Their mission is to spread more laughter, joy and ease to western Massachusetts, and now that includes bringing giggles, guffaws and goofiness to children, too.
The Pioneer Valley’s newest theater, Happier Valley Comedy at 1 Mill Valley Road in Hadley, will unveil its children’s comedy program on Sunday, Dec. 16, with a 90-minute workshop taught by longtime local comedian, Kelsey Flynn.
“For years, people have been asking us if we offer kids’ classes,” said Happier Valley Comedy’s founder and president Pam Victor. “Now that we have our own theater, we’re finally able to answer a hearty and heartfelt ‘Yes!’”
The improv workshop, which starts at 10 a.m., is for ages 8 to 11, though Victor said she hopes this event is just the beginning.
“We would love to bring more laughter to people of all ages. If all goes well, we hope to eventually offer comedy classes and camps for kids and teens,” she said.
Happier Valley Comedy’s training program currently includes seven weekly classes and regular workshops with visiting teachers, all for adults.
At the Happier Kids Improv Workshop, Flynn will lead children through a variety of easy-to-learn improv games suitable for beginners. Using fun and low-risk comedy improv games, the improv students will laugh as well as strengthen self-expression and communication skills.
Flynn is an improviser and teacher with more than 20 years of experience. In addition to being a popular disc jockey on WRSI The River, she was a founding member of the improv group The Villa Jidiots. Flynn has taught improv in after-school programs in Northampton and Amherst. Her children’s theater experience also includes roles with PaintBox Theater.
“Childhood is a magical time of anything-is-possible-ness combined with the no-filter attitude of telling us what they see,” Flynn said. “Introducing comedy improv is just one way we serve them in their exploration of their world in all of its possibility.”