Comedy Writing Program

Crossroads offers a variety of longform improv courses with some of the best instructors in the Indianapolis area and beyond at a price point and commitment level that is easy on all students. We have courses for people just that just want to have some fun for a couple hours each week, people that want to build valuable life and professional skills, and regular improvisers looking to challenge themselves and realize their full potential as performers and artists.

Our longform improv program consists of four courses. Each course builds on the last and culminates in an improv format known as the Harold, which uses all the improv skills you’ve developed. Then there are optional electives which you can take based on your experience and preferences. In addition to our own electives, we also invite guest instructors who offer courses through our program both in-person and online.

SKILLS FOR LIFE AND WORK!

Build Personal & Professional Skills!

Whether you’re a doctor, lawyer, teacher, or tech worker, being clear and engaging makes a huge difference. Comedy writing sharpens your ability to say what you mean in a way people actually want to listen to. You learn how to ditch jargon, connect emotionally, and get to the point with personality.
Have Fun & Be More Creative!

Comedy writing gives your brain a break from daily stress. It’s a creative release valve much like journaling, but with jokes. Even five minutes of writing can shift your mood and mindset.
Grow Your Circle of Friends!

Classes are a goldmine for meeting smart, funny, curious folks. You’ll bond over bits, build community, and maybe even find your next writing partner or best friend.
Clearer Communication

Crafting jokes teaches clarity, timing, and how to read an audience—skills that translate to killer presentations, better conversations, and way more entertaining Zoom calls.
Build Confidence In Yourself

Sharing your work is scary—then weirdly addictive. You’ll grow thicker skin, sharper instincts, and a deeper belief in your voice, on the page and off.
No Experience Necessary!

There is no experience necessary to take any of our beginner courses!

SKETCH BASICS WORKSHOP

TYPE: Core | PREREQUISITE: None! | COURSE LENGTH: 1 Day, 2hrs | INSTRUCTOR: Various
DESCRIPTION: Curious about writing sketch comedy? Want to do something fun and creative for two hours? This interactive workshop introduces you to the fundamentals of sketch writing in a fun and supportive environment. Through discussion, exercises, and group collaboration, you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to develop comedic material for the stage and get an idea of what you can expect in a full six-week course. You’ll learn something new, meet interesting people, and have fun! No experience necessary – just bring your creativity and a sense of humor!

If you do not see this class offered on our full class page, click here to express your interest in offering it again soon!

SKETCH WRITING 1

TYPE: Core | PREREQUISITE: None | COURSE LENGTH: 6 Weeks, Two Hours Each Week | INSTRUCTOR: Various
SKETCH 1: SKETCH COMEDY BASICS. Unleash your inner SNL writer by learning the basics of writing sketch comedy in a fun and supportive environment. No experience necessary as our expert instructors will guide you each step of the way. Topics covered in this course include identifying what makes a sketch tick, how to pitch sketch ideas, various types of sketches, editing and re-editing your scripts, and how to give and accept constructive feedback. Students will learn how to use what they know to develop their own ideas, how to turn those ideas into sketches, and how to edit those sketches to be the funniest they can be.

If you do not see this class offered below, click here to express your interest in offering it again soon.

SKETCH WRITING 2

TYPE: Core | PREREQUISITE: None | COURSE LENGTH: 6 Weeks, Two Hours Each Week | INSTRUCTOR: Various

SKETCH WRITING 2: STYLES & FORMATS. This 6 week in person class will build on the basics of sketch comedy writing course. Students will dive deeper into game, working on new sketch types, giving and receiving constructive feedback, and writing as a group. This class will also help those with sketch writing experience to brush up on what they know, learn something new, and generally shake off the cob webs after a long hiatus. Sketch Writing 1 at Crossroads or prior experience required. Please email classes@xroadscomedy.com if you are unsure if you meet these requirements.

If you do not see this class offered on our full class page, click here to express your interest in offering it again soon.

SKETCH WRITING 3

TYPE: Core | PREREQUISITE: None | COURSE LENGTH: 6 Weeks, Two Hours Each Week | INSTRUCTOR: Various

SKETCH 3: COLLABORATIVE WRITING. Step into the collaborative heart of sketch comedy! In this level, you’ll learn how to pitch your ideas with confidence, work creatively within small and larger groups, and sharpen your sketches through rewriting. You’ll practice giving and receiving constructive feedback and discovering how the best ideas grow when writers build on each other’s work. By the end, you’ll master the art of revision – making your sketches clearer, funnier, and ready for performance or production.

If you do not see this class offered on our full class page, click here to express your interest in offering it again soon.6

SKETCH WRITING 4

TYPE: Core | PREREQUISITE: None | COURSE LENGTH: 10 Weeks, Two Hours Each Week | INSTRUCTOR: Various

SKETCH 4: FROM PAGE TO STAGE. This conservatory style class teach students how to put up an original sketch comedy show. Your instructor / director will go over all the moving parts from the writer’s room pitches, writing and revising sketches, giving and receiving constructive feedback, selecting sketches for the show and finally rehearsing and staging an original show for two performances on the Crossroads stage. Students are expected to both write and perform through the process.

If you do not see this class offered on our full class page, click here to express your interest in offering it again soon.

WORKSHOPS & ELECTIVES

If you do not see this class offered on our full class page, click here to express your interest in offering it again soon.

SKETCH PRACTICE GROUPS

Are looking to stay fresh between classes, to study with a different instructor, or mix it up with students from other classes or experience levels – then our writer’s room groups are for you. These writing practice sessions are exclusively for Crossroads writing program students and are coached by instructors from Crossroads and other invited guests. At only $20 per session, writing practice groups are a great way to get more experience with expert guidance while having a fun time doing it!

If you do not see this class offered on our full class page, click here to express your interest in offering it again soon.

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING...

"I’d recommend this class to anyone and everyone. As a business owner, I can confidently say that this kind of experience would benefit every professional."

"Crossroads has amazing and supportive teachers who speak from experience. Plus, I’ve met great friends through their classes who I continue to do comedy with!"

“Crossroads has really exceptional teachers and a super supportive community vibe.”

"Not only did I love the experience, but I walked away with a renewed sense of confidence. I’ve noticed a real shift in how I show up in both business and life—less second-guessing, more trusting my instincts, and using my voice with clarity and purpose."

“Crossroads provides a friendly, safe environment to explore improv in a creative way.”

"The most valuable quality that I started strengthening is having more comfort talking to people, be silly, bring ease and humor into everyday to lighten up life a little for everyone."

GET A CROSSROADS GIFT CARD!

We are excited to now offer Crossroads Comedy Theater E-Gift cards! Now you can give the gift one of our amazing classes or shows to someone you love at any time!

It’s true these are “comedy” classes, but the skills you or your loved one will learn go beyond the stage and page. We’re biased, but we do believe our classes make great gifts. In addition to meeting new people and having fun, our students have also: improved communication, increased self-confidence, become more positive thinkers, explored their creative sides, made new friends, embraced collaboration, and so much more.