Our current comedy instructor is Ben Rosenfeld. Here are some student reviews:
“I really enjoyed my standup class with Ben. With every practice set he had tons of ideas of how to improve, whether they were as granular as word ordering or as expansive as brand-new jokes. Whether you’re a clean comic or telling dirty jokes, he only focuses on what can make you funnier and otherwise lets you be yourself.”
– Jeff G, Manhattan
“Ben helped each of us reach the full potential of our comedic abilities, not an easy task. With lightning speed, he came up with clever suggestions that made a huge difference in my content. I highly recommend Ben and can’t imagine a better mentor.”
– Laura B, White Plains, NY
“I registered for comedy classes because I wanted to improve my public speaking skills, and see if I could actually entertain people on my own. Not only has this boosted my confidence, I had a lot of fun! Ben’s comedy classes are a great setting that help you get comfortable in front of a crowd, and learn how to curate a comedy set.”
– Staci B, Bronx, NY
“Ben is a gifted comedic writer and instructor. He deconstructs the jokes and helps you improve your materials!”
– Sharon K, Upper West Side
“It was a great class and a fabulous graduation show. I felt prepared which ensured comfort and that never would have happened without Ben’s guidance.”
– Maryellen B, Upper East Side
BIG LAUGHS @ THE CLASS SHOW
“Ben’s class provides you structure when you need it and room to play all in one! It gave me a chance to become confident in my own perspective and comedic voice and pushed me to be funnier than I had hoped I could be. If you’re on the fence, don’t be; I came all the way from Canada for his class!”
– Carly B, Toronto, Canada
Ben is an amazing writer and an incredible coach. He can take a premise you’re working on and turn it into one of your best jokes. I highly recommend him.
– Charles D., Upper West Side
“Thank you so much for such a great graduation show and class. You taught me a lot and I really loved working with you. Your classes were always organized and on time and you never quit trying to improve our sets. It was a great experience all around!”
– Lisa W., Upper West Side
“Thanks for the amazing class! It helped a lot; made me think about things in a different way and gave me more of an idea of how to turn my writing into stand-up! It also helped me feel more comfortable to try doing this.”
– McKeea P., Harlem
“Ben was an ideal instructor who provided me with solid mile-markers and guidance on the path to my stand-up debut. If you’re a total beginner, like me, Ben will help you develop your first joke into your first five-minute set. If you’re more experienced, Ben will give you the schedule, coaching, and feedback you need in order to develop new material.”
– Nick G., Philadelphia, PA
“Ben is a phenomenal comedian and an amazing instructor! He knows exactly what everyone needs to make their comedy the best it can be! 11/10 would recommend this class! It’s perfect for someone looking to try comedy for the first time or a veteran looking to brush up on their skills.”
– Kevin B., Crown Heights
“Ben is a great teacher! He knows his stuff, gave great feedback and helped me improve. The assignments he gave allowed me to develop a range of material. By the end, I was confident enough to deliver a 5-minute set that got laughs! I’d highly recommend his class!”
– Nik R., Upper West Side
“This class is the real deal. Ben offers so much in the way of real, detailed content to help the aspiring comedian grow and generate new material and take their material to the next level. Students get quality time on the mic during each class followed by detailed feedback from the instructor each class. Over just a few weeks you really get a sense of the major way to structure jokes- what works and what doesn’t and how to craft your best delivery. The writing prompts are super helpful! The chance to perform really drove all the points of the class home and created a whole new network of fellow comics that I’ll take with me beyond the class. Take this class! You’ll get so much to move you along in your comic development!”
“This class is the real deal. Ben offers so much in the way of real, detailed content to help the aspiring comedian grow and generate new material and take their material to the next level. Students get quality time on the mic during each class followed by detailed feedback from the instructor each class. Over just a few weeks you really get a sense of the major way to structure jokes- what works and what doesn’t and how to craft your best delivery. The writing prompts are super helpful! The chance to perform really drove all the points of the class home and created a whole new network of fellow comics that I’ll take with me beyond the class. Take this class! You’ll get so much to move you along in your comic development!”
– Cynthia D., Upper West Side
LEARN AND APPLY
THE COMEDY TOOLS
FOR CONSISTENT LAUGHS
“Ben’s unwavering attention to each student’s progress ensured a supportive learning environment that brought out the best in everyone. Though the experience was initially nerve-wracking, it ultimately proved to be a transformative and enriching journey that left me brimming with newfound confidence and a greater appreciation for stand-up comedy. Recommend to all.”
– Bobbi K., Harlem
“I really enjoyed Ben’s incisive feedback and clever suggestions.”
– Aya J., Jersey City
“Ben is a great teacher! His class was the perfect balance of encouraging and constructive. He gave extremely thorough feedback to each student and really paid close attention to individual personalities and styles. He was constantly helping us refine jokes and brainstorm ideas along the way. I walked away from the class with newfound confidence in my writing skills thanks to his class!”
