Ben Van der Velde - Crowd Work and the Craft of Compering

Whether you’re an open mic comic wanting to learn the basics of compering or a more seasoned pro keen to find more spontaneity onstage, join accomplished compere Ben Van der Velde for this four hour workshop focusing on the skills of hosting and crowd work.

In this workshop we'll cover:

* How to unlock your creativity and natural improvisational skills
* Persona and status
* How to get at least 5 laughs from each audience member
* Asking better questions to mine better information and create better riffs
* Endowing audience members to create fantasy worlds 
* Performing one-person scenes
* Creating a story of the night by weaving together different audience interaction

We'll also look at useful shortcuts for effective crowdwork, how to deal with hecklers and how to host non-comedy events. All abilities/levels of experience welcome.

MORE ABOUT BEN:

Ben Van der Velde is a stand-up comedian, actor, improviser and director who, over the past few years has spread joy and nonsense to all four corners of the British Isles, as well as Greece, Estonia, Latvia, Finland and Norway.

“The perfect comedy club host – he is a master of audience interaction. The audience weren’t just warmed up, but pretty hysterical even before the first act of the night hit the stage.” Huffington Post

He is a regular host and act for respected British comedy clubs such as The Comedy Store, Komedia, Up the Creek, The Forge, The Backyard, The Glee, Headliners, The Stand, Just the Tonic, Outside the Box and Comedy Club 4 Kids, as well as hosting stages for Bestival, Festival No.6, End of the Road and Sunday Papers Live.

“Wonderfully improvised riffs showcasing his impressive spontaneity and sharp tongue.” Edinburgh Festivals Magazine

As a director he has worked with the likes of David Eagle, Paul F Taylor, Louise Leigh, Pauline Eyre, Tadiwa Mahlunge, Ed Patrick, Susie McCabe and Robert White. After working with Ben David was nominated for Best Show in the Edinburgh ISH awards and won Mervyn Stutter's Pick of the Fringe, while Pauline was nominated for Best Newcomer and is currently embarking on a 100-date national tour. Other acts who have worked with Ben have gone on to appear on Have I Got News for You and The Now Show.

PRAISE FOR THE WORKSHOP:

"Before Ben's enjoyable and productive workshop, I didn't feel very confident talking to the audience. Within six months of doing the workshop I was offered my first TV hosting job and I felt prepared and excited for it." William Stone

"Getting Ben in to direct my show was the best decision I made for this year’s Edinburgh. His notes on structure were brilliant and I am so proud of the work we did together – we achieved so much more than I believed possible." Pauline Eyre

"As a pro stand-up comedian and student of long form improv I’d been grappling with bringing the two performance disciplines together on stage at once. Ben’s course bridges the gap between the two forms of comedy brilliantly. He gives great guidance on finding your comedy premise on stage and how to deal with your own fear to take risks. I now feel more able to ignore fear, to push into the unknown and to trust my own comedy instincts." Paul F Taylor

"The workshop was brilliant! The four hours flew by. Ben is very generous and has a really positive "can do" attitude towards comedy. I left feeling a lot stronger as a comic." Aideen McQueen

"I have been doing stand up for two decades but Ben's workshop taught me things I still hadn't learned. He's encouraged me to bust out of my scripted straitjacket and be more playful on stage. Would recommend this workshop to any comic no matter what their level." Andy White

Workshop details:

● Doors 12:45

● Show 13:00-17:00

● Last entry is 13:00. If you arrive after this time you may not be allowed entry and your ticket will not be refunded.

● 18+ only

Got a question about our venue or your tickets? Never been to a comedy show before? We’ve got a handy guide for you in The Gaffe FAQ: www.thegaffecomedyclub.com/faqs

Reviews from previous comedy nights:

"Great MC, excellent comics and a cosy vibe. I look forward to going again ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐" - Becky, Google Local Guide reviewer

"Great night of comedy in Bristol! Been at both midweek and weekend shows and the comedians are so funny, vibes are great and room set up perfectly for comedy." - Phoebe, Google Local guide reviewer

"What a funny night! First time going to a comedy show, found myself in the front row put on the spot by the MC! Definitely will be back, loved every minute of it!" - Izabella, Google Local Guide reviewer

‘A unique and evocative comedy night’ - Bristol 365

‘Put at the top of your to do list’ - 365Bristol.com

‘If we had to choose one place for comedy in Bristol, this would be it’ - Culture Calling

See all upcoming tour shows at The Gaffe on our website: www.thegaffecomedyclub.com

Entry requirements: 18+