S. 1 - Stand-up Comedy - Beginners

Service Description

What is this course about? This course is an introduction to the world of writing comedy. We’re going to learn about the basic principles of building a comedic narrative and the Hows of performing stand-up comedy. Will I learn to write stories and comedic monologues? Yes. But that’s not the only thing you’ll learn. Will I learn how to get on stage and make people laugh? Yes, and then some. Will I learn to love and accept myself, honoring the teachings of the JOKER, being that if I embrace my own sense of humor nothing can stop me? Well, I mean... we don’t know if that’s the message the movie is trying to deliver but, yes, sure, we’ll try. You’ll take 8 classes, each 2-hours short, one per week. We will learn both the theory and the practice of stand-up comedy, from the desk work to the stage. Each class will consist of a short lecture on a specific topic, creative games, and space for writing and feedback. The final bit of the workshop will be focused on polishing your 5-minute set, getting it ready for performing at our graduation show. Class 1: Laughter & creativity • Playing with ideas • What makes YOU laugh? • Humor is a state of mind Class 2: The audience of the joke • The joke as a communicative act • Plausibility, hypotheses and expectations Class 3: Structure • Structure of the joke: set up and punchline • Structure of the set: creating and closing bits • Rhythm: beats and pauses Class 4: Dark Humor • Benign violation theory • Does humor have limits? Class 5: Political Humor •Transgressions as critique •Playfulness and ideology •Who has the mic? Class 6: Absurd humor • Creating meaning to break it • Delusion and deception Class 7: To the stage! •The here & now •Asking for feedback • Sculpting our stage persona Class 8: From the game to the craft •Turning the process into results Grad Show July 29! COVID Restrictions: If the regulations restrict meeting in person this course will go online.