Sketch Comedy Workshop Series

About the Class: This is a five-week in person class that will lead you through the basics of writing “sketch” comedy (a form similar in style to what you would see on SNL, Key & Peele, or Kids in the Hall). Over the course of the class you will gain a greater understanding of the elements of a sketch, types of sketches, and how to use various comedic devices to get a laugh. By the end of the class you will have written a handful of sketches focused on well-rounded characters and strong premises. You will also learn the re-writing process and how to refine your ideas. This class focuses primarily on writing for the stage in a live performance situation, but the concepts cover will translate well to video shorts as well. The class will culminate workshop showcase consisting of staged readings of selected sketches from this class as well as from students who completed the online only version of the class when in person meetings were not possible. (Since this is a writing specific workshop you are encouraged to perform in this workshop but not required. Local performers will be recruited for the reading by the instructor. Anyone wishing to perform will need to attend one rehearsal/short performance workshop before the showcase)

Class Format: This is a writing intensive workshop and most “assignments” will be completed between scheduled class times. The in-person sessions will focus primarily on writing exercises, sketch review, lectures, and group discussions. You’ll see the most growth from this class by completing all assignments and writing exercises.

About the Instructor: A.J. Schraeder is a writer and performer living in Greensboro, North Carolina. He has been performing sketch comedy in a professional capacity for over a decade. His groups have toured colleges all over United States and been invited to perform at Comedy Festivals across North America including SF Sketchfest, Toronto Sketchfest, The NC Comedy Festival and dozens of others where they have received critical acclaim and awards such as “The Best in Fest” at the 2019 Atlanta Sketchfest. In the commercial world he has sold scripts and concepts to major brands such as Lego, Anheuser-Busch and Doritos.

Host or Publisher The Idiot Box Comedy Club