A Comedy Writing Presentation
ALL LEVELS
Come explore sketch comedy, the short-form comedy medium popularized by shows like Saturday Night Live!, Monty Python and Key & Peele. Learn the basics behind the style, how to craft quick, punchy jokes, and write sketches in the traditional "writer's room" format. Besides, you know this workshop will make you laugh more than whatever froofy poetry class that's going on.
Learn the basics behind sketch writing. Attendees will learn about concepts like idea, premise, and game to help understand the structure and format of writing sketch comedy, which can be applied to various forms of writing. The presentation will cover these structural aspects of the medium as well as examine how they relate to joke writing as a whole. The presentation will include a mock "writer's room" where everyone will participate in writing a sketch together from the ground up. Afterwards, attendees may opt to learn more about joining a sketch comedy group themselves.
+ PLEASE NOTE This workshop will occur both IN-PERSON and ONLINE via Zoom. Students do not need to create an account to participate, but should test out Zoom before their class if they are first-time users. The week of the workshop, students will be emailed a link that they may click to enter the class.
+ REQUIRED EQUIPMENT A reliable, fast internet connection (broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE), speakers & a microphone (built-in or USB plug-in), and a webcam (built-in or USB plug-in).
If you would like to quickly and easily test your internet connection and your computer’s compatibility with Zoom, click HERE. Full details on supported Operating Systems, internet browsers, and more can be found HERE. To download and familiarize yourself with Zoom, click HERE.
Greg Baker is a mostly normal dude. Pre-covid, Greg lived in Los Angeles pursuing screenwriting and comedy while working in film and television production. While out west, he founded The Los Angeles Writing Group, one of the largest screenwriting workshop groups in the country, and was fortunate enough study with some of the foremost comedy theaters in the world, including Upright Citizens Brigade, where he was able to write for sketch comedy shows. He currently uses this experience to run Maine's only sketch comedy group, Hey Party People!, and organize The Portland Maine Comedy Festival.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
All MWPA workshops require advanced registration. We accept registration by phone, mail, and online via our website. We cannot guarantee registration in the final 24-hours before a workshop, and can rarely accommodate day-of registration.
PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICIES
If you need to withdraw from a class after registering for any reason, please email or call the MWPA immediately. You may be eligible for a partial refund or credit, depending on how far in advance you cancel. → MORE INFORMATION
QUESTIONS
For any questions regarding this workshop, please contact programs@mainewriters.org.
REGISTER BY PHONE
Call 207-228-8263 and register with your VISA or MasterCard.
$10 Members/$20 Nonmembers
REGISTER BY MAIL
If you prefer to pay by mail, please print this registration form (downloadable PDF) and mail it to the MWPA with a check or credit card information.
SCHOLARSHIP
The MWPA is proud to offer one partial scholarship to this workshop for members-only. Scholarships are awarded on a combination of need and merit. Email programs@mainewriters.org to see if the scholarship is still available. Application Due by May 3 at 9:00 a.m.
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MWPA WORKSHOP POLICIES
Registration in any MWPA workshop, program, or event constitutes your agreement to our terms and conditions. → MORE INFORMATION