YAY COMEDY PROGRAMMING
YAY Comedy Programming is dedicated to using stand-up comedy as a therapeutic tool for mental and emotional well-being. Recognizing the barriers individuals face in expressing themselves authentically due to fear of rejection, we empower participants to embrace vulnerability by teaching them the art of stand-up comedy. By utilizing personal lived experiences as material, we create a supportive environment where individuals can share their stories on stage and receive positive feedback, fostering meaningful discussions and connections.
The Comedy Programming that we have completed recently and have slated soon include (Partial List)
-Action is Safer for LGBTQ individuals in Grand Junction, Colorado 2022
-Veteran's Comedy Night for Kalispell, Montana 2023
-Gay Widow's Association of Canada, Vancouver, Canada 2023
-Music Mountain Theatre Lambertville, New Jersey 2023
-World Aids Day Durango, Colorado 2023
-Laugh RX Program for National Alliance on Mental Illness, Orange County 2024
(Upcoming)
-YAY Day! Comedy Los Angeles, CA 2024
-Community Comedy Farmington, New Mexico 2024
-LGBTQ HIV Awareness Comedy Vancouver, Canada 2024
World Aids Day,
Durango, CO
Using comedy, those who have been affected by HIV were able ot express difficult and deep emotions in a manner with which both the audience and fellow cast members could resonate. It was a refreshing way to take a hard look at often taboo subjects. It created an atmosphere of empathy and understanding among audience members, as demonstrated by multiple positive comments received following the performances.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Yay Foundation and any work aimed at enabling people, reducing stigma, or creating a better society.
MARK LEWIS, FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITY HEALTHSOURCE
Veteran’s Comedy Program
Kalispell, MT
“It was exhilarating. It was a feeling that I haven’t had since the military. Plenty of thanks to The YAY! Foundation for helping us in a way find a meaning in life, beyond what doom and gloom comes from the military. I am so grateful for this opportunity.”
-BRYAN, PARTICIPANT, VETERAN COMEDY PROGRAM 2023
Wellness Through Arts Program
New Jersey, Ca
The program really helped the students not only become better performers, but it also increased their interpersonal skills and their confidence. After the program they were to be able to communicate more clearly and more freely. Thank you YAY!”
-WENDY JAMES, FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JEFFERSON ARTS CENTER
Community Comedy
Grand Junction, CO
“Being able to talk about really important things for the community to hear, really was healing for me and I am think it was important for other people to hear that as well! ”
-TAYLOR, PARTICIPANT, ACTION IS SAFER WORKSHOP