CWC Chautauqua Academy: Introduction to Comedy Writing Workshop

[Hope DeGarie]

Unlock your comedic potential with Rich Talarico (Key & Peele, SNL, MADtv, The Tonight Show) in this virtual three-part workshop on January 17, 24, and 31. Rich will share insights from his years in comedy and late-night TV and co-writing five resident shows for The Second City in Chicago.

You will learn: 

1. How to write jokes
2. How to identify and use comedic devices
3. How to brainstorm and develop ideas

This workshop introduces the fundamentals of comedy writing, covering everything from essential joke and scene structures to effective brainstorming and pitching techniques. Participants will also receive guidance on screenplay formatting and recommended software. Whether you’re crafting memorable wedding toasts, speeches, blog posts, or social media content - or exploring comedy writing for the stage, television, or film - you’ll learn practical tools to infuse more humor into your everyday creative work.

Rich Talarico is a Peabody® Award–winning writer/producer with four Emmy® and four WGA nominations, best known for Key & Peele, including the iconic “Substitute Teacher” sketch now in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. His credits also include MADtv, SNL, The Tonight Show, Review, and punch-up work on Mean Girls and Get Out. An alum of Chicago's The Second City and Improv Olympic, he continues to teach, consult, and perform stand-up nationwide.

Learn more: https://chautauquawomensclub.org/comedy-writing-workshop/