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Comedy writing is a powerful way to unlock creativity, self-expression, and enhance your communication skills. Join Mike Sheer, an experienced comedian and creative writing facilitator, for this 6-week course designed to help you develop your unique comedic voice.
Whether you're interested in stand-up, scriptwriting, or simply exploring the comedic mindset, this course gives you the tools to bring your ideas to life. Suitable for all experience levels, the class fosters a fun, supportive environment where creativity thrives. By the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of work they can showcase or develop further.
This course is open to beginners and experienced writers alike:
• Aspiring writers looking to refine their comedic voice
• Professionals wanting to enhance their communication skills through humour
• Anyone interested in creativity, storytelling, and self-expression
• ESOL learners with a reasonable level of English (Intermediate and above) who would like to put their new skills into practice while having fun
• Lovers of comedy interested to look under the hood of how it works
Course Content:
• Comedy writing foundations - the building blocks of humour and why they make us laugh
• Exploring vital comic ingredients such as contrast, context, authenticity, and dramatic tension, and how they apply to all comedy forms
• Practical exercises in joke writing, story craft, stand up comedy routines, and creative writing
• Different places comedic material can come from
• Developing your funny ideas into original comedic material
• Discussion of mediums of comedy (stand up, sketch, online, film)
• Workshopping ideas and goals in a supportive and collaborative group setting
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
• Identify and utilize fundamental comedy writing techniques
• Create their own original comedy writing from a range of different source material
• Apply comedy techniques effectively in different writing formats
• Gain confidence in their comedic voice, creative expression, and writing overall
Teaching and Learning Methods:
• Interactive writing exercises and timed prompts
• Group discussions, exercises, and feedback sessions
• Analysis of professional comedic writing and performances
• Supportive, inclusive environment for exploration of learner's ideas as a group
Assessment of Progress:
• Continuous feedback from the tutor and peers
• Development of a portfolio of original comedic material
• Optional performance or reading of student work
Materials Needed:
• Notebook and pen/laptop for writing exercises
• Access to comedy scripts, videos, or books (recommended but not required)
Additional Study/Practice:
• Students are encouraged to continue practicing writing outside of class
• Online resources and further reading material will be recommended
• Watching and analyzing different comedy styles can help reinforce learning
• Optional homework assignments to further develop material
• Continue developing their skills through advanced writing or performance courses
• Begin performing stand-up comedy or writing comedic scripts
• Use humour as a communication tool in personal and professional settings
• Apply techniques learned to various forms of creative writing, like storytelling, prose, articles, and public speaking
Participants will leave with a portfolio of written work they can continue to develop and refine.
See how long it will take you to get to college. Please select the campus of the course you wish to study.