Stand-Up Comedy Workshop: There’s Something Funny About Having Cancer

Everyone responds to having cancer differently. For some of us, humor gets us through the hard stuff and allows us to process our experience in a way that has helped us not only cope, but feel better.

We know laughing releases serotonin, which can help your body heal. That’s just science, people!
This workshop is not group therapy, but if you feel better about what you’re going through by sharing your experience and laughing about it, join us in this 5-week workshop.

During the workshop, we’ll review professional comedians’ sets in which they talk about difficult topics, including cancer, and review joke structure and types of jokes. You’ll have an opportunity to write and practice your own sets while receiving feedback from your peers throughout the workshop to help you hone and perfect your set.

Following the workshop, participants will be invited (though not required!) to perform their sets at a final event hosted by the Cancer Wellness Center.

This workshop is open to anyone newly diagnosed, in treatment, or post-treatment within 5 years.

Program dates: Mondays, October 14, 21, 28; November 4, 11

RSVP below for this in-person program

Address: 215 Revere Drive, Northbrook, IL 60062

Facilitated by: Anne Richardson

Learn more about Anne:
“In late 2022, I was diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer. 2023 was all about cancer treatment. By late summer, I decided I had plenty of material to share my experiences, so I started taking stand-up classes at Second City.

Since then, I’ve also taken classes at The Lincoln Lodge and performed at class shows and open mics around the city.”