SW 545 - The Art of Standup

Prerequisite, screenwriting MFA major or consent of instructor. Graduate standing. Standup comedy has long been an avenue for aspiring writers, directors, and producers to launch their careers. In this course, students immerse themselves in the standup craft, focusing on both the theory and practice necessary to succeed on stage. Through analysis, writing workshops and performance, students learn to develop and refine their own comedic voice. At the end of the course, students put their skills to practice by writing and performing an original standup set in front of a live audience. Students are introduced to topics including writing comedy for others, applying personal voice to write for other venues and mediums, career pathways in the standup comedy business, and beyond. Letter grade. This course may be repeated for credit. (Offered as needed.) 1.5-3 credits