 Participants in the
two day courses will be asked to bring one A4 page of their comedy ideas, which over the
course will be turned into workable material. The course runs over two afternoons, and
includes 9 hours of tutoring, with access to a working comedy room. After the second day of the course, all participants will be able to perfom
in a graduation show, which is as show that is part of the Fringe Programme - and all
performers will also get further open spots at Laughing Horse Comedy clubs at the Fringe, and
at other locations around the UK..
The areas studied will be as follows:
Comedians Talking: What makes a comedian work?
How do they work on Stage - what is their attitude? Learn through watching and discussing
experienced stand-up comedians.
For the shows over August in Edinbugurgh, all students will also
get the chance to appear in an Edinburgh Fringe show!
Style of humour: What style suits you as a
performer and writer?
Joke writing Skills: How to Edit material, and
pick funny material from ideas and concepts.
Deconstructing Comedy: What makes a good
comedian? What is the form of a Joke? Rule of three, lists, working forwards and backwards,
topics, methods of developing punchlines and routines.
The history of Comedy: What is 'alternative'
comedy, and what are the roots of stand-up comedy. Take a look at where we fit into things.
Finding material: How? Where? Exercises to get
you thinking and writing funny on subjects you are passionate about, or subjects that are new
to you.
 Technical and general Skills: Microphone technique. Dealing with
Hecklers. The business of Comedy - dealing with comedy clubs and comedy Promoters.
Market information: How, practically - to go
about getting your act out there. Where can you perform at the Fringe, or around the UK.
Useful contacts.
Preparation for the first open spot
Industry Q&A.
The course will include several sessions performing in front of
your fellow students, and the tutor, and all areas will be achieved through lively,
interactive exercises, improvisation and demonstrations.
For further details and information on the Tutors, see www.aboutcomedy.co.uk - This
years tutors are Jay Sodagar, Jojo Sutherland and Kevin McCarron. |
