Sketch Comedy Lab

Get feedback on your sketch and test it out in front of an audience! To participate:
       1) Sign up for a Writers Lab
       2) Click the link in your confirmation email to SUBMIT      
            YOUR SKETCH
       3) Attend the Writers Lab and get feedback
       4) Revise and submit in time for the show deadline
       5) Come to the show to see actors read through your      
            sketch and to hear the audience response

JULY 2026 WRITERS LAB

Wed, July 15, 7-9:30 pm
Facilitators: TBA

Submission Deadline: Monday, July 13 at 11:59PM

Formatting Requirements and FAQs here | CLICK HERE to register

Looking for Tickets to the next staged reading?

Sketch Comedy Lab FAQ

Any guidelines for the script I submit? 

Guidelines for sketch submissions are as follows: 

    • Your sketch must be submitted as a PDF.
    • Your sketch should be no longer than six (6) pages.
    • If the writer is submitting short, blackout sketches (1-2 pages each), you may submit up to 3 in the same PDF.
    • Completed drafts of sketches will get the most out of this process.
    • Sketches should be written for the stage (rather than for filming) to allow for ease of staging.
    • Any scripts that contain jokes or content that go against Arcade’s values or inclusivity statement will not be considered for participation.
    • Scripts written by AI will not be accepted for this sketch program.
    • And please keep in mind: the Sketch Comedy Lab show is a staged reading. Actors will perform with no props, no costumes, and with some light stage blocking. There’s no tech besides Lights Up and Lights Down. Any tech cues mentioned in scripts are read aloud as stage directions.

How should I format my sketch?

For formatting, writers can try using free versions of screenwriting tools like WriterSolo, WriterDuet, FadeIn, and Highland. When using these tools, please select ‘screenplay’ (not ‘stageplay’), as this is the only option with formatting that ensures 1 minute per page.

If you can’t use screenwriting tools, create a copy of our Script Template by clicking here. If you’re using our Script Template, ensure the font remains Courier, size 11, margins are not adjusted, and dialogue width stays consistent to the Template. Convert to PDF to submit.

Can a sketch group submit a sketch?

Groups may submit a script but one representative must be identified to attend the Writers Lab and oversee the edits.

I registered for a Writers Lab date. How do I submit my sketch?

Once you’ve registered for a Writers Lab date, you will get a Confirmation Email from Showclix. In that email, look for the instructions to “submit your sketch”. If you are having any trouble submitting, please email us at sketch [@] arcadecomedytheater.com.

What is the difference between Sketch Comedy Lab and Sketch Lab Report?

Sketch Comedy Lab is the name of a staged reading show that showcases new and experimental sketches that were in a recent Writers Lab. Actors in a staged reading have scripts in hand while performing. Get tickets here.

Sketch Lab Report is an all-out sketch show presenting a collection of favorite scripts from the past year of Labs. Actors perform with props, costumes, and tech.

I heard that Sketch Comedy Lab is looking for actors and directors. How do I sign up to be considered?

Actors please fill out this form to be considered for upcoming Sketch Comedy Lab shows:
https://forms.gle/LZ3HFXr99wXVAdJW9

Directors please email us at sketch [@] arcadecomedytheater.com

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