Peabody award winner and multi-Emmy nominated writer, Rich Talarico shares insights and writing techniques from his 20+ years in late night TV (SNL, MADtv, Key & Peele, The Tonight Show) and from having written five resident company shows for The Second City in Chicago. Students will learn how to write jokes, blackouts, how to brainstorm and pitch their ideas and how to outline a scene/story-structure. How to tell a story and how to come up with endings. Students will learn about some comic scene types. Class size is limited. PREREQUISITE: Sketch Writing 2 with Crossroads. If you do not meet this prerequisite, but have experience elsewhere, email classes@xroadscomedy.com to request an exception prior to enrolling.
DAY & DATES: Thursdays on 4/10, 4/17, and 4/24
TIME: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
CLASS LOCATION: Online via Zoom. Students will need a stable internet connection and adequate microphone & webcam.
ENROLLMENT COST: $299
PAYMENT PLAN: Play now, Pay Later! Want to split your enrollment up into two or more payments? We can do that! We offer two main options. Pay 50% now and 50% the before class begins or pay in four, equal payments over 6 weeks. Click the “Pay With Payment Plan” box at checkout. Depending on when you enroll your payment plan options may be limited at checkout. Email us at indyclasses@xroadscomedy.com to make a special payment plan request if you do not see the option you would like to use.
WHAT STUDENTS SAY ABOUT RICH
“Rich knows how to write sketches — that much is obvious. But it was clear that he loves helping people get better too. . . I have never had a sketch class that helps people so much with how to think about comedy. Don’t wait to find a better sketch class. It might not come along.”
— Tim Marks, The KC Improv Company and Co-Founder of Fountain City Sketch Company
“I seriously don’t think I’ve had the chance to absorb that much good content in a small amount of time ever… even in college!”
— Jessica Christopher, Writing Student
“I learned more about sketch writing in this class than any other class I’ve taken in the past.”
— Mirejah Cruz, Student
“Rich’s care for his craft and his students shines through.”
— Stefanie Jewett, Student, Atlanta, GA
ABOUT RICH TALARICO
RICH TALARICO is a Peabody® Award-winning writer/producer with four Emmy® and four WGA Award nominations, best known for his work on Key & Peele. Rich wrote K&P fave Substitute Teacher, (“…Ay-ay-Ron?”) which in 2024 was added to The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum Of American History. Rich wrote dozens of K&P faves: Racist Zombies, Karim and Jahar, Hatz, Teaching Center, Obama Greets, Black Ice, and and co-wrote many more.
Other TV credits include MADtv, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Saturday Night Live, and the critically-acclaimed, Review. An alum of Chicago’s Second City and Improv Olympic, Rich also provided punch-up work on Mean Girls and Get Out.
As an improviser, Rich teaches, coaches, and performs with long-form group Dasariski. As an actor, Rich appeared on screen on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, MADtv, the feature film High Fidelity, and in A&W Root Beer’s classic TV ad, “Mr. Dumass.” Talarico’s extensive experience in the comedy industry has made him a sought-after teacher, writer and consultant. Rich is currently teaching and performing stand up comedy around the US.
“Rich Talarico is one of the all time great Caucasian Improvisers.”
— Tina Fey
Crossroads Comedy Theater is a nonprofit company committed to providing people ways to explore their creativity, build valuable life and business skills, and have a “third place” that allows them to learn and have fun in a positive and supportive environment. We also believe those opportunities should be open to all people and that nothing should get in the way of people looking for the personal, life, and work benefits our classes can provide. Through our student aid program, pay what you can events, community partnerships, and other efforts, we strive to lower the barrier to entry so that all can enjoy the power and fun of arts education. For more info about our shows, classes, or corporate trainings visit xroadscomedyindy.com.
