by Simon Wright

Created on: January 12, 2007   Last Updated: April 10, 2008

Fancy writing a comedy sketch but not sure how to get started? Drawing on my own experience, I've provided some details that I hope you may find useful.

My introduction to sketch writing arose somewhat by chance. An actor/writer friend was having a sketch performed at a local theatre, and I went along to lend my support. The event was a monthly-run showcase for up and coming writers, and was comprised of about ten short sketches performed by professional actors.

It inspired me to write a sketch, which was then accepted for the next staging of the show. However, it wasn't just as straightforward as going away and writing the sketch'. Success in any form of writing and, I think particularly for sketch writing, requires the writer to go through a number of stages before they can even put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard).

Step 1: Decide what medium you are writing for.

It's important to consider what medium you wish to write for. Are you writing for stage? Or radio? Or TV? If you already have an idea in mind for a sketch, then you can probably develop (or adapt) it for any of these media. However, a failure to give thought to this could lead you into some pitfalls. For example, a radio producer probably won't look favourably on a sketch that relies on facial expressions! Similarly, if you are writing for stage you will need to be cognizant of the limitations of stage space, the time it takes for actors to undertake costume changes, etc.

In my case I knew that I was writing for stage and I had seen the physical layout of the venue.

Step 2: Decide who you want to pitch your script to.

Along with knowing what media you are writing for, it is also very useful to know who you are going to submit your sketch idea to. You may have become aware of an online competition, or know of a show that accepts spec scripts. If this is the case, then there will usually be a series of criteria that you would be wise to adhere to. Some of these may be specifically communicated to would-be-writers, whilst others will be things that can be discerned via research.

In my case, again, I knew the theatre that I was going to submit my sketch to. I also had the following information, discerned through a combination of watching a show and then speaking to the event organiser:

* Sketches typically were between 3 5 minutes in length

* Sketches weren't limited to comedy but the comedy ones got the best audience reception

* Sketches could use up to 4 or 5 actors. Actors could sometimes double up and play

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