Welcome to The Comedy Lab
The Comedy Lab features a wide variety of TV writing classes, along with improv and other performance classes for everyone from beginners to professionals. And now, students can take all classes online, from the comfort of home!
Writing Classes
Here at the Comedy Lab, we teach you both the Show and the Business. The Comedy Lab’s TV Writing classes show you how to create the kind of packet that agents like to read, and how to use that packet as a tool to attract interest from an agent. Our comprehensive program of Talk Show Packet, SNL Sketch Portfolio, Sitcom Spec Script and Pilot Presentation can be taken individually in eight-week terms.
SNL Sketch Packet will be offered online on Mondays starting June 24th 2024 at 6:30pm central!
Featured Class
The Python Process
The sessions begin with a detailed look at the Python process as Howard, occasional collaborator and former personal assistant to John Cleese, will discuss the general Python approach to writing and the various writing styles of the group members. Monty Python’s Flying Circus clips will be shown which demonstrate their styles, and clips from pre-Python and post-Python works will also be featured to demonstrate how their styles evolved. Howard will also discuss his own experiences and offer an insider’s perspective concerning their sketch-writing. Students will learn the value of editing with examples by thePythons. Finally, students will “collaborate” with the Python teams on a sketch, and learn how to use John Cleese’s advice on sketch-writing.
Students will be asked to write three short sketches in this class, based on the various styles of the Python writing teams, but they won’t have to do it alone. Just as the Pythons collaborate, the students will collaborate as they complete their assignments. And then, after class discussion, their sketches will be passed along to other writing teams within the class—the same process used in so much modern television writing.
In addition to the writing and discussion, there will be lots of Python videos used throughout the sessions as examples. There will be some favorite well-known Python shows, but there will also be some rare clips of pre-Python sketches, live Python shows, and much more, including videos of Howard interviewing the late Terry Jones on writing, and a discussion of the John Cleese method for increasing creativity for writers.
Next Offering: TBD
“I have taken over 10 years of comedy classes and The Comedy Lab has certainly topped every single one of them. The biggest difference? Howard of course! Howard is a teacher unlike any other; he is kind, professional and extremely helpful. The feedback he has given me and the way that the classes are structured are extremely helpful. I was able to apply to numerous late-night shows as well as SNLand have finally developed a habit of writing daily. Thank you, Howard!”
Your (hopefully) forever student, Olja Ivanic
“Wanting to write TV is a scary thing to start, but Howard gave us a simple process that let me focus on the fun and the formatting came with it. Now I have a few spec scripts and I’m starting my first original pilot. I’m so happy with where I am at and owe it all to Howard!”
Justin Borak, current student
“The Comedy Lab shifted my perspective about going into entertainment. With Michael McCarthy’s words plus Howard’s teaching, encouragement, kindness, and incredible community of students, I was given the push I needed to pursue my dream and get into the industry. Plus, I wrote some jokes.”
Eliana Waxman, former student