Performer | Director | Coach

Paul is a seasoned performer, writer and improviser in New York City. He has had the opportunity to perform throughout the US and in the UK. Paul also has directed numerous short plays and sketches and is an Improv coach as well. Winner of Best Actor at the NYTV Festival for the pilot of "The Chris and Paul Show" and Best Newcomer at The Montreal Sketch Festival. Nominated for Best Newcomer at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival and proud alumnus of Second City NYC. 

Reviews

The Long, Miserable Journey to Happiness

Review by Kate Copstick Edinburgh Festival Fringe: This is such a sweet show. There are precious few words as Paul Valenti, a chubby little waistcoated man in a Stan Laurel hat, measures our smiles and leads us along his road to happiness. Laughing Horse @ The Golf Tavern (Venue 114) He is consumed by his desire to widen our smiles. We get bubbles, we try balloons, he offers us art and magic, but his absolute ineptitude fails to tip us over into happiness. Paul takes to the world’s lowest highwire to see if death-defying acts will bring happiness. Apparently not but we do laugh a great deal. Discover the New Collection Soft Volumes: In a tactile exploration of shimmer and structure, the season captures a balance of feminine silhouettes, the sophistication of tailo... Sponsored by Vince And it made me happy to find how much fun can be created from two audience members and a bungee rope. Paul tries dance, with catastrophic effect. And Paul cries. In a comedy section containing much that is simply childish, this show reminds us what a wonderful thing it can be to be childlike. Paul is the sweetest and most charming of clowns and the most persuasive of actors. We do find happiness, of course, with Paul’s help. And he is happier than any of us as we end his show with bubbles (the kind you blow, not the kind you drink) and crisps.



The Chris & Paul Show

Review by Barrie Morgan New York based duo Chris O'Neill and Paul Valenti arrived at the Fringe to little fanfare. However, if they maintain the quality and professionalism of their show throughout their run they're bound to leave in a blaze of accolades. Fundamentally a sketch show with its origins in vaudeville, the pairing offer up a unique show of interesting and surprising skits that are both intelligent and hilarious. The show starts slowly but the audience instantly warm to the two Americans. Their comedic dynamic is spot on, and it shows. The element of surprise, along with the top-class comedic acting on display, ensures each sketch evokes the desired emotions throughout. Even the audience participation was endearing as it welcomed rather than alienated. The hour itself flew by and left the modest crowd instantly wanting more. A brilliantly thought out and expertly performed little gem. A must-see and one of the greatest sketch shows I've ever seen.



The Chris & Paul Show

Review by Barrie Morgan New York based duo Chris O'Neill and Paul Valenti arrived at the Fringe to little fanfare. However, if they maintain the quality and professionalism of their show throughout their run they're bound to leave in a blaze of accolades. Fundamentally a sketch show with its origins in vaudeville, the pairing offer up a unique show of interesting and surprising skits that are both intelligent and hilarious. The show starts slowly but the audience instantly warm to the two Americans. Their comedic dynamic is spot on, and it shows. The element of surprise, along with the top-class comedic acting on display, ensures each sketch evokes the desired emotions throughout. Even the audience participation was endearing as it welcomed rather than alienated. The hour itself flew by and left the modest crowd instantly wanting more. A brilliantly thought out and expertly performed little gem. A must-see and one of the greatest sketch shows I've ever seen.



The Chris & Paul Show

Review by Barrie Morgan New York based duo Chris O'Neill and Paul Valenti arrived at the Fringe to little fanfare. However, if they maintain the quality and professionalism of their show throughout their run they're bound to leave in a blaze of accolades. Fundamentally a sketch show with its origins in vaudeville, the pairing offer up a unique show of interesting and surprising skits that are both intelligent and hilarious. The show starts slowly but the audience instantly warm to the two Americans. Their comedic dynamic is spot on, and it shows. The element of surprise, along with the top-class comedic acting on display, ensures each sketch evokes the desired emotions throughout. Even the audience participation was endearing as it welcomed rather than alienated. The hour itself flew by and left the modest crowd instantly wanting more. A brilliantly thought out and expertly performed little gem. A must-see and one of the greatest sketch shows I've ever seen.



Performance Schedule

 

Live Shows

Tours

Festivals

Upcoming Events

 

The CHRIS and PAUL Show FUN TOUR

Click here for dates 

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Classes & Workshops

 

Physical Comedy

Environment Work

Silent Comedy & Timing

Networking

Workshops:

Improv For Everyone

Where Is The Where

 

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Contact 

203-912-1684

Classes & Workshops

 

Physical Comedy

Environment Work

Silent Comedy & Timing

Networking

Classes:

Improv For Everyone

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Workshops:

Improv For Everyone

Where Is The Where?

 

Improv For Everyone

If you are new or want to tune your tools, our introduction to improv concentrates on connections and how to stay grounded. We’ll focus on character creation, object/environment work, and most importantly, working as an ensemble. We believe improvisation can be used in everyday life; whether you are performing on the stage, priming for an audition, or connecting with co-workers.
Purchase Class

Improv for Everyone II
Improv for Everyone II are for people who have taken improvisation classes in the past. You will learn to create grounded scenes by pulling from the height of your intelligence. Along the way you will learn how to develop characters and even impressions/impersonations. You will expand your mental and physical abilities that will enhance your everyday interactions.
Purchase Class

Improv for Everyone: Where is the Where?
"Where is the Where" An 8 week course that helps the improviser explore objects and places around them. Created a world where you can draw in the audience. An environment can help ground an improviser and help figure out who they are. At the same time connecting to your fellow players. Where you are always has an effect on you. Expand your physical presence and ability's. Contact To RSVP



Directing

 Help tell the story you visualize. Give an outside eye can help tighten, tweaking parts that need polishing. Identify and enhance levels of performance. 

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 Creating purposeful movement in every scene. 

  

Creating the pace of the scene.

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Coaching

Concentrating on your strengths and abilities. Help you get comfortable and find your comedic voice.  

 

Discover your timing.

 

Finding what works for you.

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Optimizing your stage presence. 

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