Spring Focus: Old School Sketch Comedy

Some of the most iconic moments in comedy were born in sketch:

Saturday Night Live, Monty Python, Kids in the Hall, Mad TV, Key & Peele.

This class gives you the same creative tools to build your own original sketch show from the ground up.

writing, character work, ensemble collaboration, and live performance

 

📅 Tuesdays, May 5 – June 23

8:00 PM – 10:00 / 10:30 PM

Open to everyone.

Just bring your ideas, your instincts, and your sense of play.

Join Sketch
Advanced Ongoing Shakespeare

 

Old School Sketch Comedy

8-Week Intensive on Tuesdays May 5th – June 23rd

  • Time: 8:00 PM – 10/10:30 PM (depending on class needs)
  • ^Cost: $550 in Full – Or $300/mo (Two Pay Plan)
  • *add on tuition cost: $450 in Full – Or $250/mo (Two Pay Plan)
  • Instructor: Brandy Hotchner

*Enrolled AZAA Students get this discount for adding the class onto their enrollment.

This class requires a minimum number of students, until that is met…

^Registration requires a $75.00 deposit to secure your spot. 

Come play. Write it. Build it. Perform it.

This class was such a hit, students asked for it back.

So we’re bringing it back… Leveled up.

 
Register Now

FULL CLASS OVERVIEW

In this special AZAA performance class, you will create original sketches from the ground up and bring them to life in a live audience performance.

 

This is 8 weeks of writing, creating, laughing, building characters, and making something that didn’t exist before you walked in the room.

It’s fun. It’s a little chaotic. It’s ensemble-driven.

 

And by the end of it… you’ll have a full sketch show.

Yes. You will perform.

🌟 Class Details:

Tuesdays
May 5 – June 23
8:00 PM – 10:00 / 10:30 PM

Cost: Eight weeks + performance

General Tuition: $550 paid in full or two payments of $300 paid monthly
AZAA enrolled student discount – $450 paid in full or two payments of $250 paid monthly

Performances:
June 26 & 27
7:00 PM at AZAA

Students will develop original sketches using a variety of classic comedy forms:

  • Parody / Spoof
    Turn something familiar into something hilariously off-the-rails

  • Satire
    Poke at the world just enough to expose how strange it already is

  • Autobiographical & Observational Comedy
    Take real life and heighten it until it becomes unforgettable

  • Absurd / Surreal Comedy
    Follow the weird idea—and then go even further

  • Character-Based Work
    Create characters so specific and alive they practically write the sketch for you

These are core performance skills.

Somewhere between the laughter and the chaos, you’ll develop:

  • Strong comedic timing
    • Bold, specific choices
    • Heightening and escalation
    • Status shifts and relationship dynamics
    • Straight vs clown technique
    • Ensemble awareness and trust
    • The ability to take an idea and turn it into a full scene

This is an ensemble class.

You’ll write together, rehearse together, shape material together, and build a show as a group.

No one is doing this alone—and that’s where the magic happens.

Who This Is For

  • Actors who want to loosen up and expand their range

  • Improvisers ready to turn ideas into material

  • Creators who love comedy and want to make their own

  • Anyone who misses the feeling of just playing

No sketch writing experience required.

Join Sketch

Skip below to register.

May 5th - June 23rd

ABOUT BRANDY HOTCHNER

Over the ten years Brandy lived and struggled in New York City, she won three best actress honors in one act play festivals, was seen on stage at (among others) Ontological-Hysteric Theater, Ensemble Studio Theater, Shakespeare in the Parking Lot, Playwrights Horizons, Circle in the Square and New York Theater Workshop.  She has appeared in 11 independent films and directed original works at Ensemble Studio Theater.

Old School Sketch Comedy: FAQ

Do I need improv experience?

No. While improvisers often enjoy sketch comedy, this class focuses on writing, character creation, and performance, so actors of many backgrounds can thrive.

