WORKSHOPS
"Mike is really talented. I liked that he gave us room to explore our own creativity instead of “selling” his.
It was really productive." - Zoe
I design and lead writing workshops on things like:
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Stand Up Comedy,
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Creative Writing,
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and Narrative Script.
I use timed writing prompts, games, and chat to draw ideas out of you, conquer blockages, and promote understanding of how👏 to👏 express👏 yourself👏.
For curious (or constipated) creatives looking to add more structure, depth, and freshness to their writing,
or non-writers after a new experience where sideways thinking is highly encouraged.
People from all backgrounds enjoy and get something outta my workshops. Check the testimonials here.
See my workshops below, tell me your keen, and sign up for the mailing list.
STAND UP COMEDY WRITING
A WORKSHOP ABOUT EXPRESSING YOURSELF WITH JOKES
This workshop is about generating and developing distinct, personal, and impactful stand up material.
Learn how to get deep to get dumb, the value of weakness, and plunder Mike's
years of experience at the coal face of stand up comedy.
"Fantastic workshop - a lot of workshops leave me inspired but this one left me inspired AND gave me the tools to put that inspiration into practice." - Paggy
STAND UP SURGERY
A WORKSHOP ABOUT US WORKING ON YOUR STUFF
This is a sesh for stand ups of all levels to bring in jokes, ideas, premises, and bits that need beefing up, first aid, or honest feedback. Join Mike and a group of peers in a friendly, funny-focused environment where you can let your freak flag fly.
"This was an excellent workshop. Had open and honest feedback on my set from fellow comedians and Mike. So many techniques and improvements were discussed that I would never have considered. Highly recommend this workshop and Mike is highly knowledgeable." - Prakash
"Mike was very good at unpacking my clip and got me to focus on what or who am I on stage. My status, attitude and how I feel on stage." - Andy
COMEDY WRITING
A WORKSHOP ABOUT SUBVERTING REALITY
This workshop is an intensive writing party perfect for Stand-Up, Sitcom, Film, and Prose writers; or anyone who wants a fun boot camp in something new.
Take part in a mix of timed writing exercises and chats to unleash your funniness, weirdness, and authenticity.
This workshop goes under the hood with Stand Up, Narrative Script, and Creative Writing, and is structured around exploring the 4 key pillars of creating engaging, expressive, and unique comedy.
STORY & SCRIPT FROM SCRATCH
A WORKSHOP ABOUT STORY CRAFT
This workshop is about creating strong narrative. Invaluable for Sitcom, Film, Stand Up, or Prose - any situation
where you are telling a story.
You'll build a fresh story using timed writing exercises and discussion.
Throughout the process we examine all the vital ingredients for universally strong story craft.
Use structure to set your ideas free.
"""Mike is an articulate, caring and thoughtful teacher. Definitely recommend to any comic."
Louisa
"Great workshop . Explained strategies well. Good use of exercises to demonstrate points."
Meg
"Great class, changed my view about comedy, observation and myself. Very enjoyable and informative at same time. Can not believe how worth the money it is."
Lora
"Mike is really talented. I liked that he gave us room to explore our own creativity instead of “selling” his. It was really productive."
Zoe
"Thank you so much - the workshop was wonderful! I hope Mike comes back to do more!"
Giorgis
"I got several ideas while we were working together but the best part for me was realizing that I could actually use some help with it and that there are systems and tips, I don’t have to discover gravity when it comes to how to write more or better"
John
"Mike covers a wide range of comedy writing topics in an interesting and amusing way. The exercises set are challenging and excellent at generating material.
This workshop is useful both for those who haven't been on the comedy scene for long and those working the circuit."
Sian
“This is a great workshop full of useful insights for comedians at all levels.”
Ben
"I loved everything about it - very structured, organised, clear, fun, interactive and educational"
Lucy
"Fantastic workshop - a lot of workshops leave me inspired but this one left me inspired AND gave me the tools to put that inspiration into practice. Thank you, Mike!!!"
Paggy
"The class was really good, I really enjoyed it. There was a lot of exercises throughout and it was interesting, very little time just listening to the teacher . I found it very clear and anything I needed to know was answered well. Very good value."
Aideen
"It was a very easy discussion with helpful explanation, playing with ideas and picking apart our work in-class. It was fun, un-pressured and informative.
I felt I was learning, and un-learning a lot, in a friendly atmosphere, with others who were in the same position of learning as me. My efforts were imperfect but this was a safe and comfortable space for me to try ideas and learn from errors and successes with Mike’s guidance. A really useful and playful way to learn and I would recommend this class to anyone who is interested in the mechanics of writing simply and clearly."
Matt
"I found this extremely useful given I get scared of writing stories. I tend to get overwhelmed and can't decide on a plot or an ending. The exercises were super helpful. Interesting and illuminating."
Abla
I found the discussions of conflict and conflict resolution both internally and externally fascinating and certainly something that can be applied further to my current joke writing. Thank you Mike I really enjoyed it and you're clearly a very knowledgeable tutor.
Jack
"I loved the work shop, I was really pushed out of comfort zone to try something completely new. It wasn’t easy to start with but then I let my imagination run away with me and it was super liberating, I’d highly recommend it! 100% I used it literally the next day for a work situation."
Jess
"Mike's Story and Script from Scratch Workshop was a brilliant intro to the principles of script and story, delivered in a clear way with a lot of one-to-one interaction. The workshop allowed us to tap into Mike's extensive experience, and I know I'll be using what I learned in my stand-up and script writing. Great value and time exceptionally well spent."
Leslie
"The structure of the time was brilliant. Mike has a very warm and welcoming manner, is a clear communicator and highly skilled at teaching the craft of screenwriting/comedy writing."
Ania
"I felt engaged and liked that we had to think on the spot which is much harder to do when working on my own. We applied the principles to our stories straight away which is a great way to practice and understand better."
Marie
"Definitely for me it was very fun, and made me identify my problems and how they can be resolved."
Erifili
"I think it's really good, I really like it. Because I actually got a clear story in my mind. These exercises made me create that. I've never done anything like that before and now I actually have a story. Nice experience."
Alex
"I thought it was a really good tool, and I'm looking forward to applying it to some other stuff I want to work out. It's planting the seeds, and the driving mechanics. I wrote down quite a lot of your tips, which were very helpful. The lesson structure was really, really good."
Sami