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The Joke Writer’s Lab
73 students
What you'll learn
- Learn joke-writing using techniques like headlines, clichés, roasts, fallacies, and rhetorical devices to craft original, funny material.
- Develop your persona by refining your comedic voice, building strong sets, and handling challenges like bombing, heckling, and joke theft.
- Improve stage presence with performance skills, crowd work techniques, and strategies for delivering jokes confidently in front of live audiences.
- Promote your comedy career by learning self-marketing, networking, and strategies to gain exposure and grow as a stand-up comedian.
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Course content
3 sections • 22 lectures • 4h 18m total length
Requirements
- This course is designed to be beginner-friendly, with no prior experience required! All you need is: + A passion for comedy – A love for humor and a willingness to learn are the most important tools. + A notebook & pen (or digital notes app) – To jot down joke ideas, sketches, and feedback. + A sense of curiosity & creativity – Be open to experimenting with different joke-writing techniques. + Basic recording device (optional) – A phone or computer to practice delivery and review performances. + Access to an open mic (eventually) – Not required, but helpful for putting your skills into action! No expensive tools, prior comedy experience, or performance background needed—just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to write, perform, and grow!
Description
Do you want to write funnier jokes, develop a killer stand-up set, and perform with confidence? Whether you're a beginner looking to break into comedy or a writer hoping to sharpen your humor skills, The Joke Writer’s Lab is your step-by-step guide to mastering the art of stand-up.
In this 22-lesson course with nearly 4.5 hours of content, taught by comedian and writing professor Michael Halcomb (Ph.D.), you’ll learn proven joke-writing techniques, from crafting punchlines using headlines, clichés, and roasts to building full comedy sets with strong structure. You’ll also discover how to develop your comedic persona, handle tough crowds, and promote yourself as a comedian. Bonus: There are links to more than 2.5 hours of additional content!
What You’ll Learn:
Write jokes like a pro using proven formulas and structures;
Build your stand-up set with strong setups, punchlines, and comedic timing;
Master stage presence and handle hecklers, bombing, and crowd work;
Develop your comedic voice to stand out in the comedy world; and,
Promote yourself and grow your career in stand-up comedy.
This course is perfect for aspiring comedians, content creators, and anyone who loves humor. No experience is required—just bring your creativity and get ready to write, perform, and make people laugh. You will learn a lot, gain access to some great resources, and level up in your joke-writing and stand-up career.
Who this course is for:
- This course is designed for aspiring comedians, writers, and performers who want to master the art of joke writing and stand-up comedy. Whether you're a beginner looking to break into comedy, a writer wanting to sharpen your humor skills, or a performer seeking to refine your stage presence, this course will provide you with the tools and techniques to succeed. You’ll benefit from this course if you: + Have a passion for comedy and want to write better jokes + Are new to stand-up and need a structured approach to performing + Struggle with crafting strong punchlines and engaging setups + Want to develop your comedic persona and stage confidence + Are a content creator looking to add humor to your writing + Want to learn how to handle hecklers, bombing, and crowd work + Need tips on self-promotion and building a comedy career No prior experience is needed—just a love for comedy and a willingness to learn!