President-pee-flecked Donald Trump is a gift to late-night writers everywhere. Even after the election results were in, 2016 remained a gilded age for irreverent political sketch comedy and Trump takedowns, from Kate McKinnon’s Hillary impressions to Samantha Bee’s sermons.
And if, like most late night comics and their writing teams, you spent last year furiously penning sketch ideas for the next four years (gleep), then chin up: NBCUniversal’s Late Night Writers Workshop is once again accepting applications for its writers program, and you (yes, you) can apply to the class of 2017!
The workshop website is “a multi-day program focused on exposing talented sketch and comedy writers to NBCUniversal’s late night & alternative line-up and readying them for a staff writer position.” In other words, kids, this workshop could be your way into a permanent gig being insulted by Sean Spicer and asked to publicly apologize for your jokes! The deadline is Sunday (Jan. 15) so get on it!
__________
NBC isn’t exactly helping the cause against Trump, but at least they’re giving you a shot to get famous enough to do it.
In order to apply to the workshop, you’ll need a resumé, and a sketch packet consisting of topical monologue jokes, desk bits and a couple SNL-style sketches. There are also a few personal essay questions, so get ready to talk about your unique comedic perspective, whose humor you think is underrated and why, and the title of your autobiography (finally, all those times you joked about that can now be put to use).
The program is seeking “writers who are almost there,” so if you’re real green to the comedy scene then you might want to build up your portfolio for another year. Female writers and writers of color are encouraged to apply.
Whatever your background or experience, it’s worth checking out NBCUniversal’s uber-helpful Facebook page, where they tend to post tips about sketch packet submissions and what will stand out to the Powers That Be.
Submissions will be accepted until Sunday, Jan. 15 at 11:59pm. Apply online today, and write for Tonight!