About Us

Building a full-fledged comedy school has always been a dream of Felicia Madison’s (West Side Comedy Club). With the help of founding partners Eddie Brill (Letterman Comedy Booker), Brian Scott McFadden (industry veteran of over 25 years), and Clayton Fletcher (West Side Comedy Club’s Talent Coordinator), that dream has become a reality. Our program is not just individual classes but a multi-tiered series of courses allowing you to grow from a beginner to a career comic, passed at clubs making Funny University of New York, The Standup Comedy School. 

Our curriculum covers all aspects of comedy, including, but not limited to, writing and basic joke structure, the various styles of comedy, character development, performance skills, and defining your onstage persona, as well as conversations about the industry and comedy as a business. Plus our classes are not only in-person, but we also offer hybrid & virtual classes as well! 

We built our school for both working and aspiring comics alike – beginning with Comedy 101, an “All-Levels” course and a prerequisite for upper-level classes. Our students must prove themselves, and if their teacher deems them ready, just like at a club, they will be “passed” to continue with the advanced courses and specific seminars; this allows students to work alongside others who are at their level, providing the opportunity to learn and benefit from each other’s experiences. 

In an industry that takes years to navigate, we recognize that while being funny may come naturally, there are basic rules and writing skills that are essential to master on your way to becoming a professional comic. We also recognize that for every rule, there are comedians who succeed by breaking them; we argue that it’s vital to learn what those rules are first. 

Our teachers are all working comedians and veterans of the industry who know firsthand what it takes to make it in this business. They will provide real-world insight and can speak directly to what it’s like to be a working comic today. 

So, if you’re looking to dabble in a beginner class, it’s something you always wanted to do, or you’re looking to go all the way and take the plunge into making a career in comedy, FUNY Standup has something for everyone.