Kids who kill...on stage

The Kids 'N Comedy comedians at Gotham

Kids say the darndest things, but how often do you get to see them do it in a comedy club? Well, thanks to Kids ‘N Comedy, you can see comedians between the ages of 10 and 18 perform once a month at Gotham Comedy Club. Formed in 1996, Kids ‘N Comedy is a unique program right here in Manhattan that produces professional comedy shows featuring tweens and teens. These kids aren’t rehashing jokes they heard on the playground, they’re writing and delivering their own funny material. Funny, sharp, and clean…these youngsters are truly talented.

Andrew Vatier from KNC gives a thumbs up

Kids ‘N Comedy also provides classes and workshops for aspiring young comics. While many children who participate do so as a creative exercise or to build on their self-esteem, some actually use the Kids ‘N Comedy program as a springboard for a career in show business. Indeed, Josh Peck from Nickelodeon’s Drake & Josh is an alum. Still others have been cast in major films and seen on network television shows such as VH1’s Best Week Ever. “The kids who make it to the top, and who are in our regular shows are as good as any adults. But they’re too young to play in the clubs. So they can develop with us and then decide if they really want to do this,” says co-founder Jo Ann Grossman.

Facial contortion by KNC's Ryan Drum

The success of the students is undoubtedly attributed to the quality of the program and it’s teachers. Well-known comedians such as Karen Bergreen, David Smithyman, and Last Comic Standing’s Jane Condon facilitate the classes and workshops. Jo Ann confirms, “Most adult comedians I meet say that they wish this had been around when they were that age.”

This summer proves to be a busy one for Kids ‘N Comedy. In addition to participating in the Nantucket Comedy Festival for the second year in a row, the program will be offering a “summer camp” of sorts at Gotham Comedy Club. There will be three individual sessions in July and August, each consisting of a two-week long course which runs from noon until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The comedy camp focuses on comedy writing, stand-up, improv, and on-camera auditions. To ensure the best possible experience, Mrs. Grossman puts a limit on the number of students allowed in each class. With less than 10 children per group, each kid is guaranteed to receive personalized attention. As an added bonus, the students will perform a show for their friends and families at the end of the session and will have the chance to meet with a network representative. Nickelodeon has been present for the past four years.

Once the school year begins, the monthly Kids ‘N Comedy shows start up again. These present a great opportunity for parents to treat their kids to a unique experience that everyone will enjoy. The fall will also bring Saturday classes starting on September 26th, and advanced workshops that allow children to hone their craft and get expert advise on comedy.

For more information on schedules and pricing visit www.kidsncomedy.com, or contact Jo Ann Grossman at 212-877-6115. She will be happy to answer any questions.