HOW COMEDY GETS MADE
Comedy Class
A National Comedy Center Online Certificate Course
How Comedy Gets Made: A National Comedy Center Online Certificate Course is perfect for creatives, professionals, students and comedy enthusiasts who want to explore the creative and business aspects of comedy, from writing and performance to production and distribution. Through personal insights from industry professionals, group discussions, deep dives into examples (with some help from our archives!), and interactive seminars, participants will examine the worlds of film, TV, stand-up, sketch, improv, and late night.
Participants Will:
Explore the creative process behind comedy with guidance from industry professionals and direct access to some of the most iconic comedic minds today.
Build essential career-focused skills, including resume writing, networking, and interview techniques, while completing an individualized project to refine your unique talents.
Connect with and receive feedback from like-minded creatives from across the country in a collaborative and supportive environment. Dissect classic comedic works, such as 30 Rock, Groundhog Day, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and others through original scripts and exclusive materials from the National Comedy Center’s Carl Reiner Department of Archives and Preservation.
Earn a certificate of completion to enhance resumes and applications, along with a one-year “Opener” level membership to the National Comedy Center—the United States’ cultural institution and national archive dedicated to preserving and celebrating the art of comedy.
Completely Virtual:
While the National Comedy Center is based in Jamestown, NY, this course is entirely online and can be completed from anywhere with a good internet connection—be it a home office, coffee shop, campus library, or cave filled with hibernating bears.
2025 Course Sessions
Each session covers the same core content, so participants can register for the one that best fits their schedule:
Upcoming Guest Speakers Include:
Justin Noble is a writer, director, producer, and showrunner of the hit Max series The Sex Lives of College Girls, which he also co-created with Mindy Kaling. Thanks to his background as a writer on other hits like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Never Have I Ever, Noble masterfully balances silly with poignant, creating work that is equal parts moving and entertaining.
Justin Noble
February Session
Rarely do we equate anger with laughter, but when it comes to Lewis Black, you definitely do. Black is an acclaimed stand-up comedian, writer, and actor, best known for his acerbic style and angry rants. Between his stand-up specials, regular appearances on The Daily Show, and work as the voice of Anger in Inside Out, Black’s fiery passion can make any topic funny.
Lewis Black
February SessionRecent Guest Speakers Include:
Name a show or film you love, and chances are Richard Kind was in it. From Mad About You to Curb Your Enthusiasm to Inside Out, he has incredible first hand knowledge and insight into what it takes to be a successful comedic actor and performer — and lives up to his last name while doing it.
Richard Kind
Carrie Hobson is the co-creator, writer, and director of the upcoming Disney+ series, Win or Lose. With a background as an artist, previously working as a character and background artist on shows like The Powerpuff Girls, she has a visual approach to storytelling. Having worked in the art, animation, and story departments at Pixar on films like Toy Story 4 and Elemental, Hobson is able to present universal feelings in new and visually appealing ways.
Carrie Hobson
Emily Harrell is the audience production assistant at The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. She is well-versed with the ins-and-outs of 30 Rockefeller Center, having worked in other roles at The Tonight Show, Saturday Night Live, and on the Macy’s 4th of July Firework Spectacular. As a Telecommunication/Production student, Harrell also interned at SNL, The Tonight Show, and Entertainment tonight.
Emily Harrell
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.
Ben Schwartz
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.
Seth Barrish
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.
Meg LeFauve
Cam Mesinger is the 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 SNL, The Tonight Show, FilmNation Entertainment, and Broad City.
Cam Mesinger
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.
Lauren Halberg
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.
Frank Oz
About the Instructor
Elie Docter is not a real doctor. Do not ask her for medical advice.
She is, however, an aspiring comedian, writer, and performer who works in the Executive Office at the National Comedy Center. Docter grew up with a unique and personal insight into the film industry, but her comedy career began as a high schooler when she was placed on a house troupe at the Pan Theater in Oakland — a love she continued to nurture through classes at UCB and during her time at New York University. Docter attended NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, where she concentrated in scatological humor. There, she was also the president, head editor, and contributor for NYU’s only comedy magazine, The Plague. Docter also worked at Saturday Night Live as a Writers/Research intern for the 45th season, followed by 6 months at Walt Disney World for the Disney College Program, and then worked as a Writers’ PA on the second season of Sex Lives of College Girls. She credits The Dick Van Dyke Show and Parks and Recreation as the inspirations for her interest in comedy, and would love to talk to someone about Gilligan’s Island because she’s re-watching it now and it’s wild.
What Past Participants Say About The Course
Frequently Asked Questions
LOGISTICS
Where does the course take place?
Wherever you’d like it to be! This program is completely remote. Once you’ve enrolled in the course, you do receive a 1-Year “Opener” Level Membership at our museum in Jamestown, NY.
What if I don’t live in the Eastern time zone?
Participants from all over the world are welcome! However, because the class is taught synchronistically, participants must attend during the set time indicated alongside the session dates.
Will the class be recorded?
Select aspects of the course may be recorded for promotional use only. The program will only be offered in a live, synchronous format, to allow for a more personalized and hands-on opportunity for participants.
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.
Can I get a refund?
We understand that life happens. We offer refunds up to two weeks prior to the start of the class. After that we cannot offer a refund, but we are happy to apply it to a future session or convert your course fees to a tax-deductible donation. Keep in mind that so long as you attend 5 or more sessions, you’ll still receive a certificate of completion.
COURSE REQUIRMENTS
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 tools and supplies 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.
What kind of comedy background do I need?
None! This program aims to provide an introduction to multiple comedic formats, allowing participants to experiment and explore which field most interests them. An interest in comedy is recommended, but not required.
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.
COURSE EXPECTIONS
I’ve enrolled. Now what?
Okay, slow down, sassypants. We will send out more information to participants one month before the session begins. In the meantime, make sure your Zoom is up to date and in working order!
There’s homework?!
Though the idea of 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.
How are participants evaluated?
Grades are not assigned. However, participants who fail to attend at least 5 sessions will not receive the certificate of completion.
What is the certificate of completion?
Upon completion of the course, participants will receive an official National Comedy Center Comedic Certificate that can be listed on resumes and applications. This certificate, awarded by the United States’ official cultural institution, nonprofit museum, and national archive for the art form of comedy, indicates that the recipient has developed their professional and comedic skills with the help of the official cultural institution.
INCLUSIVITY
Is financial assistance available?
As a nonprofit cultural institution, the National Comedy Center is able to offer very limited scholarships to participants needing financial assistance. Interested participants should send a statement of need with their enrollment information.
Are there accommodations for participants with disabilities?
Of course! Our program does include CC for all participants. If you are need of additional accommodations, please send your request to the National Comedy Center certification team at [email protected]. Only participants who reach out in advance can be assured of any kind of accommodations.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL COMEDY CENTER
What is the National Comedy Center?
The National Comedy Center is the United States’ official cultural institution and nonprofit museum dedicated to presenting the vital story of comedy and preserving its heritage for future generations. The Comedy Center is located in Lucille Ball’s hometown of Jamestown, New York, and features exclusive collections, world-class exhibits, and cutting-edge interactive technology to create an immersive experience that inspires entertains, and educates visitors while filling their day with laughter.
Why should I be excited about becoming a member of the Comedy Center?
All members receive:
- Unlimited admission to the National Comedy Center and Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
- Pre-sale ticketing for the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival
- Member-only special events during the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival
- 15% discount on all online and in-store gift shop purchases
- Digital membership card
- Access to the National Comedy Center Anywhere online content platform.