How Comedy Gets Made
Comedy Class
A National Comedy Center Online Certification Course
Whether you want to create comedy, better understand the business of how it gets created, or simply like to laugh, How Comedy Gets Made: A National Comedy Center Online Certification Course is a 2-week online program that dives into the creation, production, and understanding of American comedy in its most popular forms. Utilizing the extensive archives and state-of-the-art exhibits at the National Comedy Center, as well as its key relationships within the comedy community, the course will offer participants a unique and hands-on view into the world of comedy through seminars, group discussions, and live conversations with industry professionals.
The course employs a collaborative and supportive approach within a low-pressure environment to present its curriculum. Throughout the course, we not only provide introductions to stand-up, sketch, improv, TV, and film, but also offer practical career-building skills, including resume writing, networking, and best practices for interviewing. While encouraging participants to put in as much as they hope to get out of it, the course allows participants to work directly with instructors to cater lessons to what interests them most. At the end of the program, participants will receive an official National Comedy Center certificate that can be added to resumes as well as college and job applications.
Participants will gain exclusive access to original scripts from The Jerk, I Love Lucy, season 1 Of Saturday Night Live, monologues from The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, as well as the joke files of George Carlin.
Guest Speakers
Ben Schwartz
Along with being one of the best improvisers alive, Ben Schwartz is an actor, writer, producer, and director. From his breakout role as the annoying-yet-lovable annoying-yet-lovable Jean-Ralphio Saperstein on Parks and Recreation to voicing Sonic the Hedgehog, Schwartz brings his distinctive wit and infectious energy to all his roles.
Seth Barrish
Beyond co-founding The Barrow Group theater company and acting school, Seth Barrish is a director, producer, performer, and writer for both the stage and screen. With a career spanning over three decades, he has directed numerous productions, including My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend and Sleepwalk with Me, and shaped the careers of actors such as Anne Hathaway and Jay Pharoah.
Meg LeFauve
Meg LeFauve is an Oscar and Emmy-nominated writer best known for her work on Inside Out, Inside Out 2, and Captain Marvel. Her love for writing and knowledge of story structure gives her work an emotional substance, no matter the genre. She co-hosts the podcast The Screenwriting Life where she discusses the craft, business, and lifestyle of being a professional writer.
Cam Mesinger
Cam Mesinger is the current writers’ assistant and assistant to the head writer and producer at The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. They graduated from NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study with a concentration in Writing for Late Night: Political Satire and Television Screenwriting. As a student, Mesinger also interned at Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, FilmNation Entertainment, and for Broad City.
Lauren Halberg
Lauren Halberg is a writer with credits on Night Court and Praise Petey. With work experience as a writers’ assistant, producers’ assistant, and production coordinator, she has a deep understanding of the worlds of both film and TV. Halberg also interned at Fox Searchlight and Disney ABC in development.
Frank Oz
During his career of over sixty years, Frank Oz has worked as a director, producer, writer, and performer across multiple medias and genres. His career began with the Muppets, where he was one of the original creators and performers. He has also directed numerous films, including Little Shop of Horrors and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, stage productions, and continued to act.
2024 Course Dates and Costs
Session 1
$750
July 15-26
The course takes place 2 hours a day (1 pm to 3 pm ET), 5 days a week (Mon-Fri), for 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
But I’m not funny…
Don’t worry, few are! But this program isn’t just for comics. We welcome comedy fans, those interested in the business of the craft, and those who simply want to learn more, as well as creatives.
Where is it?
Wherever you’d like it to be! This program is completely remote. Once you’ve enrolled in the course, you do receive 1-Year “Opener” Level Membership at our museum in Jamestown, NY.
Is there an age requirement?
Because we will watch and discuss comedy that may be described as mature, participants must be at least 17 years old.
What will I need?
Participants will need their own computer with a camera and the Zoom application, a stable internet connection, and a quiet space that allows them to interact with the instructor and their classmates. Any readings and video links will be distributed by the professor.
There’s homework? Over summer?!
Though the idea of summer homework seems like cruel and unusual punishment, this work allows participants to practice what is being taught, and can be finished in as little as 5 minutes. However, participants are encouraged to put in more effort if the subject is of interest. There will also be voluntary, suggested homework, for those who find themselves particularly engaged and wanting more.
Can I enroll in multiple sessions?
You are welcome to, although the general instruction will be the same. However, there will be different guest speakers per session.