Like most colleges, NECC has solid ties to the creative arts. A simple look through the school’s course catalog shows that classes are offered in drama, music, graphic design and more. 

What may not be as well known is that NECC has solid ties to the world of stand up comedy. At the present time, there are students, faculty and alumni involved in this area of performing. 

In fact, NECC once even offered a class on this topic. From 2003-2010, Professor David Rattigan periodically taught a course titled, Introduction To Stand Up Comedy. Rattigan, while still teaching at NECC, is a performer himself. In 2005, he formed Scamps Comedy Productions, which focuses on fundraisers by presenting comedy shows. Among others, Rattigan has worked with well known comedians, such as Steven Wright and Jeff Dunham.

But Rattigan is far from NECC’s only connection to the world of stand up. A current, quick rising comedy star is Amy Tee. Tee first got into performing by taking the very class that NECC offered in 2003. She has gone on to have a successful career in the field and on Sept. 13, Tee recorded her first one hour comedy special, titled Spilling The Tee. 

In addition to Tee, another NECC alumni, Maxwell Schultz has released three one hour specials of his own. They are titled, Safe Room (2020), Just Another Beautiful Day (2022) and Ol’ Peg A Leg (2025). 

In addition to staff and alumni, there are also students actively involved in performing stand up comedy. Ricardo Ramirez (who performs as Star Sapphire) is a current second year NECC student, majoring in Health Specializations. When asked how this field of study ties to comedy, Ramirez responded, “I get to bring a smile to each person that I take care of.” 

It also may come as a surprise to some that NECC’s own town of Haverhill has a bustling comedy scene. Schultz, who runs Malice Comedy, hosts shows every Friday at 7 p.m. at Crusttown Pizza (150 Washington St). In addition, a professional standup comedy club, Funny Vibes, has also opened inside of the Oriental Gardens restaurant (400 Lowell St.), Funny Vibes also produces shows on a regular basis. 

Opportunities are even available if you would like to get onstage and try telling some jokes yourself. Crusttown offers an open mic every Wednesday at 9 p.m. Oriental Garden also hosts one every Thursday at 7 p.m. Haverhill’s Amvets Post 147 even offers an additional opportunity every Thursday at 7:30p.m. 

With all stated, it becomes easy to see that NECC does in fact have solid ties to the world of stand up comedy. 

Jennifer Fitzgerald is a professor in the NECC math department. She has been performing comedy under the name Jenni Fitz since 2023. Fitzgerald stated, “I haven’t worked with any ‘famous’ comics yet, but the local comics I’ve worked with are so impressive, I’m sure some of them will make it big someday.” 

Maxwell Schultz goes on to give a similar statement, saying, “There are so many talented local comedians. Though you may not be seeing household names, local comedy is worth going to see.” 

This reporter would encourage you to do just that. 

More than 50 people assembled in the Multi-Purpose Room of the David Hartleb Technology Center, as the NECC Choral and Music Club and NECC Music presented their 29th Cabaret on Oct. 22. 

Running from 7-9 p.m., 15 students performed in various musical styles, starting with a vocal performance of West Side Story’s signature song, “Maria,” by first year music student, Gabe Herrera. 

When asked what he thought of his performance, Herrera expressed that he felt it went well, but had room for improvement, stating, “Overall, I would give it a B rating.” 

Herrera returned later in the show to perform a duet of “I Could Talk To You All Night” from Broadway’s production of The Outsiders, alongside fellow student Narjis Musa. 

Though most performances were of a vocal nature, a few examples of instrumental skills were included. 

Third year NECC student, Hina Atwell gave a solo piano performance of “Orestes” by A Perfect Circle, while Sye Ponciano used guitar to accompany a vocal performance of “Pretty For You” by Baby Bugs. 

Atwell, a third year music student stated, “I was excited. I felt prepared and was pretty satisfied with my performance.”

Many students were identified in their introduction as first year students, but that was not the case for all involved.

 Emi Sisco, an NECC alumnus that has gone on to tour with national music artist, Toad The Wet Sprocket, returned to sing what she referred to as two traditional Japanese Halloween songs.

Along with a video accompaniment of anime cartoons, Sisco’s performances of Akuma No Ko and Show could certainly be viewed as a highlight of the night, though it was not the preference of all. 

Audience member, Kathy Godin, stated that, “The duets were my favorite part of the night,” specifically mentioning a performance of Everything At Once, performed by her granddaughter, Cierra Townshend and fellow student, Ben Pineiro.

 In all, the show was put together in a professional manner that showcased the musical talent of all who performed. 

When asked if she thought the show went well, Professor Alisa Bucchiere, a 21-year music teacher at NECC who has taught all who performed, answered with a definitive, “Hell ya.”