MasterClass, the streaming platform that lets anyone learn from the world’s best in virtually any subject, announced today that Issa Rae will teach a class on creating outside the lines.
Throughout an inspiring series of lessons, the Emmy Award-nominated star, creator of HBO’s Insecure, provides members with the tools they need on their creative journey, from finding their voice to taking ideas to the next level. Rae’s course is now available exclusively on MasterClass, where subscribers have unlimited access to all 100+ instructors with an annual subscription.
“Issa is one of the most celebrated creators in recent history because of her authenticity and unflinching boldness in storytelling,” said David Rogier, founder and CEO of MasterClass.
“Her MasterClass, at its core, is about inspiring action and not being discouraged by roadblocks. Our members will walk away feeling motivated and ready to act on the ideas and stories brewing within them.”
In her MasterClass, Rae will empower members to stop waiting for the right opportunity to land at their feet and instead share their stories by collaborating, using available resources and finding the right platforms. Breaking down scenes from her series The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl and Insecure, Rae will teach members how to develop a pilot, build multidimensional characters and dialogue, and work with thorough feedback.
She’ll also share practical advice and exercises to help members shape their creative process, establish good writing habits and get started on their writing journey. With engaging, candid storytelling, Rae shares anecdotes of personal failures and past disappointments to help inspire and push members to pursue turning their vision into a reality.
“A lot of people enter the industry thinking their ideas have to be perfect and fit into a specific kind of box, but that’s never been part of my process,” Rae said. “In my MasterClass, I want to tell you everything that I’ve gone through, every mistake that I’ve made and everything that I’ve learned so far, so that you can do better than I did. If you have a desire to create, this class is for you.”
Rae’s career took off in 2011 when she launched the award-winning web series and New York Times bestselling book of the same name, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. The series first premiered on YouTube, where it received critical and commercial acclaim, winning a Shorty Award for Best Web Series in 2012.
The series laid a foundation of success for Rae to write and produce her own Emmy and Golden Globe award-nominated HBO series, Insecure. Working as co-creator with award-winning host and producer Larry Wilmore, Rae set out to make a series that examined “the complexities of ‘Blackness’ and the reality that you can’t escape being Black.” With its unique humour and authenticity, the show has been celebrated for its relatable and often-overlooked portrayals of the Black experience.
Rae has opened up new doors in the acting space, making her film debut with acclaimed drama The Hate U Give and Netflix’s romantic comedy Lovebirds, alongside Kumail Nanjiani. Her most recent appearance was in HBO’s political satire drama Coastal Elites. Outside of her screen credits, Rae has been recognised for her influence and impact as a Black creator and was named one of Time magazine’s most influential people in the world.
