Los Angeles City College Announces New Rodney Dangerfield Institute

LOS ANGELES, May 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Los Angeles City College is pleased to announce the creation of the Rodney Dangerfield Institute (RDI) in honor of the late comedian, Rodney Dangerfield. Initially offering four classes including a stand-up workshop, joke writing, improvisational comedy and an American film comedy genre class, the RDI is the only comedy institute in the country based within a community college. Additionally, the Institute will develop a filmed speaker series, guest lectures, performances, mentor programs and partnerships with Hollywood comedy clubs.

"Rodney's comedy personified the down-on-his-luck everyman," said Rodney's widow, Joan Dangerfield. "Los Angeles City College is the perfect choice to house this innovative institute. Now students will have the opportunity to study comedy at an affordable cost in the heart of Hollywood."

Dangerfield will serve as the honorary chair of the RDI Advisory Board. "I am honored to be on the Advisory Board for the Rodney Dangerfield Institute at LACC. I was fortunate enough to get my break in comedy working on five of Rodney's films, as well as touring with him for 17 years as his exclusive opening act," said Harry Basil, comedian, partner and general manager of the Laugh Factory. "Rodney was the Albert Einstein of comedy! To witness his creative process in writing and performing original comedy material, developing screenplays and comedy specials from a single joke or silly idea was a master class in comedy. I can think of no other legendary comedian in history, who's career path is a lesson in how to succeed in all levels of a tough industry where comedians  usually, 'don't get no respect.' The RDI is an amazing new institute!"

On September 7, 2017, LACC will produce a staged reading of Dangerfield's hit movie, "Back to School." Comedian Brad Garrett, of "Everybody Loves Raymond" fame, will reprise Dangerfield's role of Thornton Melon. Other well-known actors will appear at the event, which will also include a Q&A with members of the original cast. All proceeds will benefit the Rodney Dangerfield Institute.

"We are honored to celebrate Rodney Dangerfield's legacy with this new institute and we are excited to be able to share his comedy with new generations of students," said Reneé D. Martinez, President, Los Angeles City College. For more information about the Rodney Dangerfield Institute, visit http://lacitycollege.edu/academic/rodneydangerfield.html.

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SOURCE Los Angeles City College