Jeff Lawrence/Laughing Buddha Comedy

We have made it our goal to provide our students with the support and help they need to develop their skills into those of a well-rounded performer. Whether you've never stepped foot on a stage before or you're a seasoned entertainer we offer classes guiding you through every aspect of the industry. From writing and performing to promotion and marketing, we are here to help you achieve your goals both on and off stage.

How We Got Started:

When I made the decision to try my hand at stand up comedy, I enrolled in an established, well-respected comedy school in New York City, where I found myself seated in a room with about 20 students and an instructor who provided a general overview of stand up comedy (its origins, forms, styles, etc.) The school provided a safe, supportive environment and everyone laughed at my material. I was encouraged, I was excited and as far as I was concerned, I was on my way!

Three weeks later, I took the stage at a prominent comedy club and in front of an audience of about 100 people, I promptly bombed. Same jokes, same delivery, but with a drastically different reaction. I quickly realized that the best way -- and likely, the only way -- to develop my voice and learn the craft was to do it in front of real audiences.

One problem: none of the local schools or classes presented such an opportunity. At best, they offered a graduate show where pressure was put on the comic to invite friends and family. After sharing my frustration with other comics who found themselves in the very same situation, I made the decision to launch this comedy school -- a school that would actually provide students with the stage time that was essential to their development.

Our Staff: Acknowledging that stand up comedy is a difficult craft to teach, we've entrusted the task to a staff of savvy, respected professional comedians and writers who have been working in the business for years and understand the challenges of breaking into a difficult field. All instructors are carefully chosen. Not only are they good at what they do, but they're gracious, supportive and extremely generous. And perhaps most importantly, they're honest. Praising every performances and joke regardless of quality may be good for a new comic's ego, but it doesn't prepare them for real life as a working pro.

-- Jeff Lawrence

Comic/Director of this school