Turning an Idea into a Story

In this course, for both new and experienced writers, we show you how to turn the kernel of an idea into a story that expresses your unique vision but in a way that connects with a wider audience. The creative focus of this class is to, first and foremost, help make writing a fun, inspiring and empowering experience rather than the miserable, soul-sucking slog most of us have found it to be.

We do this by exploring the fundamental building blocks of narrative that apply to everything from TV and movies to graphic novels and video games while also tapping into what uniquely excites and inspires each student. As a result, our writers craft stories that grow out of their own interests, experiences and points of view but in a way that is also dynamic, engaging and relatable.

Students with existing ideas and creative materials as well as those hoping to develop new material are encouraged to enroll.​ 
 

Offered in conjunction with Comedy Cafe Berlin

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Developing An Original Comedic TV Show Or Film

In this two-day workshop, students will use improv tools, writing exercises, and class discussion to develop their original comedic film or TV (including web series) story idea and form a road map to executing it. Students are welcome to arrive with an idea for a story at any stage in the process or no idea at all (we’ll discover one).

By using improv in our exploration of the ideas as well as integrating core improv concepts (follow the fun, justify, and play characters with a point of view) into the writing process, we find an organic yet structured approach to creating unique stories. Each participant will leave the workshop with a document that, at the very least, lays out the core concept of the story (a two to three-sentence logline), a description of the main characters, the first five beats of the story, and a rough guide of where it goes. (Note: the emphasis in this class is on developing stories, not sketches).

(Workshop consists of two sessions, each 3 hours long)


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Find Your Character Fast

This is a workshop for students who want to quickly and confidently make bold choices while improvising on camera by learning how to build and trust their distinct “voice”. On camera, much more so than on stage, most of us play some version of ourselves. In this three-session workshop, we will build characters with strong points of view that stem from an aspect of each student’s own personality or life experience. In the final session, we will shoot improvised scenes on location that showcase the characters, resulting in a short film that features every student.

This class is a great opportunity to generate original work for a reel in a setting designed to highlight each performer’s strength and originality.

Improv For the Camera

This is a class for both new and seasoned improvisers who want to learn how to take the skills learned in long-form improv and translate them to acting for the camera. We will address issues such as how to honor the closeness and intimacy of the camera while still making big, bold choices; how to play confidently without the feedback/guidance of an audience; how to be engaging, dynamic, and funny when one is playing alone (or offscreen casting director, director, or assistant); how to correctly plan for improv scenes and auditions while still remaining flexible and "in the moment".

The class culminates in an HD video shoot where students will perform improvised scenes on location. Each student will receive a digital copy of their performance.