Could you tell us a little bit about Etch-A-Sketch Comedy and how it first started?
Etch-A-Sketch Comedy began as ImprovE Comedy in 2011 when my friend, Ofir, and I decided to stage an SNL-type series of scenes and sketches based on comedic bits and inside jokes we had, and we got four of our funny friends involved. We put up a show and ever since then, we’ve been putting on an original, full-length sketch comedy show at the end of every semester. We’ve evolved a lot; new members and new material.
For students interested in getting involved with Etch-A-Sketch, what opportunities are available?
This year, with our new status as an official student organization, we’re looking at expanding and getting more people involved to write, act or both! No experience is necessary; we just want really funny and creative people on board. We do have auditions, but they’re laid back and a lot of fun. We need tech people too!Â
This year auditions are Saturday, September 21st at 10am and 4pm. Like us on Facebook at “Etch-A-Sketch Comedy” for more info and to stay up-to-date with workshops and performances!
What happens between auditions and having a finished show? Tell us a little bit about your creative process.
We all come in with ideas every week, and sometimes that’s as fleshed out as a first draft of a sketch, or sometimes we just have a funny premise in mind. Sometimes we set up a camera and will improv a scene for twenty minutes just to get a bunch of material out there. It’s not all good, but then we can go back and pick out what was funny when we go to get a script down on paper. As we start rehearsing, we might make a bunch of changes or cuts as we find stuff that doesn’t work. So some of our meetings take on a writing room style, while some are more of an improvising/rehearsal session.
What has been the most rewarding part of being in the troupe?
When you put on a show and people show up and are laughing, it’s the best feeling. Sometimes people will recite their favorite lines from the show back to us later, the way you would from your favorite TV show, and that’s so funny and awesome. I also love the family dynamic we have, we goof off a lot and have fun, but we also support each other and work really hard, and that’s been so cool to be a part of.
Who are some of your favorite comedians?
Some of the classics, Carlin, Seinfeld, Bill Hicks, Richard Pryor. Right now I really like Mike Birbiglia and Anthony Jeselnik too. Lily Tomlin and Lucille Ball are my idols. As far as sketch goes, I love Portlandia, SNL, The State, Stella! and Fry and Laurie.
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