YOU, BUT FUNNIER

A Workshop with Beth Lapides
Be more you. And yes—funnier.

Overview

You, But Funnier is a dynamic, experiential workshop that helps writers, performers, and other humans find their authentic voice—and make it funny.

Developed through workshops at venues including The Lyric Hyperion, Second City, Actors Comedy Studio, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, UCLA Extension, and The Skirball Cultural Center, You, But Funnier is rooted in real-time discovery—where participants don’t just learn techniques, they uncover their real stories and experience what happens to their comedy when they tell the truth.

This isn’t about joke-writing formulas.
It’s about uncovering what’s alive, specific, complicated, and true—and then beginning to shape it so it connects with an audience.

What Makes This Different

Beth Lapides, creator of UnCabaret and a pioneer of alternative comedy, teaches from a simple but powerful principle:

Find your unique comedic voice—and discover what happens when you trust it.

In this workshop, participants aren’t taught how to “be funny.”
They’re guided to access what’s already true—and shape it so it lands.

The focus is on storytelling, presence, and connection—creating an environment where participants can take risks, discover new material, and experience what happens in the room when they show up more fully as themselves.

What Participants Experience

Depending on format (1–3 hours, half-day, full-day, or weekend), the workshop may include:

• Guided exercises to unlock authentic voice and personal storytelling

• Techniques for shaping stories into compelling, engaging material

• Reframing “mistakes” and real-life moments into usable material

• Real-time coaching and feedback

• Opportunities to share and refine work

• A high-connection, supportive room where participants are seen and heard

Who It’s For

• Writers, performers, and other creators

• Professionals and leaders who communicate with audiences

• Anyone exploring storytelling, voice, and self-expression

Outcomes

Participants walk away with:

• Clearer voice and point of view

• New material rooted in their real stories

• Tools for turning life into compelling storytelling

• Increased confidence and presence

• A lived experience of what it feels like to connect through authenticity

Formats Available

• Keynote-style interactive talk

• 90-minute / 2-hour workshop • Half-day / full-day intensive

• Full weekend intensive

• Add-on to performances or speaking engagements

Custom retreat formats available upon request.

Optional Add-On

Mini Strategy Sessions
Attendees can book a complimentary 15-minute follow-up session with Beth to deepen their work and apply what they’ve learned.