CLASS TYPES: IMPROV WRITING WORKSHOPS UPCOMING SCHEDULE REGISTRATION
COMEDY WRITING CLASSES
OUR WRITING PROGRAM PROVIDES SKILLS STUDENTS CAN PUT TO IMMEDIATE USE TO FURTHER THEIR CAREER.
Curated by two-time Emmy Award-Winning writer and HOME Theater founding member, Peter Gwinn, our comedy writing curriculum will teach you the essential skills needed to write for the stage and for various comedy TV formats like The Daily Show, Saturday Night Live, Sitcoms, and more!
From mastering the art of crafting hilarious scenes, to fine-tuning your comedic timing, our comedy writing classes are designed to equip you with the skills and confidence to thrive right here in Chicago, or wherever your new expertise takes you.
SKETCH PACKET WORKSHOP
This six-week workshop will focus on sketch writing fundamentals in both form and content as we discuss the various requirements for most late night comedy television programs. Students will practice writing submission materials for such shows as SNL, The Daily Show, and more, while receiving valuable individual feedback on their work. (Homework will be required.)
You will also learn how to develop your packets for submissions to these shows.
“Peter’s class came highly recommended to me and I highly recommend it to you. He has a really unique perspective and gave us tips I still use and share with others. He is so funny and experienced and thoughtful about the syllabus and I dare say you’ll love the class.” —Alison Gates, SNL Head Writer
Classes start Monday, April 28th
Time: 7 to 10pm
Cost: $275
Classes meet once a week for 6 weeks.
(No class on May 26th)
SITCOM SPEC WORKSHOP
The most strategic first step when it comes to writing an original sitcom pilot, is to first write a SPEC. A sitcom spec is your own take on writing an episode of a show that’s already on the air. By writing a spec first, you learn all the fundamentals of writing for TV without jumping straight into the heavy lifting that creating an entirely new show requires. (Then in our pilot writing class, you’ll be able to hit the ground running!)
In this six-week workshop taught by our friend Liz Thompson, you’ll get an introduction into screenwriting, sitcom structure, comedy through character development, tips for making a great script even better, and insight into the most effective ways to pursue a career in the industry – from pursuing managers, to pursuing the right projects, how to network without being a jerk, and multiple productivity tips to help you reach your screenwriting goals.
Classes start Tuesday, June 10th
Location: ZOOM
Time: 7 to 10pm (Central Standard Time)
Cost: $275
Taught by: Liz Thompson
Classes meet once a week for 6 weeks over ZOOM
Liz has one of the best story brains of anyone I know. Ok, I’ll say it — THE best. She’s offered invaluable insight into several projects of mine, always with an eye toward cracking story to create a great series engine, no mean feat!
-MEGAN KELLY
Teenage Bounty Hunters (Netflix), The Decameron (Netflix)
Liz’s story knowledge is precise like a surgeon. She knows exactly why a story is working or not working and is able to provide perspective and solutions as well as references from her extensive brain catalogue of television series. She is truly one of the most generous and talented writers I know. I trust Liz with notes and ideas and her ability to elevate any script to excellence.
– ARIELLE DIAZ
Last Man On Earth (Fox/Hulu), Gentefied(Netflix), Big Shot (Disney+), With Love (Amazon)
Liz is truly one of the most versatile, dedicated, and generous writers I’ve ever met. She studies and executes on storytelling as if it’s a second language and with enviable fluency. She also offers a mix of intelligence, patience, empathy, and humor that more folks in the industry would be wise to model.
-DAVID RADCLIFF
Tracker (CBS), The Rookie (ABC)
INSTRUCTOR BIO
Liz Thompson is a screenwriter, playwright, and puzzle/game creator who grew up watching Gilda Radner sketches with friends, devouring Columbo reruns with her dad, and attending neuroscience conferences with her mom. Her subsequent passion for comedy, mystery, and the ongoing puzzle of human behavior is woven throughout every story she writes and every puzzle she constructs.
While cutting her creative teeth on Chicago’s renowned theater scene, Liz created an award-winning web series, produced multiple comedy shows, and served as vice president on the board of directors for Red Theater Chicago. Since moving to LA, she’s leaned into her knack for developing stories, working with Oscar-nominated producers, award-winning EPs, and upcoming staffed writers to develop their features and pilots. She also contributes screenwriting articles to Final Draft, teaches free writing workshops to Deaf writers, and pops in as a guest speaker for various programs.
Specializing in comedy, drama, and anything with a good twist, Liz has sold a sitcom to CBS and a murder mystery to NBC. She’s also won a Tracking Board mentorship, was featured in The Bitch List, and has had two of her plays win top selections in – and been produced as part of – Chicago’s Paragon Play Festival. In her spare time, she crafts puzzle books and puzzle-games for corporate retreats, writers’ rooms, and private events.
CONNECT & VISIT!
FOLLOW US FOR NEWS AND UPDATES!LOCATION: 2843 N. HALSTED ST.
(312) 488-9528
The Home Comedy Theater is within a short walking distance from the Halsted bus stop (Bus #8), the Diversey Brown & Purple line, the Wellington Brown & Purple line, and the Belmont Red, Brown, & Purple line train stops.
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