Acting for TV Comedy

Working with a range of comedy scripts from leading TV Production Companies, participants will practice the skills required of them as comedy actors, across a variety of formats (sketch show, sitcom, comedy drama, satire, entertainment show and online comedy series) in this fun, imaginative and highly informative workshop. 

We will also look at how to apply these skills and taking this work further, how to build a career as a TV comedy actor, the crossover between live and TV comedy (including how to start writing & performing your own work), the relationship between performer, the channel and the production company, and the commissioning process. 

Participants will have practical experience rehearsing and shooting Comedy TV Scripts, and shoot for TV, experiencing the demands of working on a professional TV set.

Acting for TV Comedy Skills Development:

 - Experience the demands of working on a TV set

 - Experience the technical demands fo screen acting

 - Adjust your performance to suit different shot sizes

 - Develop an awareness of the camera without self-consciousness

 - Adjust your performance to suit different styles of comedy

 - Interpret the comedy in the character

 - Explore the dynamics in comedy character relationships

 - Develop an understanding of comedy writing structure (set up/pay off)

 - Find the comedy within the line and the words (exploring stress and rhythm)

 - Create multiple, contrasting characters for a sketch show episode

 You will receive friendly and constructive feedback throughout.

Testimonials from course members:

"Karen Hayley is brilliant – she’s funny, clever and a superb communicator who makes you feel that she has all the time in the world just for you." 

“I thought today was fantastic. I learned a lot about comedy acting and found the selection of women’s duologues brilliant, as it is often hard to find good women duos. Thanks for all your direction and advice.”

 “Although I have always been told that I am funny and have a good sense of humour when socializing,  I have always feared acting and find it hard to be natural at it. However you made it very comfortable for me to lose my inhibitions and go for it. The tips and pointers were very helpful for the future, as I’ve always wanted to try comedy/ sitcom and even stand up comedy. Thank you for today’s workshop”

This is how it works...

These workshops run for one day; you can sign up for as many workshops as you like, as we will endeavor to keep the scripts fresh and challenging.

Something to think about

This course is suitable for those with some acting experience, but it is not necessary to have on-camera experience.

Wearing comfortable clothes and bringing a bottle of water is recommended.

All scripts will be provided.