We were few but determined at this months SketchFest Forum. Sadly, all those with upcoming shows to talk about had rehearsals! So, two other Seattle sketch comedians and myself chatted for an hour and a half, flitting from subject to subject.

UPCOMING SHOWS: Just so you have a (mostly) comprehensive list. The shows opening this month are:

FLAMING BOX OF STUFF: Opens Friday April 18th, runs Friday and Saturdays through May 3rd at NW Actors Studio, 1100 East Pike on Capitol Hill $6.00 11:00p

THE 13TH STEP: "Live at Buddhakhan" Comedy, Music, Cheap Tricks. Opens Friday April 11th, runs Friday and Saturdays through April 26th at Union Garage, 418 10th Ave on Capitol Hill $10.00 11:00p

JOE SCHMOE: Opens Friday May 9th, runs Fridays and Saturdays through May at NW Actors Studio, 1100 East Pike on Capitol Hill. $11.00 8:00p Info at www.thehabit.org.

Other than discussing these upcoming shows, we chatted a bit about a couple of things. CHOOSING A NAME FOR YOUR NEW SKETCH TROUPE. Yes, the general consensus was that you pretty much have to come to the table with armloads of ideas, argue about it, and come to a happy compromise that all can live with. Either that or have a stroke of brilliance in the middle of the night that everyone jumps on board with. So, for those of you who thought you were the only ones who argued, you're not alone. WHAT'S FUNNY. We talked a lot about what we thought was funny, comparing the styles of various famous sketch comedians (Bill Murray vs. Chevy Chase), how they work (or don't work) and basically just tried to solve all the world's comedic mysteries in 45 minutes. It was interesting to see how sketch comedians can differ in comedic taste. For instance, The Game Show Parody. One comedian sees nothing wrong with a well executed game show parody; another comedian thought game show parodies were completely cheesy. General consensus: If you can show some innovation, add something new and interesting, and don't just think that acting wacky is funny in and of itself, even a cheesy game show parody can be funny. That's all for now on the forum front, until forum #4, good day.

MARCH

Wow. It was a bright sunny day in Seattle. Why not have a forum in a dark café? The topic: (drum roll) PRODUCING SKETCH. SKETCH COMEDIANS. First off, how does one find people to be in a sketch group? One group held an audition and found a few gems. Other groups tend to work with people they already know from working on other projects with. The biggest issue seems to be retaining people. Many performers in sketch groups are actors holding out for the “better gig.” One comedian expressed that a sketch group can be a fall back. Some performers agree to be in a sketch show when they have no other shows going on. One comedian who is in the process of forming a new group is being very upfront with potential group members. He is telling people that he is only interested in them if they are going to be very committed to the group. TOURING. One group felt that it is not worth it financially to tour. Others felt that it is an excellent way to network and be seen. One person simply likes to tour to vacation, see a new city, and have a good time. PROPS. All or nothing. It was agreed upon that a group should either mime all props or use actual props. One Seattleite feared that local audiences wouldn’t accept the miming of props. It was also stated that too many props can be cumbersome and hard to deal with in a fast-paced sketch show. MONEY. Should people get paid or should the money go in the kitty? Most felt that the money should stay in a fund for future shows. Others reward performer/writers by buying them cocktails. As far as having an actual producer, most felt that a sketch group should be self-produced. A separate producing entity can sometimes be too controlling. If a separate producing entity is able to provide the cash or really assist in some way, all agreed that a producer can be a good thing. DIRECTORS. Does there need to be a leader in the group? Some at the table said that they rotate leaders/directors in the group on a show-by-show basis. Some groups have a person that inevitably falls into a leadership role. Some find that the person who initially organized the group is the leader. SHARING RESOURCES. Groups can really benefit from sharing resources. One comedian stated that sometimes they feel a little territorial with their resources at times. For example, one group had an invaluable sound designer that really helps make their group unique. Why would they wanna share? But sometimes one group can do something as simple as loan another group a prop and it is most appreciated. Groups can also leave flyers at other group’s shows. It was agreed that one should always ask in need of help but if the group feels they have a “precious resource” not for sharing, that should be respected. RECOGNITION. Make a special effort to recognize volunteers and technicians who might not reap the same glory as a performer would. They feel appreciated and you have a better chance of retaining. This has been forum #2. Until next time…

February

We kicked off the forums with the topic of SKETCH WRITING. We found that sketch writing styles really varied amongst the comedians. One comedian heavily relies on improv to create sketch. He especially finds that long-form improv can create some really interesting characters and situations. It was discovered at the Chicago SketchFest that many of the Chicago-based sketch groups create sketch through improv. Other comedians at the table seemed to avoid improv either out of fear or distaste. They write their sketches out and then bring them to the group. Some groups are able to get feedback and improve the sketch. One group goes as far as combing through the sketch line-by-line as a group to fix and edit. Another less confrontational group chose to give very little feedback and just say, “hey, great sketch.” Another POINT of discussion was POINT OF VIEW. It was agreed that each sketch doesn’t need to make a big thematic statement but it should have a point of view. The high school sketch group that SketchFest is mentoring then spent some time pitching their sketch ideas. One sketch involved a bird and they were a little concerned about costumes. It was explained that the beauty of sketch is that costumes and props are not necessarily required. Put on a beak or a tail or a shirt that says bird on it and you are good to go. Another Chicago reference was made. Chicago based sketch groups use minimal props/costumes if none at all. One of their ideas was a runner. It was stated that the most important thing about a runner is payoff. Why have a series of 3 sketches if the last one is not going to pay off in some capacity. Future suggestions for forums were marketing and producing sketch.