In just four years of existence, hundreds of student dancers, writers and budding comedians have passed through the Dubomedy Arts School Programs. Thousands of laughs and roaring applause support Dubomedy as they work closely with the community to create original productions all while cultivating “homegrown talent”.

It is hard to believe that in a journey of only four years it’s co-directors; Mina Liccione (Broadway and MTV Veteran, Award winning American Comedienne, Tap Dancer and Educator) and Ali Al Sayed (Local Stand Up Comic, Producer and Abu Dhabi Sports TV comedy commentator) have grown from a single comedy class of 12 students to more than 120 students spanning over 8 classes for this past term. Both their student and professional shows have grown more and more popular as audiences flock to the laughter.

Some of Dubomedy’s achievements include providing on-going professional training in stand up comedy, writing, tap dancing, circus skills, improvisation, Arabic comedy, learn to speak Emirati courses, comedic acting for television as well as Workshops with very special guest artists such as Celebrity Comedian Dean Obeidallah and Saad Haroon. Dubomedy created numerous performance opportunities for local artists such as Funny Girls (the first all female comedy show in the region), Monday Night Funnies (the first weekly comedy and variety show in the UAE) and Improv Revolution (the UAE’s first and only professional improvisational comedy troupe).

On none other than April Fool’s Day, Dubomedy will officially turn 4. Dubomedy believes that the best way to celebrate their birthday is by showing appreciation to the community that has grown and supported them over the last four years. Al Sayed said “We’ve invited former and current students and guest artists to attend a very special pre-show Dubomedy Arts Recognition and Award Ceremony as part of our 4th Birthday Celebration. It’s our way of saying thank you as well as acknowledging certain members of the arts community who have made a big difference.”

Headlining Palestinian-American Comedian Aron Kader (Axis of Evil, LA’s Comedy Store) is this year’s international headliner. Having sold out many shows in the UAE he now returns after three long years to take the stage at Dubomedy’s 4th birthday bash! Leading up to the show, Aron will teach a comedy workshop. The comedy workshop will run four days over one week, March 25 – 31, 2012. Al Sayed and Liccione will lead the first two evening sessions as preparation for Aron. Those initial sessions will focus on improvisation and performance skills as well as writing. Following, will be a two day break for students to complete their ‘comedy homework’ assignments including new joke writing, reading materials and time for memorization. The weekend sessions will be lead by Aron Kader, consisting of stand up coaching and words of wisdom. The comedy workshop will end with a final showcase open to the public at Wild Peeta. Aron will hand pick two participants to be the opening acts for him the following night.

Dubomedy’s 4th Birthday Bash on April 1, 2012 will be hosted by Dubomedy founder Mina Liccione. She not only gets to welcome Aron Kader to the stage but also her co-director Ali Al Sayed whom is also a headliner along with two comedy students which will be determined by Aron based upon their ‘end of workshop’ performance. The Event is being held at the Centerpoint Theater in Dubai Community Theater and Arts Center as this is where all of their classes began and continue to grow. There will be two shows, 7:00pm and 9:00pm.

Tickets are available at www.ticketingco.com or by calling +971 50 927 3621. VIP tickets cost 250AED. Regular seating is 175AED. For more information LOL@vivadubai.com or www.dubomedy.com

For other events happening in and around Dubai
this month check out What’s On in April