Overview
Stephen Rosenfield, founder and director of the American Comedy Institute, the premier comedy school in the United States, has taught literally dozens of major standup comics in North America, and has also pioneered comedy as an academic discipline in many universities, a trend that is rapidly spreading. Mastering Stand-Up draws on Rosenfield’s own extensive experience (and those of countless stars like Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor, Chris Rock, Rodney Dangerfield, Louis C.K., Steve Martin, Roseanne, and Johnny Carson) to show the reader—and would-be comic—what works, what doesn’t, and why. Forty sharply written chapters cover every conceivable angle of the joke and how to tell it. There are a number of books on comedy and how to do it, but none has the breadth and authority Rosenfield brings to his theme. It’s not for nothing that the New York Times has described him as “probably the best-known comedy teacher in the country.” Rosenfield’s book is sure to become the classic text on its subject. And it should help thousands who long to make others laugh to realize their fondest hopes.
Reviews
“My dream was to be a stand-up comedian, but I never thought I could do it. Steve’s class was exactly what I needed. Steve helped me get over my fears. He taught me the techniques I needed to learn and, most importantly, he taught me to be genuine off-stage. He is a brilliant writer and an amazing teacher.” —Jessica Kirson, comedian
“When I wanted to start stand-up, I knew I had a voice but had no idea how to write a joke, think outside the box, or conduct myself on stage. I’m really so thankful for taking Steve’s class: it’s the 101 in comedy I needed . . . and the 101 in life I didn’t know I needed!” —Michelle Buteau, comedian
“Steve has taught many of the great comics that perform on our stages. This is an invaluable guide.” —Chris Mazzilli, owner/founder, Gotham Comedy Club
“There is nobody like Steve. He has accelerated so many careers, including mine. Without him it would be much more difficult to move ahead in stand-up comedy.”
—Ted Greenburg, comedian and Emmy Award–winning writer for Late Night with David Letterman
“An absolutely essential instructional guide and reference for anyone aspiring to a career as a comedian.”—Midwest Book Review
“This entertaining guide by the founder of the American Comedy Institute makes a solid stand-in for learning to humor your way into an audience’s heart...Rosenfield’s techniques of performing and writing are just as useful in the classroom or the boardroom.” —Stanford Magazine
Author Biography
Stephen Rosenfield is the founding director of the American Comedy Institute, whose alumni include major stand-up comedy headliners. He has taught comedy at major universities and has been profiled by many major newspapers and magazines. His methods have been the subject of shows on Starz and NPR.
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