American Comedy Institute One Year Program in Comedy Performing & Writing Catalog Volume I September 1, 2018 Table of Contents 1. Identifying Data – name of school, volume and date of publication ............................................ 1 2. Approved Catalog ............................................................................................................................ 3 3. Purpose ............................................................................................................................................ 3 4. Goals and Objectives .................................................................................................................... 3-6 5. Welcome .......................................................................................................................................... 6 6. The One Year Program in Comedy Performing & Writing: Size and Scope ................................ 6 7. Administration, Staff, Board of Directors & Faculty Biographies ............................................ 6-11 8. Calendar .......................................................................................................................................... 11 9. Enrollment Dates & Policies & Entrance Requirements .......................................................... 11-15 10. Policy for Granting Credit for Previous Education & Training .................................................... 15 11. College Credit Disclaimer Statement ............................................................................................ 15 12. Retention Policies ...................................................................................................................... 15-16 13. Standards of Progress Including Grading System .................................................................... 16-17 14. Rules and Regulations for Conduct .......................................................................................... 17-18 15. Cost of the Program ....................................................................................................................... 18 16. Refund Policy .................................................................................................................................. 18 17. Office Location & Hours of Operation .......................................................................................... 19 18. Classroom and Performance Locations and Facilities ............................................................ 19-20 19. Curriculum ................................................................................................................................. 20-23 20. Time Requirements for the One Year Program .......................................................................... 23 21. Financial Aid Information ............................................................................................................. 24 22. Statement of Student Rights ................................................................................................... 24-26 23. Pass Rate of School’s Graduates for License of any Certificate Exam Required by State or City for Employment ..................................................................................................................... 26 24. Associations, Agencies and Governmental Bodies which Accredit, Approve or License the School ............................................................................................................................................. 27 25. Grievance Procedures .............................................................................................................. 27-28 26. Disclosure Statement .................................................................................................................... 28 27. State Authorization ....................................................................................................................... 28 2 APPROVED CATALOG The contents of this catalog have been approved by the Director and Board of Directors of American Comedy Institute. We encourage you to read this catalog to learn more about the training and performing opportunities offered by American Comedy Institute. PURPOSE American Comedy Institute’s purpose is to provide an education to its students in comedy writing and performing that will enable them to pursue careers in acting, stand-up, improvisation, and writing. The course offerings and performance opportunities offered by ACI are designed to further the mastery of the comedic crafts for students ranging from beginners to established professionals. ACI’s relationships with the top comedy clubs and cabarets in New York City, nationwide and around the world enable our students to perform in venues that promote the creation of quality comedy. American Comedy Institute’s curriculum and performance opportunities provide its students with the education, experience, and exposure to pursue comedy in all of its venues. ACI’s curriculum is constantly being reevaluated and improved by the Director, the administrative staff, the faculty, and its students. The criteria that teachers are both gifted in the classroom and working professionals helps ensure the relevancy and efficacy of the ACI education. American Comedy Institute’s location in New York City allows our students to view some of the finest comedy in the world as part of their coursework. ACI has arrangements with top comedy clubs that permit our students to attend shows for free. Our location also contributes to the excellence of our faculty. Since New York City headquarters much of the comedy industry, it is an invaluable location for our students to begin and further the networking that leads to professional careers. GOALS & OBJECTIVES a. Philosophy ACI’s fundamental goals have been articulated by its founding director, Stephen Rosenfield: “Our philosophy at American Comedy Institute is that the best comedy training does three things. One, it helps you find your own comic voice – what is original and different and wonderful about your sense of humor. Two, it teaches you how to communicate your unique comedy skillfully, fearlessly and entertainingly to the largest possible audience. And three, it instills love and respect for comedy and its capacity to help us survive by showing us that we can face the truth – and laugh! It is our belief that by offering our students training, performing opportunities, and information, and by introducing their work to the entertainment industry, we are significantly enhancing their capability to pursue comedy as a career.” b. Methodology The courses offered by American Comedy Institute deconstruct the fundamentals of comedy performing and writing as a means of initiating students to the comedic arts and refining and furthering the work of established professionals. 3 1. ACI course offerings include: Stand Up Comedy Performing and Writing; Sketch Comedy Performing and Writing; Late-Night Talk Show Performing and Writing; Webisode Performing, Writing, and Producing; Sitcom Writing; Acting for the Stage; On-Camera Acting; Commercial Audition Technique; Improvisation. 2. As part of ACI’s coursework, students perform stand-up comedy, sketch comedy, improvisation, monologues, and scene nights on stages throughout New York City. These performances in front of live audiences are fundamental to the process of finding your own original comic voice and developing consistently funny material. c. Instruction The output of professional comedians, actors, and writers that have come from ACI is ongoing testimony to the effectiveness of its instruction. Master teachers who are also working professionals utilize instruction that is a fusion of classical comedy training with the innovative teaching techniques created by ACI’s Director and its core and guest faculty. 1. All of our courses unfold based on a curriculum that is created by the faculty and the Director. 2. Courses are added based on significant new developments within the comedy and entertainment industry. 3. Courses are refined and improved based on systematic input from our student population. 4. Courses are designed to accommodate the individual learning curve of each individual student. 5. It is ACI policy that mentoring of our students is ongoing and continues on beyond students’ enrollment. d. Research A pedagogical tenant of American Comedy Institute is that knowledge of the accomplishments of the great comedians and comedy writers of the past, as well as those who are currently in the forefront, is an essential component in the education of the entire ACI community, including faculty, students, and staff. 1. Viewing and analysis of former and current grandmasters of comedy is a component of the coursework at ACI. 2. ACI has made arrangements with comedy clubs so that its students may attend shows for free or at a significantly reduced rate. 3. Instruction in the writing courses includes study of both scripts and videos created by renowned comedy writers. 4. When appropriate, required reading is part of the curriculum. 5. Students are assigned to view exemplary sketch comedy and stand-up on YouTube and other Internet sources. 6. Students are encouraged to utilize resources available at: The Paley Center for Media 25 West 52nd Street New York, NY 10019-6129 (212) 621-6600 http://www.paleycenter.org 4 The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln