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Fall 2026

The Power of Punchlines: Stand-Up Comedy for Change

In this Journey, mentors and mentees will explore the power of comedy as a tool for social change, with a special focus on stand-up comedy. From climate change and economic inequality to LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and mental health, participants will learn how to write and perform material that blends humor with meaningful social critique. Comedy is a form of intelligence—whether you’re new to comedy or a seasoned performer, this Journey will help you use humor as a force for social impact.

Fall 2026 Pre-Enrollment Is Open!

Express your interest in this Journey by filling out the form below.

You may also sign up for Mentorship on Demand at any time.

 

Pre-Enroll in a Fall 2026 Journey Explore Mentorship on Demand

Learning Objectives

Develop Comedy Writing and Performance

Learn to write and perform socially impactful material using six core joke structures.

Critique and Workshop Comedic Works

Engage in peer review and feedback sessions to refine comedic material, focusing on its effectiveness in conveying social messages.

Understand the Role of Comedy in Social Change

Study how comedians use comedy to critique social issues and develop your own comedic voice around the issues that matter to you.

Produce a Final Comedy Project with a Social Message

Create a final comedic piece (stand-up routine) that addresses a specific social issue, incorporating the techniques and insights learned throughout the journey.

Journey Teaching Artist

Hollie Harper

Hollie Harper is a South Jersey comedy nerd/writer/actress/content creator. In 2021 she created and co-exec-produced Hella Late! with Hollie Harper on BRIC TV for which she was nominated for best actress at the 2021 NYC Web Fest. She’s a board member of Standup Girls where she teaches standup and sketch comedy and also teaches both for Gold Comedy. She was also a recent semi-finalist in the NBC Standup Competition.

Hollie is a creative consultant for the Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest and The Lake Placid Film Festival and has been featured on NY1, Black Enterprise Magazine, Black SD Magazine, Thrive Global, Confessional Magazine and was profiled on the nationally recognized Motherly podcast.

This past summer she won Best Actress at the Act One, One Act Festival, and her live, sold-out comedy show F.D.K with Emily Flake was selected for this year’s New York Comedy Festival.

This summer marks Holly’s 5th cycle teaching with Girls Write Now, and she’s loving it!

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Hollie Harper

All Journeys within the Lead 360 Adventure emphasize leadership, aiming to help mentees and mentors develop their leadership skills and work together to create a better future. Learn more about the other Adventures offered at Girls Write Now below.

The Power of Punchlines is a Journey in the Performance 360 and Lead 360 Adventures.

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From Page to Production: Screenwriting for Short Films (Part 1) (Fall 2026)

This two-cycle Journey guides participants from crafting a short film script to bringing it to life on screen. In the first cycle, mentors and mentees focus on developing compelling stories, dynamic characters, and engaging dialogue, learning the essentials of screenwriting for short films. In the second cycle, participants move from script to screen, exploring the practical aspects of video production, including planning, collaboration, and bringing their creative vision to life. By the end of the journey, mentees will have both a polished script and hands-on experience in producing their own short film.

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Life Lines: Crafting Memoir and Nonfiction (Paid Adult Version) (Fall 2026)

In this three-cycle Journey, writers will get the support and expert industry insight they need to write their memoir. In the first three-month cycle, participants will outline, structure their book, and begin their first drafts; in the second three-month cycle, participants will write and workshop their drafts; and in the third cycle, participants will finish their drafts and write their book proposals.

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