Looking for a laugh? WHC’s Amram Scholar Series is pleased to welcome comedian, actor, professor, and author Wayne Federman to take us on a journey through standup comedy. Drawing on his acclaimed History of Standup podcast, Federman takes us to world-famous venues like the Appolo and Madison Square Garden, and to small open mic nights featuring Mark Twain, Dave Chappelle, and everyone in-between.

About the Book:

Today’s top stand-up comedians sell out arenas, generate millions of dollars, tour the world, and help shape our social discourse. So, how did this all happen? The History of Stand-Up chronicles the evolution of this American art form – from its earliest pre-vaudeville practitioners like Artemus Ward and Mark Twain to present-day comedians of HBO and Netflix. Drawing on his acclaimed History of Stand-up podcast and popular university lectures, veteran comedian and adjunct USC professor Wayne Federman guides us on this fascinating journey.

The story has a connective tissue – humans standing on stage, alone, trying to get laughs. That experience connects all stand-ups through time, whether it’s at the Palace, the Copacabana, the Apollo, Mister Kelly’s, the hungry i, Grossinger’s, the Comedy Cellar, the Improv, the Comedy Store, Madison Square Garden, UCB, or at an open mic in a backyard.

RSVP HERE

Click here to purchase this book through WHC’s Mitzvah Mall

About the Author:

Wayne Federman is a stand-up, actor, professor, and author. He’s appeared on The Tonight Show five times and has his own special on Comedy Central. He has acted in numerous films and TV shows including Curb Your Enthusiasm, Silicon Valley, Larry Sanders, Community, Legally Blonde, Knocked Up, Step Brothers, 50 First Dates, and Funny People. Wayne co-produced the Emmy-winning documentary The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling and is currently producing a George Carlin documentary for HBO. Wayne is also an adjunct professor of stand-up history and performance at USC. He was part of the first stand-up comedy tour of Israel after the 2001 Intifada.

Presented in partnership with the Jewish Book Council.