Comedy Writing with Rich Talarico: A 3-Week Class
June 3 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Eastern
You must have completed a six-week ASAP class in Stand-Up, Improv, or Sketch Comedy to apply for this 3-week class that meets on Wednesdays, June 3, 10, and 17.
In this class, Rich will share insights and writing techniques from his 20+ years in late night TV (SNL, MADtv, Key & Peele, The Tonight Show) and from his experience having written five resident company shows for Second City in Chicago.
We’ll discuss the joke-writing process, how to brainstorm and pitch your ideas, and how to outline a scene and the key elements to your story using structured formatting and screenplay software. We’ll also cover storyboarding and how to come up with an ending.
You will have weekly homework with support during the week from Rich. The class will cover rudimentary elements in comedy writing and a variety of sketch types.
About the Instructor
Rich Talarico is a Peabody® Award-winning writer and producer with four Emmy® and four WGA Award nominations, best known for his work on Comedy Central’s Key & Peele. Rich was responsible for the sketch Substitute Teacher (“…Ay-ay-Ron?”), which was recently referenced in a clue on Jeopardy!, and in 2024, the sketch was added to The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum Of American History.
Rich wrote dozens of K&P faves: Karim and Jahar, Hatz, Teaching Center, Obama Greets, Black Ice, and he co-wrote many more.
His other credits include: MADtv, The Tonight Show w. Jay Leno, Saturday Night Live, and the critically-acclaimed, Review. An alum of Chicago’s Second City and Improv Olympic, Rich also provided punch-up work on Mean Girls and Get Out. As an improviser, Rich teaches, coaches and performs with long-form group Dasariski, Rich played in the early casts of Chicago’s The Armando Diaz Show and co-created the shows, Close Quarters, Strap Heads and Trio. As an actor, Rich appeared on screen on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, MADtv, the feature film High Fidelity, and in A&W Root Beer’s classic TV ad, “Mr. Dumass.” Talarico’s extensive experience in the comedy industry has made him a sought-after teacher, writer and consultant. Rich is currently teaching and performing stand-up comedy around the US. Learn more at www.richtalarico.com.
Endorsements:
“Rich’s work on “Key & Peele” is nothing short of legendary.”
— Jordan Peele
“Rich Talarico is one of the all time great Caucasian Improvisers.”
— Tina Fey