Posted by Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival
In this 2 hour workshop, students will explore character creation through both physical and written exercises. Students will use physicality, sound, and contextual prompts to discover characters unique to them in real-time. In addition, students will be tasked with writing prompts to begin translating their ideas onto the page. The workshop will also provide an overview of terminology touchstones of sketch and character writing.
Amanda Xeller is a character comedian, director, and producer residing in Brooklyn, NY. Her work has been featured across the US and Canada. Most recently she performed to two sold out audiences at the San Francisco Sketch Comedy Festival. She produces Moxie: The Women, Trans, and Non-Binary Sketch Lab as well as produces and performs on the monthly character showcase, Character Night, which is regarded as the best character show in NYC. As an educator, Amanda specializes in sketch writing and character creation. Through specific writing prompts focused on point-of-view and relationship, Amanda helps students hone their comedic voice, develop their editing skills, and understand the importance of direction. Amanda is a recent graduate of the Terry Knickerbocker Acting Conservatory. She’s originally from Houston, TX. She’s a runner, a drummer, and lover of horror movies.
Presented as part of Toronto Sketchfest’s 2025 Learning + Fun Series
Sunday, March 09