This course is an introduction to the UCB philosophy on sketch comedy, specifically using “the game” to write short comedic scenes. Each week students will engage in writing exercises that will explore different sketch formats. Students will be exposed to different methods for turning funny ideas into even funnier written sketches. Students will leave the class with an understanding of popular sketch formats and a portfolio of writing.

No prior sketch writing experience is necessary – the only requirement for this class is a desire to write and learn. Students should be prepared to work each week outside of class, preparing sketches for presentation in class. Students will be required to see two live sketch shows before the end of the course.

Class Size: 12 Students

Sketch 101 - Introduction to Sketch Comedy Writing

This class is your buffet-style introduction to UCB sketch comedy. Each week our writing exercises will explore a different sketch form – from one-joke blackouts to smart satire to character monologues. You will workshop a variety of basic scene setups and develop these different methods of turning your funny ideas into even funnier sketches. Students will leave the class with a knowledge (and portfolio) of a handful of the most popular sketch forms.

No prior sketch writing experience is necessary – the only requirement for this class is a desire to write and learn.

Maximum class size is 12.

Donald Glover