GET THIS BOOK on Amazon, $9.99 paperback, $2.99 on Kindle, FREE via Kindle Unlimited
Empower yourself using comedy to develop your creative, community and leadership skills!
“I think the book works really well – very nice job. What I like most is how practical it is. You cut right to the chase of how to build and deliver a stand-up routine. And you speak directly to the fears that I am sure many people have when they find themselves in front of an audience.” Dr. Don Sexton, retired professor with 5 decades teaching at Columbia University and 1 year with Walt Frasier as a comedy student.
Getting on stage is a cathartic experience. I live on the edge of a cliff, and at any point I could fall flat on my face. I rip the band aid of fear off every time I jump in front of a microphone. Right before stepping into the spotlight, I replace the thoughts of THIS COULD GO TERRIBLY BAD with THIS IS GOING TO BE FUN. Take a few HUGE breaths and GO FOR IT!
RULE #1: HAVE FUN but NEVER at another’s expense.
This may sound counter intuitive for a comic. Many famous comics made their names roasting the crowd and others. Comedy always highlights the imperfections of life. We interpret what we observe and experience in story form and/or one-liner jokes. But there is a fine line between being funny and becoming a bully. I prefer stories that highlight my imperfections, like the time I sank a kayak in alligator infested Florida canals.
With this workbook you create an original comedy routine in four easy steps.
Brainstorm Ideas
Brainstorm Details
Find the Funny
Outline Your Routines
At each step in this process, you will engage in three major actions.
PREPARE YOURSELF
GET ONSTAGE
ANALYZE THE WORK
This book is designed to pair with Walt Frasier’s comedy classes but also for any comic attending open mics or for teachers around the world to incorporate comedy as part of their language arts curriculum.
Walt Frasier is the Artistic Director of the New York Improv Theater, overseeing acclaimed shows like “Eight Is Never Enough” and “Improv 4 Teens.” With over three decades of experience, Walt is a seasoned veteran of improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy, captivating audiences across the nation. His extensive career includes appearances on Letterman, HBO, and MTV, alongside performances at iconic venues such as Caroline’s on Broadway, The World Famous Improv, and countless others in NYC and beyond. From comedy clubs to corporate events and school tours, Walt Frasier brings laughter and spontaneity wherever he goes.
With our show Improv 4 Kids (& Teens) we have been working with k12 schools since 2003, offering school Assemblies, workshops, residencies and professional development programming. In 2012 I opened my Times Square NYC comedy school, mostly for kids and teens, and later adding comedy camp and adult classes. A potential new students parents recently requested a few references and feedback from our parents. I am blown away by some of the responses.
I am happy to offer feedback! My daughter has participated in Walt’s comedy camp since she was 11 and is now 17 and has also been a camp “teen tern” teaching assistant. From day one she loved it. I remember her saying, after the first day, “Mom, this is where I want to be.” First of all, kids love the games and improvisations, which are so much fun, freeing, and inclusive. They can also practice their stand up routines in a supportive environment. I think this made my daughter a better writer and comedian. The end of week showcases brought family and friends in to see the incredible talent and camaraderie of students working together to create something original and fresh and really supporting each other. Walt and many of his cast members, who are also teachers, lead the camp with warmth and inspiration. I can’t say enough about my gratitude for them. All of this, plus a new, special group of friends (she) made in the other kids, many of whom were already comedy camp veterans, kept her coming back year after year. It’s an accepting, loving, amazing place, unlike any other in the city. And what better way to practice getting up in front of an audience. It’s the ultimate confidence booster!
Our child (now 15) has been coming to Walt’s classes and camps for years and it has been one of the highlights of their life. Walt and his teachers care deeply about giving the kids a great experience, which has created a supportive environment where they feel free to truly be themselves. What’s more, they take learning improv seriously, so this is a great place to start on that journey if that’s a goal. I have some experience in improv from UCB (long ago), and I’ve been impressed with how the teachers help kids get better: direct yet kind feedback that helps the kids improve while never getting down on themselves about their current level of ability. I really can’t say enough positive things about Walt and his crew! I would recommend the camp to any kid looking for a place to have fun, learn some stuff, and laugh a lot.
