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TV Writing: Sketch Comedy
Complete a sketch package that will impress any agent or network
Course Details
How many times have you watched a comic sketch on TV and thought, "My God! That really sucked!" Yeah, we've all been there. But it's one thing to critique, and another thing to create. In this class, you'll learn specific tools to write solid sketches. From pitching the idea, to outlining, to writing and rewriting, and rewriting (and rewriting) -- you'll unleash the sketch writer inside of you. The class will be run like a writer's room at Saturday Night Live. We'll analyze sketches from Saturday Night Live, Conan, Mad TV, Chappelle's Show, and others to figure out what works, what doesn't, and why. Your assignments will be workshopped by the instructor and the class to sharpen characters, tighten plot, and maximize funny. The course will conclude with a live performance at a comedy club. Actors will come in for table reads and rehearsals so you can see your writing on its feet, and they'll perform your work. By the end of the class, students can expect to have: You must submit a letter of interest (including a brief work history) as well as a writing sample (less than 2,000 words). Related CoursesTell me when courses like this are scheduled. • Editors on Truth Serum (Video) – ONLINE
Instructor Bio Alan Cross's Courses Testimonials Alan went above and beyond in this course, helping us whip our comedy into shape for a real, live show. As a result, our sketches got a lot of laughs when the actors performed them in front of an audience. -- Tom Carter"Alan definitely knows the field of comedy writing, especially the little ins and outs that are virtually impossible to discover on your own. The class was definitely worth my time and money!" -- Laurel Brown "Alan is a witty and welcoming instructor who truly wants his students to get their fingers good and messy in the many different pies available to those looking to write comedy for TV." -- Paul Hagen "Alan is great because he explains what you need to do to improve your writing and why you need to do it." -- Adam Ullian "Alan was refreshingly easygoing, encouraging, supportive, helpful, and honest. Imagine my surprise and pleasure at seeing some of those exact headlines used in last Saturday's SNL Weekend Update! Receiving timely info like that and seeing it come to life rocked!" -- Jennifer Anderson "Alan covered the basics of joke writing and gave everyone confidence. He explained how to use this ability to break into a business that seems very intimidating. I found the class very rewarding and inspiring." -- Eric Kabakoff "Alan is a gifted comedy writer and an equally gifted instructor. His enthusiasm for his craft is contagious! Alan's instruction and encouragement have provided the impetus for what I'm hoping will be an effective career transition." -- Matt Nelko "Alan's brilliant sense of humor, first-hand knowledge of the industry, and unwavering support of beginners makes his class essential for those interested in writing comedy." -- Serena Schonbrun Connelly "Alan provided excellent guidance and information that would take forever to uncover for yourself." -- John Emery "It's one thing to impart knowledge, it's quite another to inspire passion in others. Alan is a genuinely gifted teacher and I hope he continues giving to successive groups of writers, because what he gives is a lot." -- Russell Smith "A writing class is only worth what you put into completing the writing assignments. The assignments Alan offered and the way he uses the assignments to build on each other were quite valuable, and his advice is priceless." -- David Nieker, mediabistro.com instructor |
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