We always start by talking about what “funny” things people have noticed over the course of the week–one of the best ways to get comedic material is to simply pay attention to all the strange things happening in the world around you. Then we watch a short comedy video suggested by someone in the class and then discuss how it worked. What was the set-up? Where did the laughs come and why? How was a comedic situation established? After that we then do some writing exercises to come up with funny ideas of our own, which people are encouraged to share and discuss.

No! Everyone already has experience with comedy. You’ve seen it all your life, and you’ve probably even made the occasional funny remark. Everything is approached with a try it first and explain it later.

You can do any style you want. The focus is coming up with ideas and then expanding on them. The ideas can be applied to whatever form of comedy you like: songs, sketches, stand-up, stories. We will also examine the differences of these approaches and how it shapes how you present and organize your material. 

Absolutely. I’ve had some students who have taken multiple times (some of them over 10!). I’m always coming up with new writing exercises and because this is a learn by doing approach the classes are never the same twice. There is always the opportunity to learn a bit more and to come up with new ideas!