⚔️ APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!⚔️ DC's hottest sketch comedy team competition is back! Two new teams are formed for one night only and battle it out to be crowned the WINNER! Applications are now open and close on Friday, October 3. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Team casting is subject to the director's approval. Created by Morgan Elwell.
⚔️ 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 Wednesday, December 3, at 8:00 PM. This is one night of competitive sketch comedy you don't want to miss.
⚔️ Writing and Rehearsal Process 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 be 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!
⚔️ Who should apply? To participate, you must have completed at least one of the following:
Completion of one entry-level sketch comedy writing class at a recognized theater; or
Completion of a full Harold improv curriculum; or
Performed in a Rails Comedy sketch show
If you have questions about your eligibility, please email [email protected].
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 level of working together on a team to create a scripted sketch show.
Who are the directors?
Alex HongIMG_6640.png598 KB
Alex Hong is a DMV comedian with experience in sketch, improv, and stand-up comedy. While studying communications at the University of Maryland, College Park, he fulfilled the roles of sketch player, director, and head writer for sketch group Maryland Night Live. He also performed improv with The Bureau, and later began sketch comedy with Rails Comedy in DC. He has performed in the San Francisco SketchFest and The PIT's NYC SketchFest, and was also a recipient of The PIT's 2022 SNL Scholarship. He co-created/wrote/produced the sketch comedy web series "Well I Think It's Funny," available on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok at @witifunny. Alex has a secret button on his body that makes him smell like roses and I bet you can't guess where it isssssss.
Cameron HerIMG_6642.jpeg845 KB
Cameron Her is a sketch comedy enthusiast and founder of Mother's Pouch Comedy! He has performed at DC Sketchfest, various Rails Comedy Shows, and in Mother's Pouch's show at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. He has also written for productions such Famous Last Words and Bad Medicine's Merry Little Sketch Show. Cameron is excited to battle it up in this sketch comedy duel to the death! (He has since been informed that this is not to the death, but is still excited nonetheless).
⚔️ Production Schedule There are two different team schedules you can apply for:
Team 1 Schedule (Monday nights)
Week 1: Monday, October 13, 7pm-9pm @ Zoom
Week 2: Monday, October 20, 7pm-9pm @ Zoom
Week 3: Monday, October 27, 7pm-9pm @ Zoom
Week 4: Monday, November 3, 7pm-9pm @ Zoom
Week 5: Monday, November 10, 7pm-9pm @ Zoom
Week 6: Monday, November 17, 7pm-9pm @ In-Person
Week 7: Monday, November 24, 7pm-9pm @ In-Person
Week 8: Monday, December 1, 7pm-9pm @ In-Person
Dress Rehearsal & Show: Wednesday, December 3, 5pm / 8pm
Team 2 Schedule (Tuesday nights)
Week 1: Tuesday, October 7, 7pm-9pm @ Zoom
Note there is a 1 week break here.
Week 2: Tuesday, October 21, 7pm-9pm @ Zoom
Week 3: Tuesday, October 28, 7pm-9pm @ Zoom
Week 4: Tuesday, November 4, 7pm-9pm @ Zoom
Week 5: Tuesday, November 11, 7pm-9pm @ Zoom
Week 6: Tuesday, November 18, 7pm-9pm @ In-Person
Week 7: Tuesday, November 25, 7pm-9pm @ In-Person
Week 8: Tuesday, December 2, 7pm-9pm @ In-Person
Dress Rehearsal & Show: Wednesday, December 3, 5pm / 8pm
⚔️ 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. If you miss more than two meetings, you may be asked to leave the team at the discretion of your team’s director.
⚔️ Is there a registration fee? Yes, you will need to pay the registration fee of $25 to secure your spot on the team. 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. ⚔️ Have more questions? Email [email protected].
🍎 Location Info
Paid parking garage nearby
This venue is not wheelchair accessible
Age Requirement 18+
📋 Venue Policies
ALL SALES ARE FINAL. NO REFUNDS NO EXCEPTIONS.
Refunds and exchanges are offered only when a class is canceled or rescheduled.
