan Comedy LLC. JDC is a full-time business coordinating comedy venues and shows throughout Michigan and conducting seminars about Stand-Up Comedy.
An accomplished comedian in his own right, Donovan regularly headlines Comedy Clubs and venues throughout the midwest, including places likeThe Funnybone, Comedy Zone, and has also performed at Zanie’s and The World Famous “Caroline’s” in New York City.
Jerry Donovan has also done extensive comedy work in charitable endeavors for organizations such as The American Legion, Elks Club, American Cancer Society, Cystic Fibrosis and several benefits and fundraisers for high schools and youth athletic organizations. Comedy also led to work on film projects with such notables as Kurt Russell, Ernest Borgnine and even sharing the stage with cult icon Larry “The Soup Nazi” Thomas.
Jerry Donovan learned the world of Stand-Up Comedy through dedication, desire and an accumulation of experiences. He now regularly shares his knowledge with students because when he started out, nobody else did.