Stand Up Comedy Night with Stand Up for Mental Health

Join us for a night of stand up comedy with members of Fountain House and comedian David Granirer of Stand Up for Mental Health (SMH)!

Join us for a night of Stand Up Comedy with members of Fountain House, in partnership with Stand Up for Mental Health (SMH). Performances by: Gayle D, Dan Frey, Kiko Kennedy, Dave Reines, and Kelila Zechowy.

“The comics performing were awarded a spot in this program after applying through our Art Scholarship program, which provides financial support for Fountain House members to pursue training or skill building for their creative passions with professionals in the broader community. Each individual participated in eight weekly two-hour classes with David to hone their routine. We’re thrilled to be able to partner with Stand Up for Mental Health to amplify the voices of individuals with lived experience.” - Rachel Weisman, Fountain House Gallery Director

About the Event

What’s so funny about mental health? As far as Stand Up for Mental Health (SMH) and Fountain House are concerned – everything!

Founded by award-winning counsellor and stand-up comic David Granirer, who himself lives with bipolar, SMH teaches stand-up comedy to people with mental health challenges as a way of building confidence and fighting public stigma.

Granirer, in partnership with Fountain House has trained five comedians to do stand-up comedy about their mental health journeys. The workshops will culminate in July 12's Stand Up Comedy Night at Fountain House Gallery.

About David Granirer and Stand Up for Mental Health

David Granirer, RPC, M.S.M is a counselor, stand-up comic, mental health comedian and keynote speaker, and author of The Happy Neurotic: How Fear and Angst Can Lead to Happiness and Success. He founded Stand Up For Mental Health™ (SMH), a comedy therapy program teaching stand up comedy to people with mental illness or mental health issues as a way of building confidence and fighting public stigma.

About Fountain House Gallery & Studio

Fountain House Gallery and Studio supports the careers and creative visions of artists living with mental illness.

Founded by Fountain House in 2000, the Manhattan-based Gallery sells original artworks and collaborates with a wide network of artists, curators and cultural institutions. The Studio, located in Long Island City, is a collaborative workspace that furthers the professional practice of our artists. Embracing artists who are emerging or established, trained or self-taught, Fountain House Gallery cultivates artistic growth, makes a vital contribution to the New York arts community, and challenges the stigma surrounding mental illness.

“This program changes lives. There’s something incredibly healing about telling a roomful of people exactly who you are and having them laugh and cheer. Once you’ve done stand-up, you can do anything!” - David Granirer