Got a ridiculous idea? An embarrassing story? Strong opinions about things that don’t actually matter? You might have material.
This is a course about finding the funny and doing something with it.
Stand-up comedy, sketches, improv, funny songs, poems, and stories are all options. You might want to get up and perform, work with friends on a sketch, or quietly write a story about the world’s least competent criminal. Choose the kind of funny you want to work on.
There’s plenty of material in everyday life: awkward conversations, family habits, school rules, and people who take themselves far too seriously. We’ll explore what makes something funny, how timing works on the page or on stage, and how to make a good idea funnier.
We’ll also look at “punching up”: taking a cheeky swipe at people with power. Teachers, for example. A brave choice when they’re writing your report.
You don’t need to be the class clown, perform in front of everyone, or have a supply of jokes ready to go. Bring your interests, your observations, and a willingness to give something a try.
Some ideas will be brilliant. Some will be terrible. Annoyingly, we won’t always know which until we try them.