Comedy Writing for Losers Beginners • Course 74
12 & 26 September 2010 @ National Autistic Society, London W10, UK
WORKSHOP VENUE
National Autistic Society
73C St Charles Square
London W10 6EJ
Date: Sunday, 12 September & Sunday, 26 September 2010
Time: 10.30AM - 5.00PM
Length: 2 days
Tube: Ladbroke Grove
Tutor: Griff Phillips
Cost: £86. Drop in: £43
THIS is the course for anyone who’s ever read a tragic novel or a great play, then thought “this isn’t very funny” and thrown it in the bin. Plus it’s for everyone else too. Unless you don’t like comedy. In which case go and do something else, you big freak.
The two-day course will cover the basics of writing scripted comedy. We’ll be listening to classic comedy, old and new (maybe even watching some if the telly works), writing some comedy of our own, reading it around the group and generally having a laugh.
LEVEL
The course is aimed at beginners. No previous comedy writing experience is required. Please note this is not a stand-up comedy course, although writers with a performing background are welcome to attend.
FORMAT
Among other things, we’ll talk about:
• Joke writing
• Sketch writing
• The Sitcom
• Writing for different media
• Ideas for comedy
We’ll also be looking at how to sell your comedy writing and “where to go from here”.
HOMEWORK
A writing exercise will be set between the two sessions.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
• Paper, pen and a spare
• Willingness to read out your comedy writing to the group in a supportive environment
• A packed lunch or some dinner money
• Try to watch/listen to some recent comedy before the workshop
DROP-IN SESSION
It is preferable to attend the whole course, but if that is not possible, you can book as a drop-in participant at £43 for the day. As places are limited, preference will be given to those who book for both days. To ensure your place, fees must be paid by 4 September.
ABOUT THE TUTOR
Griff Phillips is a commissioned comedy writer for BBC Radio and has written for several sketch shows, including Recorded For Training Purposes (Radio Four), Tilt (BBC7) and Newsjack (BBC7). Other credits include NewsRevue (Canal Cafe Theatre and Edinburgh Festival), The Treason Show (Brighton/Berlin), The Sitcom Trials (Leicester Square Theatre) and Teak Show (London/various comedy festivals). His play Endorsement was produced at the Kings Head Theatre in London in 2009 and his sitcom, Shelf Life, is currently being workshopped by actors for industry showcase, A Man Walks Into A Bar.
Click here to read more from Griff.
WHAT PEOPLE HAVE SAID
“ ‘Comedy Writing for Beginners’ is chock full of practical information, technical guidance and inspiration. Griff is a terrific course facilitator, very encouraging and tremendously generous with advice and feedback. A wonderfully comprehensive, ideal course for anyone interested in writing comedy. Fantastic. Five stars.” Juliet Stephens
"I found ‘Comedy Writing for Beginners’ really useful. I picked up some great tips and was able to use what I'd learned to focus my ideas properly into a finished product." Elaine Mason
“Griff is excellent. Very knowledgeable and thorough. Level-headed, common sense approach to comedy writing with lots of practical advice.” Robert Hurst
“I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Comedy Writing for Beginners’. I found it highly informative, inspiring and fun. It was very comprehensive and I would recommend it to any experienced or novice comedy writer.” Christine Edney
“I really appreciate the in-depth analysis of my work . . . You have given me lots of things to think about. I especially appreciate the feedback on plotting.” Jenny Wheeler, comedy writer
“Thorough and fair. A twelve-course meal of food for thought with afters and a very humbling after-dinner mint.”
David Bussell, MySpace comedy finalist
“All your notes are harsh, but fair :-)" Jane Perrin, BBC Radio sketch writer
TO BOOK
By post: Enrolment will be confirmed on receipt of your £43 deposit. Payment in full is due by 4 September. Click to download a postal booking form to complete and be returned with your cheque. Bank transfer: To book by bank transfer, ring 020 7263 0669 for account details. Online: To use your credit or debit card, you will need to pay the full amount. Course fee: £86. For Terms & Conditions, click here.
Click for a printable 2-page brochure < Back to Course Dates
