Workshops

We've all seen the comic that goes up night after night, week after week, month after month doing the SAME jokes, using the same words, the same expressions, with the SAME set order again and again...None of us want to be that guy (or girl). We can all agree that stand-up is about finding the words that work the best, but how do you get lasting material from the story that killed that one time at that one open-mic? How come it didn't work the next time, or the time after that?

How to get from "I have this idea for a one-person show" to "I have a complete one-person show people will actually enjoy!"

Most comedians, writers, and performers have an idea for a show they'd love to do if they had the stage to themselves, the pet project that never quite gets started. Often it's because other opportunities take priority, or other projects are easier to take from concept to execution. Sometimes it's fear of failure or just a lack of motivation. But what happens once you make the decision to go ahead and do it?

Whether you have an idea for a joke or a screenplay, it’s easy to think of reasons why you shouldn’t even bother. We’ll focus on writing even when you think you're not ready.

This workshop explores the generation of organic initiations, trusting our instincts, and working off of nothing. Jump out when no one else will.

What do you do when no one steps out for a scene? When it seems that there are no more ideas? Just jump on the bomb. Get out there. Do something. This workshop explores the generation of organic initiations, trusting our instincts, and working off of nothing. Open to all levels.

Take your personal experiences and turn them into an entertaining, engaging, and funny performance!

In this workshop, you will learn the basic elements of storytelling and solo performance. This workshop will help you get more comfortable being yourself as you share stories about yourself. Through verbal and written exercises we'll work on point of view, character, stage presence, confidence, and finding the truth in the tale. Please bring a pen and notebook to class as well as any ideas of stories you'd like to turn into a performance piece.

In this 75-minute workshop, we'll discuss current legal issues surrounding comedy including copyright, trademark, defamation and right of publicity/privacy.  What can you do if someone steals your work? Where can you go for help? 

Lindsay LaVine is a lawyer who's advised clients in a variety of areas including copyright, trademark, First Amendment, media and marketing law.  Ms. LaVine was a journalist with NBC and CNN, and blogs at http://www.ehilarity.com.