Laughter: An Interactive Exploration Into Its Therapeutic Effects

In this show, our objective is to draw attention to the positive, therapeutic effects of humor and laughter. Some argue that humor can assist people with coping, motivation, and survival. Research has shown that laughing out loud can have positive physiological effects even when the laughter is initially faked. Cancer patients are using humor, now being referred to as “cancertainment”, to bear their daily struggles in the form of things like radio shows, stand-up comedies, and blogs. Educators are evoking humor and laughter in the classroom as a way of getting students engaged. Since there seems to be an array of therapeutic uses of humor and laughter, we discuss the research and the stories behind these uses bringing this human pleasantry to the forefront of our thinking. Joining us with be special guest Jeff Wirth, the visionary founder and Executive Director of the Interactive Performance Lab. Through a variety of interactive techniques involving audience participation, this show will provide a unique glimpse into both the power of laughter and the power of interactive performance.