Sketch Battle: Scripted Comedy Competition
8 Weeks. 2 New Sketch Teams. 1 Trophy.
Scroll down to apply or click here.
Participation in this show is based on the number of applications received. All applicants will enter a pool from which each team's directors will cast from. Applications close on Friday, April 12, 11:59 PM ET, and cost $20. Anyone not cast will have their application fee refunded. The winning team will receive a trophy and bragging rights.
Limited tickets for this show can be purchased here.
What is Sketch Battle?
Sketch Battle is an opportunity to write and perform live sketch comedy at The DC Arts Center. Two teams are cast from a pool of applicants and guided by a veteran sketch director through the sketch production process. Each team will have 8 weeks to write, rehearse, and perform a fully scripted 25-minute sketch comedy show. The two teams will go head-to-head for one night only on Thursday, June 13, 8:30 PM to battle it out to be crowned the WINNER! This is one night of competitive sketch comedy you don't want to miss.
Writing and Rehearsal Process
This is an 8-week commitment: 4 weeks writing and 4 weeks rehearsing. Your team will meet online once a week in a writer's room to write new sketches and workshop your teammates' sketches. Then, your team will rehearse once a week in-person to bring your sketches to life before performing the show for a live audience.
Production Schedule
If cast, you will be assigned to one of the following teams and their production schedule; you may indicate your team preference and any scheduling conflicts on the application form:
Team 1 Schedule
Week 1: Tuesday, April 16, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Writing Meeting (Zoom)
Week 2: Tuesday, April 23, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Writing Meeting (Zoom)
Week 3: Tuesday, April 30, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Writing Meeting (Zoom)
Week 4: Tuesday, May 7, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Writing Meeting (Zoom)
Week 5: Tuesday, May 14, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Rehearsal (In-Person)
Week 6: Tuesday, May 21, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Rehearsal (In-Person)
Week 7: Tuesday, May 28, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Rehearsal (In-Person)
Week 8: Tuesday, June 4, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Dress Rehearsal (In-Person)
Show: Thursday, June 13, 8:30 PM – The DC Arts Center
Team 2 Schedule
Week 1: Thursday, April 18, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Writing Meeting (Zoom)
Week 2: Thursday, April 25, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Writing Meeting (Zoom)
Week 3: Thursday, May 2, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Writing Meeting (Zoom)
Week 4: Thursday, May 9, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Writing Meeting (Zoom)
Week 5: Thursday, May 16, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Rehearsal (In-Person)
Week 6: Thursday, May 23, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Rehearsal (In-Person)
Week 7: Thursday, May 30, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Rehearsal (In-Person)
Week 8: Thursday, June 6, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Dress Rehearsal (In-Person)
Show: Thursday, June 13, 8:30 PM – The DC Arts Center
Who should apply?
To participate, you must have completed at least one of the following:
- Completion of one entry-level sketch comedy writing class
- Completion of a full Harold improv curriculum
- A past performer in a Rails Comedy sketch comedy show (Etch A Sketch, The Character Show, or 24 Hour Sketch Show, etc.)
Scheduling Conflicts
Applicants should not miss more than two writing meetings or rehearsals during the production. If you are cast, please prioritize your team for its run. This is a short-term commitment and a great way to experience working with a sketch team and meeting other writers.
Applications are now open and will close on Friday, April 12, 11:59 PM. Casting decisions will be announced on Sunday, April 14, 2024. Scroll down to apply or click here.
Who are the teams' directors?
The directors will be announced at the start of the production.
Where can I buy tickets?
Limited tickets for this show can be purchased here.
Why is there an application fee?
The fee helps us rent the theater, ensures all performers can watch the show, pays the directors for their time, and goes towards purchasing props or costumes for your show. If you are not cast, your application fee will be refunded.
When will I hear back if I am accepted on a team?
All applicants will be contacted by Sunday, April 14, to confirm their participation and be provided with further logistical information. If you are not cast, your application fee will be refunded.
Have more questions?
Email morgan@railscomedy.com.
Sketch Battle Application
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