Branson comedian to teach humor
By Ben Fry
The Standard (Missouri State University)
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
In Russia, he aspired to make a living out of laughter. In America, he saw that dream realized.
And at Missouri State University, Yakov Smirnoff will teach others the value of humor as a communication technique.
The nationally acclaimed comedian who has made a name for himself comparing America to his native country will instruct the summer intersession course called "The Business of Laughter."
Smirnoff said the purpose of the class is to "explain how laughter can be a gauge in business and in personal life." By making someone laugh, you create a more lighthearted situation where it's easier to cooperate, he said.
Smirnoff said observing how a boss, customer or significant other reacts to your sense of humor can tell you if you are on the same page.
"When they're laughing, it tells you the relationship they are in is flowing the right way," he said.
Smirnoff hopes this idea of gauging others' reactions illuminates a new way of reading others' feelings.
"You have a light bulb; I want to create a laugh-bulb," he said.
Students enrolled in the course will also be treated to a field trip to Smirnoff's show in Branson.
This is not Smirnoff's first teaching experience at Missouri State University. After earning his Master's degree in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania last May, his first instruction opportunity came when he taught the intersession course "Living Happily Ever Laughter" for the Psychology Department.
While Smirnoff enjoys painting and teaching, he says making people laugh is still his primary passion. He hopes through the course he can teach others to constructively use humor to connect with those around them.
"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people," he said.
For someone who wanted to be a comedian from an early age, Smirnoff didn't have much of a chance in a communist environment.
"Russia wasn't an easy place to be funny in," he said.
Nevertheless, he found opportunity to hone his antics in the elementary classroom. As expected, teachers didn't take kindly to his humor.
"I would spend more time in the principal's office" than in the classroom, he said.
Smirnoff recalled one time when everyone in class was told to sit in his seat. He decided to remain the only one standing, besides the teacher. She then told Smirnoff, "Well, I bet you feel really stupid now."
Smirnoff said he replied, "Yeah, but I didn't want you to be the only one standing."
In 1977, Smirnoff said his family immigrated to the U.S. with less than $100 in their pockets. He said he is thankful for America's freedom of speech.
Since then, he has taken his comedy act around the country, starred in movies alongside Robin Williams and Meryl Streep, and has had his paintings showcased in New York. His Branson show is in its 16th season.
Smirnoff said he believes in today's world; laughter's role in easing stress is more valuable than ever. He said our ability to lift people's spirits with our sense of humor should not be underestimated.
"Life is a treasure. Laughter is a key to the treasure," he said.
"The Business of Laughter" will be May 21-25 from 3 to 6 p.m. in Glass 343. The deadline to enroll in an intersession course is May 21.
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