This is the third part of the series on how to write a joke. We know the first part of a joke is a set-up. And the second element is a punch line. The third element of a joke is a tag line. This is any laugh line after the original punch line. Tags are…
This is the second in a three part series on how to write a joke. For part one click here. When constructing a joke the most crucial element is a punch line. This is the first line after the premise that generates a laugh. It’s not a joke if there is no punch line. The…
by RIK ROBERTS The most overlooked element of a joke is the premise. Way too often comics are in a hurry to get to the punch line and don’t spend enough time creating a great starting point. I believe there are FOUR key qualifiers to creating a great premise. Look at your jokes and see if…
Working in new jokes, fighting perfectionism, post performance evaluation, and bouncing back from a joke when no one laughs – this episode is all about Comedy Writing Tips! We talk exclusively about the comedy writing process in this podcast. Beginners and pros all deal with the same obstacles. How you approach them and move on…
Does your city or town have a weekly writer’s meeting. A place where everyone can freely offer up ideas for feedback? A group that exceeds 1600 members? Wayne Manigo joins us to discuss how he and Mandy Dalton created the Washington D.C. Comedy Writers Group. CLICK TO LISTEN Specifically, we talk about: Writing exercises to…
In episode 036 “Live Comedy Writing Session – Idea to Premise” I asked Gavin Miller (brand new aspiring comedian and our excellent producer) to bring in a few joke ideas to the School Of Laughs headquarters. He did. We took three joke ideas and selected one for him to write. The premise, in essence,…
Coming up with new material can be tough. But it doesn’t have to be. When writer’s block rears its ugly head, you need to have a plan in place and keep moving forward. No doubt, the pressure to be funny can sometimes prevent you from even writing down an idea. That is a mistake. Write…
By Rik Roberts | www.SchoolOfLaughs.com How many jokes have you written but not got around to performing? Be honest. Is it more than you would like to admit? What are you waiting for? You can’t make something better until you make it first. In other words, the new and improved version will always be on…
I’m so glad you found the School of Laughs! This site has a LOT of helpful information for your comedy journey. But where do you start? Great question. How about we start right where you are and take you to the next level? I realize very comedian or speaker who finds this site is at…
Today we celebrate our 100,000th download with a special episode stand up comedy how to start from scratch. This is a great episode if you have yet to get started because you just feel it’s all overwhelming. I bring in my co-host Gavin Miller to walk through a few “first steps” I recommend to new…