– Rosie M., Upper West Side
“The class was great. Ben was very helpful in rewriting my tornado-divorce bit.”
– Kelly F, New Jersey
“Ben’s instruction and insight have been KILLER. I loved the class. Ben’s a great teacher!!!”
– Michelle W, Brooklyn, NY
“Ben is an amazing teacher. He does a wonderful job preparing students to do this in the real world. Ben may be one of the best stand-up teachers in NYC.”
– John B, Upper East Side
“Ben is a fantastic standup comedy instructor. Not only does he have years of “real world”, stand-up experience performing in clubs, but, he’s also an excellent writer. So, he helped us better tailor our routines. Including witty punchline suggestions, etc. He’s very kind, patient and encouraging, focusing on the positive of what you’re doing well. And, adding onto that that in a constructive, supportive way. The classes are fun, inspiring and educational. A great way to network too.”
– Debbie F., Fort Lee, NJ
School founder Linda Smith has taught thousands of students. Here are some of their thoughts:
Your touch, technique, manner, and support have provided us with one of the best mentoring/teaching experiences we could ever hope for. I listened to all my class tapes last weekend and I guess you’re never supposed to see the seam in a good garment, you are a masterful artist and I cannot thank you enough.
– Joe Naughton
Saw the show yesterday and was blown away. Amanda did a great job and we were really impressed with her material, delivery and stage presence. Beyond that, she told us how the course has helped her see things differently, as she looks for material. The whole show was terrific. I know zero about comedy but I know that when that many students of any subject perform that well, major credit is due to the teacher. Thanks for a great job!
– Michael Shapiro
Man, what a rush. Hands down doing Linda’s class was a life highlight, and I’ll 100% be back for more. After a decade of thinking about doing standup, I finally did it. I’m from Philadelphia, and, yes, I commuted to NYC every Tuesday – and it was beyond worth it. Linda is the best coach, mentor, and cheerleader you can ask for. From night one, she sets the tone for a collaborative, supportive, honest experience. She doesn’t sweet talk you – nor do your classmates – because no one wants you to get up on stage at the graduation show and suck. Linda is a gem, a real gift to the world of comedy – and to me.
– Debbie Rech
After a lifetime of loving stand-up comedy and a few very tentative attempts at doing it myself, Linda Smith showed me how. Studying with Linda gave me the courage to get up on a comedy-club stage and the skills to prove that I belonged there. She is not just a fantastic comedian; she is also a fantastic teacher, with a knack for explaining the nuts and bolts of stand-up in a very practical way while at the same time communicating her love of the art form enthusiastically and infectiously.
– Peter Keepnews, staff editor, New York Times
I just finished Linda Smith’s stand up comedy class. Brilliant. She is masterful at the art of teaching stand up. The class is taught with honesty and a straightforward compassion that encourages even the most terrified neophyte. Without reservation I recommend this class regardless of your reasons for taking it.
– M. Currie
Before starting the class friends told me that performing a stand up routine would be one of the most difficult things I would ever do. Without the expert guidance and support from Linda that might have been true. She gave me the confidence to face an audience and the ability to even get a few laughs my first time. For that I will be forever grateful.
– B. Greene
A genuine sense of community was created in the class and I will have many fond memories of it. I can confidently speak for probably everyone when I say that Linda changed something in us for the better. Whatever that may be. She was like our sensei.
– A. Veronesi
Everyone always told me, “You should do stand-up,” but I could never have turned that corner without Linda Smith. Kindly and with humor Linda told me exactly what I needed to hear and learn. She is so generous with her experiences, her laughter, and her energy. The highest compliment I can give is that I just completed my first class with Linda, and then I immediately re-enrolled to do it again!
– A. Vaughan
I wanted to say thank you so very much for giving me the support and encouragement to not only complete the class but to really stand up and be funny. You helped me achieve what I felt at times I would not be able to do. Once again thank you very much you are a wonderful teacher.
– B. Johnson
First of all, my friends and family were duly impressed with the professionalism and great quality of the whole show and I was also writing to say thank you for the mentoring, coaching and encouragement. I definitely wouldn’t have been up there yesterday without you, Linda.
– Matthew C.
Thanks for leading a great class. Truly impressed on how everyone got their sets together, and that was because of you. So many different talents to deal with, but you managed to understand everyone, and lead them in the right direction. Thank you for helping me get back out there. It felt great. Hope to see you again, and keep me in mind if you need me to open for Chris Rock, or Dane Cook when they are in town… I’ll even open for you. Thanks again for everything, you truly are an expert in the art of comedy.
– Jason D.
I just wanted to say thank you for giving me the confidence to pursue my dream. I just did a gig last Friday in a bar in my home town and actually got paid for doing a 30 minute set. The owner wants me back. Thank you for everything.
– Ricky K.
Thanks so much for everything. I love the class, you have really helped me make my jokes tighter and more efficient and I understand the art of standup more because of your advice and guidance.
– Cecelia L.
I’m really loving this class and you’re a great teacher.
– Robert D.