Former SNL writer is back in Chapel Hill to share his comedy expertise

UNC graduate, comedian and former Saturday Night Live writer Ali Farahnakian is back in Chapel Hill. On Oct. 9, Farahnakian will lead a workshop at The People's Improv Theater on what it takes to become an SNL writer. 

The workshop will include a Q&A session and an opportunity for people to pitch their sketch ideas to Farahnakian. 

“I’d love to be able to help demystify for folks what it takes to write for SNL,” Farahnakian said. 

Farahnakian is also the founder of the PIT. He recently returned to Chapel Hill to open the new location on West Franklin Street. The PIT entered the space after allegations of sexual misconduct led to the closing of Dirty South Improv Comedy in 2017. 

Farahnakian said it means a lot to him to be back. He grew up just outside of Winston-Salem and attended UNC. He said his long-time association with the area is what drew him to open a location here.

“I love the area — I feel blessed that I get to be a part of one of the greatest small towns and the oldest public university in the country,” Farahnakian said. 

In addition to events like the Q&A, the PIT offers classes in stand-up, improv and sketch writing. 

Will Purpura, general manager and artistic director of the PIT, said anyone can get something out of their classes.

“I think it’s great for anybody who has an interest in comedy or also just someone who’d like to get out of their comfort zone, do something a little silly, a little fun,” Purpura said

Purpura encouraged students to take advantage of the PIT.

“Any of the classes would be great for UNC students,” he said. “We’d love as many as possible. I think they’d get a big kick out of it.”

Loula Love, a Chapel Hill resident, has taken multiple classes at the PIT. She recently attended an improv class and is currently taking a five-week stand up class with Purpura. 

“He’s really good at helping you figure out how to write and rewrite and flesh out your jokes,” Love said. “It’s much more of an art form than I realized.” 

Love said before her classes at the PIT, she wasn’t really involved in comedy. Now she does open mics around Chapel Hill and recently participated in her first stand up show. Love also plans to attend the Q&A with Farahnakian. She said she wants to see how Farahnakian presents himself and pitch her skit ideas. 

“It goes all the way back to my childhood when I would come home from school and watch Saturday Night Live,” she said. 

Farahnakian had a similar introduction to comedy. 

“I loved watching SNL growing up,” he said. “It felt like comfort food to me.” 

After graduating from UNC, Farahnakian moved to Chicago to begin his comedy career. He’s worked with comedians such as Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch, Matt Besser and many others. 

Purpura said Farahnakian has a lot of great advice to share with anyone interested in comedy. 

“It’s a great opportunity for people to know about one of the great comedic sketch shows,” Purpura said. 

arts@dailytarheel.com