Classes

Intro to Sitcom Writing

with Anne Fenn

October 2, 1-4pm

Ever walked around for most of your life thinking you’d like to write a comedy series, but weren’t sure how? Then this introductory workshop is for you! We’ll look behind your screens to examine the underlying structure of a TV comedy series.

By the end of three hours, you’ll be able to talk about plot, beats, story engines, comic characters and quantum physics. OK, maybe not quantum physics.

This workshop will help you understand the building blocks of creating a strong comedy series. Which may cause you to get started on your own project. May also cause laughter. You’ve been warned.

Space is limited – register soon!

See Anne’s Bio under “Founders”.

Physical Comedy – Finding your Fool

with Christel Bartelse

October 16, 1-4pm

One of the most important tools an actor has is their body. In this 3-hour introductory course, students will begin to understand performance through physicality. We will explore creative and dynamic ways to express yourself and be funny through movement, gestures, physicality and facial expressions. You’ll learn to follow your impulse, play off of an audience, be vulnerable, embrace failure, build entrance and exits, create a short physical routine, and find the pleasure and joy in all of it. Embrace your inner clown/fool and celebrate your ridiculousness.

See Christel’s Bio under “Founders”.

Comedic Characters

with Melody Johnson

October 23, 1-4pm

In this Intro to Comedic Characters, we’ll observe some great female ‘kooks and turns’ throughout the ages and become comedy sleuths as we study character driven scripts, searching for clues as to what makes comedic characters tick. Students are also invited to bring in an idea of a character from their own world that they’d enjoy to parody, (imitate with great exaggeration!), while utilizing practical tools learned in class to bring their parody to life. Our in-class objective will be to ‘play the funny’ in order to get the most comedic mileage we can, to make ‘em laugh!

See Melody’s Bio under “Founders”.

Set-up and Punchline: The Building Blocks of Stand-Up

with Martha Chavez

October 30, 1-4pm

This Intro Workshop is for the standup-curious (read: inexperienced). Dip your toe into standup without jumping in! Topics will include:

• How to enhance the joke-writing creative process using precise writing exercises.
• How to make all that works AGAINST you to work FOR you
• How to develop “comedy ears” in order to objectively critique and polish your jokes.
• Punching up your difficulties.

See Martha’s Bio under “Funny Guests”.