Think You’re Funny? Comedy Class Comes to Stony Brook Southampton

Ever wondered what it feels like to step up to the mic and try your hand at stand-up comedy? Find out at a six-week comedy course at Stony Brook Southampton starting in January 2026.

Think You're Funny? will be held on Wednesday nights from 7-9 pm, from January 7 through February 18, with seasoned comedian Paul Anthony as instructor. The course is capped at 12 students and costs $350. No prior performance experience is required and it is open to Stony Brook Southampton students and community members.

"Comedy is one of the most powerful tools for building confidence, sharpening storytelling, and becoming more comfortable speaking in front of an audience," said Wendy Pearson, vice president for strategic initiatives and executive director of Stony Brook Southampton. "This course is for anyone who wants to communicate more effectively, whether in a classroom, a boardroom, or a community setting. Stand-up demands courage, clarity, and connection, and programs like this reflect what Stony Brook Southampton can be for the East End: a place where joyful creativity, skill-building, and community come together in meaningful, accessible ways."

"I am so excited to be bringing our comedy class to Stony Brook Southampton," Anthony said. "Trying stand-up comedy is on a lot of bucket lists, and our class will help people check that item off their lists! In just six weeks we'll have our next group of budding comedians performing their very own stand-up in front of a live audience. What's better than that?"

Students will learn how to create original material rooted in personal experience, identify and refine their authentic voice and point of view, strengthen storytelling, structure, timing and delivery, build confidence in public speaking and audience engagement, and practice creative risk-taking in a supportive environment.

The course will culminate in an end-of-course showcase at the Duke Lecture Hall, with tickets at $36 for general admission, $33 for seniors, alumni and Stony Brook faculty and staff, and only $18 for students.