Sketch Comedy Lab

Arcade offers Sketch Comedy Lab as a way for writers to get feedback and to test out their sketches in front of an audience. To participate, sign up for a Writers Lab session and submit your sketch. After the Writers Lab, there will be a deadline for sending your revised sketch to be in the Sketch Comedy Lab show, a staged reading where actors perform the sketches with scripts in hand with light blocking and no props.

February 2025 Writers Lab

Saturday, February 22, 1-3:30 pm

Sunday, February 23, 1-3:30 pm

 

Facilitators: Megha Pai & Asher O’Briant
Submission deadline: February 3rd
Please only sign up for one date! | Click here to register

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Sketch Comedy Lab FAQ

Any guidelines for the script I submit? 

Guidelines for sketch submissions are as follows: 

    • Your sketch must be submitted as a PDF.
    • Your sketch should be no longer than six (6) pages.
    • If the writer is submitting short, blackout sketches (1-2 pages each), you may submit up to 3 in the same PDF.
    • Completed drafts of sketches will get the most out of this process.
    • Sketches should be written for the stage (rather than for filming) to allow for ease of staging.
    • Any scripts that contain jokes or content that go against Arcade’s values or inclusivity statement will not be considered for participation.
    • And please keep in mind: the Sketch Comedy Lab show is a staged reading. Actors will perform with no props, no costumes, and with some light stage blocking. There’s no tech besides Lights Up and Lights Down. Any tech cues mentioned in scripts are read aloud as stage directions.

How should I format my sketch?

For formatting, writers can try using free versions of screenwriting tools like WriterDuet, FadeIn, and Celtx. When using these tools, please select ‘screenplay’ (not ‘stageplay’), as this is the only option with formatting that ensures 1 minute per page.

If you can’t use screenwriting tools, create a copy of our Script Template by clicking here. If you’re using our Script Template, ensure the font remains Courier, size 11, margins are not adjusted, and dialogue width stays consistent to the Template. Convert to PDF to submit.

Can a sketch group submit a sketch?

Groups may submit a script but one representative must be identified to attend the Writers Lab and oversee the edits.

I registered for a Writers Lab date. How do I submit my sketch?

Once you’ve registered for a Writers Lab date, you will get a Confirmation Email from Showclix. In that email, look for the instructions to “submit your sketch”. If you are having any trouble submitting, please email us at sketch [@] arcadecomedytheater.com.

What is the difference between Sketch Comedy Lab and Sketch Lab Report?

Sketch Comedy Lab is the name of a staged reading show that showcases new and experimental sketches that were in a recent Writers Lab. Actors in a staged reading have scripts in hand while performing. Get tickets here.

Sketch Lab Report is an all-out sketch show presenting a collection of favorite scripts from the past year of Labs. Actors perform with props, costumes, and tech. Get tickets to Sketch Lab Report Vol 1 here.

I heard that Sketch Comedy Lab is looking for actors and directors. How do I sign up to be considered?

Actors please fill out this form to be considered for upcoming Sketch Comedy Lab shows:
https://forms.gle/LZ3HFXr99wXVAdJW9

Directors please email us at sketch [@] arcadecomedytheater.com