My daughter just like yours was a good writer and loved performing monologues in middle school. She was into dramatics but wanted a more creative outlet. This worked out perfectly for her. She was able to look at school and all her life experiences in a different light and find comedy in everything. I strongly believe this helped her deal with high school and all the stress.She has found like minded friends and a wonderful and inspiring guide and coach in Walt. Also, this really pops on her resume. Every interviewer is intrigued and asks her about this aspect of her resume. 🙂
My son is a former student, current teacher at eight is never enough improv at the Broadway comedy club under Walt’s tutelage. We discovered the camp & classes after seeing one of the shows with a friend years ago when Monty was around 8 or 9 years old. He’s turning 21 in a few days. Monty has been a student, a teacher and a performer at the club. He has gone from a child learning to a young adult teaching. Walt and his teachers are nurturing but also teach the kids respect & responsibility. (My Son) has developed a love for comedy & performing and has made lifelong friends who he keeps in touch with while he’s away at school. He’s learned how to write & perform and also how to pass those skills along to the younger kids. Walt’s camp has truly been an invaluable part of (his) childhood development as a performer & teacher and he will be taking all of those skills to adulthood.
My daughter (12) and son (almost 15) have attended comedy camp for four summers, and they look forward to it all year long! The camp is an exceptional place where everyone feels included and encouraged. Each day is a mix of warm ups, improv games and stand up set rehearsals with shows performed every Friday for parents and friends. The camp is a casual environment where everyone is free to be exactly who they are. My kids have learned so much about performing, timing, writing and thinking on their feet. Attending camp has been confidence boosting and educational, but most of all it’s been just plain fun.
GET TICKETS to our signature show, featuring the professional cast of EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH delivering hilarious interactive musical comedy improvised based on audience suggestions and participation. Live form Times Square and touring nationwide since 2002!
EMAIL for more information. While our classes are designed to be 8 week sessions culminating in a performance showcase. We allow students to join almost any time
The New York Improv Theater is a one stop edutainment center for corporate team building, office / holiday parties and more. Our comedy shows and workshops deliver high impact results. Clients include Google, Mercedes Benz, META /Facebook, TikTok, JP Morgan Chase, Accenture, Morgan Stanley, Twitter, Roblox, Rimowa, EI Digital, Accenture, Datadog HQ, Milbank, BING/Microsoft, Band of America – Merrill Lynch, Home Depot, Ernst & Young, Johnson & Johnson, Louis Vuitton, Coach, UBS, BDO, AMEX, Master Card, Macy’s, 360i, IBM, GM, Kraft, UNILEAVER, HBO, Prudential, Convene, Conference Board and many more… (NYC DOE VENDORS)
Walt Frasier has 25+ years of professional credits in comedy, Theater and music. He got his big break in TV performing comedy sketches on MTV’s Stankervision, Late Nite with David Letterman, TruTV’s Friends of the People, and most recently on HBO’s Pause with Sam Jay. As an actor, Frasier has appeared on NBC’s Blacklist, CBS’s Blue Bloods, USA’s Royal Pains (Filmed in Puerto Rico), Netflix’s Lilyhammer (filmed in Norway) and NICK’s Naked Brothers Band. In addition to 1000s of live performances around the world, Frasier has also appeared in numerous commercials, industrials, webisodes and reality TV shows.
Attention all aspiring teen comedians! Are you ready to unleash your inner funny bone and take the stage by storm? Look no further than the transformative Stand-Up Comedy Workshops led by the renowned comedian and improv extraordinaire, Walt Frasier.
Why Stand-Up Comedy?
Stand-up comedy is more than just telling jokes – it’s an art form that develops essential life skills. Through crafting and delivering original material, teens will:
Boost Creative Writing: Learn to turn everyday experiences into hilarious punchlines.
Master Public Speaking: Gain confidence and charisma while addressing an audience.
Enhance Social Skills: Connect with others through laughter and shared experiences.
Build Self-Confidence: Overcome stage fright and express yourself authentically.
Develop Social Emotional Learning: Understand and navigate emotions through humor.
Our Workshops and Residencies
Walt Frasier’s workshops and residencies offer a supportive and encouraging environment for teens to explore their comedic potential. With expert guidance and personalized feedback, participants will learn the fundamentals of stand-up comedy, from joke writing and timing to stage presence and audience interaction.
Free Stand-Up Comedy Workbook
As an added bonus, all workshop and residency participants will receive a free copy of Walt Frasier’s acclaimed “Stand-Up Comedy Workbook.” This comprehensive guide provides valuable tips, exercises, and insights to help aspiring comedians hone their craft and develop their unique comedic voice. You can also purchase a copy on Amazon Kindle or in paperback.
