Writing comedy has its own rules and rhythms. Like a good standup routine, a good comedy script is the product of a writer with a clear point of view. Finding the correct tone is the most demanding part of comedy writing and in this class, we'll take up the challenge together. It's an exciting time for comedy. Some of the best of the best work out there can be just as easily found on Funny or Die or YouTube, as it can on theaters or on TV. This course will explore comedy as comedy and address comedy writing regardless the form. In the first class students will immediately pitch their ideas to the class (this can include: screenplay, half-hour pilot, web series) and then with the instructor develop a unique plan of attack for completing their project by session's end. Then, week after week, they will bring in pages of their project for work-shopping. Also every week, the instructor will lecture on the various comedic forms, their similarities and differences, character-based jokes vs. broader physical comedy, the differences between satire and parody. Written and visual comedy samples will also be an integral part of every class. The class will meet twice a week for three hours each time during the six-week session. Everyone is expected to bring in new work on a rigorous schedule and to read and make notes on the works of all of their classmates. Materials Fee: $30.00

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