Comedy Writing 101

In this workshop, Emmy-nominated writer Rich Talarico shares insights and writing techniques from his 20+ years in late-night TV (SNL, MADtv, Key & Peele, The Tonight Show) and from having written five resident company shows for Second City in Chicago.

Students will learn:

• How to write jokes
• How to write blackouts
• How to brainstorm and pitch their ideas
• How to outline a scene and story structure
• How to tell a story and how to come up with endings

Rich will also cover other basic scene types. Up your sketch game and sign up now.

PLEASE NOTE: Rich Talarico will be joining us for two sessions, Comedy Writing 101 and Comedy Writing 102. Each session is $40 (+ EB fees) or you can sign up for both sessions for $65 (+ EB fees). Only 12 spots are available for working together and live feedback at each session, but students are able to audit the class for $25 per class (+ EB fees) if interested.

No recording allowed. This class is PG-13.

“Rich's work on "Key & Peele" is nothing short of legendary.”— Jordan Peele
“Rich Talarico is one of the all time great Caucasian Improvisers.”— Tina Fey
“As a teacher, Rich Talarico brings Lakers legendary coach Phil Jackson to mind. A cerebral educator who brings out the best in people.”— Keith “Lucky” Lehrer original drummer of “Circle Jerks”
“Rich is an absolute virtuoso in his understanding of his approach and how to deliver it in a classroom setting. A rare combination of both mastery in practice and in lesson delivery.”— Eric Pederson, Student - Improv Cincinnati
“I seriously don't think I've had the chance to absorb that much good content in a small amount of time ever... even in college!”— Jessica Christopher, Writing Student

About the instructor:
Rich is a Peabody® Award-winning writer/producer with four Emmy® and four WGA Award nominations, best known for his work on Key & Peele. Rich was responsible for K&P fave Substitute Teacher, (“…Ay-ay-Ron?”) which in 2024 was added to The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum Of American History. Rich wrote dozens of K&P faves: Racist Zombies, Karim and Jahar, Hatz, Teaching Center, Obama Greets, Black Ice, and co-wrote many more.

Other credits include: MADtv, The Tonight Show with. Jay Leno, Saturday Night Live, and the critically-acclaimed, Review. An alum of Chicago’s Second City and Improv Olympic, Rich also provided punch-up work on Mean Girls and Get Out. As an improviser, Rich teaches, coaches and performs with long-form group Dasariski, Rich played in the early casts of Chicago’s The Armando Diaz Show and co-created the shows, Close Quarters, Strap Heads and Trio. As an actor, Rich appeared on screen on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, MADtv, the feature film High Fidelity, and in A&W Root Beer’s classic TV ad, “Mr. Dumass.” Talarico’s extensive experience in the comedy industry has made him a sought-after teacher, writer and consultant. Rich is currently teaching and performing stand-up comedy around the US. More at www.richtalarico.com

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