Writing the Dramedy meets:

WEDNESDAYS 6PM-9PM
8 WEEKS
July 29, Aug 5, 12, 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 16
Instructor: Charity L. Miller
Price: $350

As the lines between television comedy and drama increasingly become blurred to accommodate the evolving tastes of sophisticated audiences, a new television genre: the “dramedy” has emerged. Popular shows such as ATLANTA, INSECURE, FLEABAG, JANE THE VIRGIN, CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND, YOU’RE THE WORST, SHAMELESS, and LOVE are rewriting the stagnant rules of television. Thanks to this new breed of TV and its unique formatting and quirks…dramedy has taken off and set itself apart from its single-genre contemporaries.

In this writing course, you will learn the intricacies of this new TV hybrid and work to complete a first draft of an original half-hour pilot. The class will use traditional elements of half-hour comedy (characterization, physicality, limited locations) along with dramatic elements (emotional arcs, serialized storytelling, and dark themes) to craft students’ writing. After brief lessons and lecture, the class will present homework and use a traditional writers’ room approach. You will receive feedback and pitches, take notes, and listen to your work being read aloud by/from others. At the end of 8 weeks, the course will help you craft a novel, hybrid script that is zero parts generic sitcom or cliched dramatic components.

Charity L. Miller is a multiple Emmy-nominated writer/director/producer of crap no one really cares about. Originally from everywhere-the-US-Army-stationed-her-parents, she now calls LA home. She’s improvised in Netflix’s Between Two Ferns the Movie (only one line). Sold shows to Disney (the Mickey Mouse one). And developed original programming for Imagine Entertainment (you know, like Ron Howard and Brian Grazer). She’s a working kids’ and family television writer (Raven’s Home, Family Reunion, Made by Maddie, Karma’s World, Bird and Squirrel, etc.). She also gets paid to write for awards shows (with like, celebrities and stuff). Theatre-wise, Charity’s written several critically-lauded sketch reviews (UCB’s Jesus Was Ashy, UCB Maude Team: The New Deal, iO West’s Period Panties, and Second City Hollywood’s THIS IS NOT A TAN!); but also wrote, produced, and/or directed other less-lauded stuff (like UCB’s Token, iO West’s Jet Jaguar, and 487 Second City Hollywood Premium Shows). In addition to all that other mess, she’s directed Maude Night (UCB’s house sketch teams) and directed and written for Legitimate Goddamn Theatre, and tons of other UCB main-stage shows. Her comedy training (The Ruby LA, Upright Citizens Brigade, Nerdist School, iO West, Second City Hollywood), master’s degree (FSU, KSU), and Shea-buttered Neo-soul leanings (Women’s Center for Creative Work) directly clash with her family’s southern roots, advanced knowledge of hashtags, and fixation on baby animals. She’s taught hundreds of workshops (Cartoon Network, Black Women Animate, Kickstand Comedy, etc.) and college and university-level writing classes (as a thankless adjunct professor). Charity’s been a finalist/official selection/winner of stand-up competitions (California’s Funniest Female), writing contests (like all of them), and short film competitions (SXSW). She was one of the surviving writers in the 2016 CBS Diversity Showcase (back when it was evil). In addition to sleeping, Charity co-hosts the dope AF stand-up show: Headscarves and Du-rags (HD Comedy) at The Ruby LA every month and performs with her improv troupe The Cabal every week.

Our classrooms are ADA compliant.

WEDNESDAYS 6PM-9PM
8 WEEKS
July 29, Aug 5, 12, 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 16
Instructor: Charity L. Miller
Price: $350

THIS CLASS MEETS ONLINE. BEFORE YOUR CLASS BEGINS, WE WILL SEND YOU INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO LOG INTO OUR ONLINE CLASSROOM.

Refund Policy

• The Ruby LA has a no-refund policy on all classes and shows. If we need to cancel or re-schedule a class for any reason, you are entitled to take that class or classes equal to the admission price of that class. You may use your class credit for up to two years, after which time it expires.
• The Ruby LA reserves the right to replace a course instructor, without notice, and at any time, with another equally qualified course instructor.
• The Ruby LA also reserves the right to postpone or cancel a course if an emergency or unforeseen conflict arises. In the event of a complete cancellation, students’ tuition will be refunded or credited. Any fees incurred by students for travel, lodging, etc. will not be reimbursed by the Ruby LA.
• Speech to text or ASL interpreter available upon request.