More than 60 at-risk youths will take the stage at the Laugh Factory Saturday as the Hollywood comedy club celebrates the 40th graduating class of its Comedy Camp, a program that provides mentorship and performance opportunities for young people.
The 40th annual Comedy Camp Graduation is set for 11 a.m. Saturday at the Laugh Factory, 8001 Sunset Blvd.
The camp was established in 1986, seven years after the Laugh Factory opened, and has since served more than 2,500 at-risk youths by helping them develop self-confidence, communication skills and public speaking abilities, according to organizers.
Previous mentors have included Richard Pryor, Rodney Dangerfield, George Carlin, Robin Williams, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle and George Lopez.
Among the program’s best-known alumni is comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish, who attended Comedy Camp as a foster youth and has credited the experience with helping launch her career. Haddish recently returned to the camp to speak with this year’s participants and help serve lunch, organizers said.
Haddish also supports foster youths through her She Ready Foundation, which provides luggage to replace the trash bags that many foster children use to carry their belongings.
“There are many pathways to success in life, and our Comedy Camp graduates have traveled many of them,” Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada said in a statement. “Some of our graduates have gone on to law school or medical school, while others have become comedy stars. No matter what path they choose, we are proud of each of our Comedy Camp kids.”
Oranigzers said graduates will perform on the Laugh Factory stage during Saturday’s ceremony and will receive the same pay as professional comedians appearing at the club, along with a Laugh Factory hat, shirt and jacket.