It’s the school of hard yuks.
The Laughing Devil Comedy Club, Queens’ only joke shop, has started a “Stand-Up Semester” where club owner Steve Hofstetter teaches novice comics the rigors of the funny business.
“Comedy is one of the few things that is an art, a science and a business,” said Hofstetter, 32, who has appeared on VH1 and Showtime.
The $300 semester consists of six two-hour sessions aimed at polishing a fledgling comedian’s stage presence and personal brand of humor.
“There are plenty of people who are witty that have to find a way to control that,” he said.
The inaugural class of six funny alums will “graduate” with a coveted Saturday night performance at the Long Island City club on May 26 — opening up for veteran comics.
Aspiring comic Jordan Tuch, 25, said he has enjoyed being able to hone his humor in a low-pressure environment.
“I got a lot more comfortable on stage and speaking to people,” he said. “I still have a ways to go.”
Jimmy Wohl, 35, of Long Island City, said he never realized how many nuances there were to being onstage.
“Things that you don’t realize make a big difference, like how to hold a microphone,” said Wohl, a freelance copywriter. “There’s a bit of an art to it.”
Other students said that crafting the quips is the most daunting part of learning comedy.
“A good 50 hours went into writing five mintues of humorous material,” said teacher Matt Sarkowicz, 42, of Greenpoint, Brooklyn. “It’s an ardous process.”
Those who signed up for the class with some open mic experience said having a working comic like Hofstetter as a mentor has boosted their confidence.
“He taught us how to network better,” said Kraig Beaudoin, 31. “He’s been a great resource.”
The “Stand-Up Semester” will be a recurring feature at the club, partly because Hofstetter said he wished it existed when he started his career.
Hofstetter said he can show you the ropes, but he can’t give you a funny bone.
“You cannot teach someone how to be funny,” Hofstetter said. “You can’t carve rotten wood.”
