A few years ago I was talked into taking a two day workshop with funny lady, coach and yogi, Beth Lapides and her husband, partner, producer, Greg Miller.  I had no idea what to expect since I’d never taken any kind of performance class before.  I learned so much including the fact that comedy is telling stories in an unexpected way.  And I had a good time too!

So when Greg asked me to help them bring Beth’s new show, “100% Happy 88% of the Time” and a one day workshop, “The Comedian’s Way” to Tucson, I jumped at the chance. You can catch the show and workshop at the Club Congress.  You can also see her hosting “The Other Network” at The Loft.  Here are the details:

Beth Lapides is a paradigm-shifting cultural visionary. She’s the creator and host of ‘Un-Cabaret’, the legendary alternative comedy show that created a revolution in personal storytelling – and led to the current wave of storytelling shows around the country including Tucson’s own Odyssey Storytelling.

She has appeared on NPR, Politically Incorrect and Sex and the City. She’s the author of “Did I Wake You”, a critically acclaimed book of haiku and writes a column called “My Other Car is a Yoga Mat” for LA Yoga Magazine.

Wed. & Thurs. June 16 & 17, 7:30 p.m. – Beth Lapides curates and hosts “The Other Network”, a festival of the best un-aired TV pilots ever made introduced by their creators, including Conan O’Brien, Ben Stiller and Judd Apatow, starring Jack Black, Owen Wilson, Amy Poehler, Ray Romano and more at The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. Tickets $8.00 general; $7.00 Loft Cinema members. Double Feature Ticket (good for both nights):  $14.00 general; $12.00 Loft members at The Loft box-office, or call 520-795-0844.

Saturday, June 19, 7 p.m. – Beth Lapides performs her new solo show, “100% Happy 88% of the Time,” a turned-on tour-de-force that combines story, science and standup, multi-media, music and metaphysics at Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Tickets are $15 at the door, $10 in advance at http://bethlapides.com.

Sunday, June 20, 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Beth Lapides and husband/partner Greg Miller lead a special one-day intensive session of “The Comedian’s Way”, a workshop for writers, performers and other humans at Club Congress. $20 at the door, $15 in advance at http://bethlapides.com.

For more info contact Greg Miller 760-327-4656 greg@uncabaret.com

Parents who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender are invited to submit home videos to be included in a feature documentary, Gayby Boom, exploring the ever-evolving definition of family values, according to filmmaker Lisa Marie Evans.

We need parents from around the globe to submit home-videos to represent the many faces and lives involved in LGBT families. In a time where it is still illegal for LGBT individuals to marry and/or adopt, this is also the time to share our lives in the spirit of education and awareness for all communities. This will be a brilliant education tool for LGBT individuals seeking to bring children into their lives as they may learn from the stories and experiences of others.

Lisa Marie, a recent transplant from St. Louis, is getting used to our laid back Tucson ways but her work continues on this exciting project. The way is works is you submit a home video and Lisa Marie does the rest.  She’s assembled a very helpful filmmaker toolkit that includes interviewing, content and filming tips and release forms. She even has a camera to loan if you don’t have one.

You’re essentially creating a video journal that may be included in a nationally distributed film. How cool is that. Of course, its possible that your face and your story might end up on the cutting room floor, depending on how much material she gets, but your clip might be on the website where she will build a virtual community.

For more information on participation, including where to submit your video, the filmmaker toolkit, releases and press materials, visit the Gayby Boom website.  Don’t miss the video trailer on the home page.