Whether you’ve ever wanted to write for late night, or just want to add a little more wit to your daily life, this class will teach you the various types of prose humor, sketch comedy, as well as comedic techniques and how to market your work.
Over the course, you will discover the fundamental principles of sketch writing and the joy of creating truly funny material. We’re talking about memoirs, essays, short stories, articles, and even novels as you develop a comic premise and write a variety of pieces for your writing portfolio. By the end of the course you’ll have at least 5 solid new pieces.
From nonfiction to fiction, blogs to the boardroom, you’ll discover just what it takes to turn your writing around and achieve the audience reaction you’ve always wanted.
Amanda Caswell, a former Nickelodeon script writer and Comedy Central copywriter has spent evenings backstage in the writing rooms of SNL, Seth Myers, and Jimmy Fallon. She currently uses her comedy chops for advertising strategies and social media campaigns.
Be sure to checkout the class syllabus and assignment list too. Our Comedy Writing to Go sample class is on the right.
When:
This is a self paced class. Study, when and where you like.
Classes:
Seven video modules along with suggested exercises. Develop your comedy writing skills fast.
Investment:
Standard Registration: $99
Class access sent within 24 hours of registration. Please check the class syllabus below to make sure the class fits your needs.
Sample Mini Class: Comedy To Go
Class Refund Policy:
This class is self paced. You have up to one year from registering to submit class assignments.
All class registrations are final. Refunds are given up to midnight on May 16th. No refunds
after midnight on May 16th
Class Syllabus
Week 1
– Comedy overview
– Comedy can be taught
– Concepts you can teach yourself immediately Understanding what makes good comedy
Week 2
– Sketch writing
– Sketch endings
– Sketch Writing Exercises
– How jokes work: The psychology of humor
Week 3
– Stand-Up writing
– Basic principles, timing, general performance
Week 4
– Sitcom writing
– The basics and how to sell a script
– How to watch sitcoms
– Errors to avoid when writing a spec script
– Develop a situation Comedy Story and outline a script Write a situation
– Comedy script
Week 5
– Writing for others
– From late night to blogging, how to sell your best stuff
Week 6
– Comedy writing long form, speeches,
Week 7
– Putting it all together
– Finding your niche and branching out beyond it.
– Comedy Writing Assignments
These assignments are to help you grow your comedy writing skills. Even ifit seems hard or you are reluctant, give it a try anyway! Share your struggles or excitement with me along the way so I know how you are doing – and can help you become better! Don’t NOT do the assignment because you think you can’t (you can, I promise), and if you don’t think you’re ready for any particular one, let me know that too and I’ll modify it. Staying up with the assignments helps me know you’re “getting it.” Additionally, connecting on the weekly Q&A will help you do the assignments.
Assignments
Assignment 1:
Create three columns of the following:
1st column write a list of adjectives : loud, silly, quiet, annoyed…
2nd column write a list of professions: librarian, professor, lawyer, dog walker, truck driver…
3rd column write a list of locations: coffee shop, church, hospital, preschool
Example: Loud Truck Driver in a Preschool
Pick one from each column and come up with a few sketches. Share one with me.
Write a 3-5 minute sketch
Assignment 2:
Write a skit parody of a popular show, person, trend, etc. From Game of Thrones to CrossFit our society has tons of fans of any given thing, so go over the top with this one!
Assignment 3:
Think of your favorite character in your favorite movie and write an ad for a product they would sell or even something they wouldn’t sell. Forest Gump selling Bubba Gump Shrimp, Brad Pitt advertising Chuck E. Cheese
Assignment 4:
Think of hot topics right now – politically, socially, etc.
Write 3-5 jokes for a late night monologue.
Assignment 5:
Consider what we’ve learned about the basis of storytelling. Write a 2 minute standup routine.
Assignment 6:
Brainstorm ideas for 5 minutes. Create a 5 minute sketch from your favorite idea.
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