Unleash your inner SNL writer in this fun and beginner-friendly sketch writing course! You'll learn what makes a sketch work, explore your creativity, meet new people, and have fun! 

In this fun, introductory course, you’ll learn how to turn your ideas into laugh-out-loud sketch comedy. Each week mixes discussion, group exercises, and in-class writing time in a fun and supportive environment. In this course you will learn how to:

 🧠 Generate and develop sketch ideas from scratch
 ✍️ Write first drafts and edit with constructive feedback
 💡 Identify what makes a sketch land (or flop)
 🗣️ Pitch ideas and collaborate in a supportive group
 🚀 Build, heighten, and end with a strong comedic button

We’ll even touch on how sketch comedy has evolved, from vaudeville stages to streaming sensations—and why knowing that journey isn’t just helpful at trivia night, but makes you a smarter, sharper comedy writer.

You don’t have to be an aspiring comedy writer to love this class! You’ll sharpen skills that go way beyond comedy - creative collaboration, clear communication, confident pitching, and thinking on your feet. Whether you’re stepping into comedy for the first time or just want to try something new, you’ll discover how to express yourself in smarter, sharper, and funnier ways. If you’ve got something to say, this class will help you say it in the funniest way possible. Plus you'll meet new people, have a blast, and forget the worries of the world each week.

🗓️ WHEN
Tuesdays | 9/15 - 10/20 | 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Course is six weeks. There are no dates skipped.

📍 WHERE

CultureWorks, 1315 Walnut Street, Suite 300 Philadelphia, PA 19107

💵 TUITION
Early Enrollment: $229 - Save $50 through August 16th!
Regular Enrollment: $279

💳 PAYMENT PLANS
Want to split your tuition into smaller payments? We got your back! We offer a simple 4-payment plan spread over six weeks, so there's no need to pay it all up front. Choose “Pay With Payment Plan” at checkout.  Please note: All payment plans include processing fees.
➡️ Installment Plan: Four payments over 6 weeks. Option ends 30 days before class.
➡️ Split Plan: After that, pay 50% now and 50% a month later.
➡️ Flex Plan: Miss the installment plan window or need a bit more flexibility? We also offer payment plans through AfterPay by request. Email [email protected] for details.

🎓ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
James Knight (he/him) is a Philadelphia based stand-up comic and writer. James is regular performer in the Crossroads Comedy Theater shows Study Hall: Comedy Inspired by Lectures and Not Yet Rated: An Improvised Movie, a member of Philly's award winning short-form improv group The N Crowd, and is the head video producer and writer with Philadelphia’s premier all-POC sketch & improv group, NYTEShift. James is also a contributor to the satire website Flexx Magazine. 

James has performed at and has had his sketches performed at the Black and Funny Festival (MN), Philadelphia Fringe Festival (PA), Cinder Block Comedy Festival (NY), Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival (Canada), Chicago Sketch Fest, We The People Improv Festival (PA), The Black Friday Comedy Marathon (PA), Good Good Comedy Theater (two sold-out nights), and Philadelphia Public Access TV station PhillyCam. James directed and was a writer on Crossroads Comedy Theater’s Halloween sketch show, A Nightmare On Jawn Street: Liberty Hell and was head writer for the production in 2019.
 
Currently, he is the host of the Critical James Theory Podcast and co-host of Crossroads' Lockin’ Up: A Black Pro-Wrestling Podcast. Should you encounter one in the wild, suggested talking points are new sneakers, hip-hop from the years 1985 - present day, and pro wrestling. 

📲CONNECT WITH US!
If you'd like to sign up for our newsletter you can do so here. If you're on social media you can follow us on Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, Facebook, Tik Tok, and LinkedIn. Our newsletter and social media are always the first stops for us to post new classes, discount codes, and other special offers.

💳 PAYMENT OPTIONS
Want to split your tuition into smaller payments? We’ve got options! At checkout, select “Pay With Payment Plan” to see available plans. If you have any questions email [email protected].

CLASS BUNDLE DISCOUNT
Taking two or more classes in the same session? You may be eligible for 15% off the total, regular price of enrollment! Includes core program courses 1-4 in Improv, Stand-up, Sketch Writing, or Storytelling. To take advantage of this discount offer please email [email protected] before you enroll so we can get you set up.

REFER A FRIEND AND EARN A BONUS!
Bring a friend along for the fun! If you refer someone to one of our intro classes, and they enroll, you’ll each receive a $25 Crossroads Comedy Theater gift card good toward future classes or shows. Intro classes are classes with a “1” in the title, such as Improv 1, Writing 1, Musical Improv 1, or Stand-Up 1. Once they enroll, email [email protected] and CC the person you referred, or the person who referred you. We’ll issue the gift cards within a few days after the class begins.

CODE OF CONDUCT
It boils down to this: Treat people with respect. We do not tolerate hateful, discriminatory, or disruptive behavior. Behavior that is racist, misogynist, ableist, homophobic, transphobic, ageist, or any other unacceptable behavior not here mentioned will result in removal from the class. We strive to be inclusive of all experiences. We are always learning and aim to keep the class safe and respectful for everyone. The use of recreational drugs, illegal drugs, and/or alcohol is not permitted during class. The use of substances in class or the impact of prior usage exhibited in disruptive ways in class may result in your removal from class. For full details of this policy, please review the FAQ on the Classes page.

REFUND POLICY
All Crossroads Comedy Theater class sales are final. Please review all class dates, performance dates, policies, etc before enrolling. For full details of this policy, please review the FAQ on the Classes page. 

CROSSROADS @ WORK
Improv is not just for individuals. Organizations of all shapes and sizes partner with Crossroads to instill imperative business skills. Our customized applied improv workshops give you and your coworkers a chance to examine personal and group dynamics, focusing on practical skills like listening, sharing, leadership, being bold, conflict resolution, and working as a team. Our workshops are perfect for any group. Whether you are marketing professionals, sales teams, nonprofit volunteers, lawyers, c-level executives doctors, layers, doctorlawyers, lawoctors, nurses, athletes, circus clowns, and everything in between. Call us today and let us show you how we can help your team. Crossroads is also available to come to your for a one of a kind performance! Check out our business improv page for more information.

PRIVATE PERFORMANCES
Crossroads is now available to come to your organization or gathering for a special performance! Stand-up, improv, storytelling, or a mix of that and more are on the table for your event. Our most popular option makes you and your guests the star of the show! Three to five of your guests will tell stories that will inspire the hilarious scenes to follow. It's part tribute, part roast, and all in good fun. Imagine an anniversary party where people tell stories about the couple that are then used to create a hilarious, heart warming, and inspiring show just for you and your guests. That's the power of what we can do. Check out our hire us page for more information.