Sketch Workshops with Nikki Frias (online)

Tuesdays, February 25 - March 25, starting at 7:30 p.m. Sign up for all five classes at a discounted rate or register a la carte. Each session is conducted via Zoom and lasts between one and 2.5 hours.

Sharpen your sketch skills with these fantastic online workshops. Each week features a different theme -- you can sign up for all five (at a discount) or pick your favorites, a la carte. Instructor Nikki Frias has contributed to Pop Sugar, Forbes, The Daily Beast, and Boardroom. She is an author, writing coach and teacher specializing in helping people find their form of funny. Her book is titled “Does this Divorce Make Me Look Fat?” and she currently teaches comedy writing at The Writer’s Center, and improv at the Washington Improv Theatre. Her second book "Damn, you still single?" is expected to hit shelves later this year.

Surviving the Writers’ Room (February 25)

The Writers' Room Course is to introduce participants to the basics of a writers' room, including idea generation, character development, and collaborative writing techniques. Through a combination of lessons, group exercises, and peer feedback sessions, participants will hone their craft and learn to work effectively within a team. The course culminates in the creation and presentation of a final script, providing a comprehensive understanding of the writers' room dynamics and preparing writers for professional opportunities in the industry. Prerequisite: Bring a script, sketch or something you want to rewrite.

Crafting Characters (March 4)

Description: This engaging and interactive workshop designed to help you create memorable and multi-dimensional characters for storytelling and comedy. In this session, you’ll learn the essentials of character building, including developing backstories, exploring physicality and voice, and understanding emotional depth and motivation. Through lessons and exercises, you'll bring your characters to life and enhance your creative skills. Whether you're a writer, performer, or just passionate about character creation, this workshop will provide you with practical tools and insights to craft compelling and believable characters. Prerequisite: None

The Anatomy of a Joke (March 11)

Description: This course dives deep into the science and art of humor, unpacking its structure, delivery, and impact. Through interactive discussions, writing exercises, and live feedback, students will explore comedic timing, punchline development, and audience connection. Whether you’re a budding comedian, a creative writer, or just someone who wants to be the funniest in the room, this course will equip you with the tools to craft jokes that resonate and entertain. Prerequisite: None

Improvised Writing: From Spark to Script (March 18)

Description: Use improv techniques to generate creative ideas and develop them into scripts. This workshop emphasizes spontaneity, brainstorming, and converting off-the-cuff moments into polished material. Participants will learn how to embrace the creative process, refine raw ideas into compelling narratives, and collaborate effectively with others to bring their visions to life. Perfect for writers, performers, and anyone looking for tools to transform inspiration into impactful stories. Prerequisite: None

Finding the Funny / The Game (March 25)

Description: Play an improv game and then learn how to uncover the "game" in your sketch. The comedic premise or weird thing that drives the humor and builds upon it for maximum laughs. This workshop focuses on identifying the core absurdity in your scenes, heightening the joke in creative ways, and maintaining clarity while escalating the funny. Perfect for sketch and writers seeking to add funnier bits and moments to their projects. Prerequisite: Bring a sketch script you want to rewrite.

All sales are final. Refunds and exchanges are offered only when a show is canceled or rescheduled.

Admission Policies

• All students must be 18 or older to participate in DC Improv Comedy School classes.

Each session is conducted via Zoom and lasts between one and 2.5 hours.

The Writers' Room Course is to introduce participants to the basics of a writers' room, including idea generation, character development, and collaborative writing techniques. Through a combination of lessons, group exercises, and peer feedback sessions, participants will hone their craft and learn to work effectively within a team. The course culminates in the creation and presentation of a final script, providing a comprehensive understanding of the writers' room dynamics and preparing writers for professional opportunities in the industry. Prerequisite: Bring a script, sketch or something you want to rewrite.

Description: This engaging and interactive workshop designed to help you create memorable and multi-dimensional characters for storytelling and comedy. In this session, you’ll learn the essentials of character building, including developing backstories, exploring physicality and voice, and understanding emotional depth and motivation. Through lessons and exercises, you'll bring your characters to life and enhance your creative skills. Whether you're a writer, performer, or just passionate about character creation, this workshop will provide you with practical tools and insights to craft compelling and believable characters. Prerequisite: None

Description: This course dives deep into the science and art of humor, unpacking its structure, delivery, and impact. Through interactive discussions, writing exercises, and live feedback, students will explore comedic timing, punchline development, and audience connection. Whether you’re a budding comedian, a creative writer, or just someone who wants to be the funniest in the room, this course will equip you with the tools to craft jokes that resonate and entertain. Prerequisite: None

Description: Use improv techniques to generate creative ideas and develop them into scripts. This workshop emphasizes spontaneity, brainstorming, and converting off-the-cuff moments into polished material. Participants will learn how to embrace the creative process, refine raw ideas into compelling narratives, and collaborate effectively with others to bring their visions to life. Perfect for writers, performers, and anyone looking for tools to transform inspiration into impactful stories. Prerequisite: None

Description: Play an improv game and then learn how to uncover the "game" in your sketch. The comedic premise or weird thing that drives the humor and builds upon it for maximum laughs. This workshop focuses on identifying the core absurdity in your scenes, heightening the joke in creative ways, and maintaining clarity while escalating the funny. Perfect for sketch and writers seeking to add funnier bits and moments to their projects. Prerequisite: Bring a sketch script you want to rewrite.

About the Instructor: Nikki Frias has contributed to Pop Sugar, Forbes, The Daily Beast, and Boardroom. She is an author, writing coach and teacher specializing in helping people find their form of funny. Her book is titled “Does this Divorce Make Me Look Fat?” and she currently teaches comedy writing at The Writer’s Center, and improv at the Washington Improv Theatre. Her second book "Damn, you still single?" is expected to hit shelves later this year.