Stand Up!; Comedy Writing and Performance Poetry from edX

This course is part of the University of Cambridge’s MicroMasters program in Writing for Performance and Entertainment Industries.

Ever wanted to jump up on stage and make people laugh…and then make them cry? In this course we will be looking at how to write and perform your own five-minute stand-up routine or your own performative poetry with good timing, energy, and personal charisma! We will be looking in depth at how to structure short-form performance material, as well as how to prepare physically and vocally so that you can perform live with calm and clarity.

We will be engaging with the work of performance poets across the world, and looking at what attributes and writing skills are embedded in a successful stand-up script. Why do we need to stand up and speak in person, and how do we conceptualise the authority and power of the live performance?

This is a comprehensive introduction to performing stand-up and performance poetry that will give beginners a strong understanding of essential concepts, as well as reinvigorate anyone who has been working in this area for a while, and who wants to find fresh energy and perspective.

Learning to how to communicate most effectively with any audience gives us a good toolbox for expert communication in any professional sphere.

Skill transferability, flexible thinking, and expert language abilities are now essential in a diversifying global job market - come and learn essential new skills, and have fun doing it!

You will be set writing exercises over the course of the module, and you will asked to keep a brief comedy/poetry journal to note how your ideas progress and how your intuition leads you into productivity. By the end of this module, you will have completed five minutes of performable material that you are ready to try out in a venue of your choice!

What you'll learn

Specialised knowledge of histories, forms, and traditions of writing for stand-up comedy/performance poetry as well as the cultural contexts of innovative practitioners and practices within stand-up comedy/performance poetry; of contemporary critical, analytical, and narrative theories of stand-up comedy/performance poetry;
detailed understanding of key performance components within the discipline, to include: ideational sources, body, space, image, sound, text, movement, environment.
dramaturgical and script-editing skills within stand-up comedy/performance poetry
developed advanced self-management skills to include working in planned and improvisatory ways, as well as the ability to anticipate and accommodate change, ambiguity, creative risk-taking, uncertainty and unfamiliarity;

What's inside

Learning objectives

Specialised knowledge of histories, forms, and traditions of writing for stand-up comedy/performance poetry as well as the cultural contexts of innovative practitioners and practices within stand-up comedy/performance poetry; of contemporary critical, analytical, and narrative theories of stand-up comedy/performance poetry;
Detailed understanding of key performance components within the discipline, to include: ideational sources, body, space, image, sound, text, movement, environment.

Dramaturgical and script-editing skills within stand-up comedy/performance poetry
Developed advanced self-management skills to include working in planned and improvisatory ways, as well as the ability to anticipate and accommodate change, ambiguity, creative risk-taking, uncertainty and unfamiliarity;

Specialised knowledge of histories, forms, and traditions of writing for stand-up comedy/performance poetry as well as the cultural contexts of innovative practitioners and practices within stand-up comedy/performance poetry; of contemporary critical, analytical, and narrative theories of stand-up comedy/performance poetry;
Detailed understanding of key performance components within the discipline, to include: ideational sources, body, space, image, sound, text, movement, environment.
Dramaturgical and script-editing skills within stand-up comedy/performance poetry
Developed advanced self-management skills to include working in planned and improvisatory ways, as well as the ability to anticipate and accommodate change, ambiguity, creative risk-taking, uncertainty and unfamiliarity;

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what should give you pause

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Builds a strong foundation for beginners who want to write for stand-up comedy or performance poetry

Taught by seasoned professional Abigail Docherty

Develops dramaturgical and script-editing skills within stand-up comedy/performance poetry

Provides a comprehensive introduction to performing stand-up and performance poetry

Enhances communication skills for any audience and professional sphere

May require basic knowledge of performance poetry and stand-up comedy

Reviews summary

Stand up!; comedy performance & writing

According to learners, this course offers a transformative experience for aspiring performers and those seeking to enhance their public speaking. Students frequently highlight the instructor's passion and expertise, which shines through every engaging lecture. The course is praised for its holistic approach, blending historical context with practical applications, including valuable writing exercises and a focus on physical and vocal preparation for live performance. While some learners note a stronger emphasis on general performance and poetry, occasionally desiring more specific hands-on joke writing guidance for stand-up, the course is widely regarded as an excellent foundation for beginners, building significant confidence in creating performable material.

