XENIA — Students at Community STEAM Academy (CSA) will trade textbooks for punchlines later this month as the school hosts a unique event combining education, performance, and fundraising. “Laughter Lab” will give students hands-on experience in comedy writing and performance while raising funds to support the school’s programming.

The program consists of a one-day comedy workshop, followed by an evening showcase featuring nationally touring comedian John Branyan on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The program will culminate in a public performance called “Laughter Lab LIVE” at 6 p.m. at Bethel Community Church in Xenia.

“Our students learn best when they are engaged in authentic experiences, and the Laughter Lab is a great example of that philosophy in action,” said Dr. Jeremy Ervin, founder and chief administrative officer. “Through humor and storytelling, students will practice communication, creativity, and performance—skills that connect directly to our project-based learning model. It’s another example of how CSA approaches education differently by blending creativity, collaboration, and real-world application. It’s a STEAM thing!”

Branyan, known nationally for his clean and family-friendly comedy, has gained widespread recognition for his Shakespeare-style retelling of “The Three Little Pigs,” a routine that has attracted millions of online views. He has also been featured on Dry Bar Comedy and is known for humor that highlights joy and perspective even in life’s challenges.

His approach to comedy, organizers say, makes him an ideal partner for working with students and engaging audiences of all ages. The evening performance is open to the public and family-friendly. Tickets are $25 each, and proceeds from the event will support the school and its programs.

The student workshop will take place earlier in the day at the Community STEAM Academy campus, while the evening showcase will be held at Bethel Community Church, located at 1020 Lower Bellbrook Road in Xenia.

Community STEAM Academy describes its educational approach as intentionally different from traditional teacher-centered classrooms. The tuition-free independent public school currently serves students in grades 4 through 11 and emphasizes project-based learning and personalized education.

The school is Ohio’s only STEAM-designated independent public school and one of just eight independently designated STEM or STEAM schools in the state, according to the academy.

School leaders say events like Laughter Lab demonstrate how creative experiences can help students build confidence, communication skills, and self-expression while connecting their learning to real-world experiences.

For tickets or more information about the event, visit www.communitysteam.com or contact the school at info@communitysteam.com.