Stony Brook Southampton will offer a six-week comedy course starting in January 2026. The class, titled "Think You’re Funny?", is scheduled from January 7 to February 18 and will run weekly on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 pm at the Stony Brook Southampton campus. Paul Anthony, an experienced comedian, will serve as the instructor.
The course is open to both Stony Brook Southampton students and community members, with no prior performance experience required. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants and the fee for the course is $350.
Wendy Pearson, vice president for Strategic Initiatives & executive director of Stony Brook Southampton, said: “Comedy is one of the most powerful tools for building confidence, sharpening storytelling, and becoming more comfortable speaking in front of an audience. 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.”
Paul Anthony commented: “I am so excited to be bringing our comedy class to Stony Brook Southampton. Trying standup 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?”
Participants will work on developing original material based on personal experiences. The curriculum includes identifying and refining each student’s unique comedic voice and point of view while focusing on storytelling skills such as structure, timing, delivery, public speaking confidence, audience engagement, and creative risk-taking.
The program concludes with a showcase event at Duke Lecture Hall. Ticket prices are set at $36 for general admission; $33 for seniors, alumni, faculty and staff; and $18 for students.
This initiative aligns with Stony Brook Southampton’s ongoing commitment to arts and culture programming. Other recent events include the Southampton Writers Conference; Jazz Loft @ Stony Brook Southampton concert series; last year’s production of Underground; Selected Shorts readings; Sea to Soil Symposium; among others. More information about upcoming campus events can be found at https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/southampton/campuslife/campus_events.php.