Provides a strong foundation for newcomers to the field.

"Great for beginners."

"The blend of historical context and practical exercises was perfect for me as a beginner."

"I found this course to be a truly comprehensive introduction, giving me a strong understanding of essential concepts."

"I gained a solid foundation from completing this course and feel ready to continue my journey."

Learners gain significant confidence for live performance.

"The sections on developing stage presence and overcoming anxiety were particularly insightful. It's truly transformative for live performance."

"I feel much more confident now."

"Definitely got me closer to having a polished five minutes."

"I now feel ready to try out my material in a venue and connect with an audience."

Provides practical exercises for material and performance.

"I especially enjoyed the practical exercises that encouraged me to write daily."

"The focus on physical and vocal preparation was unique and very helpful."

"The structured approach to developing material was a game-changer."

"By the end of the course, I had a solid five-minute routine ready to perform."

The instructor's passion and expertise are highly praised.

"Absolutely loved this course! The instructor's passion for comedy and poetry shines through every lecture."

"The instructor clearly knows their stuff. I appreciated the emphasis on authenticity."

"An inspiring journey! The instructor's energy is infectious."

"The instructor's delivery and deep knowledge made every lesson engaging and easy to follow."

Some desired more specific joke-writing advice for stand-up.

"I signed up hoping to learn how to write jokes. This course is more about general performance and the history of comedy/poetry... not what I needed for stand-up."

"Disappointed. I found the course too vague for writing stand-up... Didn't help me structure jokes or find my comedic voice."

"I was hoping for more hands-on guidance on joke writing specifically... you'll need to do more research on your own."

"The focus on poetry was stronger than stand-up in my opinion, which wasn't what I expected."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Stand Up!; Comedy Writing and Performance Poetry with these activities:

Volunteer at a comedy club

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Volunteering at a comedy club will give you the opportunity to observe professional comedians and learn about the business of stand-up comedy.

Browse courses on Live Performance

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Contact a comedy club in your area and ask about volunteer opportunities
Attend the club's open mic nights and help out with tasks such as setting up or cleaning up
Network with comedians and other staff members

Review the basics of writing effective stand-up comedy

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Refreshing your knowledge of the basics of writing effective stand-up comedy will help you start the course with a strong foundation.

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Read articles and blog posts about writing stand-up comedy
Watch videos of stand-up comedians you admire
Practice writing jokes and performing them for friends or family

Join a peer group for stand-up comedians

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Joining a peer group for stand-up comedians will provide you with a supportive community of people who can offer feedback and encouragement.

Browse courses on Peer Support

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Find a peer group in your area or online
Attend the group's meetings and participate in the discussions
Share your work with the group and get feedback

One other activity

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Show all four activities

Practice performing your stand-up routine in front of different audiences

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Performing your stand-up routine in front of different audiences will help you improve your delivery and crowd work skills.

Browse courses on Live Performance

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Find opportunities to perform your routine at open mics or other events
Pay attention to the audience's reactions and make adjustments to your routine accordingly
Network with other comedians and get feedback on your performance

Career center

Learners who complete Stand Up!; Comedy Writing and Performance Poetry will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Stand-up Comedian

Stand-up comedians entertain audiences with original comedy routines they write and perform themselves. The Stand Up!: Comedy Writing and Performance Poetry course will allow you to refine your routines as a stand-up comedian. This course will teach you essential skills such as how to structure short-form performance material and prepare yourself physically and vocally for live performances. Furthermore, you will gain exposure to the work of performance poets across the world, which can help you create better comedy performances of your own.

