By Jillian Sorgini
“Get in my car, I’ve got candy,” said Scott Schendlinger, revealing his best pickup line. This comedic senior now serves as the president of Ha Ha Hofstra, a new comedy club on campus.
While the University has its share of outlets for comedy, like Nonsense and Thursday Night Live, Ha Ha Hofstra gives students the opportunity to workshop their jokes.
“We give suggestions, and advice,” said Eric Niederman, the director of public relations. “We let them know if it’s going to offend someone too much or not enough,” he laughs.
When doing standup comedy, it’s hard to know what will offend an audience.
“[It’s a] very thin line with trying to be edgy and trying not to offend,” said Mary Stasiuk, the secretary of the club. The only way to really know is from trial and error and putting yourself out there.
So far, the group has used their budget for “field research” in the city. They went to a comedy club, but they have had their fair share of experience on campus.
Earlier this semester, they co-sponsored an event with Hillel. They brought Greer Barnes, a standup comedian featured on “Chappelle’s Show.” Members of the club had the opportunity to perform as opening acts. Most of the material that they use comes from real-life experience.
“I try to take everyday normal things that people always recognize and point out something strange about it,” Niederman said. Unless it’s extremely offensive, most jokes are well received.
The name of the club had become a joke itself.
“A lot of people think I’m stuttering when I tell them the name,” laughs Niederman.
The club thought about other names, but eventually decided Ha Ha Hofstra fit the best.
“It’s really corny and it’s so bad that it’s good,” says Niederman.
The club certainly is making its mark at the University. In addition to the Greer Barnes event, they are bringing Rory Albanese of “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” to campus on Friday May 2. The event is free.
“We pay enough to go here as it is,” Schendlinger laughs.