Comedy Writing Program Structure
A focused six-month curriculum designed around practical writing exercises and feedback cycles. The program builds from foundational techniques to advanced narrative construction through real script development.
Module Breakdown
Each module runs three weeks with weekly assignments and group critique sessions. You'll work on actual sketches — not hypothetical examples.
Premise Development and Setup
Where strong comedy actually begins. We examine what makes a premise worth pursuing and how to construct setups that create anticipation without telegraphing the punchline.
- Premise filtering
- Setup architecture
- Expectation building
- False directions
Surprise Mechanics and Punchline Construction
The technical side of timing and revelation. How surprise actually functions in written comedy, and why most punchlines fail because of structural problems rather than weak ideas.
- Timing on the page
- Misdirection techniques
- Beat placement
- Revision for impact
Character Voice and Dialogue Rhythm
Characters reveal themselves through speech patterns, not exposition. This module focuses on making dialogue sound natural while maintaining comedic precision across different character types.
- Distinct voice patterns
- Subtext in comedy
- Dialogue pacing
- Character contradiction
Sketch Structure and Scene Economics
Every scene needs an internal logic and clear escalation pattern. We break down effective sketch structures and why most sketches collapse in the middle third.
- Three-act micro-structure
- Scene efficiency
- Escalation patterns
- Exit strategies
Rewriting and Editorial Judgment
First drafts are discovery, not delivery. This module teaches systematic rewriting approaches and how to identify which elements strengthen the piece versus which you're keeping out of attachment.
- Kill your darlings
- Structural revision
- Joke density analysis
- Objective evaluation
Portfolio Assembly and Submission Standards
How to compile work that demonstrates range without diluting your strengths. Formatting requirements, submission etiquette, and what readers actually look for when evaluating comedy portfolios.
- Portfolio curation
- Format standards
- Sample selection
- Submission protocols
23
Scripts produced
8
Industry awards
142
Students mentored
31
Hired by studios
Instructor Background
Haley Turnquist spent thirteen years writing for network comedy before transitioning to teaching full-time in 2021. Her work has appeared on three major networks and multiple streaming platforms. She's developed writers' rooms and served as story editor on two Reuters-covered series.
Her approach emphasizes technical craft over inspiration. According to recent Reuters news coverage of comedy education trends, structured feedback systems produce measurably better portfolio outcomes than purely creative workshops.
Full instructor biography