No prior improv or sketch comedy experience required!
Our Sketch Comedy Writing curriculum launched in late 2016, and is intended to give anyone the tools and theory to start writing sketch comedy for the stage and screen in the tradition pioneered by respected American comedy schools like The Second City and the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.
The class includes a description of The Improv Conspiracy Theatre's approach to sketch comedy, which has some parallels to our improv program, except written and refined instead of made up on the spot. (Haven't done any improv with us yet? Don't worry, this class is for you!)
Each week students will watch and analyse sketch comedy videos as a group, do table reads of student-written sketches, and discuss possible ways to improve them via rewrites in a collaborative writers' room environment. Each week will feature a different homework assignment (e.g. topical current events sketches, character-based sketches, genre parody sketches, etc.) and a discussion of best practices to ensure that everyone is well-equipped to tackle the assignment.
Students who do their homework each week will leave the course with at least six original sketches, at various levels of polish depending on how much effort they elect to spend doing the recommended rewrites.
As this is a pure writing class, there is no end-of-term performance associated with this workshop.
$575 Full / $525 Concession
Plus online booking fee of $5
Prices include GST
Course calendar
Instructor Profile
James Collopy is a comedian, improviser, and multi-disciplinary artist & designer.
James had his first improv class on his 25th birthday in what he was certain at the time would be 'a nice hobby for the winter'. Many years and countless shows, sketches, standup sets and short films later, he is starting to worry that his hobby has gotten away from him. James has directed, tech designed for, written and starred in numerous shows including his own debut solo sketch show, 'Telly' in 2022.
In his practice as a designer, James enjoys mixing physical and digital media, both new and old. He also writes music, loves character comedy and has a passion for dramatic storytelling even though he finds reading books pretty difficult.
James can be seen performing at TIC alongside VHS and the cast of The Remix
Enjoy some good times downstairs at Theory Bar
Fancy a beverage after your next show or class session? Our ground floor bar is open Wednesday–Sunday.
Community members and ticket-holders get access to our fantastic Happy Hour menu all night long
Please note: drinks can not be transferred between venues in the building