This class is limited to 10 students.

In this 7 session class, students will learn comedy pilot basics like pilot structure, character and story development, writers room skills like pitching, punch-ups, screenplay software and formatting. Students are not allowed to bring in old projects, but come to class “blank slate,” where each writer will create new characters and worlds culminating in a final read through of samples from each writers' pilots created during the class. 

Seven class sessions over 7 weeks. The writers room vibes will be elevated by participation from James Livingston, Hollywood script coordinator who will act as writers assistant to the class. Class will be led by Peabody Award winning and 4x Emmy nominated writer and producer, Rich Talarico (Key & Peele, SNL, Tonight Show, MADtv and Review).

7-Week Class: Thursdays, 7:00PM - 10:00 PM EST, September 10th - October 22nd , 2026

• Class may end between 9:30 - 10:00 PM depending on the number of enrollments.

This class is virtual. More information will be provided in your welcome email.

Notes:

• Only sign up if you are able to make all classes. There are no makeup classes.

• This class does not end in a class show.

Teacher: Rich Talarico

Bio:

Rich is an actor, comedian, improviser and established writer/producer best known for his work on Comedy Central’s 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 MADtv, The Tonight Show w. Jay Leno, Saturday Night Live, and the critically acclaimed, Review. Rich took his first improv class from Stephen Colbert at Chicago’s Second City. Rich went on to tour with Second City's National Touring Company and later co-created five original sketch comedy revues with Second City's Etc., and Main Stage Companies. While in Chicago, Rich was a performer and teacher at Improv Olympic (Now iO) under the direction of Charna Halpern and the late, Del Close.

As an actor, Rich 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

Testimonials:

“Rich's work on "Key & Peele" is nothing short of legendary.”
— Jordan Peele

“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”

If this class is sold out, sign-up for the wait list here.