Yakov Smirnoff receives Americanism Award

National Society of The Daughters of the American Revolution Present Award

Branson, Missouri (Saturday, May 26, 2007) - Yakov Smirnoff was presented the prestigious Americanism Award from the National Society of The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) on Saturday, May 26, 2007. The Sacramento, California Chapter of DAR sponsored Yakov’s nomination. Helen Borgens, the Sacramento Chapter Regent, presented the award at Yakov’s Theatre in Branson, Missouri during his 9:30 am show.

LeAnn F. Turbyfill, National Chair of The Daughters of the American Revolution, commented, "Comedy is drawn from tragedy. This was known by the great writers including Shakespeare, Dickens and Twain. Yakov Smirnoff is living proof that adversity gives way to great joy - that laughter can provide a means of coping with life’s ups and downs."

Arriving in the United States in 1977 with his parents and less than $100 in his pocket, Yakov has risen to national prominence as a respected comedic voice, cultural observer, family man, Branson theatre owner, and command performer at the White House for Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. Bush, and George W. Bush. Yakov says, "You can go to Italy but you cannot become Italian. You can go to France but you cannot become French. But you can come to America and become an American."

On July 4, 2006, Yakov celebrated his 20th year as a citizen of the United States. "When I became a citizen in 1986, I took my voting very seriously. My anticipation had built up over the nine years it took me to become a citizen. I studied all the issues and really learned about these people asking for my vote. I felt responsible," says Yakov, "What if I made the wrong decision and everything in America went haywire?"

The Americanism Award from DAR is infrequently presented to naturalized citizens of the United States who have demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, trustworthiness, service and patriotism, and to those who have also displayed outstanding involvement in community affairs.

Yakov, in addition to being an entertainer and an artist, received his Masters Degree in Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2006. While performing more than 200 shows per year at his Branson theatre, he also speaks to business groups, presents seminars, is a guest columnist for national magazines, and has recently taught classes about the relationship of Love and Laughter at Missouri State University and Drury University.

For information about Yakov’s show schedule, seminars, art, books, and touring schedule call 1-800-WHAT A COUNTRY (1-800-942-8226)

Branson Comedian To Teach Humor

By Ben Fry
The Standard (Missouri State University)
The-Standard.org

In Russia, he aspired to make a living out of laughter. In America, he saw that dream realized.

And at Missouri State University, Yakov Smirnoff will teach others the value of humor as a communication technique.

The nationally acclaimed comedian who has made a name for himself comparing America to his native country will instruct the summer intersession course called "The Business of Laughter."

Smirnoff said the purpose of the class is to "explain how laughter can be a gauge in business and in personal life." By making someone laugh, you create a more lighthearted situation where it's easier to cooperate, he said.

Smirnoff said observing how a boss, customer or significant other reacts to your sense of humor can tell you if you are on the same page.

"When they're laughing, it tells you the relationship they are in is flowing the right way," he said.

Smirnoff hopes this idea of gauging others' reactions illuminates a new way of reading others' feelings.

"You have a light bulb; I want to create a laugh-bulb," he said.

Students enrolled in the course will also be treated to a field trip to Smirnoff's show in Branson.

This is not Smirnoff's first teaching experience at Missouri State University. After earning his Master's degree in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania last May, his first instruction opportunity came when he taught the intersession course "Living Happily Ever Laughter" for the Psychology Department.

While Smirnoff enjoys painting and teaching, he says making people laugh is still his primary passion. He hopes through the course he can teach others to constructively use humor to connect with those around them.

"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people," he said.

For someone who wanted to be a comedian from an early age, Smirnoff didn't have much of a chance in a communist environment.

"Russia wasn't an easy place to be funny in," he said.

Nevertheless, he found opportunity to hone his antics in the elementary classroom. As expected, teachers didn't take kindly to his humor.

"I would spend more time in the principal's office" than in the classroom, he said.

Smirnoff recalled one time when everyone in class was told to sit in his seat. He decided to remain the only one standing, besides the teacher. She then told Smirnoff, "Well, I bet you feel really stupid now."

Smirnoff said he replied, "Yeah, but I didn't want you to be the only one standing."

In 1977, Smirnoff said his family immigrated to the U.S. with less than $100 in their pockets. He said he is thankful for America's freedom of speech.

Since then, he has taken his comedy act around the country, starred in movies alongside Robin Williams and Meryl Streep, and has had his paintings showcased in New York. His Branson show is in its 16th season.

Smirnoff said he believes in today's world; laughter's role in easing stress is more valuable than ever. He said our ability to lift people's spirits with our sense of humor should not be underestimated.

"Life is a treasure. Laughter is a key to the treasure," he said.

"The Business of Laughter" will be May 21-25 from 3 to 6 p.m. in Glass 343. The deadline to enroll in an intersession course is May 21.

Yakov Smirnoff Is Getting Serious About Laughter

(He's On A Mission To Get The Whole World Laughing)

What: Business of Laughter

Where: Missouri State University, Springfield, MO.

When: May 21 through May 25, 2007 (Mon-Fri) 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Branson, MO (Wednesday, April 18, 2007) Yakov Smirnoff is at it again. In the midst of preparing for the opening of his brand new show on April 18 in Branson, Missouri, Yakov is on a mission. Once again he'll enter the quiet halls of scholastic learning and liven things up with his new class, the "Business of Laughter". Yakov will be teaching the class in May for the Business School at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. "I'd like to find a way to teach the whole world the value of laughter...but if not the whole world, at least the Ozarks," says Yakov.

Yakov's Masters Degree in Psychology from the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania gives him the opportunity to practically apply his personal mission statement - "to experience happiness and teach it to the world with passion through comedy and sensitivity". Yakov says, "Laughter is serious business. You can achieve laughter by developing skills to perfect your delivery in communication and then applying those skills for practical success or you could just have somebody pull your finger. And we'll do both in my class!"

"This class will focus on communication and how laughter evolves from an awareness of the other person's feelings. Once you master the art of communicating well - and I believe laughter is a gauge of good communication - you're ready to succeed both in your professional and personal life," says Yakov.

The "Business of Laughter" taught by Yakov is open to students of any discipline and the general public. For more information on attending Yakov's one week class call 417-836-4126 or 877-678-2005. Students currently enrolled at MSU may go on-line and add the class via the web registration system.

Yakov's All-New Branson Show opens on April 18 at 9:30 AM. For reservations or further information call 1-800-942-8226, 417-336-6542, or visit www.yakov.com