Students at an Etobicoke middle school are using stand-up comedy as a way of learning about bullying and youth mental health.
The program, based at the North Kipling Junior Middle School is aimed at boosting students’ confidence and educating them about the differences between positive humour and jokes that can be hurtful to others.
“We actually looked at health and unhealthy humour,” said project creator Sue Stephenson, adding that the program is “a way of channeling humour” for a positive purpose.
“I think a lot of bullies are really stand-up comics who don’t have an audience.”
All of the performers in this one-of-a-kind program are Grade 7 students. They write and perform their own material, drawn from their experiences.
During rehearsals, students are encouraged to think about and discuss what how their jokes appropriate and how they will be interpreted by others.
“Nobody’s really sure what to think of it at first, but by the end of it, they’re excited, they know what they’re doing, they know how to tell a joke,” said professional comedian Kyle Woolven, who is an instructor for the program.
The students say that, while it can be difficult to come up with material, the program is a rewarding experience.
“(It’s) hard because you don’t know if people get the joke,” said Terrance Timm, one of the student comedians.
Others say the program has boosted their confidence during social interactions.
“All you need to know is that there’s always someone who is going to be laughing,” said participant Richard Thai. “It can even be you sometimes.”
All of the acts are compiled into a comedy show that will be held during the school’s lunch hour.
