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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, you will 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. • Writing Comedy for TV – New York (Class starts October 16)
• Editors on Truth Serum (Video) – ONLINE
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Instructor BioAlan Cross's Courses TV Writing: Sketch Comedy – New York (Class starts October 21)
Writing Comedy for TV – New York (Class starts October 16)
Writing Comedy for TV – (Class starts October 7)  Testimonials"Alan is more than a teacher; he motivates. Since I started using his methods, I've been creating quality material at a blistering pace. His critiques are direct, comprehensive, and honest. Ambitious writers will find a mentor figure in Alan. The skills I learned in this class will benefit me throughout my career." -- Jonathan Cohen  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 "I found Alan refreshingly easy-going, encouraging, supportive, helpful, and honest. Some of the material that was provided was real news headlines that we were encouraged to develop into jokes. Imagine my surprise and pleasure at seeing some of those exact headlines used in last Saturday's Saturday Night Live Weekend Update! Receiving timely info like that and seeing it come to life rocked!" -- Jennifer Anderson "Alan covered the basics of joke writing to give everyone confidence, and then explained how to use this ability to break into a business that seems very intimidating. This was all new to me, and I found the class very rewarding and inspiring." -- Eric Kabakoff, research manager, ABC "Alan is a gifted comedy writer as well as 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, Broadcast Producer, CBS New |
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