Topics in Media Writing (360-0-21)
Topic
Writing and Performing Stand-up
Instructors
Eliza Bent
Meeting Info
Louis Hall 119: Wed 12:00PM - 2:50PM
Overview of class
Knock knock. Who's there? Just kidding. Is that a joke? What's a joke? Is it still stand-up if the person talking is sitting down? In this class, we will study the fundamentals of writing and performing stand-up from joke set up and storytelling techniques, to character, observation, and crowd work all in service of exploring our own comedic voices.
Learning Objectives
Weekly assignments will include writing, reading, and viewing. Over the course of the quarter each student will craft an original "set" and perform it.
Class Materials (Required)
Stand-up Comedy in Theory, or, Abjection in America by John Limon (ISBN-13: 978-0822325468) • Access to Netflix • Additional readings and viewings available on reserve and online via CANVAS
Class Notes
Through reading assignments, viewing coursework, and written exercises we will write and perform original stand-up. We will study examples from the stand-ups of yore through to present days comics to experiment with our own styles.
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for RTVF Majors with the RTVF 260-0 prerequisite or students in Writing: MFA or Documentary Media: MFA programs until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone with the prerequisite.”
Students must have completed RTVF 260-0 in order to register for this course (concurrent registration is not allowed) or students in Writing: MFA or Documentary Media: MFA programs