5919 Franklin Ave Hollywood, CA 90028 (323) 908-8702

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Sketch 101 — Sketch Comedy Writing

Sundays noon-3pm starting Jun 01, 2008
Cost: $300

This course is an introduction to the UCB philosophy on sketch comedy, specifically using “the game” to write short comedic scenes. Each week students will engage in writing exercises that will explore different sketch formats. Students will be exposed to different methods for turning funny ideas into even funnier written sketches. Students will leave the class with an understanding of popular sketch formats and a portfolio of writing.

No prior sketch writing experience is necessary – the only requirement for this class is a desire to write and learn. Students should be prepared to work each week outside of class, preparing sketches for presentation in class. Students will be required to see two live sketch shows before the end of the course.

Class Size: 12 Students

NO CLASS JULY 6

Class meets at MetaTheatre in West Hollywood

Neil Campbell

campbell, neil
Neil Campbell is a writer and a sketch, improv, and stand-up comedian. He has performed at the UCB Theatre in Los Angeles since it opened in 2005 and has studied under Matt Besser, Ian Roberts, Matt Walsh, Scott Aukerman and many others. Neil has written, performed in, and/or directed many shows at UCBT, including Neil and Paul: Growing Up is Tough and Fireball Deluxe: Dadquest. Also at UCBT, Neil co-hosts Not Too Shabby and performs improv weekly as a member of Last Day of School. Other UCB credits include Comedy Death-Ray and MySpace. Neil also performed at the 2006 and 2007 San Francisco SketchFests and the 2007 HBO Comedy Festival in Las Vegas.

Neil's writing credits include MTV's Human Giant, adult swim's Moral Orel, Scott Aukerman and B.J. Porter's The Right Now! Show FOX pilot and The Untitled Onion Sketch Movie. He is also the creator of the webcomic My Naked Dad.

Student Feedback

"Neil is an excellent teacher. His easy going, down to earth attitude provided a very comfortable environment."

"Neil gives strong notes but doesn't tear into people and their work in a mean way. Very understanding and smart."

"Neil always had great notes to offer after each sketch was read. His comments were constructive, honest, clear and challenging."