Will we actually perform?

Yes. The class culminates in two live performances at Arizona Actors Academy where the ensemble presents their original work for an audience.

Do I have to write sketches?

Yes—but you won’t be doing it alone. Writing is collaborative and developed through exercises, group work, and rehearsal.

Is this like Saturday Night Live?

In spirit, yes. You’ll develop original sketches with an ensemble, rehearse them, and perform them live.

Is this class only for comedians?

Not at all. Many serious actors take sketch classes to develop timing, bold choices, character work, and spontaneity.

High Performance Improv Program Overview

From Tuner to Turbocharger

You’ve got the fundamentals now it’s time to floor it.
High Performance Improv is designed for improvisers who are ready to level up. This class supercharges your existing skills and pushes you into new creative territory with performance-focused training, technical precision, and bold artistic risk-taking.

What You’ll Master:

  • 🧩 Synthesis of Skills: Understanding how the parts work together and how to make them sing under pressure

  • 🎭 Longform Improvisation: Build rich, multi-layered narratives with compelling characters and evolving arcs

  • 😂 Sketch, Genre & Short Form: Sharpen comedic instinct and timing while mastering audience-ready structures

  • 💥 Improvised Drama: Deepen emotional stakes and bring raw truth to unscripted performance

  • 🛠️ Performance Craft: Learn how to rehearse, refine, and deliver polished improvised work

How the Program Works:

  • Every intensive features a different focus advancing sills for performance. 
  • Requires prior improv training or instructor approval
  • Best suited for students who have completed three Improv Mechanics modules or equivalent experience
  • Some intensives culminate in a public performance

This is your test track.

High Performance Improv will challenge, transform, and prepare you to take the stage with confidence, skill, and artistry.

Buckle up — some of these rides end with a show.

High Performance Improv Program Overview

From Tuner to Turbocharger

You’ve got the fundamentals now it’s time to floor it.
High Performance Improv is designed for improvisers who are ready to level up. This class supercharges your existing skills and pushes you into new creative territory with performance-focused training, technical precision, and bold artistic risk-taking.

What You’ll Master:

  • 🧩 Synthesis of Skills: Understanding how the parts work together and how to make them sing under pressure

  • 🎭 Longform Improvisation: Build rich, multi-layered narratives with compelling characters and evolving arcs

  • 😂 Sketch, Genre & Short Form: Sharpen comedic instinct and timing while mastering audience-ready structures

  • 💥 Improvised Drama: Deepen emotional stakes and bring raw truth to unscripted performance

  • 🛠️ Performance Craft: Learn how to rehearse, refine, and deliver polished improvised work

How the Program Works:

  • Every intensive features a different focus advancing sills for performance. 
  • Requires prior improv training or instructor approval
  • Best suited for students who have completed three Improv Mechanics modules or equivalent experience
  • Some intensives culminate in a public performance

This is your test track.

High Performance Improv will challenge, transform, and prepare you to take the stage with confidence, skill, and artistry.

Buckle up — some of these rides end with a show.

Registration Opening Soon

AZAA Registration For HP Improv Programs

High Performance Improv Program

Registration for 2026 Spring/Summer Intensive

- OLD SCHOOL SKETCH COMEDY - WRITE IT. BUILD IT. PERFORM IT -

All of our communications are through email, please give us your best contact.
Are you currently enrolled in another AZAA class?
"Return" Students are folks who have been in classes before at AZAA but not currently enrolled.
Get Started New/Return Students
Two-Pay is tuition split between two payments, paid at registration and the remaining balance due in 30 days, or on the first of the next billing period depending on session start date.
Get Started AZAA Bundled Tuition
Two-Pay is tuition split between two payments, paid at registration and the remaining balance due in 30 days, or on the first of the next billing period depending on session start date.

