The Anatomy Of A Joke

How to Write Jokes: Premises, Punchlines and Misdirects

What you'll learn

Identify the three elements of a joke.

Identify the seven principles of a good joke.

Write a joke with an original premise, set up, punchline using the seven principles of a good joke.

Define and create your own comedic persona.

Requirements

No previous experience is required. If you are willing to write and take chances you will succeed.

Description

Stand-up comedian, Ryan Joseph, teaches the basic structure of Joke Writing with lectures and exercises to understand on a foundational level what a good premise is and how to set it up with a punch line. The traditional structure of a joke must be mastered before venturing into storytelling or rants or any other techniques. The course dives deeper into Ryan’s seven principles of writing comedy, which can guarantee laughter 90% of the time. Each principle includes assignments, which elaborate more on the technique to help you master the art of writing comedy. Students will receive feedback and be challenged to think on a deeper level when it comes to their writing. The course focuses on not only the skills needed to write a good joke, but as well as how the comedians voice must always be present when writing comedy. After taking this course, students will be able to write original premises, misdirect audiences with clever punch lines and walk onto any stage with the confidence that you’re going to have a great set because you put the work in. After completing the course students have the option of joining a writers workshop where established headliners may join in on sessions work with students. 

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Welcome

Lecture 2 What is a Joke?

Section 2: The Basic Structure of a Joke

Lecture 3 Premises

Lecture 4 Setups

Lecture 5 Punchlines

Section 3: The Seven Principles of Writing a Joke

Lecture 6 Introduction

Lecture 7 Persona

Lecture 8 References

Lecture 9 Show Don’t Tell

Lecture 10 Misdirect

Lecture 11 Cut out the fat

Lecture 12 Rhythm

Lecture 13 Final Thoughts

Standup Comedians,Late Night Writers,Series Writers,Authors