American Comedy Institute
The American Comedy Institute is a comedy school in New York City.[1] It was established in 1989 by Stephen Rosenfield[2] and offers monthly stand-up comedy workshops as well as a One Year Program in Comedy Performing and Writing. It is the first comedy school in the United States to be accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theater (NAST).[3][4]
History
American Comedy Institute (ACI) was founded by Stephen Rosenfield in 1989. It started as a comedy workshop in the living room of his apartment and has grown into a fully-fledged comedy school. It was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theater (NAST) in 2012.[3]
Available courses
Standup comedy workshops
The American Comedy Institute offers monthly standup comedy classes which can be completed over 2–3 weeks or as a five day intensive.[5]
One Year Program in Comedy Writing and Performing
The One Year Program in Comedy Performing and Writing is a comprehensive training program for people who plan to make comedy their careers. The program offers classes in:
- Standup
- Improv
- Acting
- Sketch Writing and Performing
- Late Night Talk Show Writing and Performing
- Webisode Writing, Performing, and Producing
- Sitcom Audition Technique
- Commercial Audition Technique
- The Business of Comedy
The program offers an industry showcase at Gotham Comedy Club upon completion.[6]
Private comedy coaching
The American Comedy Institute offers private coaching sessions with Stephen Rosenfield and Lexi Cullen-Baker.[7]
Comedy classes for children and teens
The American Comedy Institute recently began a stand-up comedy workshop for kids and teens in Montclair, New Jersey. Becky Veduccio is the instructor for these workshops.[8]
Notable alumni
- Jim Gaffigan
- Lena Dunham
- Michelle Buteau
- Ben Rosenfield
- Tom Shillue
- Jessica Kirson
- Andrew Ginsburg
- Gregory Korostishevsky
- Esther Ku
- Carmen Lynch
- Teacher Mpamire
- Yannis Pappas
- Aaron Karo
- Rene Franco
- Steven Fales
- Michael Somerville
- Nick Cobb
- Megan McCormick
- Ted Greenberg
- Joe Grossman
- Mara Altman
- Dana Eagle
- Sunda Croonquist
- Brad Trackman
- Mary Dimino
- Ethan Herschenfeld
- Preston Gitlin
In the media
TV
ACI was featured on CBS TV, MSNBC's "America's Talking", the STARZ television mini-series, "Stand Up or Shut Up!", hosted by Michael Somerville,[10] and the British television show, "ChoccyWoccyDooDah".[11]
Radio
Stephen Rosenfield was interviewed by Betty-Lynn White and Garrison Leykam from "Those Diner n Motorcycle Guys" on Blog Talk Radio.[12]
Online articles
Stephen Rosenfield and the American Comedy Institute are quoted or mentioned in various articles:
References
- "American Comedy Institute".
- "Stephen Rosenfield". American Comedy Institute. March 18, 2016. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
- "NAST".
- "Broadway World".
- "American Comedy Institute: Classes".
- "Backstage".
- "American Comedy Institute: Private Coaching".
- "American Comedy Institute: Kids & Teens Comedy Classes".
- "ACI Alumni on Late Night TV".
- "IMDb".
- "ACI on British TV Show ChoccyWoccyDooDah".
- "Stephen Rosenfield on Blog Talk Radio". Archived from the original on 2015-12-11.