Stand Up for Hunger: THTR 300 Brings Comedy and Community Engagement Together

This fall, students in Department of Theatre and Dance's THTR 300 Stand Up Comedy class are taking their comedy beyond the stage to make a difference in the community. The course is taught by Charles Burks, an award-winning actor, writer, and comedian, and Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance, whose professional credits span Broadway, television, film, and comedy. 

As part of the course, students are focusing on Collaboration, one of the University’s Seven Capabilities, while using comedy to raise awareness about hunger and food insecurity. Their efforts will culminate in a series of performances under the banner Montclair Comedy Box: Stand Up for Hunger.

Throughout the semester, students will develop their stand-up comedy skills while learning how creative work can connect with issues affecting communities close to home. Audiences will be invited to support the initiative by bringing nonperishable and canned food items or making donations through an Amazon Wish List benefiting local food organizations.

The class will hold three practice performances on campus during the semester:

• Friday, September 25, 12:30–1:30 p.m.: Life Hall, Room 0334
• Friday, October 30, 12:30–1:30 p.m.: Life Hall, Room 0334
• Friday, November 20, 12:30–1:30 p.m.: Life Hall, Room 0334

The semester will conclude with two showcase performances. Students will take the stage at Comedy in Harlem in New York City on Thursday, December 3, at 7 p.m., followed by a final performance at Montclair State’s Fox Theatre on Friday, December 4, at 7 p.m.

Through Stand Up for Hunger, THTR 300 students are putting their developing performance skills to work while exploring how collaboration, creativity and community engagement can come together around an important issue.