DC 383 Comedy, Joke, and Sketch Writing
Summary
COMEDY JOKE AND SKETCH WRITING. A blending of the elements of what goes into the submission of both a TALK SHOW PORTFOLIO and an SNL SKETCH PACKET. The first four weeks we focus on TALK and the remaining six weeks on SKETCH.
Texts
No textbook... I've written though and I'm using each chapter as a handout that I email the students the night before.
Grading
Out of a 1000 points:
400 points, TALK SHOW PORTFOLIO, Week Four
600 points, SNL SKETCH PACKET, Week Nine
ASSIGNMENT: To write at least one two-liner per day, based entirely upon information gleaned from the front page of The New York Times starting with Friday, September 7 through Wednesday, September 12, 2018. Due in the dropbox by 5:00pm, Thursday, September 13, 2018.
ASSIGNMENT: We will all be developing a Jimmy Kimmel Talk Show Packet, and reviewing at least one episode of his show this week?Friday, September 14 through Wednesday. September 19, 2018?paying special attention to the presentation of any and all desk pieces. Conceive and describe in at least three sentences, eight original desk pieces in the style of Kimmel. Script a two-minute version of your favorite. Due in the dropbox by 5:00pm, Thursday, September 20, 2018.
ASSIGNMENT: Conceive and describe in at least three sentences, eight separate remote ideas for your host. Script a two-minute version of your favorite. Due in the dropbox by 5:00pm, Thursday, September 27, 2018.
ASSIGNMENT: Conceive and describe in at least three sentences, eight separate segment ideas that aren?t monologue jokes, desk piece pitches or remote pitches?usually two ideas that involve either the guests, the audience, the staff and/or the crew and the band. Script a two-minute version of your favorite. Due in the dropbox by 5:00pm, Thursday, October 4, 2018.
ASSIGNMENT: Write six more two-liners based upon a week?s worth of front page news; and then based upon the twelve two-liners you?ve written, create an original Cold Opening sketch; also, watch and review this week?s SNL, for Saturday, October 6, 2018. Due in the dropbox by 5:00pm, Thursday, October 11, 2018.
ASSIGNMENT: Write two opening monologues, the first as if you were hosting SNL and the second as if a favorite celebrity and/or hero were hosting. Due in the dropbox by 5:00pm, Thursday, October 18, 2018.
ASSIGNMENT: Write an original, streamlined version of Weekend Update containing: two (2) two-liners that can stand alone; two (2) two-liners with a photo payoff; an editorial comment by a character in the news; an editorial comment by a cast member speaking for themselves. Due in the dropbox by 5:00pm, Thursday, October 25, 2018
ASSIGNMENT: Write a scene that parody?s a current TV show?and script it for a live presentation within the friendly confines of Studio 8-H. Due in the dropbox by 5:00pm, Thursday, November 1, 2018.
ASSIGNMENT: Write a scene that parody?s a current film?and script it for a live presentation within the friendly confines of Studio 8-H. Due in the dropbox by 5:00pm, Thursday, November 8, 2018.
ASSIGNMENT: Write one (1) scene comprised of five or more characters. Due in the dropbox by 5:00pm, Thursday, November 15, 2018.
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
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