Sketch 1 (Chatswood – Thursday 12 March 2026)

This class is an introduction to the fundamentals of comedy sketch writing.

You’ll create short sketches by yourself and in groups. Working in a writer’s room, you’ll engage in improv and writing exercises which explore different sketch formats, using the techniques used to create material for stage, films and T.V. e.g. Saturday Night Live, Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Second City mainstage shows.

As a class group, you’ll concentrate on different methods for brainstorming ideas, and using them to create solid sketches. You’ll leave the class with an understanding of a variety of sketch formats and a portfolio of writing. You’ll also have the opportunity to perform and or have your sketches performed on stage.

Students must have the following pre-requisites:

• Completed AOI Improv 4, or equivalent from another improv school — contact us if unsure.
• Practical understanding of Chicago method improv and “Game”.
• Access to industry-standard formatting software. e.g. Final Draft, Celtx, WriterDuet, Highland 2, Word or worst case Google Docs.
• Having available time outside of class for writing at least one full sketch (2–5 pages) per week.
• Collaborative mindset and a willingness to share incomplete work, receive direct feedback, and rewrite based on notes (the “Writer’s Room” etiquette).
• A portable device such as a laptop to bring to class for in-session writing exercises and table reads.
• At least 18 years of age.

Every Thursday from 6:30pm to 9pm (running for 2.5 hours), 12, 19, 26 March, 2, 9, 16, 23, (skip 30) April, 7 May 2026.

About the instructor: Tony Starr is a writer, improvisor, director, and producer who spent many years in the L.A. improv and sketch scene. He’s been featured on Funny or Die, and has written for weekly shows at IO West, The Second City, and with his own stage and video sketch groups. He originally trained at both the Second City and UCB in Hollywood, and now teaches and performs here in Sydney. He was the first teacher of Chicago style sketch in Australia — with us — and he’s the most experienced practitioner of Chicago style sketch in the country.