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 Saturday, November 23, at 7:00 PM to battle it out to be crowned the WINNER! This is one night of competitive sketch comedy you don't want to miss.

This is an 8-week commitment. Your team will meet online once a week in a writer’s room to write NEW sketches and workshop your teammates’ sketches. In the final week leading up to the show, your team will rehearse in person to bring these sketches to life before performing for a live audience. This program is designed as a collaborative experience, where you’ll work together as a team and directed by your team's director. Note: This is not a student showcase; you will not cast your own sketches, and you must be open to changes in your scripts!

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: Sunday, October 6th, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM– Writing Meeting (Zoom)
• Week 2: Sunday, October 13, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM – Writing Meeting (Zoom)
• Week 3: Sunday, October 20, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM – Writing Meeting (Zoom)
• Week 4: Sunday, October 27, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM – Writing Meeting (Zoom)
• Week 5: Sunday, November 3, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM – Writing Meeting/Rehearsal (Zoom)
• Week 6: Sunday, November 10, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM – Rehearsal (Zoom)
• Week 7: Sunday, November 17, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM – Rehearsal (In-Person or Zoom)
• Dress Rehearsal & Show: Saturday, November 23, 5:00 PM – The DC Arts Center

Team 2 Schedule
• Week 1: Wednesday, October 9, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Writing Meeting (Zoom)
• Week 2: Wednesday, October 16, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Writing Meeting (Zoom)
• Week 3: Wednesday, October 23, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Writing Meeting (Zoom)
• Week 4: Wednesday, October 30, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Writing Meeting (Zoom)
• Week 5: Wednesday, November 6, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Writing Meeting/Rehearsal (Zoom)
• Week 6: Wednesday, November 13, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Rehearsal (Zoom)
• Week 7: Wednesday, November 20, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Rehearsal (In-Person or Zoom)
• Dress Rehearsal & Show: Saturday, November 23, 5:50 PM – The DC Arts Center‍

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.)

Please note, this is not a class. If you are looking for an introduction to sketch comedy class please do not apply for this program. This program is aimed at those who have taken or have an understanding of the sketch comedy writing process and are looking to take their experience to the next step of working together on a team to create a scripted sketch show.

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. If you miss more than two meetings, you may be asked to leave the team at the discretion of your team’s coach.

The directors will be announced at the start of the production.

Limited tickets for this show can be purchased here.

There is no fee to apply. However, if you are accepted onto a Sketch Battle team, you will need to pay the participation fee ($25) within 48 hours to secure your spot on the team. If payment is not received, you will be dropped and your spot will be offered to another applicant.

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.

All applicants will be contacted by Sunday, September 29, to confirm their participation and be provided with further logistical information.

Email morgan@railscomedy.com.