Comedy Writing

Master the skills of writing sketch comedy in this four-level program designed for writers and actors of all experience levels. Learn basic scene structure, character development, establish action, and learn the styles and genres of comedy. Weekly writing assignments & in-class exercises generate material and establish a regular writing schedule.

Level 1: $320/$290 early registration, 8 weeks, 3 hours
Levels 2-6: $340/$310 early registration per level, 8 weeks, 3 hours
Writing 1 is offered every term

Prerequisites: No experience necessary

Writing 1 TERM 4 2013 • TERM 5 2013 • TERM 6 2013
Registration for some class times in future terms may be open. Additional class times will become available when registration for the term opens. Check our term calendar for upcoming term and registration dates.

Brainstorm ideas, create environment, write dialogue, work with story, write for the stage and more - this course lays the foundation for writing comic scenes in the Second City tradition.

Writing 2 TERM 4 2013

Creating comic characters, essential comic premises

   

Writing 3 TERM 4 2013

Working with Actors

Writing 4 TERM 4 2013

Using Sources - Create sketches from current events, personal history and build your point of view.

Writing 5 & 6 builds upon the foundation of the Core Writing Program and gives writers the opportunity to experience the process of creating a stage revue. Writers work as teams to generate original material that is molded into a revue, cast from student and alumni actors of the Training Center and presented in Donny’s Skybox Theatre.

Prerequisites: Completion of Comedy Writing Levels 1-4 and approval from instructor/program head. Students returning from hiatus wishing to enroll in the Stage Revue course should contact the Training Center at 312-664-3959 no less than 4 weeks before the start of a new term.

Writing 5 TERM 3 2013  *Approval required

Creating a Revue - Write and edit original material for a Second City-style revue. Writing 5 classes are open to a maximum of 8 students each. Upon approval, students will be assigned to a Writing 5 class.

Writing 6 TERM 4 2013

Producing a Revue - Produce a Second City-style revue, from pre-production through closing night. Student material is performed in a series of shows in one of the Training Center theaters.