Tell Us About Yourself

How did you hear about us?
Give us more details on your training experience (check all that apply):

Terms of Enrollment

• PAYMENT Your total tuition fee will be presented before submitting and charged upon completed registration using the information provided.
• REFUNDS Your payment is non-refundable. Cancellations should be made with at least 48 hours notice to pursue credit for future AZAA classes.
• INSTRUCTOR EMERGENCY In the event of emergency, we will send email notifications if classes are cancelled. Any cancelled classes will be offered a make-up class with ample time to adjust your schedule.

• Class Etiquette

We strive every day to create the safest creative environment for artistic development. This requires a working space of the highest integrity for personal risk taking and artistic exploration, both on and off the stage.

Please review our student expectations.

Class Waiver & Policies

Waiver of Liability:
As a participant in any program or class at Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs (Hotchner Studios LLC), understand and agree that in participating in any acting/voice/movement class, workshop, rehearsal or performance, there is a possibility of physical injury or death. I recognize and acknowledge there are certain risks of physical injury, and I agree to assume the full risk of injuries, including death, damages or loss that I or my minor child may sustain as a result of participating in any activities connected with or associated with such program or class. I agree to waive and relinquish all claims I or my minor child may have as a result of participating in any program or class against Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs. (Hotchner Studios LLC) and its officers, agents, servants, employees and independent contractors. I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless and defend Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs (Hotchner Studios LLC) and it's officers, agents, servants, employees an independent contractors from my claims resulting from injuries including death, damages and losses sustained by me or my minor child that arise out of, in connection with, or in any way associated with the activities of this program.

Optional Waiver:
Please check this waiver if you will permit use of you or your child's image as described below. If you do not check this waiver, we will not use you or your child's image. I understand that Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs (Hotchner Sudios LLC) is a non-profit organization that promotes acting as an art form not only to it's students, but also to the community at large. As such, articles, brochures, videos and websites may be used either promotionally or educationally and may include images of Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs (Hotchner Studios LLC) students or other participants in our programs. I hereby permit the use of my, or my daughter/son's image to be photographed, videotaped or otherwise recorded for the use in Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs (Hotchner Studios LLC) publicity or educational materials. These materials include, but are not limited to, photographs of classes and performances, newsletters, various other school publications, Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs (Hotchner Studios LLC) internet webpage and video of class/performances.

Monthly Billing Agreement

Terms of Two Pay Monthly Billing

• You will be charged either the monthly tuition or a $75.00 deposit payment upon submission and set up for automatic billing.

• Registration is a commitment to the full program and all agreed upon tuition payments.

• Your second Payment will run automatically to the account you use at registration.

• A declined payment will result in a $20.00 fee to reset your automatic billing using our "flexible payment portal".

• DATE OF SECOND PAYMENT: 

  • This will occur on the 1st of the "second" month of your intensive enrollment.
  • Exceptions: If a session has an adjusted or unique schedule, this will be specified below before registering and/or in your confirmation email.

• Cancellations should be made with at least 48 hours notice of the first class to pursue credit for future AZAA classes.

Any cancellation beyond that you forfeit all payments and remain responsible for the full tuition cost. 

Tuition Payment DRAFT FOR MIN

Deposit Payment

  • A $75 deposit is required to reserve your spot in this class.
  • Once the class reaches minimum enrollment, your selected payment option (full payment or monthly plan) will be automatically processed to the account you register with.
  • If your payment is declined or not collected without proper notice your spot and deposit are forfeited and you'll be asked to register again.
  • If the class does not continue as planned:
    • Your deposit will be fully refunded or may be applied as a credit toward tuition or a future AZAA class—your choice.
  • Registration deadline for student capacity requirement is 5 days before the class start date (unless stated otherwise at checkout below).
    • Payments, refunds, or an email from the admin team will occur the following day informing you of the status of your class.
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Draft Items

I have a first class credit:
Choose this if you attended and paid for the first class on October 7th to try. This will be credited back to your full month tuition payment before registering below.

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