The courage of comedy

by Sharlene Irete

sirete@recordcourier.com

Nine people, including a banker, business analyst, insurance claims executive, state worker, church preschool worker, Web designer and a chiropractor, have taken the novel approach of learning stand-up comedy to hone their public speaking skills.

The graduates of Carson Valley comedian Kat Simmons' comedy workshop perform 7 p.m. Tuesday in the ArtBar at the Copeland Cultural Arts Center in Minden.

The students perform the seven-minute routines they wrote and developed during the comedy course, and deal with the same modern topics as other comedians - parenting, religion, race, technology, shopping, making a porn film, being addicted to personal development classes and getting through a stand-up comedy class.

Richmond Whillock, an insurance claims executive in Reno, said Simmons' class helps him feel comfortable in front people.

"It takes a lot of guts to get up in front of people," said Whillock. "It's one thing to make people laugh at the water cooler, but it's another thing to do stand-up. You overcome some hurdles."

Simmons said the class not only teaches students about comedy, but also about themselves. She encourages them to write from the heart, which can be both funny and healing.

"Many of the students have never even been on a stage, let alone attempted to do stand-up comedy," she said. "If speaking in front of people is the No. 1 fear, then these students are the bravest people in town."

This is the first time Simmons has held classes at the ArtBar in the Copeland Cultural Arts Center and is looking forward to hosting more comedy shows there. It's an advantage for the students to practice in the same room where they will be performing.

The ArtBar is in the Copeland Cultural Arts Center, 1572 Highway 395, Minden. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday's performance deals with adult subjects, so is recommended for age 18 and older. There will be a wine bar available during the showcase. There is no admission charge for the show, but any donations benefit the Carson Valley Arts Council.

Simmons' next comedy workshop class is April 6 through May 11. Cost is $250 for the six-week workshop. Class size is limited to 10 students. A $50 deposit is due by April 1. Sign up at 721-8864.