Explore your comedy writing and performance potential under the guidance of an Emmy-award winning comedy producer/director. Alan Nixon shares an introduction to the skills behind creating powerful comedy using classic and modern techniques.
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An introduction into finding your own ‘comedy voice’ through writing and performance. This taster session is suitable for complete beginners as well as anyone with experience of comedy who wants to enhance or refresh their skills. Learn how to identify good structure and present material.
What will we cover?
Good Comedy Structure. The Power of Brevity. Comedy Words. CONSTRUCTING A JOKE.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify comedy words Appreciate comedy narrative. Recognise performance structure. Enrol with greater confidence onto a longer course in comedy writing and performing.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No experience is necessary, however, the course is suitable for anyone who wants to enhance previous experience of writing and/or performing comedy. Writer/performers/editors are all welcome.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught in a group setting. Your tutor may use a range of techniques including pair work and short individual exercises in this interactive class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring a notebook and pen.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You can enrol onto DMP051 Comedy: writing and Performing.
Alan Nixon is one of Britain’s top independent media professionals. His recent productions include directing the award-winning R4 sitcom Reluctant Persuaders. He has been Creative Consultant to broadcasters and renowned independents, including Aardman Animations (Wallace & Gromit), Grant Naylor (Red Dwarf), and Absolutely Productions (Armstrong & Miller / Trigger Happy TV). He was one of the founding controllers of Channel Five, has worked with Alexei Sayle, Victoria Wood, Caroline Aherne and Simon Day, and teaches courses at the BFI, the National Television and Film School, and the London School of Film, Media and Performance.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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