Comedy wouldn’t be the same without Bob Hope.

His signature timing, quick-fire punchlines, audience-specific material, clever wordplay, and knack for turning headlines into humor set the standard for what we expect from comedians today.

 

Bob Hope rose to the top of every medium he touched: headliner in Vaudeville, Broadway star, radio icon, movie idol and superstar on television.

He would have been hilarious on TikTok. 

Seven months before the attack on Pearl Harbor, Bob Hope performed for an audience made up entirely of U.S. soldiers — unknowingly kickstarting a four-year USO tour covering 80,000 miles.

The directive? Boost morale.

In 1997, Congress unanimously made Hope an Honorary Veteran, the first ever so honored.

ASAP’s Comedy Bootcamp® honors Bob Hope’s legacy of using laughter to lift up American service members.

Explore classes below.

MADE POSSIBLE BY
  • Smokin’ & Jokin’ Encinitas

    American Legion Post 416 210 W F St, Encinitas, California, United States

    Join some of San Diego’s funniest people at this military-friendly Open Mic! This show features ASAP Alumni, military-connected comedians, and local talent. This open mic is run by veterans and […]

    Free
  • Introduction to Writing Sketch Comedy

    Virtual Program

    This six-week class will meet on Tuesdays: July 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, and 18. Unleash your inner SNL writer by learning the basics of writing sketch comedy in a […]

  • Comedy Bootcamp®

    Virtual Program

    This six-week class will meet on Thursdays: July 16, 23, 30 August 6, 13, and 20. Each session is 3 hours. Learn the basics of standup comedy in this six-week […]

  • Joke Feedback Session

    Virtual Program

    Got five minutes of material? Bring it in. This workshop is designed for comedians who want to strengthen existing jokes, try out new ideas, and get constructive feedback in a […]

  • Comedy Crash Course

    Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic 8885 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite #301, San Diego, CA, United States

    Comedy Crash Course is a three-hour introductory workshop into the art of stand-up comedy. Professional comics teach you how to uncover humor in your personal experiences. You’ll learn the basics […]

  • At Ease: Comedy Open Mic

    Spacebar Cafe & Wine Bistro 7454 University Avenue, Suite A, La Mesa, California, United States

    At ease, this is just an open mic. Join us for this comedy mic where military and civilians meet. No Cover, No Minimum. Food and drinks available for purchase. This […]

    Free
  • Joke Feedback Session

    San Diego Writers, Ink 2730 Historic Decatur Road, Room 204, San Diego, CA, United States

    Got five minutes of material? Bring it in. This workshop is designed for comedians who want to strengthen existing jokes, try out new ideas, and get constructive feedback in a […]

  • Smokin' & Jokin' Encinitas

    American Legion Post 416 210 W F St, Encinitas, California, United States

    Join some of San Diego’s funniest people at this military-friendly Open Mic! This show features ASAP Alumni, military-connected comedians, and local talent. This open mic is run by veterans and […]

    Free
  • Comedy Crash Course

    Sojourn Fermentory 1400 Bridgeport Way, Suite 103, Suffolk, Virginia, United States

    Comedy Crash Course is a three-hour introductory workshop into the art of stand-up comedy. Professional comics teach you how to uncover humor in your personal experiences. You’ll learn the basics […]

  • Introduction to Editorial Writing

    Virtual Program

    Do you want to get your thoughts out there about issues that matter to you? This workshop will introduce the art of the editorial (Op-Ed), a powerful form of public […]

  • Joke Feedback Session

    San Diego Writers, Ink 2730 Historic Decatur Road, Room 204, San Diego, CA, United States

    Got five minutes of material? Bring it in. This workshop is designed for comedians who want to strengthen existing jokes, try out new ideas, and get constructive feedback in a […]

  • At Ease: Comedy Open Mic

    Spacebar Cafe & Wine Bistro 7454 University Avenue, Suite A, La Mesa, California, United States

    At ease, this is just an open mic. Join us for this comedy mic where military and civilians meet. No Cover, No Minimum. Food and drinks available for purchase. This […]

    Free
  • Comedy Crash Course

    The Riot Riverwalk 606 North Presa Street, STE LL 101, San Antonio, Texas, United States

    Comedy Crash Course is a three-hour introductory workshop into the art of stand-up comedy. Professional comics teach you how to uncover humor in your personal experiences. You’ll learn the basics […]

  • Comedy Bootcamp®

    This six-week class will meet on Saturdays: September 12, 19, 26, October 3, 17 and 24 (skipping October 10) with a graduation show on Saturday, October 31. Learn the basics […]

  • Comedy Bootcamp®

    The Wit Theater Indy 3808 Shelby Street, Suite 1, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

    This six-week class will meet on Sundays: September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, and 18 with a graduation show on October 24. Learn the basics of standup comedy taught […]

  • Comedy Bootcamp®

    Charles Houston Recreation Center 901 Wythe Street, Alexandria, Virginia, United States

    This six-week class will meet on Sundays: September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, and 18 with a graduation show on Tuesday, October 20th. Learn the basics of standup comedy […]

It changed how I dealt with my stress and frustration. Instead of internalizing my frustration, I was able to put it on paper, take control of my experience, turn a negative to a positive, and bring joy to others.

Michael Carrasquillo
Army Veteran, Comedy Bootcamp Alum