Come get freaky at the BCC and learn the art of sketch & character comedy.

SKETCH

In this class you will learn how to take the basic fundamentals of improv and work with it to generate scenes, sketches, and characters that you can take and continue to shape. Starting with the core principles of good improv; yes, and, comedic game, and world-building (who, what, where), and combining that with a basic formula for sketch writing, you will be able to start from any base or premise and lead to a functioning scene on the spot.

full-length CLASSES

All classes end in a class show for the public.

This class is for anyone interested in learning the process of writing sketch comedy. Throughout the seven-week course, we will discuss, practice, and polish scenes that will culminate in a staged show. Each week will focus on one specific part of the sketch comedy world. These include creating through improv, finding the “game” of a sketch, writing characters, and more! Why do we love certain sketches? How does one go about writing a character? How do we create something from a blank page? Questions like these will be explored in a positive, low stakes/high fun environment. There is no magic key to unlocking great sketch comedy, but this introductory class will help beginning writers find some doors and start knocking.

Build on the skills in Level 1 by learning how to write a sketch revue as an ensemble with a director. This is a process-driven experience, learning through the act of doing the thang by cranking out material on Day 1 and refining it over the course into a fully-realized thematic sketch show. We’ll create game and character-based comedy through improv, pitching, writing, rewriting, adding in technical/musical/digital elements, strengthening performance technique, and highlighting each performer's unique voice and role in the ensemble. This class requires being on-time, present for all classes and ready to do the homework expected for a professional show revue. The final show will debut with two performances on the MainStage at Eris.

Prerequisite: Completion of BCC Sketch 1 or equivalent experience.

Crafting Characters is the workshop for any comedian looking to hone their comedic character skills. Want to create a set for an SNL or JFL audition? Working on a solo show? Wanna post your character videos on TikTok and the rest? This workshop will teach you the skills needed to make your characters pop for both live performance and filmed content.

TESTIMONIALS

“I learned how to analyze, write, and produce a sketch. How to heighten scenarios and create a button to end scenes. The different type of sketches. How to cast a role and develop it. How to put on a class show. I was blown away by how much I learned, more than I expected.”

“My instructor did an excellent job teaching the structure and rhythm of sketch and preparing us for our show!”

“My instructor was awesome at offering feedback and giving structure to sketches as we were writing + rewriting. I really enjoyed the energy of the table reads and writers room style feedback.”