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FCU's Site Director Comedy Tip of the Week
"Punchlines Are Easy; Set Ups Are Hard"
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| | Paul Douglas Moomjean Site Director, Flappers University |
Hello Students, Comedians, and Citizens of Earth alike!
Over the last eight months I've been thinking about three things: How will I pay rent? How will I ever get another date? And how come my joke about Christmas songs never worked? While many comics like to write from a place of "funny," I know I try to write from a place of "truth." Probably why my Christmas song jokes went flat. While this might seem elementary to many, the reason most comics write from a place of funny, is because punchlines are easy, it's the set up that's a pain to write.
Maybe the best set up writer/comedian is Jerry Seinfeld. He looks at a topic and thinks how it's weird or annoying and why. Then he goes into a series of act-outs, exaggerations, tags, and other types of punchlines.
The reason punchlines are easy is because we live in a society with built in punchlines. Phrases like "That's what she said!" or "Hold my beer!" or doing an act-out of the President saying "Yuuuuge" or "China!" or "tiny hands!" make up the culture's thesaurus of jokes.
In a world with prepackaged, accepted punchlines for a variety of workplace and home situations ranging from how "long and hard this project is" (That's what she said!) to the next employee or family member going "It's yuuuuuge!" -- there are plenty of ways we can quickly appear funny. Yet, for any of those (hacky) jokes to work, someone literally has to SET YOU UP for you to pick from the glossary of universally used punchlines.
While saying those lines are not encouraged if your desired outcome is building a comedy base outside of generic meme creation, they do help prove my point that making a sexual pun or broad act-out are already instilled within us. The setup is not.
When looking at setups, ask yourself three basic questions:
1. What's my topic?
2. How do I feel about it?
3. Why do I feel this way?
Too often comics forget how they feel about something is key to setting up the punchline later. Here's an example of the topic of me having diabetes.
Setup: I have diabetes and I'm terrified, because I can lose my foot.
That comes from a place of truth and gets you into my head. But my punchline can go somewhere absurd:
Punchline: Then again, losing a foot could help my comedy career! I can be Paul the Pirate! With the catchphrase, "Arrrrrrrrrrrr you checking your blood sugar?!"
JUST FYI. Audiences have enjoyed that one. I guess me as a pirate sounds hysterical to some.
The point that I want to emphasize is that set ups need a reason for why you are talking about them. In the 90's SNL used Jerry Seinfeld's style of comedy as a game show sketch. It's not really his style, but a satire of it. There are a lot of hacky catchphrases and jokes that come from the 1980's and 1990's that have gone away, but the templates for how to produce punchlines still hover. Now, it's up to this generation of comics to engrain the best way to create a set up. Or else Tik Tok will literally be the future.
Take a look at the SNL skit that pokes fun at observational humor.
Stay Safe with Your Masks and Clean Hands
Flappers Comedy Club and Restaurant is still running classes and virtual shows and hopefully live comedy will be back soon. We are doing our best to ride this COVID-19 season out. Stay safe, and know that we care about you!
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ONLINE Stand Up Classes and Television Writing Classes!
Last Classes of the Year! Sign Up Now!
If you are looking for ways to expand your comedy platform, here is what we are offering! With 2020 ending (thank the comedy gods!) we want everyone to have an opportunity in finding their place in the comedy world! All Stand Up Classes have an ONLINE showcase you can invite friends, family, and fans too at the end!
Here's what comics from all walks of life say about FCU School of Comedy:
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| | See What Flappers University Students are Saying About Their Time Here! |
Take a look at our classes and workshops on the Flapper's University website. We have classes in Stand Up, Writing for TV, and workshops on making money, building an audience, and promoting your brand.
Multi-Week Writing Classes ($195) - Just Click the link!
LAST WRITING CLASSES OF 2020!
Have you always wanted to write hilarious sketches for TV and live performance? This
crash course you will learn the various templates of sketches (TV and movie parodies,
character driven, fake commercials, etc.) but you'll also acquire invaluable sketch
writing do's and don'ts that will help your work stand out. In order to master sketch
writing, you'll learn how to identify whether your premise is strong enough, as well as
comprehend the best structural options for your material. By analyzing some of
television's funniest sketches, including Key and Peele, Saturday Night Live and The
Chappelle Show, you'll learn what it takes to create a successful submission packet that
shows off your comedic voice. You will also have the opportunity to pitch your original
sketch premises/characters and receive professional feedback!
In this course students will learn basic late night comedy writing including monologue, desk pieces and remotes, with the goal of becoming technically proficient, confident and comfortable submitting material to various late night television programs. Taught by David Letterman's head monologue writer for 5 years, this class also has a showcase where Gabe reads your jokes in a a ten minute set, just like Late Night TV hosts do!
STAND UP COMEDY CLASSES - ALL LEVELS! $195!
Last Stand Up Classes of 2020!
