In All Seriousness, Inc.

It's not hard for the generation that grew up on Schoolhouse Rock(TM) and Mr. Peabody & his boy Sherman to imagine how well comedy and music work in the classroom. When we were kids, we used to dream that god-like comedians would come into our school and poke fun at the principal, parody our teachers, sing rock-n-roll songs and make us laugh till we puked. We would also dream that these shows would leave us remembering many valuable lessons ---although we only dreamed that in the right-hand side of our brains where logic is kept.

Using comedy to get kids' attention and teach them not only works; it makes the work more enjoyable. In All Seriousness has put together a number of programs over the years as requested by schools ---real schools in our community---which we can bring to you to help teach such tricky and diverse subjects as Drug & Alcohol awareness, Peer Pressure-Self-Image, Earth Day, Classical Literature, Purim (yes, we did a Purim show, and it rocked!) or even just plain old School Spirit. We're so confident in our writing staff, many of whom also attended school, some even have degrees in stuff, that we're sure if YOU give us the topic, WE'LL give you the program of your dreams! For both sides of your brain!

Here's just a sampling of past educational efforts. Remember, the programs listed below may be used in their present form, modified according to your needs, or used as a springboard for other ideas!

The Comedy Troupe In All Seriousness
is prepared to do a single performance, a day-long, or multiple day residency or, working closely with interested teachers, they will design an interdisciplinary, fully integrated comedy curriculum.

As you read, it will become apparent that comedy can be an effective vehicle for learning ALL the basics. IAS offers an innovative, engaging and creative resource for any classroom. Whether you are teaching whole language, working with at-risk students, gifted students, students who don't respond well to traditional approaches, etc., this is an option worth consideration.

Program 1: DRUG AND ALCOHOL AWARENESS
Description: a comedy show is presented which depicts the dangers of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse. Through this fun approach, students are encouraged to avoid peer pressure and make informed decisions based on their knowledge and sense of self-worth. A follow-up feedback session is presented to encourage dialogue, thereby strengthening the student's internal resources and reducing unhealthy dependencies.

Program 2: THIS IS OUR SCHOOL; A Comedy Review
Description: Skits, songs, commercials political satire and improvisation formatted for your assembly program needs. Incorporates specific information about your school and involves students in the process.

Program 3: THE BUSINESS OF COMEDY

Day 1: A comedy show followed by a question and answer period to introduce the students to the art form and its applications.

Day 2: Exploring the artform and the roles that comedy plays in society. Exercises will give student an understanding of the use of voice, face and body in effective communication while encouraging individual interpretation.

Day 3: Creative writing; students will be asked to write a humorous commercial. This activity is multi-purposed: helping them to more clearly communicate their ideas by improving their writing skills, and giving them some insight into the nature of effective communication.

Day 4: Students will explore opportunities in writing and performing for radio, TV, instructional videos and corporate programs.

Day 5: Summation and implementation; using the "business of comedy" as the vehicle, and based on the knowledge attained in the previous classes, students will gain insight into processes and procedures that are necessary to the achievement of one's goals.

Program 4: COMEDY IMPROVISATION WORKSHOP
Description: Students will learn basic improvisational techniques which will be formatted into a live show at the conclusion of the workshop. This program encourages critical thinking, expands the imagination, increases self-confidence, and allows each student to become comfortable "thinking on one's feet." The program will cover breathing, movement, vocal projection, stage presence, spatial and self-awareness. The teamwork required for improvisation encourages an atmosphere of "give and take" while fostering individual thinking and initiative within a cooperative learning environment.

Program 5: "FROM SOUP TO NUTS"
Description: The group is given the task of producing a comedy show from beginning to end ("from soup to nuts.") Participants are assigned specific tasks, from writing, directing, public relations, ticket sales, costumes, props, makeup, etc. This process encourages communication and collaboration, money management, leadership, delegation, working within deadlines, organizational skills, problem solving, creative writing, critical thinking and peer mentoring. IAS works to create a setting within which students experience satisfaction on many levels and in very tangible ways; a setting that makes it both possible and rewarding to work cooperatively, take initiative and responsibility, and successfully follow through on tasks and commitments.

This is where all the stuff goes about what shows we already have and what things they teach. We had to fill out all kinds of forms for the State of Pennsylvania about what skills we taught in our programs, and as soon as we find those files, someone will enter them here. Or if you don't have time right now to read the fine print, --call us for more information about what we can do for you at: (814)459-3268 or email us!

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