Intro to Sketch Writing Course

Course Description: Introduction to Sketch Writing

This course is for those who are interested in learning the art and craft of sketch comedy writing for television and stage. You will learn how to write various types of sketches, develop memorable characters, collaborate with others and revise your work. Through lectures on fundamental concepts and scene structure, writing exercises and assignments and constructive criticism from fellow classmates, you will be encouraged to produce writing that is unique, inspired and funny. Basic improvisation exercises will also be utilized by the students as a fun, creative tool to brainstorm and develop sketch ideas. Ultimately, the course will help you discover what is unique about your own sense of humor and creativity, and you will cultivate a deeper appreciation for comedy. The class also touches upon how to produce and promote your own sketch comedy show.

No prior writing experience is required to take this course. Handouts, publicity materials and a recommended reading list are included.

Note: This course (Sketch Comedy Writing II) is a continuation of Sketch Comedy Writing I, building on the principals of discovering your comedic voice, collaborating with other writers and revising your work. You will learn how to write character monologues, satires, cultivate funny patterns and deal with writer's block. Basic improvisation exercises will also be introduced as a creative tool to brainstorm and develop sketch ideas. The class also teaches you how to produce and promote your own sketch comedy show. Handouts and publicity materials are included.

Instructor: Jason Grossman has been performing as an actor/improviser/comedian for 10 years in such Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway shows as "It's a Wonderful (One Man Show) Life!", "The Overdevelopment of Scott", "Bride of Frankenstein: An Experiment In Intimacy", "Heaven", "Belle View Serial" (a long running live soap opera) and "Next to Nothing". He was a founding member of the sketch/improv groups Big Oily Brains, Crispen Tickle, Euphobia, Evil Twin and Parts & Labor. He has taught and directed improvisational acting to students of all ages in Improv Central. He has been an active member of the Loos Scrooz improvisational group and over the past 7 years he has starred in and hosted hundreds of improvisation shows and workshops at colleges, schools and camps throughout the Northeast. He currently directs and hosts the "Funny Sheesh Comedy Game Show" and they have performed in well over 100 shows over the past 3 years throughout New York City. Reviews for the performances by various members of the media has been outstanding. Since 1995, he has studied improvisational acting extensively with Chicago City Limits, Improv Central and Upright Citizen's Brigade. He is also the founder and artistic director of "Funny... Sheesh Alternative Variety Series" (a venue for non-commercial, alternative performance comedy, dance, music and theat.re)