Sketch Writing Level 1: Building the Portfolio
8-Week Comedy Writing Class at The Bit Theater
Sketch Writing Level 1:
Building the Portfolio
8-Week Comedy Writing Class at The Bit Theater
Taught by Patrick Stinson, Artistic Director of The Bit Theater
Sundays | 2 Hours | 8 Weeks
Starts Sunday, February 22, 2026
Cost: $300
Looking to write sketch comedy that actually works on stage?
This 8-week Sketch Writing class at The Bit Theater is designed for writers, improvisers, actors, and comedians who want to build a real sketch portfolio—not just generate ideas.
By the end of the class, every student leaves with five complete, performance-ready sketches suitable for submission, casting packets, or production.
About the Instructor
This class is taught by Patrick Stinson, Artistic Director of The Bit Theater.
Patrick holds a degree in English as well as degrees in Theater, and has spent decades working as a writer, director, performer, and educator. His work spans live theater, improv, and original scripted comedy, with a strong emphasis on developing material from page to stage.
Patrick has had numerous original plays produced professionally, including Brats, Do It Yourself Fairytale, and Class Reunion. His newest original play, Stool Samples, will receive its production at The Bit Theater in April 2026.
As Artistic Director, Patrick oversees programming and education at The Bit and works directly with writers and performers to refine material for live performance. This class reflects how sketches are actually developed, workshopped, rewritten, and produced in a professional comedy environment.
What You’ll Learn
Students will learn how to:
Generate strong sketch premises
Identify and play “the game” of a sketch
Write active, motivated characters
Build escalation without repetition
End sketches cleanly and confidently
Rewrite efficiently using clear diagnostics
Format sketches for a professional packet
This class emphasizes clarity, specificity, and escalation—the fundamentals that make sketch comedy playable and repeatable.
Class Structure
(2 Hours Each Week)
Each weekly session includes:
Instruction and theory
Group discussion and sketch analysis
Table reads of student work
Clear rewrite notes and assignments
Students are expected to arrive each week with completed drafts.
Classes will be held:
- February 22
- March 1
- March 8
- March 15
- March 22 -NO CLASS - Private Event at the Theater
- March 29
- April 5
- April 12
- April 19
Weekly Writing Expectations
Over the 8 weeks, students will:
Write five original sketches (3–5 pages each)
Rewrite sketches multiple times based on notes
Assemble a polished 5-sketch portfolio by the final class
This class is writing-intensive, but the writing happens on your time, not during class.
Who This Class Is For
This class is ideal for:
Improvisers ready to move into sketch writing
Actors who want to create original material
Stand-ups expanding into scripted comedy
Writers looking for structure and accountability
Anyone serious about writing sketch comedy for performance
No prior sketch experience required—but a willingness to write every week is essential.
What You Leave With
By the end of the class, each student will have:
A five-sketch portfolio
A shared sketch vocabulary and diagnostic toolkit
Stronger rewriting skills
Clear next steps toward performance or production at The Bit Theater
Class Details
Location: The Bit Theater – Aurora, IL
Instructor: Patrick Stinson, Artistic Director
Start Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
Duration: 8 Sundays
Class Length: 2 hours per session
Cost: $300
Spots are limited to maintain a true writers’ room environment.
- The class will start on time. If you need to be late, there's no need to apologize or explain. Please enter the space quietly and take a minute to arrive and take in what's going on. We'll incorporate you as soon as we can.
- We don't believe that money should stand in the way of you starting your improv journey. If you're interested in a class and cannot afford it, please reach out to us so that we can assist you.
- Class registrations are subject to close approximately 72 hours before the start of the class, so please sign up early if you're interested! Registrations are final.
- If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us through our website.
- Please wear comfortable clothes appropriate for light physical activity.
- The only thing you need to bring to class is a willingness to be brave and participate.
- Unless otherwise indicated in the class description, the theater opens 15 minutes prior to the start of your class time.
- By your participation in a class or workshop, you agree to our terms and conditions.
- One of the most effective ways to learn improv is to watch improv. As long as you are an active student within our community, attendance at shows is free to you. Attendance is subject to availability, and paying customers get priority.
- We are always looking to make our curriculum more comprehensive, so if there's a course that you think will help you with your improv journey, please don't hesitate to contact us.
- All classes and workshops at The Bit are contingent on a minimum number of student registrations.
- Instructors are subject to change due to scheduling conflicts and restrictions.
- By your registration for a class, you are opting into communication from The Bit about upcoming classes. You may opt out of this communication at any time.
- Our processing fees go directly to our ticket processing provider. We do NOT take a portion of the fee for ourselves.
Inclusivity is important to us, please read our statement. Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated in any of our classes.
- All purchases are final.
- Line-up, Teams, and Cast may change without notice
- Unless otherwise indicated in the show description, doors and bar open one hour prior to showtime for most shows. Out of respect for other show guests, please arrive at the theater no later than 15 minutes prior to showtime. The doors may be closed to late arrivals.
- Online ticket sales close ~60 minutes prior to the start of the show. After that time, tickets can be purchased at the box office, if available. Ticket purchases are final.
- Your tickets are general admission, and we seat on a first-come, first-seated basis. Don't hesitate to contact us for reservations, particularly if you have a larger group.
- The Bit is an 18+ club, although younger, accompanied guests are welcome. Though we generally hover around a PG-13 rating, please be advised that most of our content is improvised and set your expectations accordingly. We do have family-friendly options, as well!
- By your attendance at a show, you agree to our terms and conditions.