We offer Level 1 and Level 2 Stand Up Comedy Classes to help new and emerging comedians and people interested in starting stand up comedy. Classes are taught by professional working comedians who have been on television, worked in writer's rooms, and have opened and performed with the biggest names in comedy. Our classes are 5 weeks and designed to give basic fundamentals in the art form of stand up. We teach to write from a place of truth, the art of brevity, creating turns, tags, and callbacks, all in a supportive environment.
Level 1 is intended for beginners and complete newbies. Level 2 is for comedians with over 3 years experience or completed Level 1 at Flappers University.
Stand Up: Level 1 - Links Below
Level 1 looks at the basics of joke writing and performing. Have a few funny ideas? We can help you form them into timely well-crafted setups and punchlines. Don't have anything funny yet? That's fine too! We can help you "mine for material" and learn to write jokes with a strong point of view! Classes are fun, supportive, and end with a virtual showcase seen by people from all over the country! Click on the links below to sign up!
Stand Up: Level 2 - Link Below
Our Level 2 Class is designed for comics who have completed Level 1 or have at least three years of comedy experience. Comics will learn advance stand up techniques, as well as get to the heart of what they want to say. With a strong emphasis in authenticity, structure, and identity, the goal is to teach you to be true to your point of view. Taught by working professional comics, Level 2 takes comics to another level in their comedy journey. Click the link below to sign up!
COMEDY CONTENT CLASSES ($195)
You're already on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, but are you producing the type of comedy content that can build a following and stay on brand? In this exciting 5 week class, you will be taught how to write scripts, cast, and plan out sketches and videos that can help build your online presence and create a social media brand you can share with the whole world. Taught by David P. Kronmiller, a current content creator for Flappers Comedy Club, and former CNN and Cannes Film Festival content creator.
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| | Creating Comedy Content Flappers Promo |
ONE DAY ONLINE Workshops
ONE DAY: Emcee Workshop: How To Be A Flappers Emcee $25 (12PM - 3PM)
A show emcee or host is an integral part of the success or failure of a stand up show. An emcee is responsible for keeping the energy up in the room, connecting with the crowd and getting them excited about each comic that comes to the stage. Come learn how to perfect your skills as an emcee so you can continue to get booked in this one day workshop for stand up comics. Taught by Flapper's Comedy Club Booker Joshua Snyder, this workshop is the fastest way to more time and more opportunities with Flappers! Whether you're a comedian looking to start emceeing, or an experienced emcee wanting to take your skill set up a notch, you won't want to miss this 3 hour intense Emcee workshop.
Date and Link:
ONE DAY: Marketing and Promoting Yourself (3 Classes Left in 2020!) (ONLY $25)
Are you wondering how to take your stand up comedy career to the next level? Have an act but not sure how to present yourself to clubs and bookers? Do you need promotional materials, but don't have a big budget and aren't sure where to begin? In this engaging workshop taught by Barbara Holliday (the co-founder of Flappers Comedy Clubs and comedy manager for H2F Comedy Productions), you'll learn how to go from asking for bookings to selling yourself as a unique comedy brand! You'll discover the different opportunities available in various comedy markets, and how to tailor yourself to their needs, as well as how to put together the necessary materials to pursue paid work and even create "buzz" on your own performances! Seating is VERY limited for this unique opportunity to learn what managers and comedy club owners are looking for in the talent they work with - don't miss out! Only THREE more Workshops this year!
Date and Link:
Writing for TV 101: Late Night, Sitcoms, and Sketches Monday 11/16 1:00PM-4PM
Are you interested in writing for TV but not sure which area is right for you? Do you feel held back because of a lack of experience? Don't let those issues stop you anymore! Flapper's Site Director Paul Moomjean teaches you in this workshop the fundamentals of writing for the three areas of television you need to know before you write a spec script or create a packet. You'll learn formatting standards and terminology so you sound like a pro! Paul wrote for Nickelodeon and has been hired by numerous groups to write sketches and jokes for comedians that have been on TV! This ONE DAY Workshop is the crash course you need to get ready for a an upcoming class or pitch meeting!
FREE Joke Labs Are Back! Every Wednesday! 1pm - 4pm
Already got your set down - but you could still use help fine-tuning a bit or getting a different perspective on a new joke? Jump in this workshop and get feedback and punch-up on your set from our top instructors at FCU, and possibly some surprise guests! It's a writers group meets comedy therapy!
We ask that you do not sign up more than once every few weeks so everyone can participate! We've SOLD OUT every week! Sign Up Now to get your spot!
NOVEMBER:
11/25: NO JOKE LAB
DECEMBER:
12/23: NO JOKE LAB
ONGOING PRIVATE COACHING
Private Coaching (Prices Vary $50 - $125/Hour)
If you are interested in just having one on one time with one of our highly trained and professional instructors, please visit our Instructors Page to pick the instructor you want to work with. Just email Classes@FlappersComedy.com to schedule a meeting. Prices are based on instructor's rate. Email classes@flapperscomedy.com to learn more. FCU is dedicated to creating a community of comedians that can help and support each other. Therefore, if you find these prices out of your range, PLEASE email us, and we will work with you!
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Flappers University Writing Contest!
