Learn, Laugh & Shimmy Workshop
Science doesn’t have to stay in labs or classrooms. This workshop shows how comedy, cabaret, burlesque, and music can open doors to science in fun, inclusive, and unexpected ways. Learn from organizers who merge research with nightlife on how to design events from concept to curtain call. Gain inspiration, strategies to reach beyond traditional audiences, and tools for making performances accessible, engaging, and unforgettable—while sharpening your own communication skills.
Alternative Science Communication Resources
Burlesque: How‑To & History Books
The Burlesque Handbook by Jo Weldon – practical guide to creating a burlesque routine (movement, costuming, character) from the founder of the New York School of Burlesque.
Burlesque and the New Bump-n-Grind by Michelle Baldwin – early overview of the neo-burlesque revival and how contemporary performers reworked a historic form.
Neo-Burlesque: Striptease as Transformation by Lynn Sally – performance-studies take on how neo-burlesque uses camp, gender play, and diversity to challenge norms.
Behind the Burly Q: The Story of Burlesque in America by Leslie Zemeckis – oral history of mid‑20th‑century burlesque through the voices of performers (“burlesque legends”).
The Costumes of Burlesque: 1866–2018 by Jane Law – visual history of burlesque costume and aesthetics from 19th‑century theatrical burlesque to the global neo‑burlesque movement.
The Science of Comedy (Sort of) by Anne Libera, AMA Journal of Ethics 22:7, 2020
The Black Burlesque Directory – online directory created by Chicago-based performer Po’Chop to highlight Black burlesque artists and push back against all‑white casting and tokenism.
Sci Comm Books and Journals
Can Science Be Witty?, Weitze M.-D., et al. (eds.), https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-65753-9_1
Strategic Science Communication by John C. Besley and Anthony Dudo — a practical guide to setting communication goals and choosing strategies intentionally.
Science Communication for Scientists by Laura Lindenfeld and John C. Besley — a research-informed, accessible guide for scientists who want to communicate more effectively.
Getting to the Heart of Science Communication by Faith Kearns — a thoughtful book centered on empathy and meaningful audience engagement.Escape from the Ivory Tower by Nancy Baron — a classic for researchers learning to communicate beyond academia.
If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? by Alan Alda — a readable, practical book on clearer human communication.
Science Communication: The Basics by Massimiano Bucchi and Brian Trench — a concise overview of the field and its core ideas.
Science is a Drag
Award-winning STEM outreach using drag performance
scienceisadrag.com
Science Cafés
Conversational public science events in informal venues
sciencecafes.org
Science Communication Lab
Free online courses for public engagement & presentation
sciencecommunicationlab.org
Science Comedy Research
Academic exploration of comedy as a communication tool
UCL thesis on science comedy
How to Start a Science Cafe (ASBMB)
Practical guide to format, speakers, venues & audiences
asbmb.org