The HVC Buddies Program is paused due to low enrollment. If that changes, we'll let you know here!
What is it?
HVC Buddies is a Happier Valley Comedy program that matches community members (usually with different levels of experience) to foster more community, support, guidance, play, and, of course, joy and ease!
How do I become an HVC Buddy?
We are not currently taking sign ups. Once the Happier Valley Comedy team finds a compatible HVC Buddy, we'll send out an initial introduction email to you both, sharing your 'fun facts' from your questionnaire to get the conversation started.
Does HVC run the program after I get my HVC Buddy?
Nope. This program only connects people in the HVC community. Once you both get the initial introduction email, the rest is up to you. Though HVC might offer some suggested events for HVC Buddies, it's your responsibility to follow up with, stay connected, and organize get-togethers with your HVC Buddy.
What happens after the match is made?
That's really up to you and your buddy. Maybe you could plan to meet up, like at a show or jam. Get to know each other, share your current experiences, geek out about comedy. Talk about what events you might like to do together. It’s also a good idea to be clear about what you’re able to offer as far as time commitment goes. We try to match you with someone interested in a similar time commitment, but, as Brené Brown says, "Clear is kind!"
Do you have suggestions of stuff to do with my HVC Buddy?
What are the benefits of the HVC Buddies program?
What if it doesn't work out?
Sometimes people get busy, life gets complicated, or matches don't mesh as much as we'd hoped. First, be clear and kind with your HVC Buddy. With gentle compassion, tell them that it's not working for you. (Chances are, you're going to see that person again, so do your future self a favor and part with generosity, grace, and kindness.) If you'd like to be matched with another HVC Buddy, email Maddy.
Ok! I’m ready to be an HVC Buddy! How do I sign up again?
We are not currently taking sign ups.
HVC Buddies is a Happier Valley Comedy program that matches community members (usually with different levels of experience) to foster more community, support, guidance, play, and, of course, joy and ease!
How do I become an HVC Buddy?
We are not currently taking sign ups. Once the Happier Valley Comedy team finds a compatible HVC Buddy, we'll send out an initial introduction email to you both, sharing your 'fun facts' from your questionnaire to get the conversation started.
Does HVC run the program after I get my HVC Buddy?
Nope. This program only connects people in the HVC community. Once you both get the initial introduction email, the rest is up to you. Though HVC might offer some suggested events for HVC Buddies, it's your responsibility to follow up with, stay connected, and organize get-togethers with your HVC Buddy.
What happens after the match is made?
That's really up to you and your buddy. Maybe you could plan to meet up, like at a show or jam. Get to know each other, share your current experiences, geek out about comedy. Talk about what events you might like to do together. It’s also a good idea to be clear about what you’re able to offer as far as time commitment goes. We try to match you with someone interested in a similar time commitment, but, as Brené Brown says, "Clear is kind!"
Do you have suggestions of stuff to do with my HVC Buddy?
- See a show together and then talk about it
- Attend a Community Comedy: Improv show together
- Go to a Community Comedy: Storytelling-Standup show or another local standup open mic
- Take a class or workshop together
- Attend "Get Your Reps" together over the summer
- Hang out with other HVC Buddy pairs and geek out together about comedy
- Be available for post-class downloads. Help each other quiet down the inner critic, offer perspective and reframing, just listen and be there for each other
- Plan a comedy field trip to an improv festival or SeaTea Improv in Hartford, ImprovBoston in Cambridge, Improv Asylum in Boston or the NYC theaters!
- Choose a book from our list or our library to talk it about together
- Watch an improv video together and compare notes
- Listen to an improv or comedy podcast and talk about it
- Do other social stuff, like going out to lunch, grabbing a drink, taking a walk, or, if that's the way you roll, doing something athletic together
- Hit a karaoke spot
- Organize a game night
- Be a friend!
What are the benefits of the HVC Buddies program?
- Beginners have someone to introduce them to the HVC community and a resource for more learning
- More experienced students can share what they've learned and support a new HVC community member
- Your welcome present: Free pair of tickets to a Saturday night mainstage show and a free pair of tickets to Community Comedy Nights to attend together!
- 2 for 1 "Buddy Night" shows as announced
- More opportunities to do, watch, and talk about comedy
- Having a friend to go to shows and take workshops/classes with
- Connect with someone else who digs improv/standup/storytelling
- Find someone who is interested in your "This funny thing happened in improv class..." stories
- More chances for fun!
- New friends!
What if it doesn't work out?
Sometimes people get busy, life gets complicated, or matches don't mesh as much as we'd hoped. First, be clear and kind with your HVC Buddy. With gentle compassion, tell them that it's not working for you. (Chances are, you're going to see that person again, so do your future self a favor and part with generosity, grace, and kindness.) If you'd like to be matched with another HVC Buddy, email Maddy.
Ok! I’m ready to be an HVC Buddy! How do I sign up again?
We are not currently taking sign ups.
These two met in their first improv class, and now they're best friends!
