“The History of Comedy in America”
Gid takes you on a comedy journey from the end of Vaudeville to the comedy boom of the 1980s and beyond. He talks about the influence of people like Johnny Carson, Richard Pryor and George Carlin. Much of his information comes from first-hand meetings with people like David Brenner and the man who was suppose to replace Johnny Carson (and why he didn’t)
“Robin Williams: A Genius Gone Too Soon”
Using information gathered through interviews with family friends, one of which played tennis with his mother and his sound engineer the last fifteen years of his career, Gid opens you up to the real Robin Williams. From his times on as s street performer in San Francisco to the legendary “More from Ork” and beyond.
“Lucille Ball: The Lady Who Changed Television”
Most people remember Lucille Ball as the star of “I Love Lucy.” Her career started in 1929 when she found work as a model and never slowed down. Gid pulls back the curtain on the life of the first female head of a film studio and the effects of her work, still seen on TV today. He even talks why she was afraid of birds!
“Women in Comedy: Their Struggles and Successes”
In a time where so many women are heads of major corporations, Celebrity Cruises being an example, it’s hard to understand why female comedians faced to much resistance. It came at all levels from getting book into comedy clubs to Johnny Carson’s refusal to book female comedians. Gid talks about how that glass ceiling was broken.
“How to Use Humor in Your Speeches and Presentations”
This I a very specialized presentation suitable for anyone who normally finds themself speaking in front of groups of any size. It has been established that people listen better when they have been laughing. We show people how not to fall in the traps of using humor.
On up-scale cruise lines this can also be done in a small group environment and repeated as needed by the response.
“Act Two & Beyond: Making the Reston Your Life Spectacular”
This is based on my book of the same name where I take look at what holds people back when they try for something better in their life. Often, the obstacle is opposite to what they have been told. Over the years this has resulted in numerous people having the skills to make positive life changes.
“How Comedians Do What We Do.”
I have taught IMPROV classes on Trans-Atlantic cruises, getting volunteers who perform an afternoon show later in the cruise.
I can also do a stand-up comedy class where each person is assisted in writing a 2-4 comedy set..again with a performance toward the end of the cruise.
