From all the research we’ve done, laughing is a really good thing.
Now you see why we try to be so funny. We’re just trying to help you ease some of that built up stress in your day-to-day life.
But if reading the Insider isn’t enough laughter for one week, then you may want to consider checking out the first graduating class of Laughta in New Hampsha.
For the last six weeks, 11 aspiring comedians have been learning the art of comedy writing and performance under the tutelage of Greg Boggis, who runs the comedy at Hatbox Theatre, and other New England comedians. And this Friday is going to be their first chance to test out all they’ve learned on a live audience.
Sure they’ve been practicing on each other during class, but it’s not the same when your on stage with an audience full of people expecting you to make them laugh.
“You’ve got to find your voice, find your persona,” said Doris Ballard, who spearheaded the class with NoDo Productions, a division of Ballard Enterprises. “But it’s up to us what we do.”
Each of the students will get five minutes to perform, to go along with headliner Steve Scarfo, and Boggis.
The students learned how to start and end a standup, use a microphone and the dos and don’ts. Friday is their chance to put it into action.
“It’s really learning how to write comedy specifically for stand up,” Ballard said. “It forces you to sit down and really think funny.”
The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available at hatboxnh.com, and at the door – if there’s any left. Tickets are $16.50 for adults, and $13.50 for students, seniors and members.
If you don’t make the one-time-only show, a best of version of the performance will eventually be shown on ConcordTV’s channel 22 and at yourconcordtv.org.
For more information, contact Ballard at contact@nodoproductions.com or visit hatboxnh.com.
Insider staff
