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.
Classes will not be recorded. Beginners welcome!
RICH TALARICO SKETCH REEL
Taking an online class with Crossroads makes learning easy, flexible, and accessible. You can join from anywhere, skip the hassle of commuting, and still connect with a supportive community. Our writing classes in particular translate really well online. They're designed to be engaging and interactive, so even if you’re hesitant, you’ll find yourself participating, having fun, and gaining skills you can use right away. It’s a low pressure way to try something new while getting a great experience wherever you are based.
DAY & DATES: Mondays on 1/5, 1/12, and 1/19
TIME: 7:00pm - 10:00pm (Eastern Time)
CLASS LOCATION: Online via
Zoom. Students will need a stable internet connection and adequate microphone & webcam.
ENROLLMENT COST: $150
PAYMENT PLAN: Play now, Pay Later! Want to split your enrollment up into two or more payments? We can do that! Click the "
Pay With Payment Plan" box at checkout. We offer multiple payment plan options.
- 2 Payments: 50% now and 50% before class starts.
- 3 Payments: One payment now, one payment before class starts, and one payment 30 days after.
- 4 Payments: Four payments over six weeks.
Depending on when you enroll your payment plan options may be limited at checkout. Email us at
[email protected] to make a special payment plan request if you do not see the option you would like to use. Please note that payment plans include processing fees that are reflected in your totals.
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
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💳 PAYMENT OPTIONS
Want to split your tuition into smaller payments? We’ve got options! At checkout, select “Pay With Payment Plan” to see available plans, which may include splitting tuition into 3 or 4 smaller payments. Please note for Improv 1, all tuition must be paid by the first class. Please note: all payment plans may include processing fees.We may also be able to offer AfterPay by request. This option allows you to enroll and continue making payments during the course. Since AfterPay is arranged manually, please email
[email protected] before registering if you’d like to use it.
CLASS BUNDLE DISCOUNT
Taking two or more classes in the same session? You may be eligible for 15% off your total enrollment! This discount applies to the regular enrollment price of our core program classes in improv, comedy writing, musical improv, and stand-up. To use the discount, email
[email protected] with the classes you’d like to take, and we’ll send you an invoice. Invoices can also include a payment plan option, allowing you to split your enrollment into two or more installments.
REFER A FRIEND AND EARN A BONUS!Bring a friend along for the fun! If you refer someone to one of our intro classes, and they enroll, you’ll each receive a $25 Crossroads Comedy Theater gift card good toward future classes or shows. Intro classes are classes with a “1” in the title, such as Improv 1, Writing 1, Musical Improv 1, or Stand-Up 1. Once they enroll, email
[email protected] and CC the person you referred, or the person who referred you. We’ll issue the gift cards within a few days after the class begins.
CODE OF CONDUCTIt boils down to this: Treat people with respect. We do not tolerate hateful, discriminatory, or disruptive behavior. Behavior that is racist, misogynist, ableist, homophobic, transphobic, ageist, or any other unacceptable behavior not here mentioned will result in removal from the class. We strive to be inclusive of all experiences. We are always learning and aim to keep the class safe and respectful for everyone. The use of recreational drugs, illegal drugs, and/or alcohol is not permitted during class. The use of substances in class or the impact of prior usage exhibited in disruptive ways in class may result in your removal from class. For full details of this policy, please review the
FAQ on the Classes page.
REFUND POLICYAll Crossroads Comedy Theater class sales are final. Please review all class dates, performance dates, policies, etc before enrolling. For full details of this policy, please review the
FAQ on the Classes page.
CROSSROADS @ WORKImprov is not just for individuals. Organizations of all shapes and sizes partner with Crossroads to instill imperative business skills. Our customized applied improv workshops give you and your coworkers a chance to examine personal and group dynamics, focusing on practical skills like listening, sharing, leadership, being bold, conflict resolution, and working as a team. Our workshops are perfect for any group. Whether you are marketing professionals, sales teams, nonprofit volunteers, lawyers, c-level executives doctors, layers, doctorlawyers, lawoctors, nurses, athletes, circus clowns, and everything in between. Call us today and let us show you how we can help your team. Crossroads is also available to come to your for a one of a kind performance!
Check out our business improv page for more information.
PRIVATE PERFORMANCESCrossroads is now available to come to your organization or gathering for a special performance! Stand-up, improv, storytelling, or a mix of that and more are on the table for your event. Our most popular option makes you and your guests the star of the show! Three to five of your guests will tell stories that will inspire the hilarious scenes to follow. It's part tribute, part roast, and all in good fun. Imagine an anniversary party where people tell stories about the couple that are then used to create a hilarious, heart warming, and inspiring show just for you and your guests. That's the power of what we can do.
Check out our hire us page for more information.