Comedy Workshop: Take My Joke — Please

The Comedy Lab: A Borscht Belt Crash Course in Joke Writing

An Interactive Workshop for Ages 10 -100

From the 1920s through the 1970s, the "Jewish Alps" of the Catskills weren’t just a vacation spot—they were a high-speed factory for American humor. Legends like Mel Brooks, Joan Rivers, and Jerry Seinfeld didn’t just get lucky; they mastered a specific set of tools to make people laugh until their sides ached.

Now, it’s your turn. This isn't a boring history lecture. It’s a fast-paced, one-hour "writers' room" where families go behind the scenes to learn the secret mechanics of the perfect joke.

The Workshop Syllabus

In this session, we break down the three pillars of Catskills comedy:

The Anatomy of a One-Liner: Master the structural mechanics behind the perfectly constructed "quick-hit." We’ll explore the Rule of Three, the pivot, and the misdirect—learning how performers like Henny Youngman could turn a handful of words into comedy gold.

The Story Joke (Narrative Comedy): Comedy is often about the journey. We’ll look at how to build a hilarious narrative, focusing on character, pacing, and the "slow burn" that leads to a massive payoff.

The Room & The Tummler (Audience Dynamics): In the Catskills, the "Tummler" (the social director/instigator) had to keep the energy high. Learn how the physical architecture of a resort room influenced timing and how to build a relationship with an audience that lasts an entire summer season.

Location sent with ticket confirmation

Experience New York Comedy, Cuisine, & Culture

July 24 - 26, 2026 in the heart of The Catskills!