Levity Live to host 'Late Show' comic's comedy classes

Wednesday January 23, 2013 5:05 PM By Chris Serico

Photo credit: Handout | Stand-up comedian Cory Kahaney has headlined her own HBO and Comedy Central specials and performed sets on "Late Show with David Letterman" and "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson."

Fledgling comedians rejoice: West Nyack's Levity Live will be offering stand-up comedy classes.

Starting March 12, the Rockland County venue will begin hosting Manhattan Comedy School classes taught by comedian Cory Kahaney, who's headlined her own HBO and Comedy Central specials and performed sets on "Late Show with David Letterman" and "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson."

Andy Engel, the director of new talent at Levity Live and its New York City affiliate, Gotham Comedy Club, told Newsday Westchester today that performing stand-up comedy is the "most fun you can have with your clothes on."

"We get people in the classes that are anybody from 18 and up, all backgrounds, all professions," he added. "Everybody wants to learn how to be funny. You can apply it to countless jobs. Many people who take the class are never going to quit their day job, and they take it because it's a lot safer than jumping out of an airplane or walking on hot coals, but the exhilaration is better. ... It's truly the ultimate natural high."

Engel said the eight-week course at Levity Live includes six classes to refine five minutes of material, get comfortable on stage and develop an on-stage persona. In the seventh week, students will perform in front of friends and family at Levity Live, and later receive a DVD of their performances. In the eighth and final week, students can attend Engel's business session that includes tips on creating a reel, dealing with agents and managers, and other comedy career tips. Engel said the course also allows students to attend selected pro shows at Levity Live and Gotham for free.

Registration is available online. The eight-session course costs $399, and there's a $25 rebate for anyone signing up before Jan. 26, a $50 discount apiece for two people if they sign up together, and a $75 deduction per person if three sign up simultaneously. Rebate checks are distributed the first day of class.

For more information, visit the "Comedy Classes" page on Levity Live's website, call Engel at 212-462-3200 or email him at aengelcomedy@gmail.com.

Tags: West Nyack , Rockland , comedy , Levity Live