Never underestimate the power of a good laugh. Scientists have calculated laughing for 10 to 15 minutes each day can burn up to 50 calories; that adds up to about four pounds a year!

Comedian Robert Post knows firsthand the power of a good laugh. Over the past 27 years, Post has performed in almost every setting possible; on street corners, in prisons and even with symphony orchestras. Perhaps most importantly, the comedian has the innate ability to cater to a wide variety of audiences.

Post has been producing works since 1973 and has been the recipient of several awards and fellowships. Today will be his first performance at UD, in KU's Boll Theatre at 8 p.m., an event sponsored by the Arts Series.

Eileen Carr, Arts Series coordinator, is confident that the show, 'Robert Post Comedy Theatre,' will appeal to the UD crowd.

'Post is used to dealing with education settings'and is familiar with the stress of academic life,' said Carr. 'He uses laughter to engage audiences, helping us to find the comic in the everyday. It's a terrific release.'

Post's interest in comedy was prompted by two influences: his quirky grandmother who would often sing and dance at family gatherings and the vaudeville acts of the 1960's.

While attending Ohio State University, Post took a course in 'Absurdist Literature,' just because the name sounded catchy. Post became drawn in by the style of the writing, as it appealed to his warped sense of humor. From this phase on, he became, as he calls it, a 'dedicated student of life.'

Among some of the acts Post usually performs are 'Pasquale's Kitchen,' a culinary feast of juggling, visual tricks, accents, jokes and sheer fun. With his motto, 'Let the cook inside guide you,' Post concocts various 'dishes' all while entertaining.

'Post Child' is a tribute to the performer's child self. In this skit, Post performs an 'enchanting duet with a puppet ' or a third grade version of Post.' 'Ballet 101' is a parody of ballet practice. Post depicts the character of a young girl Marcia as she contorts herself across stage. 'Beyond the Wall (a Mystery)' is a spoof of the popular murder mystery shows. And finally 'Shticks' is a rather whimsical piece, where Post has three ordinary sticks that magically become different objects.

The Arts Series Committee chooses engaging programs that they hope will appeal to a diverse crowd.

'Just as the campus is varied in its student body, the series brings many different facets of life and the arts to UD,' Carr said. 'Comedy is at the core of Robert Post's program: although we don't typically think of it as an art form, it is. We revere the work of Chaplin and Buster Keaton, and Post takes this same art form, physical comedy and makes it his own.'

Carr has high expectations for tonights show, encouraging a large student turn-out.

'This is an entertaining show, no strings attached,' said Carr. 'Most of campus academic programs are naturally educational and they can be stressful. This is one show without pressure, without an agenda, without pretense. It's fun, witty, [and] wacky. It's the work of a terrifically skilled and inventive actor, and at all at a terrific price.'

For more information, see Robert Post's official Web site, http://www.robertpost.org or the Art Series site at http://artsseries.udayton.edu. Tickets are $5 for students and can be purchased through the KU Box Office. Call (937) 229-2545 to buy tickets.