Teaching / Classes
NEW COURSE - "STANDUP COMEDY FOR WOMEN 50+" (in Port Hope, ON)
Beginning on May 27, 2026 I'm teaching a 6-week course, "Standup Comedy for Women 50+" in Port Hope, Ontario with special guest, comedian Martha Chaves.
I did my first standup course and comedy performance at the age of 50, and it was life-changing. I was utterly terrified. But because the course was taught by and for women, I was able to overcome my biggest fear in life (after bears and lightning): performing standup comedy. When I got off the stage after my first performance, I was so exhilarated, I turned to my husband and said, "I can die now." I've been doing standup on and off ever since.
Why take this class?
I keep meeting funny women - especially funny older women - in Port Hope. I'd love to help you share your uniquely funny perspective/jokes/stories on stage, just for the hell of it. I know it's terrifying for most (normal) people. But unfortunately the things that scare us most are often the most rewarding. It's also a great way to get your voice out there, which is my biggest motivator. Even if you realize it's not for you, chances are you'll enjoy trying!
Martha Chaves & Me
I've been lucky enough to share the stage several times with my hilarious friend and Humber colleague, veteran standup comedian Martha Chaves (she's on CBC Radio a lot). Martha loves teaching as much as I do, and will teach our first Introductory class (Wed. May 27, online). She will help prepare you for your performances on our LIVE SHOW (week of July 6 or thereabouts - TBD), which she will also host. Meanwhile, I'll be your coach in between. I don't pretend to be an expert, but I'll help you hone your material into a decent five-minute set.
What/When/Where
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6 classes (including Final Show), $150 (no tax)
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5 consecutive Wednesdays, 6-8 pm, starting Wed. May 27 (May 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24).
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First class (May 27) will be online with Martha in TO.
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The course culminates in a LIVE SHOW the week of July 6 (exact date TBD) - students perform in front of a live audience.
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Location: Riverlines Health & Wellness Studio, 48 Mill St. S., Port Hope (BLou Room/yoga studio/outdoor patio when weather permits!)
Interested?
Email me if you're interested @ annefenn51@gmail.com before May 27.
MY TEACHING EXPERIENCE
I love teaching. For 16+ years I have been a professor at Humber Polytechnic, where I've taught Sitcom Writing in both the Comedy Writing & Performance program and the Television Writing & Producing post-grad program, where I also taught Creative Producing. I have also taught at Sheridan College, and myriad writing workshops, including at the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia, The Comedy Bar, and Soulpepper Academy.
My mentorship experience includes FEM Script Lab, Writers Guild of Canada’s Diverse Writers’ Initiative, and Frontier College, and I've been a guest lecturer at various educational institutions, including Ryerson University and the Canadian Film Centre.
In September 2021, when all learning was being done online due to Covid, my colleagues Christel Bartelse, Melody Johnston and I launched Comedy Coop, an online comedy school for women. We offered a variety of online comedic classes, including Standup Comedy, Improv, Sitcom Writing, Physical Comedy, Comic Characters/ Acting, Creating Your Own Solo Show, and hosted some amazing special guest speakers. We've been interviewed on CTV, CBC Radio and many print and online publications.
