FAQs

Frequently Asked (and Rarely Asked) Questions

How long is the course, and what is included?

What’s the difference between a sketch and a skit?

How much time will I need to spend writing outside of class?

Is this course only for experienced comedy writers?

Does taking this course guarantee that I’ll get a comedy writing job?


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Intro to TV Sketch Writing

Entertaining, informative 5-week course created to not only teach you the various templates of sketches -- TV and movie parodies, original characters, fake commercials -- but to also share the invaluable sketch writing Do’s and Don’ts (aka Hugh’s & don’ts) that will help your work stand out.

Topics Covered
  • Political satire/social commentary
  • Music parody
  • One character, straight to camera
  • Conceptual, absurdist and breaking the 4th wall
  • Producing and selling your material
Closed

How To Write TV Sketch Comedy

Informative, entertaining workshop to not only teach you the various templates of sketches — TV and movie parodies, original characters, fake commercials — but to also share the invaluable sketch writing Do’s and Don’ts (aka Hugh’s & don’ts) that will help your work stand out. And as a bonus, a live Q&A with Hugh!

Topics Covered
  • Nailing down a solid premise
  • Fake Commercials
  • Original Sketch Characters
  • Movie and TV parodies
Closed

How To Write For Late Night Comedy Talk Shows

Entertaining, informative 90-minute workshop created to not only teach you the late-night comedy templates –desk pieces, monologue and live/pre-taped bits – but also how to write a submission packet so that your work will stand out and get noticed. Plus, the opportunity to ask your questions addressed by an Emmy-winning Saturday Night Live veteran!

Topics Covered
  • Structuring jokes for monologues and televised roasts
  • Desk pieces – topical and evergreen
  • Live and pre-taped bits, in studio and on location
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Advanced Comedy Writing

In a 5-week course, Hugh will take your strengths as a sketch writer and help develop them to your fullest potential. By focusing on specific sketch templates like topical political satire, music parody and high concept digital shorts, you will experience the rewriting process used on TV shows that leads to maximum laughs.

Topics Covered
  • Nailing down a solid premise
  • Fake commercials
  • Original sketch characters
  • Movie and TV parodies
  • Building your submission packet

Whether it's at Saturday Night Live, The Writers Guild Awards,  or Montreal's Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, I've been working with Hugh Fink for 25 years, and that little prick is hilarious.

DAVID KOECHNER
aka Todd Packer,
NBC's The Office

David Koechner

American Dad

From the characters he's voiced on American Dad to the packed comedy clubs I've witnessed him slay as a standup, Hugh Fink is hands down one of the funniest humans I know. It's not easy to make Hollywood's most seasoned (read: jaded) writers howl with laughter, yet Mr. Fink has produced the Writers Guild's annual awards ceremony for the last six years in a row. A true master of the form and bona fide living legend.

MIKE BARKER
Co-Creator/Exec Producer,
American Dad