WORKSHOPS

The Boston Center for Adult Education and the Wilbur Theatre Partner to Offer Workshop & Opportunity for One Lucky Student to Open for Craig Robinson of NBC’s “The Last Comic Standing!”

WHAT: There’s a closet comedian in all of us, but do you have what it takes to land your water cooler humor on the big stage? The Boston Center for Adult Education (BCAE) and the Wilbur Theatre, home of the biggest names in comedy, are bringing reality back to the classroom once again with the second annual “Closet Comics Big Break, "A workshop that lands one lucky student winner on stage at the Wilbur Theatre to open for Craig Robinson of NBC’s “The Last Comic Standing” on November 20th, 2011!

Never been on stage, but always dreamed of being in showbiz? Regardless of skill-level, students can bring their best jokes to the Boston Center for Adult Education (BCAE) and workshop their material into a 90-second usable standup routine, that they will then perform in front of an audience of peers and a panel of judges.

The "Closet Comics Big Break" workshop on Saturday, November 5th, 2011 from 2:00PM – 4:30PM will be taught by homegrown improv artists and standup comics, led by “Dean of Students” and Professional Comedian Tony V (who’s not only toured the world as a headliner, but shared the stage with everyone from Jay Leno to Adam Sandler). The workshop will prep students for their 5:00PM comedy club style audition in the BCAE Ballroom (no two-drink minimum required) judged by a panel of celebrity judges including Rick Jenkins, of the world famous Comedy Studio, Susie Brown, Executive Director of the BCAE and Andrew Mather, Wilbur Theatre Marketing Director. The winner will be part of the opening bill for Craig Robinson’s live performance at the Wilbur Theatre on Wednesday, November 20th, 2011 at 7:30PM.

There’s no free ride in showbiz, only workshop students that hone their craft under the watchful eye of the pro’s get a crack in front of the judges so be sure to sign up at bcae.org. At a workshop price of only $30.00 for both BCAE members and non-members how could fame come so cheap?

WHERE: Boston Center for Adult Education, 122 Arlington Street, Boston, MA, 02116

WHEN: Workshop: Saturday, November 5th, 2011, 2:00PM - 4:30PM | Live performance and judging: 5:00PM (Family & Friends of students encouraged to attend performance at 5:00PM). Limited space available. RSVP to information@bcae.org. The Big Break: The Winner will be part of the opening bill for Craig Robinson’s live performance at the Wilbur Theatre on Sunday, November 20th, 2011 at 7:30PM. Tickets available at www.thewilburtheatre.com.

COST: $30.00 for members and nonmembers. Please visit www.bcae.org or call the Boston Center for Adult Education to sign up.


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About the BCAE:
Founded in 1933, the Boston Center for Adult Education is the oldest, nonprofit adult education center in New England. The Boston Center for Adult Education seeks to provide educational opportunities for adults that foster personal and professional development, enhance a sense of community, and encourage social responsibility. In pursuit of these goals, the BCAE enlists the support of well-qualified leaders, staff, and volunteers who share their mission. The BCAE offers attractive, accessible facilities, appropriate for learning and sharing ideas as a low-cost alternative to other educational programs so as to merit the continuing respect, cooperation, and support of Boston's educational, philanthropic, corporate, and neighborhood communities. The BCAE is located at 122 Arlington Street, Boston MA 02116. The BCAE administrative offices are open Monday- Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. The Student Services office is open Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM and Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. The BCAE is open on weekends during class times only.

The Wilbur Theatre:
The Wilbur Theatre was built in 1914 by the Shubert brothers who named it for their friend and theatre manager A.L. Wilbur. It was built on the site of the former Winthrop School for Girls. The Wilbur was the first Boston theatre to draw its inspiration from American Colonial architecture rather than from European sources. It was designed by architect Clarence H. Blackall. To ensure authenticity, the porticos on the front of the theatre were copied directly from the 1837 Thomas Bailey Midrich House at 59 Mt. Vernon Street on Beacon Hill. This Federal Revival style is characterized by a quiet simplicity and intimate, almost home-like atmosphere. Architectural historian Douglas Tucci said of the Wilbur, "The auditorium is in its chaste way the handsomest of any Boston playhouse."

The historic Wilbur Theatre is now the ultimate destination for comedy and music in Boston. The theatre was originally opened in 1915 but has been recently revitalized by former Comedy Connection owner Bill Blumenreich starting in July 2008. Most every week features A-list talent in the world of comedy from Joel McHale and Jimmy Fallon to Bill Maher and Joan Rivers; as well as the world of music with Gavin Degraw and Kris Kristofferson to TV on the Radio and Broken Social Scene . The Wilbur Theatre is a must for anyone looking to kick back and have a good laugh or catch top national live music in the heart of Boston's historic theater district. For more information please visit: www.thewilburtheatre.com.