Sketch Writing

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

BUILD TO LAUGH:
How to Construct Sketch Comedy with the
Fast and Funny Formula

Two options: On-site or Online – 12-20 hours of training
…for those who aspire to write like the comedy pros

Course Description:

Option 1 – On-site (OC Crazies Theater):
Join Cherie Kerr, award-winning film director and sketch comedy writer, and a small group of up to four people, over two 8-hour sessions where you will master the easy-to-learn eight-step “fast and funny formula” for writing solid comedy sketches.

Lessons culled from Kerr’s book: “Build To Laugh: How to Write Sketch Comedy with the Fast and Funny Formula,” will come to life during these in-person sessions where students discover the various reasons/categories of what makes people laugh and how to tap into one’s comedic “brand.” Students will also learn how to harness his/her comedic voice and write to his/ her satirical points of view. In-person classes are held at the OC Crazies Theater.

Lessons enable students to build a sketch from scratch to the big finish!  And, should each writer wish to stage a show featuring his/her sketches, that opportunity is also offered. Below is what is offered:

  • An initial assessment of a student’s work and goals.

  • An intensive curriculum that enables the student to build a sketch from the ground up, with the personalized guidance of the instructor.

  • Student communication with the instructor for follow-up questions to gain a full understanding of the critiques.

  • The option of an onstage live showcase to present the sketches.

  • An online learning option with highly-personalized interaction

Option 2 – Online:
Interfacing with the instructor during discussions and note sessions online, students may enjoy this course through a highly-interactive experience. Students engage one-on-one via Skype or FaceTime, or by  email  with Kerr, in a “Private Coaching” setting. Each session helps the student walk through and work through, his/her sketches as they build them. The flexible schedule for “working out” is set according to  the student’s preferred option plan. Online “meetings” are typically held weekly for lessons, note-giving and discussions.

 Two choices for online courses:
1. Four week program with 12 hours of instruction
2. Six-month program with 20 hours of instruction 

During the four-week course, students work on one to three sketches. During the six-month program, students enjoy 20 intensive hours of training and coaching. Lessons enable students to build a sketch from scratch to the big finish! Each student submits assignments online for critique and guidance. Kerr is there with the student every step of the way, providing customized feedback for each task.

  • An initial assessment of a student’s work and goals.

  • An intensive, 8-lesson curriculum that enables the student to build a sketch from the ground up, with the personalized guidance of the instructor.

  • Student communication with the the instructor for follow-up questions to gain a full understanding of the critiques.

  • The option of an onstage live showcase to present their characters in monologue or improv format.

Cherie Kerr is a founding member of the world-famous improvisational and sketch writing organization, the L.A. Groundlings (Phil Hartman, Melissa McCarthy, Will Farrell, Lisa Kudrow, Will Forte, Cheryl Hines, Kathy Griffin, Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig and many, many others). She also is the founder of the OC Crazies. Kerr has won numerous awards for her work, including her first indie feature film, “We’ve Got Balls,” (Indie Rights) which won eight top honors along the film festival circuit. She teaches students how to set up the joke and service it and how to work within “beat points.” Kerr’s book, Build to Laugh: How to Write Sketch Comedy with the Fast and Funny Formula, is used throughout the country, including at The Second City in Chicago as a training manual. Having written and directed more than 500 sketches—one of which (“Too Much Shoulder Pad”) was named “Best Sketch of the Year” by the Los Angeles Times, Kerr gives careful and highly personalized attention to each of her online students.

Course Info & Enrollment:

On-site Course Info:
Begins: Check Crazies Home page schedule for on-site classes
Duration: One-day on site

Online Course Info:
1. Four week program with 12 hours of instruction
2. Six-month program with 20 hours of instruction
*Call 714-550-9890 to arrange plan*

Enrollment: Complete application below and submit via mail or email, along with payment to reserve spot. Applications can be emailed to cherie@occrazies.com.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

Payment: Checks (preferred) and all major credit cards are accepted. Please write checks out to ‘OC Crazies‘ and mail to:

809 North Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701

To pay by credit card, please call 714-550-9890. Bank service charge applied to all tuitions.