See salaries and explore the career path for Stand-up Comedian

Performance Poet

Performance poets combine spoken word, poetry, and theater to create unique performances that are both captivating and thought-provoking. The Stand Up!: Comedy Writing and Performance Poetry course can be an asset to you as a performance poet. This course will show you how to write and perform your own five-minute performance poetry routine with good timing, energy, and personal charisma. Overall, this course will give you the opportunity to develop your skills as a performance poet and gain a better understanding of the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Performance Poet

Comedy Writer

Comedy writers create humorous content for a variety of media, including television shows, movies, and online platforms. If you wish to pursue a career in comedy writing, the Stand Up!: Comedy Writing and Performance Poetry course can be very beneficial to you. This course will teach you how to structure comedy routines, write jokes, and develop your own comedic voice. You will also learn how to collaborate with other writers and performers, which is a valuable skill for comedy writers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Comedy Writer

Public Speaker

Public speakers give speeches and present information to audiences of all sizes. The Stand Up!: Comedy Writing and Performance Poetry course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful public speaker. This course will teach you how to structure speeches, engage your audience, and deliver your message with confidence and clarity. You will also learn how to handle questions and feedback from the audience, which is an important skill for public speakers.

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Actor

Actors bring characters to life in plays, movies, and television shows. The Stand Up!: Comedy Writing and Performance Poetry course can be an asset to you in a career as an actor. This course will teach you how to develop your stage presence, create believable characters, and work with other actors to create a successful performance. You will also gain experience in performing in front of a live audience, which is essential for actors.

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Writer

Writers create content for a variety of purposes, including fiction, non-fiction, and marketing. The Stand Up!: Comedy Writing and Performance Poetry course may be useful to you in a career as a writer. This course will help you develop your writing skills, learn how to structure stories, and gain experience in writing for different audiences. You will also learn how to edit and revise your work, which is essential for writers.

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Creative Director

Creative directors oversee the creative vision of a company or organization. The Stand Up!: Comedy Writing and Performance Poetry course may be useful to you in a career as a creative director. This course will help you develop your creativity, learn how to manage creative teams, and gain experience in developing creative campaigns. You will also learn how to present your ideas to clients and stakeholders, which is an important skill for creative directors.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing managers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote products and services. The Stand Up!: Comedy Writing and Performance Poetry course may be useful to you in a career as a marketing manager. This course will help you develop your creativity, learn how to write effective marketing copy, and gain experience in managing marketing campaigns. You will also learn how to track and measure the results of your marketing campaigns, which is an important skill for marketing managers.

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Event Planner

Event planners organize and coordinate events of all sizes. The Stand Up!: Comedy Writing and Performance Poetry course may be useful to you in a career as an event planner. This course will help you develop your organizational skills, learn how to manage budgets, and gain experience in planning and executing events. You will also learn how to work with vendors and clients, which is an important skill for event planners.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects and grade levels. The Stand Up!: Comedy Writing and Performance Poetry course may be useful to you in a career as a teacher. This course will help you develop your communication skills, learn how to manage a classroom, and gain experience in teaching students. You will also learn how to create lesson plans and assess student learning, which are important skills for teachers.

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Consultant

Consultants provide expert advice to businesses and organizations. The Stand Up!: Comedy Writing and Performance Poetry course may be useful to you in a career as a consultant. This course will help you develop your analytical skills, learn how to solve problems, and gain experience in working with clients. You will also learn how to present your findings and recommendations, which is an important skill for consultants.

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Customer Service Representative

Customer service representatives assist customers with their inquiries and complaints. The Stand Up!: Comedy Writing and Performance Poetry course may be useful to you in a career as a customer service representative. This course will help you develop your communication skills, learn how to handle difficult customers, and gain experience in providing excellent customer service. You will also learn how to use customer relationship management (CRM) systems, which are important for customer service representatives.

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Salesperson

Salespeople sell products and services to customers. The Stand Up!: Comedy Writing and Performance Poetry course may be useful to you in a career as a salesperson. This course will help you develop your communication skills, learn how to build relationships with customers, and gain experience in closing deals. You will also learn how to use sales techniques and strategies, which are important for salespeople.

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Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. The Stand Up!: Comedy Writing and Performance Poetry course may be useful to you in a career as an entrepreneur. This course will help you develop your creativity, learn how to write a business plan, and gain experience in starting and running a business. You will also learn how to market your business and attract customers, which are important skills for entrepreneurs.

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Lawyer

Lawyers represent clients in legal matters. The Stand Up!: Comedy Writing and Performance Poetry course may be useful to you in a career as a lawyer. This course will help you develop your communication skills, learn how to think critically, and gain experience in legal research and writing. You will also learn how to negotiate and advocate for your clients, which are important skills for lawyers.

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