How to be a comedian? Take virtual classes now

Most of us have a sense of humor. Some of us even use it wisely. Others, not so much.

But it’s a far different thing to crack the occasional joke, even if it’s self-referential, than it is to do what professional comedians do when they perform standup routines.

And even among professionals, not everyone can do it well. As South African author and social critic Mokokoma Mokhonoana wrote, “Some so-called comedians are, not funny, but a joke.”

This is where the Spokane Comedy Academy can help. It’s offering a series of Zoom classes in what it calls “the techniques of stand-up comedy.”

Specifically, the Academy promises, “(Y)ou’ll learn the fundamentals of stand-up comedy, learn proper joke structure, learn what makes people laugh, create original material, practice in class with specific and individual feedback, and perform in front of a live audience.”

And as comic Cory Michaelis added in an email, “It’s all ages (as long as they’re okay with crass language), ideal for beginners, tons of fun, and really effective at getting folks started with good habits.”

Two series of dates are being offered:

Class “A”: Monday Nights: 6-8:30 p.m, Dec. 28th, Jan. 4th, 11th, 18th. Click here to sign up.

Class “B”: Tuesday Nights: 7:15 p.m -9:45 p.m., Jan. 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th. Click here to sign up .

The price for each class: $149.99.

Because of the limitations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, live Graduation Shows for both classes will be held at an as-yet undetermined date.

The Academy promises to respond within 24 hours of payment by e-mail from Spokane Comedy Club, which will include more details.

For further information, e-mail corymichaelis@gmail.com .

By the way, do you know why melons have weddings? Because they cantaloupe!

See, it’s not easy.