How to be Heaps Funny - An Introduction to Comedy Writing

Declan Fay is an award winning comedy writer with over 20 years experience, who has written with everyone from Ronny Chieng to Russell Crowe, Rebel Wilson to Rove Mcmanus. He has also written for people who’s names don’t begin with R such Will Ferrell and John Cena.

He co-created the Netflix show, Ronny Chieng: International Student, and wrote the sketch show, You’re Skitting Me. He also created the award winning podcast, CrossBread. 

He teaches comedy and script-writing at Collarts. 

In this session he introduces the basics of comedy writing, and helps students find the funny in their own writing, whether it’s stand up, sketches, scripts, monologues, short stories, podcasts or essays. 

Declan’s presentation is very flexible - He can deliver a lecture, a practical workshop, or a combination. And he can tailor the content to specific projects or themes your class is working on. His presentation is suitable for English, Media, Drama, Libraries, and Book Week.

• Types of comedy writing – sketches, narrative, TV, stand-up, podcasts, jokes. 
• Basic techniques for comedy writing. 
• Why is something funny? 
• Finding your voice/Finding the funny in your writing. 
• Where do funny ideas come from, and how do you develop them?
• Practical examples/lessons from shows he has worked on such as Ronny Chieng: International Student, You’re Skitting Me, etc.