What is Sketch comedy?

What is Sketch Comedy?

A sketch is a comedic exploration of a concept, character or situation. Therefore, as long as a piece of written work is short, funny, and performed live on stage (or recorded in an audio or video format) it is considered a comedy sketch. Perform multiple sketches together and BAM! you've got yourself some sketch comedy.

Killing My Lobster has been writing and performing Sketch Comedy in San Francisco for more than 20 years.

Is Stand-up Comedy Sketch Comedy?

Stand-up comedy is different than sketch comedy. Stand-up is typically performed by one person in front of a live audience with the comic speaking directly to the audience. 

Ok, but what about Improv Comedy? Is that sketch comedy?

Close, but no cigar, my friend! Improv is an abbreviation of the term 'improvisational theater' which refers to unscripted or unplanned performances. Simply put, improv shows are made up on the spot. Unlike improv comedy, sketch comedy has been written, rehearsed and memorized in advance of the performance.

What about the term “skit”?

Sketch comedians differentiate sketches from skits. A skit is a single dramatized joke or bit. Essentially, sketches go further than skits.

Can you give me some examples of Sketch Comedy?

Absolutely! Most people will recognize sketch comedy from seeing it on TV. It hit its stride in the 60s and 70s with shows like Monty Python's Flying Circus, The Carol Burnett Show, SCTV (Second City Television) and Saturday Night Live. These shows paved the way for sketch shows in the 80s and 90s including: The Kids in the Hall, In Living Color, Mr Show with Bob and David, Upright Citizen's Brigade and Mad TV. The 21st century has given us sketch comedy gems like Chappelle's Show, Inside Amy Schumer, Portlandia and Key & Peele.

While sketch comedy is most recognizable from TV, it is still regularly performed in theaters, studios, streets, and backyards all over the world!

Where can I find Killing My Lobster doing Sketch Comedy?

KML does live sketch comedy shows all over the Bay Area, but you will find us most frequently performing at Pianofight Theater in San Francisco.

Our upcoming shows can be found here.

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