An Introduction to Sketch Writing!

About the Class: Learn the fundamentals of comedy sketch writing in this fun, highly practical Sketch 101 class. Taught by LIP co-founder Bill Dewan, you will generate your own funny premises, build vivid characters and scenes, and leave with original sketches. Discover a toolkit of repeatable techniques you can use for live shows, digital content, or just making your friends laugh.

Topics Covered:

Basic Comedy & Theater Concepts

Script Construction & Formatting

Brainstorming

Lists & Clustering

7 Word Stories

Monologues & Blackout Scenes

Story Structure

Improv or writing background is preferred, but the first class will be an “Improv 010” refresher session that is part of the course.

Some notes: Each class session is two hours. YOU WILL HAVE TWO TO FIVE HOURS OF WEEKLY HOMEWORK. This class will be a “no-AI zone.” Using it would defeat the purpose of signing up. The class will end with a table read of our work. This is the first in a series of three LIP sketch courses.

This class will be a hybrid styled class! Most of the sessions will be online. The first session will be in person at a location to be determined (you will be notified via email) and the final sessions will be in person as well.

Students must be 18 or older for this class!

This Class will run Tuesdays from 7pm-9pm on the following dates: 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, Off 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, and 11/3. This class has a class show on Sunday 11/8 at 3pm!

To qualify for the class show you must:

Adhere to the Lancaster Improv Players' Code of Conduct.

Attend at least six of the eight sessions (ideally all eight).

Ticket sale ends at noon on Saturday 9/5!

About the Teacher: Bill Dewan is a freelance writer, nonprofit storyteller and a founding member of Lancaster Improv Players. Bill has performed improv at the NYC Improv Fest, the Baltimore Improv Festival, the SteelStacks Improv Festival, and in bustling cities like Atlanta, New Orleans, Philadelphia and just outside of Ephrata. Bill has studied improv at Upright Citizens Brigade and sketch writing at Second City. Bill has started many uncompleted novels.

Scholarships: Some scholarships are available to partially or fully cover the cost of the stated class fee. For additional information, please reach out to finance@lancasterimprovplayers.org with your request at least a week prior to the start date of the class.

Refund Policy: We will not refund any orders after the start of the first session.

Parking: We will provide parking instructions and recommendations for any in person sessions via email! In Lancaster city the streets are not metered after 6pm.

Description supplied by the event organiser.