This course teaches you how to create an airtight story and outline--the critical first step in writing a strong half-hour comedy script of an existing series and a process that makes writing your script much easier, faster and more successful. You begin by learning how to pinpoint what makes any half-hour comedy show tick, studying the appeal and quirkiness of the main characters and identifying the unique spin shows put on their stories. You then focus on your own script for a current show, finding the story and identifying the comedy in it, learning how to pitch it and creating a workable outline from which to write. Instruction also covers the "need to know" business aspects of the half-hour show, such as the current use of spec scripts to get jobs and the basics of how a comedy writer works on staff, how freelance writers move onto staff, how a writing staff is structured and how writers work collaboratively "in the room." All student projects must focus on current shows from a list provided by the instructor; no pilots.
Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.
This course meets in person at the designated class meeting time and location. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.
Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from July 28, 2025 to October 05, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.
This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.
Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from July 28, 2025 to October 05, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.
This course meets in person at the designated class meeting time and location. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.
Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from November 03, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Sat Jan 10, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Sat Jan 17, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Sat Jan 24, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Sat Jan 31, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Sat Feb 7, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Sat Feb 14, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Sat Feb 21, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Sat Feb 28, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Sat Mar 7, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Sat Mar 14, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Future Offering (Opens November 03, 2025 12:00:00 AM)
Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.
This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.
Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from November 03, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
This course applies towards the following certificates & specializations…
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