Struggling with a blank page? Every comedian hits writer’s block, but the secret isn’t waiting for inspiration — it’s using structured comedy writing exercises. In this post, you’ll learn 5 proven drills to spark punchlines and stories you can actually use on stage. Plus, grab a free PDF with all 12 stand up comedy writing exercises, including advanced punchline practice, delivery tweaks, and a 7-day habit challenge.
Pixar has a formula that works… but what is their formula? In this video, I’ll show you how Pixar structures a typical short film to quickly tell the audience everything they need to know to “get the jokes.” This is the same storytelling structure that you’ll find in almost every comedic sketch (i.e., Key &
How Pixar Uses Comedic Tension to Tell Funny Stories Read More »
First, quietly and respectfully ask other comedians if they agree with you. It’s not about accusing anyone. It’s about making sure that you’re justified in calling it a “theft.” If others feel reasonably certain that another comedian is using your material, then you can try talking to the accused thief. If you believe that the
Q&A – What Do I Do When Someone is Stealing My Jokes? Read More »
Why Is Point-Of-View So Important In Comedy? In this lesson, we’re going to explore why POV plays such a huge role in comedy. I stumbled across so many great strategies for POV Humor while creating this lesson. But in this lesson, I want to focus on the big picture. So we’ll look at how POV
In this lesson, I’ll introduce you to various styles of comedy and give you a few examples of each style in action. Here’s what you need to know before we dive in: You do not have to choose only one of these styles… especially early on. If you still consider yourself a beginner then play
Styles of Comedy: What Kind of Comedian Are You? Read More »
Comedic Conflict is easily the most important topic in comedy. When you understand Comedic Conflict, you understand the single-most important tool in every comedian’s toolbox. There aren’t any “exceptions to the rule” with Comedic Conflict (unlike joke-structures). It’s easy to see examples of Comedic Conflict throughout stand-up, improvisational comedy, sketch comedy, TV, movies, and even
Joke Structures, also known as “joke formats” or “joke types” is a way for comedians to organize a setup and punchline to create a comedic conflict. A “Joke Formula” is a conventional joke-writing strategy for making these structures. You can find a breakdown of each joke in Playfully Inappropriate (2nd Edition) and the Playfully Inappropriate Workbook. The book and workbook will teach you a really easy way to write any type of joke.
How to Write Stand-Up Comedy: Mastering Broken Assumption Jokes Read More »
Regardless of style, there are two factors that are ABSOLUTE MUSTS in writing comedy: confidence and truthfulness. Confidence is what allows you to explore and find interesting ideas while truthfulness is what keeps you and your comedy grounded in reality. CONFIDENCE IN WRITING Confidence is not just limited to the stage. You need to be
HOW TO WRITE COMEDY FOR THE FIRST TIME WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WRITING COMEDY Stand-Up Is Spoken, Not Written The most important thing you need to know about how to be a comedian is that you are writing for a speech, an informal one at that. The audience will never get to see
How To Be a Comedian – How To Write Comedy For Your First Time Read More »
Want to learn how to be comedian? Here are 50 time-tested stand-up comedy tips that will help you build a solid career in comedy. While there are hundreds of comedy tips to choose from, applying these 50 stand-up comedy tips are going to help you learn how to be a comedian. Whether you’re an aspiring
50 Best Stand-Up Comedy Tips – Learn How to Be a Comedian Read More »
