Despite being your typical jokester, Andrew Zigmond never dreamed of codifying his humor for the masses as part of the Mizel Arts and Culture Center’s Tight Five Workshop. The Tight Five class is a seven-week adult theatre writing workshop that culminates in a live performance in the Elaine Wolf Theatre on April 24, 2025 at 7:30 pm, headlined by a guest professional comedian, Adam Cayton-Holland.
Andrew Zigmond beaming with joy
“I really just enjoy making people laugh, whether that is my friends, family, coworkers, or the kids,” he remarks. Andrew is an educator at the Early Learning School (ELS). “They love when I do a funny voice or something silly and are always happy to see me.” His statement rings true, as it is hardly a rare occurrence to see Andrew, a tall presence with coffee mug in hand, moseying across the lobby with a throng of squealing children trailing after him.
So, the ELS Educator decided to go for it last year and registered for the Tight Five Workshop. “Comedy writing can be challenging because you are constantly second-guessing yourself if something is funny or not. The experience helped me be more patient with my writing, and how to get my thoughts down on paper,” he recalls, adding how Tight Five instructor Abbi Heller spent ample time with students to refine their jokes and provide feedback. Plus, “everyone in the class worked together as a team and supported one another,” he continues.
Andrew’s cohort was more than ready to perform by the time the night of the performance rolled around. “It was one of the most unforgettable nights of my life,” he reflects. “Once I was on stage and got my first couple of laughs, everything just fell into place.” With a large performance stage, comedians have space to move around and find their rhythm, not to mention the event is relaxed and supportive; an occasion with hundreds of patrons filling the theatre, drinks in hand and eyes glittering with anticipation.
“I felt like the audience was understanding every word I said, and that was amazing. I felt alive on stage and the time really flew by,” he adds. Another pleasant surprise was the therapeutic effect Tight Five had on Andrew. “Writing down things from my past that bothered me and then having the chance to make fun of them felt good,” he says. “Humor can help you move through hard things and not take yourself so seriously. Something can seem like a big deal at first, but when you can make fun of it, your problems become small and beatable, even.”
Now, Andrew is gearing up to participate again in this year’s Tight Five program, returning with newfound confidence from his positive experience last year. Yet, he assures newcomers that confidence is not a prerequisite, and the class will help you build just that. “At first I was stressed, but I discovered when I let go and relaxed a bit, my humorous side came out, so my advice is to just enjoy it.” His biggest takeaway as a funny person and Tight Five alum? Being able to read your audience and respond to their reactions. “The class put that in my mind—I am starting to think about what makes people laugh and what doesn’t,” he shares as new jokes begin to percolate in Andrew’s mind for this year’s Tight Five experience.