About Walt Frasier
Walt Frasier is a seasoned comedian, actor, and improv instructor with over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry. He has performed on numerous television shows, including Letterman and Friends of the People, and has toured internationally with his acclaimed improv troupe, Eight Is Never Enough. Walt’s passion for teaching and nurturing young talent shines through in his workshops, making them an unforgettable and transformative experience for all participants.
Don’t Miss Out!
If you’re a teen looking to discover your comedic voice, build confidence, and make lifelong friends, sign up for a Walt Frasier Stand-Up Comedy Workshop today. Unleash your inner comedian and let the laughter begin!
TIMES SQUARE CLASSES Saturdays 10am September thru May ( 3-4 eight week sessions), Summer Camp runs 8-10 weeks end of June thru Labor Day. $300/session $2100 unlimited access for 1 year.
NYC DOE VENDORS – Improv Theater LLC – We host student groups at our Times Square NYC theater and tour k12 schools, community centers and family events DC to BOSTON and beyond.
MASTER CLASS WORKSHOP includes 20 paperback copies of the Stand Up Comedy Workshop and a 2 hour master class with Walt Frasier. $500.
RESIDENCY includes 20 hours of classes with Walt Frasier and his team. $3000.
Laughter is the best medicine – start your comedy journey today!
Join us every Saturday for 2 hours of fun playing improv games, networking with other New Yorkers and guests from around the world and developing valuable life skills.
$40 drop in anytime (reg $50)
$120 / month (reg $150). Open house showcase last Saturday of every month. Students also get free tickets to pro shows.
EMAIL for group discounts and private workshops. We host corporate, college and k12 school groups almost daily for powerful training in team building/community, leadership, sales and service skills.
The New York Improv Theater is a one stop edutainment center for corporate team building, office / holiday parties and more. Our comedy shows and workshops deliver high impact results. Clients include Google, Mercedes Benz, META /Facebook, TikTok, JP Morgan Chase, Accenture, Morgan Stanley, Twitter, Roblox, Rimowa, EI Digital, Accenture, Datadog HQ, Milbank, BING/Microsoft, Band of America – Merrill Lynch, Home Depot, Ernst & Young, Johnson & Johnson, Louis Vuitton, Coach, UBS, BDO, AMEX, Master Card, Macy’s, 360i, IBM, GM, Kraft, UNILEAVER, HBO, Prudential, Convene, Conference Board and many more… (NYC DOE VENDORS)
Walt Frasier has 25+ years of professional credits in comedy, Theater and music. He got his big break in TV performing comedy sketches on MTV’s Stankervision, Late Nite with David Letterman, TruTV’s Friends of the People, and most recently on HBO’s Pause with Sam Jay. As an actor, Frasier has appeared on NBC’s Blacklist, CBS’s Blue Bloods, USA’s Royal Pains (Filmed in Puerto Rico), Netflix’s Lilyhammer (filmed in Norway) and NICK’s Naked Brothers Band. In addition to 1000s of live performances around the world, Frasier has also appeared in numerous commercials, industrials, webisodes and reality TV shows.
March 3, 10, 17, 24 12-2pm Class Broadway Comedy Club 318 West 53rd Street
March 24 2pm Showcase for invited guests, friends, family and other performers.
FREE access to Walt Frasier’s books via downloadable PDFs (Also available on Amazon Kindle Unlimited for free or via Paperback, Kindle etc for under $10)
FREE admission to weekly professional comedy shows including Saturday/Sunday 3pm Improv shows, nightly stand-up comedy.
Simply playing improv comedy games develops creativity, critical thinking, public speaking, listeni\ng, focus, self confidence and more. A must for any inspiring artist (actor, director, dancer, singer, writier etc) we also use these games to develop corporate team building, leadership, sales, service, presentation and other skills. But our focus AND our number one rule is HAVE FUN. HAVE FUN but never at another’s expense. YES AND… the official #1 rule of Improv guides us into a more creative, supportive endeavor.
Walt Frasier has 25+ years of professional credits in comedy, Theater and music. He got his big break in TV performing comedy sketches on MTV’s Stankervision, Late Nite with David Letterman, TruTV’s Friends of the People, and most recently on HBO’s Pause with Sam Jay. As an actor, Frasier has appeared on NBC’s Blacklist, CBS’s Blue Bloods, USA’s Royal Pains (Filmed in Puerto Rico), Netflix’s Lilyhammer (filmed in Norway) and NICK’s Naked Brothers Band. In addition to 1000s of live performances around the world, Frasier has also appeared in numerous commercials, industrials, webisodes and reality TV shows.
Walt Frasier 