Sitcom Writing - Beginners

About this course

The course examines how sitcoms organise stories, use audience expectations and create comedy through character choices, conflict, secrets and misunderstandings. Participants analyse clips and discuss classic and contemporary examples before developing their own sitcom concepts. Writing work focuses on central characters, antagonists, sitcom families, dialogue and storylines. Ideas and material are shared within a small group, with constructive teacher feedback supporting the development of believable characters and an individual comedic voice.

What you'll learn

• Analyse the structural features and comic devices used in successful sitcoms
• Develop central characters, antagonists and sitcom family dynamics
• Construct comic storylines using themes such as conflict, secrets and misunderstandings
• Apply character choices and comic archetypes to sitcom writing
• Write dialogue and material for original sitcom ideas

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for beginners with little or no experience writing sitcom scripts. A small-group, collaborative format involves discussing sitcom examples, sharing ideas and receiving feedback. Participants are expected to take part in writing activities and group discussion, and fluency in English is essential.

• Designed for learners new to sitcom scriptwriting
• Involves collaborative discussion and sharing work with fellow writers
• Requires fluency in English

Before you go

• Bring a pen and paper.
• Fluency in English is essential.
• Learners with special requirements should contact Student Services before the course.