Think You’re Funny? Udder Chaos Is Coming

Have you ever made a joke that had everyone laughing and thought, Maybe I should try stand-up comedy? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to get on stage but never knew where to begin.

Well, Hanford Multicultural Theater Company is giving Kings County residents a chance to find out. Beginning in October, HMTC will offer Udder Chaos Comedy Club, a six-month stand-up comedy class meeting every Thursday evening from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Lil’ Brick Theater in downtown Hanford.

The class is open to Kings County residents who want to learn the art of stand-up comedy in a supportive and fun environment. You don't have to be an experienced performer. In fact, you don't even have to consider yourself a comedian. The idea is to learn, experiment and discover your own comedic voice.

A big part of the program will be learning the art of writing comedy. Participants will learn how to develop an idea into a joke, find the funny in everyday experiences and observations, and build material that reflects their own personalities.

They will also work on confidence and stage presence. Getting up in front of an audience can be nerve-racking, so the class will provide a place where participants can experiment, make mistakes and try again without fear.

And, of course, you can't learn stand-up without actually trying out your jokes. Participants will have opportunities to bring their material to class and eventually perform at HMTC's monthly Whatever Open-Mic, where comedians, musicians, poets and storytellers share the stage. Comedy students will receive a priority spot to perform, and their performances will be recorded so they can receive video clips or photographs for their comedy portfolios.

But the learning doesn't stop when they walk off the stage. At the following class, participants will talk about their performances and audience reactions. What got a laugh? What didn't? Was the joke too long? Did the audience understand the punchline? Those are all part of learning the craft.

Over the six months, students will work toward creating a polished five-minute comedy routine. And then comes the big payoff. At the end of the program, participants will be featured in a special comedy showcase called UDDER CHAOS! Every class member will also receive four complimentary tickets to the show.

Stand-up comedy can be a wonderful way to tell stories, share experiences and look at everyday life from a different perspective. It can also be a great way to meet people and become more comfortable performing in front of others.

For HMTC, the new program is another opportunity to provide arts experiences for people in the local community.

So, if you've been secretly telling your friends, “I should do stand-up,” maybe it's time to stop talking about it and get on the stage.

Udder Chaos Comedy Club begins in October and meets every Thursday from 8–10 p.m. at the Lil’ Brick Theater. The monthly membership is $30 and the program is open to Kings County residents.

Come write some jokes, test them out and see where they take you.

Who knows? Hanford may have its next great comedian waiting in the audience.