Comedy Sketch Writing Course: City Lit

Comedy sketch writing

A comprehensive course covering the art, craft and inspiration of comedy sketch writing. We will study classic sketches from Monty Python, Mitchell & Webb, Fry & Laurie, Catherine Tate, Not the Nine O'Clock News and more.

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Key course information

Dates
30/10/11 - 06/11/11

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
2 weeks

Time
12:30 - 18:00

Fees
Full fee: £90^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW219

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?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

We will explore the art and craft of writing comedy sketches.

What topics will we cover?

We will analyse the structure and dynamic of the classic comedy sketch and look at a range of comic devices used in comedy sketches. We will watch and listen to classic sketches from TV and radio including Monty Python, Fry & Laurie, Smack the Pony, Not the Nine O'Clock News, Catherine Tate, Mitchell and Web and more. We will investigate how comedy sketches work, do games and exercises in class to stimulate ideas and then create our own comedy sketches. At the end of the course you will have the skills to write a professionally structured and presented comedy sketch.

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

- describe the classic comedy sketch structure
- use that structure in your own sketch writing
- identify a range of comic devices for sketch writing
- describe strategies for ending sketches.

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

All levels. It's open to all, from complete beginners to those who have comedy writing experience. This course is for you whether you are seriously perusing comedy writing or if you simply want to have fun watching, listening to, writing and analysing comedy.

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

Talks, discussion, pair work, group exercises and games, plus watching and listening to illustrative clips. Writing exercise will be set for completion outside of class.

The Tutor
Chris Head is a director, writer and tutor of comedy. He has run comedy workshops for the BBC and Channel 4, and his comedy teaching has been featured in the press and on television. He has directed and script-edited twelve comedy shows for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, co-writing several of them. He has also directed many shows in London, including at Soho Theatre, and has directed a show for the Melbourne Comedy Festival. He has also written comedy sketches for TV and radio. The Guardian described him as “the ideal person to nurture new talent”. www.chris-head.com

City lit reserves the right to change course tutors or venues from those advertised in this outline. In line with our refund policy we are unable to grant a refund on the grounds of a change of tutor/venue.

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

No compulsory purchases. Students may like to buy books, scripts, videos or recordings to further explore in their 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. Feedback will be given on work produced during the course by fellow students and the tutor. Exercises will be completed in class that will illustrate the students' 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?

Humanities comedy writing workshops including joke writing and sitcom. And to perform your sketches you could join the drama department's Comedy Sketch Show course, led by the same tutor.

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 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.