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Sketch 101 — Sketch Comedy Writing

Sundays 3:15-6:15pm starting Apr 13, 2008
Cost: $325

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.

No Class May 25th.

Eric Scott

scott, eric
ERIC SCOTT is a performer and writer at the UCB Theatre. He has studied improv under Sean Conroy, Michael Delaney, Billy Merritt, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts, and many others. Eric is a member of the UCBT team, Reuben Williams, and can be seen every Saturday night at 10:30 in their show, "As Seen On TV." He can also be seen every Thursday in CageMatch, which he has co-hosted for the past 4 years. Other UCBT shows include: "Bored Silly," "UCBW" (as ringside announcer T.T. Billingsworth), "The Dark Side of the Moon" show, "Jackpot!," and "Retraced." He is currently a writer for FOX's "Viva Piñata," and is head writer for MTV's new series "Anton & Crapbag." Past writing credits include: E! Network's "Starveillance," Comedy Central's "Window Seat," and MTV's "Nick Cannon Presents: Short Circuitz."

Student Feedback

"Eric's one of the best teachers I've had for anything, ever. He makes everyone feel comfortable and supported instantly and his comments are critical without being discouraging."

"Eric was very informative and positively reinforced us during our scene work. He has a great attitude and was great to work with."

"Improv has always intimidated me. Eric provided a comfortable atmosphere to explore and grow. Clear, direct, and supportive. Excellent teacher!"