Radio comedy writing and performance

Write and perform a radio/podcast comedy sketch show, record it in front of a live audience and receive an MP3 or CD of the show. Explore ways into broadcast radio and podcasting.

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Key course information

Dates
22/01/12 - 12/02/12

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
4 weeks

Time
13:00 - 18:00

Fees
Full fee: £156^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
DO058

Availability
This course has finished

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
drama@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2542

Course outline

What is the course about?

Write and perform a radio/podcast comedy sketch show and leave the course with an MP3 or CD of the show. The show will be an audio recording using voices, sound effects and music in the form of a broadcast radio comedy show or podcast.
The group will become a comedy team and will go through the process of writing and rehearsing a show, then recording it in front of a live audience. Along the way we will look at sketch structure, styles and techniques – and your work will be directed and honed for maximum effect. We will also explore ways forward into broadcast radio and podcasting.

What topics will we cover?

We will explore comedy techniques and devices used in classic radio comedy shows and comedy albums including the Goons, Monty Python, Mitchell & Webb, Blue Jam and the Mighty Boosh. We will also listen to examples of comedy podcasts. There will be exercises and games to inspire your own writing. We will hone and develop work you bring in. There will be the opportunity to work collaboratively in writing and you will be performing in your own work and other participant's material. Your performances will be directed for maximum effect.
We'll look at microphone technique, the mechanics of putting a radio show/podcast together and you will have the experience of recording a comedy show in front of a live audience. We will explore openings in broadcast radio comedy and look at how to get a podcast online.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Explain some of the classic dynamics and devices at work in radio comedy.
Create work for the medium of radio/podcast comedy.
Describe the process of recording a live show.
Identify ways forward in broadcast radio and podcasting.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Some previous comedy experience would be useful, but complete beginners are welcome.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
Listen and respond to instructions and feedback.
Communicate clearly in discussion and practice.
Read and respond to a variety of text.
Give and receive constructive feedback.
Take notes.
Work within groups and pairs safely.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

We will listen to and analyse classic radio comedy, comedy albums and contemporary podcasts. There will be talks and discussions and practical writing and performing exercises to develop your work and your understanding of radio comedy. We will work on sketch material you bring in, script editing the text and directing the performance for radio. You will practice at the microphone and ultimately record the results in front of an invited audience.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No compulsory purchases. Students may like to buy books, scripts, DVDs or CDs to further explore in your own time. Guidance will be given on worthwhile purchases for those interested.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. Exercises will be completed in class that will illustrate your increasing insight into the material being examined. The show itself will be a barometer of progress.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Comedy Innovators, the Comedy Sketch Show course, or any other City Lit comedy course.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2542

drama@citylit.ac.uk

Drop-in advice During term-time: Monday & Wednesday 12.30 - 13.30 and 17.30 - 18.30 Thursday 17.30 - 18.30 Non term-time Tuesday 12.30 - 13.30 Wednesday 17.30 - 18.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.