Comedy is about bringing joy to its audiences, but comedy is at its core a very subjective and intensely personal art form—which makes film the perfect medium to explore the topic! In this course we’ll use narrative film to pull back the curtain on comedy. We’ll explore the factors that contribute to a comedian’s perspective and development as an artist, and explore some of the hurdles comedians face, including failure, personal trauma, and obsession. The films we’ll consider are not “ha ha” comedies but stories that showcase a variety of comedic genres and points of view. Through these films, we’ll explore a range of comedic eras and styles.
(For a list of specific titles that will be featured in the course, please email education@moviemadness.org with “comedy class titles” in the subject line.)
Movies will be screened at the Movie Madness Miniplex, followed by an instructor-led discussion. Classes will begin on March 10 and be held Thursdays in March at 7:00pm. Proof of vaccination and masks are required for all students and instructors.
Tuition is $75 for the four-week class, $60 for members. Class size will be limited to 18.
This class will be taught by Dylan Reiff, an improviser, writer/performer, and co-founder/artistic director of the nonprofit theater Kickstand Comedy. Reiff spent years working with the Sundance Film Festival as a film programming assistant and later as the associate press manager; he has also designed immersive experiences for Fantastic Fest, the Stanley Film Festival, and Overlook Film Festival.