Working with Comedy

The IAA June workshop will focus on elements of comedy.

We will cover:

*Timing

*Not being funny is the key to funny

*Comedic structure

*Comedic Improv

*Precision

*Recovering and staying in the scene

One of the most difficult genres is comedy. It is often said if you can do comedy you can do anything. We will discuss what makes comedy work and how precision, timing, and belief contribute to what's funny. We will also site examples in past pop culture and look at some of the work of comic greats.

*Workshop tuition is non-refundable. If a student's scheduling issue arises, credit will be held for a future workshop for a period of 90 days*

**If weather is an issue this workshop will be rescheduled to the following week**

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Over the last 35 years, Jim Dougherty has worked on over 60 films in capacities ranging from actor to post production and has also performed in over 300 theatrical productions. 

Jim is the chief instructor at both the Southeast Actors Academy and Indy Actors Academy where he approaches the craft much like the blended martial arts, incorporating a variety of techniques and philosophies creating his own unique approach to the craft and helping the student discover what works most effectively for them to develop their role and serve the story.

Jim studied theatre and film at Indiana University and later went on to pursue the craft in Chicago where he worked for Victory Gardens and Body Politic Theatres. While living in Chicago, Jim trained as a stuntman under John Hicks Pearce and became the assistant coordinator for The Chicago Stunt Team.

Jim has directed over a dozen short films which have screened on the festival circuit, and has served as the 1st Assistant Director on multiple features with notable Hollywood talent, and has shared the screen with names such as Margo Martindale, Gil Bellows, Clint Howard, Lew Temple, Marc Menchaca and Kevin Spacey.

His most recent screen work includes appearances on Doom Patrol, ABC's Kevin (probably) Saves the World, FOX's The Gifted, Netflix's House of Cards and Ozark, NBC's Chicago PD, CBS' The Inspectors, and the NatGeo film Killing Reagan.

Jim's diversified background, both on camera and in production and post-production, has contributed to his teaching and the development of his student's skill and awareness of both production and post-production needs.