Best TV Pilot and Sketch Writing Contest
Submissions Due 11/28/20
This is the 1st Flappers University Writing Contest
(Submission Dates: 10/15/20 - 11/28/20). You have 6 weeks to start, finish, and/or polish a 23-44 page TV Comedy Sitcom Pilot and/or a 2-8 page sketch. The submission info is located below, and it only costs $15 to submit!
You can submit in both contests, and we will announce the winners December 12th!
The Prizes:
1st Place: $100 check and One Free Class ($295 value)
2nd Place: 1 Free Multi-Week Class ($195 value)
3rd Place: 1 Free ONE DAY Workshop ($25 value)
4thPlace: A Sense of Accomplishment and Value No Prize Can Replace
5th Place: I send you a link to the movie Rudy on YouTube
The contest will be judged by Site Director Paul Douglas Moomjean, FU instructor and comedian Teresa Lo, WGA Education Committee Member Steve Trautmann, writer and Sketch instructor Sarah Cornell, and Chicago based comedian a coverage writer Steven Haas.
We know that this is our first year, but we want to create these opportunities for two reasons. A) Because sometimes you just need motivation to write and B) It's $15 so everyone can participate, and I can give the judges money for their time.
Also, to pay off my gambling debts! Why did I bet $10,000 on the Sacramento Kings?! I'm kidding. I bet on the LA Clippers. (Go Lakers!)
Below is the link to pay through PayPal. Once you've paid $15, please email classes@flapperscomedy the receipt and a PDF version of your TV Pilot or Sketch with the Subject Line "FU TV Pilot" or "FU Sketch" - we'll send you a confirmation. Good luck!
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NEW SEGMENT:
Steven Haas Comedy Tips
We are starting a new block in dedicated to Steven Haas and his sketches about comedy and on life as a stand up comedian. Recently, his last two Tik Tok videos got almost 250K views. He's a Chicago based comedian with roots in Los Angeles.
His sketches are very funny, playfully subversive, ironic and done in a very simple style that anyone could emulate. In a world where content is king, we want to provide you with great content as well as information that can help you.
This week's comedy sketch:
Costume Ideas for Halloween
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LIFE TIP: Halloween Costume
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Boston Comedy Festival
Submissions are OPEN!
Comics! Want to win $2,000?! The Boston Comedy Festival is back on November 29 - December 5, 2020 - and this time you don't even have to leave your couch. Our VIRTUAL FESTIVAL includes one week of shows, podcasts, industry showcases, classes, panels, and after-parties.
Performer submissions are now open for the Boston Comedy Festival and the deadline is November 1st 2020
Classes For Any Comic (3 Hours Each, ONLY $25):
Classes will be at 10AM PST/1PM EST
(Instructors Pictured: Christine Blackburn, Teresa Lo, Dave Reinitz, Paul Douglas Moomjean, Barbara Holliday)
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Flappers University Student Open Mic
Sundays 4:00pm-5:30pm
CLICK HERE FOR FREE LINK:
Flappers University School of Comedy wants to continue one our greatest traditions alive during the Apocalypse, our FREE Student mic open to current students and alumni. This supportive feedback mic is designed to help comics think of new angles and tags and set ups after they perform 5-6 minutes. Lead by PJ Baio and Teresa Lo, the mic will allow for 10 comics to sign up in advance. Considering all the students that are interested, we are asking that you try not to sign up every week, as to give others an opportunity. Upon registering, you will be sent a ZOOM link an hour before the show.
Looking forward to keeping this great mic going! |
information!
or... like Flappers University on Yelp!
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Flappers Comedy Club is looking for interns in
On Site Camera/Media Operator
and
Remote Social Media Content Creator
 Flappers Comedy Club needs some help operating our Livestream on-site shows and Social Media content creators. If this is something you would like to apply for, please email Classes@FlappersComedy.com and if you seem like a good fit, we will find a time to talk! |
information!
or... like Flappers University on Yelp!
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Flappers Comedy Club
Open Mics & Auditions
Open Mics are at 8:30PM
Flappers Comedy Club has a fun, supportive, and nightly Open Mic for comedians in all stages of their comedy journey. Sign up now!
Auditions For Live Virtual Shows!
If you want to be a part of our Live Virtual Comedy Shows, then drop into our auditions EVERY WEDNESDAY 6pm! Bring your best 2 minutes, and our Booker will find the right show for you! Just visit our Calendar and sign up!
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information!
or... like Flappers University on Yelp!
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Flapper's University Instructor Steve North's NEW BOOK!
How to KILL in Comedy
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Steve North the Comedy Coach, voted #1 Comedy Coach in the USA, starts by teaching you how to create your own unique comedic character for stand up, then offers the twenty best joke-writing formulas developed over 20 years in his workshops, and then helps you put it all together to work as a stand up comedian. Whether you're a beginner or advanced comedian, you need to learn the character method first. Then slay the audience, or just be funnier in life.
or... like Flappers University on Yelp!
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Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Stand Up and many more comedy classes available!
For a full list:
email: Classes@FlappersComedy.com
818-845-9721
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