FEATURE
LAUGHTER IS THE
LANGUAGE OF THE
SOUL
BY SUMNER & LANG
"Laughter is the language of the soul.” – So said Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda, who, also in one of his works, described happiness as “necessary like the earth.” Matt Burns ’04 knows this better than most people. Currently a drama teacher at Sterling Hall School, Matt has worked in film, television and theatre for most of his life, specializing in improv and sketch comedy. He is also the Artistic Director of Players, a not-for-profit organization in Toronto that produces comedy musical shows and donates its proceeds to charity. He has also worked as a therapeutic clown at SickKids Hospital, a position that abundantly illustrates the connection between health and laughter. “ Joy and laughter make a big difference in the healing of children,” said Matt. “They help build physical and emotional wellness. In addition, therapeutic clowning gives kids a sense of control in a situation where they have very few choices. It’s child-directed—the child decides what and how to play, and the clown follows their lead. It’s a fun and reassuring experience when there is a lot of stress in their lives. I’ve even helped kids manage their medical procedures, providing relief in difficult moments.”
Matt’s love of comedy and theatre began as a student at RSGC. He was in every school play and also performed original, student-written sketch comedy in house competitions—and says that his house, Westminster, won every year! He also participated in and helped organize annual lip sync events. After graduation, Matt studied theatre and drama at Queen’s University and joined the Queen’s Players, which produces musical sketch-comedy performances. He later studied and performed at Second City in Toronto and also at a variety of other theatres and festivals. In his work today as a drama teacher, Matt continues to use comedy as a way of building community. “The mantras of improv comedy have shaped my life,” said Matt. “They are: always say yes, say ‘and’ not ‘but,’ and there are no mistakes, only gifts. I bring this approach to my students, which encourages them to take risks and find joy in what they do. When they are laughing, I know they are feeling good and are open to learning. It’s a great way to connect and bond.”
Always smiling
Matt’s love of comedy and theatre began as a student at RSGC. He was in every school play and also performed original, student-written sketch comedy in house competitions.
Senior School art teacher Leanne Mladen agrees that comedy and laughter strengthen community. Leanne is the faculty advisor for RSGC’s Stand-Up Comedy Club and teaches stand-up at Second City. She helps the boys in the club transform the raw material of their personal experiences and ideas into well-crafted jokes and polished scripts. “Good stand-up looks easy and casual,” said Leanne. “But it takes a lot of work to get there. The boys collaborate in their writing and give each other feedback. Once they settle on their content, they workshop it with each other until it’s honed and ready for an audience. The whole process develops craft and confidence. And of course, we laugh together all the time. That joyful energy is then transferred to audiences that laugh along.” Grade 11 student Simon Cox knows what it’s like to share his jokes with a crowd. Though he plans to study computer programming at university and hopes one day to work in video game development, he is also a big fan of stand-up comedy and joined the club in Grade 9. He has twice performed in the RSGC talent show, Hidden Gems, once live and once virtually.
“There are two arts to comedy,” said Simon. “The first is the content and the second is the delivery. Both take a lot of work to shape and master, but at the same time, anyone can do it. The skills can be learned. I would encourage students to come to the club and try it out. It’s a very welcoming place and, of course, we laugh a lot.” In addition to performing at the talent show, club members are planning to submit a video of original work to SketchFest22, which showcases live and online comedy performances. Preparing for the submission provides the group with another opportunity to tap into their creativity and hone their craft. Simon is up for the challenge and looking forward to spreading laughter beyond the school. “I think comedy is important because it transmits a positive attitude and relieves tension, especially when times are tough,” said Simon. “Laughter lightens the mood and uplifts people. I also like how transferable comedy is—I might share a joke in one place and it can then get passed along by someone else. Unlike movies or plays, which can only be summarized when we talk to each other, a joke is a complete art form that remains intact as it travels from person to person. I love that aspect of comedy.”
The importance of laughter
Simon Cox believes that laughter lightens the mood and uplifts people.
While Grade 12 student Charlie Coke is not a member of the Stand-Up Comedy Club, he is a practised comedian who has been performing on stage since Grade 4. Charlie draws on his own life experiences for his comedy, such as wrangling kids as a camp counsellor this past summer. He has developed the art of venting: pouring out frustrations in a comic manner. Like comedy itself, venting can reduce stress when it has a positive purpose. Bringing joy to others through laughter provides that purpose. “I like to take something that most people have experienced and add astute observation and humour to it,” said Charlie. “I think comedy is a great way to share very human stories that connect us all. It also allows us to take time away from the serious parts of our lives and engage in pure fun.” Charlie loves the energy of being backstage, as well as performing in front of an audience. He hopes one day to work in the film industry. He describes RSGC as a safe place for students to explore their creativity and experiment with forms. He’s glad for the opportunity to be involved in drama productions and to participate in the talent show, each of which make different demands and help develop different skills.
Emily Johnson is pleased that students like Simon and Charlie have embraced Hidden Gems as a performance opportunity. The RSGC music teacher runs the talent show, which raises funds for the Georgian Scholarship for the Arts. She schedules brief comedy acts to break up the musical acts that make up most of the show. “Being in the audience of any live performance is a special experience,” says Emily. “And then when it’s comedy and we get to laugh together, that really brings us close to each other. I also appreciate the courage our students show in creating performances designed to make us laugh. It’s a vulnerable place to be in. It’s great for the younger boys to see that modelled and know they could do it too, if they want to.” Emily notes that the Hidden Gems audience of students, teachers, families and friends is very supportive of the young comedians. Attendees respect the work that has gone into the performance and appreciate the talent on display. And of course, they have a natural desire to laugh together, which is much more powerful than laughing alone. “Collective laughter takes us to a higher level of joy and happiness,” said Emily. “It connects us to each other. It keeps us strong. It keeps us healthy. Laughter is fun, but it’s not frivolous. I admire our students who express themselves and explore their identity through comedy. I think it’s good for them—and I know it’s good for all of us.” Poets and scientists agree. Once more, Pablo Neruda gets to the heart of the matter: “Take bread away from me, if you wish, take air away, but do not take from me your laughter.”
Comedy reduces stress
Charlie Coke believes that comedy allows people to take time away from the serious parts of life and engage in pure fun.
