This Just In: Writing Topical Comedy

2040 North Milwaukee Avenue,Chicago IL 60647

18 August, 2021

Description

Learn how to create consistently great topical material for yourself and others, while harnessing the power of the writers' room. This 6-week intensive class introduces students to a variety of proven methods for creating timely, quality topical comedy material. From dissecting the late night monologue, to working quickly and effectively in writers' rooms, this class will help students create a body of material both individually and cooperatively, and equip them to consistently deliver hilarious current events jokes. Topic areas include: Developing "takes", writing for your voice and others, the late night monologue, desk pieces and deep dives, talk back sketches, and more. Class schedule: Wednesday, August 18th at 6:30-8:30pm (CST US) Wednesday, August 25th at 6:30-8:30pm (CST US) Wednesday, September 1st at 6:30-8:30pm(CST US) Wednesday, September 8th at 6:30-8:30pm(CST US) Wednesday, September 15th at 6:30-8:30 pm (CST US) ***Grade show date: Saturday, September 25th at 6 pm Class instructor: Adam Burke Originally from Ireland (by way of Australia and England...long story), Adam Burke has been performing comedy in Chicago and throughout the U.S. for over 15 years. He is a fixture on showcases and clubs throughout the Midwest and beyond. He is a regular panelist (30+ appearances) and occasional guest writer on NPR's popular comedy quiz show "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me" and was a writer for WGN's "Man of the People with Pat Tomasulo." He is the creator and host of "The 5 O'Clock Somewhere News" on IGTV, and has written for The Paper Machete, The Onion, and Second City. Voted Best Standup by readers of The Chicago Reader in 2014, he was also the winner of Second City's Up Next Comedy Competition. He has appeared at numerous festivals including the High Plains Comedy Festival (Denver, CO), Bridgetown Comedy (Portland OR), Just for Laughs (Chicago, IL; four years running), and the local stage of Funny Or Die's Oddball Comedy Festival. Burke released his debut album Universal Squirrel Theory on A Special Thing Records in 2012. Known primarily for the nation’s longest running independent comedy show (The Lincoln Lodge) we also produce special events, help others organizations to raise money with comedy events and offer classes (Feminine Comique and Stand-Up Seminary) to encourage more community participation in stand-up comedy. We have been very successful at nurturing local talent and can point to a long line of alumni like Hannibal Burress, Kyle Kinane, T.J. Miller, Pete Holmes and Cameron Esposito who all got their start at The Lodge. Our reputation for professionalism, talent and integrity means organizations such as Just for Laughs and Comedy Central have invited us to collaborate with them.