Activities / Programs / Workshops

What a Character! A Solo Sketch-Writing Workshop

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Description

Saturday, Oct 24, 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Open to all
Limited to 12 participants
Hybrid workshop*

Get ready to get in touch with your silly side! In this 6-hour workshop, we will tap into your unique sense of humor through a mix of improv exercises, group discussions, writing challenges, and performance tips! I believe that everyone can be funny, and I aim to foster a safe environment for your inner child to come out and play! By the end of the workshop, each participant will have a 1-2-minute portrayal of a character inspired by themselves, someone they know, or their imagination! You will leave this workshop with a comedic bit you can share online, perform at your next hang with your friends, or just read and laugh at your funny ideas!

Agenda

  • Hours 1-2: Connecting: Using a mix of improv exercises and group discussions, we will shake off our jitters and tap into our funny ideas! In this part of the class, we will unlock your best ideas while laughing the entire time.
  • Hours 3-4: Writing. Once the ideas are flowing, it is time to write them down! I will share my method of outlining and writing my ideas so you can apply it to your own writing. I will spend time with each student helping them perfect their own funny character. 
  • Hours 5-6: Performing. Sketches are best when performed. I will discuss performance strategies and how you can apply them to your own piece. Then each person in the class (if comfortable) will perform their sketch as we workshop together the best strategies for effective delivery. 

Please bring an open mind and be prepared to laugh. No comedy experience required.

*This workshop will take place at the QWF Office (Room 3, 1200 Atwater Avenue, Westmount, Quebec) with up to 2 virtual spots for participants who are unable to attend in-person because of distance or disability. By default, all workshop registrations are for in-person spots. If you would like to request a virtual slot, contact John at john@qwf.org stating the reason for which you would need the virtual spot, then wait for a response before registering. Please do not register until you receive confirmation of a virtual spot for you. 

Workshop leader

Photo: Brooklyn Melnyk

Shanthony Exum is a multimedia artist who embraces creativity in all forms. She has been an improv & sketch comedy performer since 2018 and currently teaches, performs, and produces comedy around Montreal. Her troupe “Imploding” won the 2023 Threepio competition, and her sketch troupe 100% Human People was named “Best Local Troupe” in the 2024 edition of Montreal Sketch Fest. She has also performed at Ladyfest, OFF JFL, Montreal Fringe Festival, and the Big Pond Improv Festival. 

Register

Workshop registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Payment is required to confirm your place in the workshop. 

Payments are to be made online via credit card or PayPal. Click on the link below to add the workshop to your shopping cart, then proceed to payment. QWF Members must be logged in to receive their discount. If you are not already a QWF member, you will have the option of purchasing a Membership, in which case you will receive the discounted workshop rate.

If you are unable to pay online, you can temporarily reserve a place by registering online. Your payment must be made to the QWF office by cheque or cash within 7 days of registration or it will automatically be cancelled. Cheques must be written out to “QWF–Quebec Writers’ Federation” or “Quebec Writers’ Federation”

If the workshop is full, you will have the option of joining the waiting list. If a space becomes available, all those on the waiting list will be notified at once by email. The available spot will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please familiarize yourself with the rest of the Workshop Policies in the shaded box.

Member

General $105
Student $60
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Non-Member

$120
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Workshop Policies

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Special Thanks

QWF gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Government of Canada.