Writing Sketch Comedy

A six-week intensive designed for writers looking to learn sketch comedy basics and/or incorporate sketch principles into their longer works.

If you’ve always loved sketch comedy and want to learn it in a safe, welcoming environment, this class is for you.

About the Class

Ever wondered why one sketch on Saturday Night Live lives on forever and the next totally flops?

How do you turn a funny idea into a successful 3-5 minute comedy piece?

And most importantly, how can sketch comedy writing make any writer's work better, even across other genres? 

This class will look at the structure and styles of sketch comedy writing. You'll develop new sketches, learn to edit and punch up work in a writers' room, and discover what makes sketch comedy so fun and such a valuable addition to any writer's toolbox. 

Over six weeks, we’ll explore:

  • Fish out of water sketches

  • Parody

  • Satire and political sketch

  • Editing / punchups

  • Prepping and submitting sketch packets

  • Expanding sketches into longer-form work 

  • and more!

You’ll leave this class with a new knowledge of a beloved artform, the rough draft of your sketch packet, and tons of ideas for where to go from here.

The class is always tailored in part to the students who take it. So whether you want to make live sketch comedy, produce digital shorts, or use your new skills in other genres entirely, you’ll find knowledge and practical guidance to help you get started.

Course Structure

This class meets once a week virtually over Zoom, and each class includes a guided lesson from Joanna using video and other examples to explore different sketch structures.

During the week between classes, you’ll get the opportunity to write a 3-page sketch that uses the tools from the previous class. And the next week, the class will read and discuss everyone’s work in a safe, supportive environment.

About the Teacher

Joanna’s sketches have been featured by Time, The Hill, Funny or Die, WhoHaha, ComedyCake and more. She is a former staff writer for Top Story Weekly; a standup and sketch performer with iO West and UCB; a regular contributor to McSweeney’s and other online publications; and co-writer of the sold-out satire show Fox News the Musical. Joanna is the creator and host of the popular series Red, White, and Dad, which chronicled her father’s (real) campaign for president in 2016. She currently uses sketch concepts in her solo show productions, including her new plays CONVERSA and INFERNA.

Where and When?

This class is typically offered virtually in April/May, with the next class slated for spring 2026.

To express interest and get on the list for the next class, click the button below.

If your writers’ group or organization would like something in-person or tailored to you, contact Joanna.

What Else Can I Expect from This Course?

  • Class Assets

    Slides and links delivered directly to your inbox after class.

  • Writers’ Room Dos and Don’ts

    Practical tools for giving feedback specific to sketch comedy that can also work in any writers’ room or writing group.

  • Editing and Improvement Hacks

    Techniques to help you find the issues in your own work and figure out solutions.

  • Expansive Ideas

    Lessons and examples of how to incorporate sketch structures into plays and screenplays, novels, and more.

  • Additional Resources

    Optional reading and videos to help you improve your writing and further your development at your own pace.

  • Discounted Future Feedback

    Personalized support from Joanna at a discounted rate beyond the length of the class.

What Others Are Saying About Writing Sketch Comedy

“Joanna is an ideal instructor. She knows a ton. And she is great at conveying the material. And she puts in the work for the students by providing great feedback, listening to us, and preparing dynamic and loaded class sessions. And I'm excited for new things I will write now that I have some experience as a sketch comedy writer.” – Sean U.

“The material was very accessible. I generated a heap of ideas for sketches--and drafted at least two every week--so I have a lot of material to use for future projects. Working in a different genre and format generated different ideas and new ways to frame old ideas. The pace of classes was quick, but thorough, which allowed us to do a lot. The two hours flew and held my easily distracted attention.” – Jen F. W.

“(The class was) very welcoming, positive, accepting and constructive in feedback. Lots of info balanced with practice. This is a great start for building sketches for one's own sketch comedy group. I intend to get together with friends and brainstorm ideas then test them out in performance.” – J. Cullinane

“I appreciated Joanna’s depth of knowledge, passion for subject, and structure of lessons with clear illustrations of concepts being taught. She provided focused and meaningful feedback.” – Anonymous

“This class not only gives the writer insight into a specific genre, it can improve all forms of writing.” – Anonymous


“The attitude and atmosphere of a class stems from the instructor, and this class was open, warm. Very welcoming, positive, accepting and constructive in feedback. Lots of info balanced with practice, and welcoming. Peppy. Fun. And with a healthy attitude toward criticism, which is essential.” – Anonymous

“I really appreciated Joanna's expertise in the topic of comedy writing. And her joy. She clearly really enjoys teaching. And that energy set the tone for a fun and comfortable group to interact with. There was never any let down. She was the same in every class. On-point, making connections, and providing encouragement and guidance.” – Anonymous