Comedy sketches: writing and performing for TV

City Lit

Course

In London

£ 199 VAT inc.

The best Television courses

See all

See all

Description

  • Type

    Course

  • Location

    London

  • Start date

    Different dates available

You will work in a writing and performing team to create, write, perform, record and edit comedy material. We will record sketches using the City Lit’s professional studio facilities. The course is run by Alan Nixon, who has won national and international awards for comedy (including an Emmy) and still works in the industry where he has excelled at every level.

Anyone with some experience of writing and performing comedy is welcome.

Watching, analysing and discussing comedy from the classic American role models – which set the template - to modern award winners like This Country and People Just Do Nothing.

There will be creative writing exercises and improvisation to new ideas in the session. Individual writers or pairs of writers are then tasked with writing up ideas. You will also be set homework to inspire new writing between sessions and given tips on what to read and what to watch and improve your skills.

Recording material in the studio will give you the chance to perform and you will be
coached to work to your best in that context. The group will also be taught basic editing techniques

Once we have completed some recordings, you will be invited to edit and add sound effects and
music.

Facilities

Location

Start date

London
See map
Keeley Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 4BA

Start date

Different dates availableEnrolment now open

About this course

Describe how sketch characters and relationships are created.
Demonstrate how to write comedy sketches for TV.
Perform in a studio environment.

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. You will also be guided to relevant YouTube clips.

We will study and discuss TV comedy clips. Participants will write, devise and improvise in the sessions, in a safe environment with encouragement and support for newcomers. You will be script-edited and directed in writing and performance by your peers and the tutor.
Sessions will be a mix of writing exercises, games, improvisation and devising work. There will be opportunities to work individually, in pairs and small groups.

Each week there will be exercises set to respond to in your own comedy writing between sessions. In the class you present the material, either solo or with other performers from the group.

The group and tutor give feedback, helping you to develop your comedy work towards a recording of it. You will then reflect on the recording to consolidate your learning.

As part of the course content, your tutor may record your image for initial and ongoing assessment purposes. You are entitled to decline to participate in the recording of your image.

Questions & Answers

Add your question

Our advisors and other users will be able to reply to you

Who would you like to address this question to?

Fill in your details to get a reply

We will only publish your name and question

Reviews

Subjects

  • Camera
  • Radio
  • Writing

Course programme

• How to write and structure comedy.
• Characters: finding inspiration, inner conflict, creating a funny dynamic between characters.
• Writing for television.
• The route from one-liner to sit-com.
• Opportunities in broadcast.

Please note that comedy, by its very nature, can involve material that some
students may find challenging. Please inform the tutor if you have any concerns

Course you should be able to:
Describe how characters and relationships are created.
Demonstrate how to write comedy for television.
Perform and produce studio environment.
Demonstrate basic editing techniques.

Please note that acting classes by their very nature can involve exercises and the exploration of material that some students may find challenging.

Additional information

You may be interested in other Comedy, Screen acting, Acting for radio courses at City Lit. General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 19:00. See the course guide for term dates and further details

See related categories

Comedy sketches: writing and performing for TV

£ 199 VAT inc.

The best Television courses

See all

See all