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Sketch Comedy Writing

Virtual Class

There's nothing quite like getting laughs from a reading of your own comedy sketch, but getting your words to that point can be a challenge. In this course, students will learn and practice the classic game structure of sketch comedy writing in a fun and supportive environment.

This class will break down a variety of sketch types from troupes including SNL, Key and Peele, Mr. Show and Monty Python to discover what makes these sketches 'funny.' Students will then utilize these techniques to write and develop their own sketches both in and out of class and develop confidence in their own unique sense of humor. Topics covered will include: trimming the exposition, clarifying the game, strengthening the voice of reason and finding the blow.

sketch comedy writing teacher performance

This class is designed for all levels of aspiring sketch comedy writers, from the novice just starting out to the experienced sketch writer seeking facilitated group feedback. Each student will end the class with a wide variety of written, ready-to-produce comedy sketches and the skills to keep on writing.

The class will follow a writers' room format, with facilitated group pitch sessions ensuring positive feedback in an encouraging and often hilarious environment. Students will also work in small groups for focused editing and individual feedback.

CLASS DETAILS

  • 7 sessions via Zoom

  • Maximum number of students: 15

  • Students should be proficient in Google Docs, Google Drive and Zoom

  • Students should plan to spend 1-2 hours per week writing outside of class.

  • 18 years of age and older

  • Classes are non-refundable

  • “I’ve taken several sketch comedy, improv, and satire writing classes across multiple cities, and far and away Don’s class was the very best. He made everyone in class feel included and helped all of us find the strong and weak points in our own writing. What’s more, he made class an incredibly fun environment. I’d look forward to it every week and was really sorry to see it come to an end. I recommend his training in the strongest possible terms!”

    Steve Rabin, Research And Insights Manager, Google News

  • “Don set up a collaborative environment where everyone was supportive and eager to help each other. I also appreciated his ability to focus on the individual writers, finding our strengths and helping us bring our unique voices and ideas to life. I definitely recommend taking a class or training from Don if you have the chance.”

    Tyler Dawson, Software Engineer, Google

  • “Having taken a fair number of comedy classes, I can say with certainty many teachers and most curriculums suck - but not Don. He treats every one of his students with respect, recognizes each of their unique gifts, and gives them the tools they need to succeed. His curriculums are easy to understand and break down large, intimidating concepts into simple, basic principles. I wholeheartedly recommend him!”

    Vishal Kal, Software Engineer, Google

  • “Don is a terrific teacher! The group reading and pitching process greatly helped me improve my writing and generate new ideas. He proactively built an inclusive creative environment which was very encouraging for me as a beginner. Highly recommended!”

    Apoorva Sharma, Global Product Lead, Youtube/Video

  • “Sketch writing with Don is fantastic. Don helped me dive deep into my subconscious to figure out my brand of humor. Don also helped crisp up my sketches and introduced some really effective ideation methods. Overall, this has been the most valuable sketch experience I’ve had to date.”

    Ed Li, Software Engineer, Google