“Rich Talarico is one of the all time great Caucasian Improvisers.”
— Tina Fey
Rich 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 Second City in Chicago.
Students will learn an introduction to Stand-Up Comedy, including the History, styles, and famous comedians; understanding joke writing and comedic timing and delivery; writing exercises to help students discover their unique comic perspectives; organizing material, getting orders; and brainstorming to generate material. Weekly feedback will be provided by Rich, leading to the final class for polishing, stage presence, body language, and delivery. The aim of the course is to guide students in developing their own five-minute stand-up comedy sets. By the end of the course, students will have the skills and confidence to perform their material in front of an audience.
After the course concludes, Reflex will provide stage time during a Stand-Up show or during improv performances for students to present their set live in front of an audience if they desire.
Rich Talarico is a Peabody® Award winner who boasts four Emmy® nominations, as well as four Writers Guild Award noms. Rich is a distinguished writer/producer known for his significant contributions to Key & Peele. Rich wrote K&P favorites Substitute Teacher, Racist Zombies, Karim and Jahar, Hatz, Teaching Center, Obama Greets, Black Ice and many more. Rich wrote and produced on some of the biggest comedy shows in late-night; MADtv, The Tonight Show w. Jay Leno, Saturday Night Live, and the critically acclaimed, Review. Rich is an alum of Chicago’s Second City and has appeared in featured roles on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, MADtv, the feature film High Fidelity and 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. — more at richtalarico.com
“As a teacher, Rich Talarico brings Lakers legendary coach Phil Jackson to mind. A cerebral educator who brings out the best in people.”
— Keith “Lucky” Lehrer original drummer of “Circle Jerks”
“Rich is the embodiment of good improv: positive, giving, and genuine.”
— Colin Thornton – co-founder, Improv Cincinnati
“Rich’s workshop is considered a ‘must take’ at any festival he attends.”
— Chris Moody – Producer, Detroit Improv Festival
“Rich shows you how small gifts build to deep, wonderful characters and scenes.”
— Cean Okada, Student
“Rich’s class left me feeling confident and having many tools at my disposal to instantly create stronger scenes. The surprising thing is how simple these ideas are.”
— Steve Halasz, Student
“Rich loves to teach, but also wants to learn from his students. His passion and respect for improv as an ever-evolving art form is infectious. Also, he’s a shitload of fun.”
— Amy Rhodes, Student
“Since his workshop, I’ve been happily stealing Rich’s exercises and have seen such a huge difference with our students. I’m forever grateful for this class and can’t wait to work with Rich again in the future.”
— Kevin Shimko, Artistic Director of the Comedy Arts Theater of Charlotte (CATCh)
© Reflex Improv 2023