This course introduces students to writing for the world of Late Night Television. Every talk show host has a unique voice and style. Work may include learning how to write opening monologues for The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel among others. Other subjects we will cover include understanding the difference between a sketch and a bit, how to structure a joke, and how to find material. Work will also involve writing sketches such as those on Saturday Night Live, Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifanakus, Inside Amy Schumer and we’ll examine the techniques of Upright Citizens Brigade. Students will learn how to go from idea, to building the sketch, to completing it. Writing assignments may include creating original on-going sketch characters, monologues for Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, writing Portlandia sketches and fake news items ala Weekend Update.