Part-time adult education, evening classes: London: City Lit

Comedy sketch show

The group will put together a live comedy sketch show to be performed on the evening of the last day. Gain a technical understanding of comedy sketches, hone your writing and learn how to stage a live sketch show.

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Key course information

Dates
17/06/12 - 01/07/12

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
3 weeks

Time
13:00 - 18:00

Fees
Full fee: £117
Senior fee: £117
Concession: £59

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
DT037

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

Enrol now

Call enrolments: 020 7831 7831

Still got questions?

drama@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2542

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course will take a group of sketch comedy writers and performers through the process of putting on a live comedy sketch show on the London fringe, from writing and performing the material, to shaping the show, to
finding a venue and publicising the performance. We will examine how comedy sketches work, put a rehearsed reading together and stage it as a work-in-progress show on the final day of the course.

What topics will we cover?

We will look at the workings of the classic comedy sketch, with 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 your own work and other participants' sketches. Your performances will be directed for maximum effect. We'll look at the mechanics of putting a live sketch show together and there will be guidance on finding a venue and some publicity basics.

If you are interested in directing, there will be the opportunity to be involved in that side of the project.

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

Describe the structure of the comedy sketch.
Demonstrate improved performance technique and knowledge of show structuring.
Start the process of staging your own show on the London fringe.

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

Participants need to have written some comedy already, whether on a course or elsewhere, and need to have some experience of performing.
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?

There will be talks and discussions, but the course will be primarily practical in nature with games and exercises to explore the classic sketch form and develop your own ideas. We will work on sketch material you bring in, script editing the text and directing the performance, and ultimately shaping the overall show.

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

No compulsory purchases. You 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 completed in class will illustrate your increasing insight into the material being examined.

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', 'Radio comedy writing and performing' 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.