Arts Activities Support

We anticipated that the 2016 Twin Cities Jewish Humor Festival would serve 1300 patrons. Attendance was 1135 across all 8 ticketed events and 2 workshops. From post-show SurveyMonkey survey distributed to patrons who supplied an email address, we learned that roundly 72% of patrons were Jewish, and 89% would return to a future Humor Fest event. Our goals for this year's Jewish Humor Festival and results: Continue to focus on quality, not quantity: We presented 8 ticketed events and 2 workshops for the public. Present local and national talent who will represent and reflect the diversity of Jewish culture: Yes! We featured top-notch national and international talent, as well as some local comedians as well! Ensure there is something for everyone – all ages, Jewish and non-Jewish, GLBT, etc.: Most ticketed events were for adults 18+, but two were appropriate for teens. One event was geared towards the GLBT community, and we offered one workshop for children. Provide learning opportunities in addition to entertainment experiences: There were two workshops (Improv Comedy and Laughter Yoga), as well as Q and A opportunities with some of the artists following their events. Cultivate community partnerships with area organizations and engage eager volunteers: We partnered with the Saint Paul Jewish Community Center, the Israel Center of Minneapolis, the Twin Cities Jewish Book Series, and a handful of other organizations. We engaged 16 volunteers to help with grassroots publicity, event/reception set-up, and as ushers/box officers. Build and grow audiences by presenting Humor Fest events at both Jewish Community Centers: Two events took place at the Saint Paul Jewish Community Center, one event took place in downtown Minneapolis (our first rental!), and attendance was great. We did not surpass last year's attendance however. The 2016 Twin Cities Jewish Humor Festivals reached its intended community through rigorous outreach efforts and engaging community partnerships. As with previous Jewish Humor Festivals, we found that this year's audience was widely diverse. Lesbian comedian Jen Kober attracted a sold-out LGBTQ audience - most of whom were not Jewish. Opening night Mark Matsuof and closing night Rabbi Sim Glaser also nearly sold out. Re: Access - our venues were all ADA compliant and ticket prices were very low, with group and pass discounts, and discounts for students and seniors. Several performers/comedians also offered Q and As with the audience following their presentation.