Laughing, clapping and dancing as an audience member doesn’t seem too difficult until you’re put on the spot to do it for national TV.

Jennifer Cornine took her Live Studio Production and Advanced TV classes to a taping of Harry starring Harry Connick, Jr. on Tuesday, Oct. 10. The portions of the show recorded that day aired on FOX 5 and My9 Thursday, Oct. 12 and Wednesday, Oct. 25.

Cornine’s classes were invited to the taping by the show’s producer. Cornine said it was the first time CHS students had taken a trip like this.

“I was contacted by the producers of The Harry Show asking if I would be interested in bringing a group to see the production,” Cornine said. “I thought that fit perfectly with what we do, obviously, so I worked with the producer to make it happen.”

When they arrived at the CBS Broadcast Center, 530 W. 57th St., New York, N.Y., the students were placed in the audience in small groups. Senior Kyra Lally of Freehold sat in the front row.

“I had a lot of fun,” Lally said. “I did get to interact with Harry a little, he actually hugged me at the start of the show because I was seated near his family.”

Junior Lauren Arnao of Tinton Falls said audience reactions were a big part of the show.

“There were overhead mics everywhere so they could catch us laughing and clapping,” Arnao said. “Some of the reactions were a little forced but that changed when Tyler Perry came out.”

Arnao learned a lot from the trip.

“It was surreal,” Arnao said. “I love that we learned how professionals do it and how it compares to our studio, which isn’t that different.”

Senior Julianne Sackett of Rumson felt the trip related more to Advanced Studio Production, the senior class, than Live Studio Production.

“For this class we do a lot less broadcast, more variety shows and game shows so I think it was more relevant to seniors,” Sackett said. “Although it was still relevant to juniors, we’re actually studying these types of shows.”

Cornine saw what she’s teaching students here is relevant in the real world.

“I was beside myself when Cole looked up and said ‘Look there’s our jib,’” Cornine said, “and then somebody else noticed that it was the same teleprompter system that we use. It made me feel so good for you guys to see that you’re using the same thing they’re using and your skill set is so, so relevant right now. It was amazing.”