Virginia Woolf said that boys go to school to make the right kind of friends, and all too often, it seems that she is right. In an attempt to redress that balance, we’re giving all the lovely wannabe Funny Women out there the chance to go back to the classroom, for two days of comedy schooling at our Workshop Weekend. All the workshops are new and staffed with an exciting line-up of experienced teachers, meaning its perfect for first timers or previous participants. More of a class boffin than a class clown? We’ve compiled a little who’s-who, which will give you a great insight into what you can expect from the weekend, and quiet those nerves.
Gavin Smith, Creative Director of Business and Development for The Comedy Unit, will be teaching participants the tricks to writing a script. ‘How to Write a Comedy Script’ will cover everything from initial script ideas, to characterisation, joke structure, lay-out, presentation and even how to get your project in front of the right people.
Gavin joined the The Comedy Unit in 2004 and first worked with the creative team to win a number of commissions before going on to manage the development department and secure various comedy pilots and series from UK broadcasters. Gavin works as executive producer on numerous scripted projects and is currently overseeing 'Badults' series 2 for BBC Three. A writer himself, Gavin’s work can be heard on BBC Radio 4’s comedy series 'Mordrin McDonald: 21st Century Wizard.'
We also have the wonderful Alex Maher, a RADA trained actress who has since earned a reputation as a multi-role-player, taking a break from starring in her debut solo show 'Hope & Gloria' (Best Show, Funny Women Awards 2013), to run a workshop on ‘Developing Comedy Characters’.
Experienced in presenting numerous different characters in single productions, Alex will spend two hours relaying her speciality to workshop participants. Alex is inspired by the likes of Julia Davis, The League of Gentlemen and Julie Walters, and has played as many men on stage as she has women. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe saw her as a 9-year old child, an 87-year old Irish Gypsy, a yummy mummy, the Devil and most recently, in Hope & Gloria, as a damaged American Psychotherapist.
Those who attended the last Workshop Weekend will be interested too. Already au fait with writing comedy characters thanks to Funny Women Comedy Writing Award judge Hattie Naylor and her ‘Creating Characters’ workshop, Alex will show you how to physically perform the characters you created on paper.
Alex says that “transformation will be the focus. Through a range of techniques including improvisation and mime, the 'funny function' of character is explored. How far from ourselves can we play? And on the other hand, what elements of ourselves help build characters for comedy?”
Our Stand Up to Stand Out workshops are a staple of the Funny Women comedy curriculum, but this year we’re offering two levels, an introductory and an advanced, so we can really maximise what you take away from your session. Just as excitingly, we have a new face teaching it. Home from a successful run of her stand up routine ‘In Pursuit of Cool’ at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, 2012 Funny Women Awards Finalist and one of our Funny Women Players Lucy Fredrick will be sharing her stage expertise with you.
And finally, our very own founder Lynne Parker, will hand over her years of production knowledge in ‘How to Produce and Promote a Show’. With a whole array of transferrable skills to be learnt, you’ll see what needs to be done behind the scenes, and the practicalities of putting on a show from beginning to end. Perfect for those who want to produce their own show, get their feet into production or even wow their colleagues with a new take on business events.
But it’s not all work and no play, Saturday will close with a performance by the Funny Women Players and drinks reception and on Sunday we have a special guest appearance from Twisted Loaf, winners of the 2013 Funny Women Awards.
Join us. Our weekend of comedy schooling promises to be productive, supportive and fun.
P.E. kit optional.
The Funny Women Workshop Weekend is taking place 8th-9th February 2014 at The Union Club in Soho. You can book your place HERE!
Alternatively, you can become one of our new Funny Women BFFs and receive a 40% discount for a Workshop Weekend place.
Still think you’re too nervous to take part? Read some feedback from previous participants and see if you can’t be persuaded to be brave.
Pictured: Alex Maher
