Sketch Comedy Class with Chris MacKenzie
Sketch Comedy class, 8 weeks, taught by Chris Mackenzie.
Class starts July 15th 7:30pm, and the program will conclude with a four-week show run.
Chris MacKenzie began his comedy career as a clown, juggler, and stiltwalker with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. During his 4 seasons (1500+ consecutive performances) he wrote, produced, and performed in countless routines, ring gags and walk-arounds. He also taught workshops on everything from water spitting to stiltwalking, and eventually led Clown College auditions when the Dean was unable to attend.
After leaving the circus, Chris moved to Los Angeles where he began performing, and eventually teaching and directing at the ACME Comedy Theater in Hollywood. Initially, he oversaw the Bravo Company, mounting 8-10 week runs of sketch reviews. From there, he began directing the Main Company in “ACME This Week,” a celeb hosted, SNL-style show, that was completely new every week.
Chris’ sketch “Rollers” was highlighted on HBO’s “Sketch Pad 2,” a compilation of the funniest sketches from around the country. He also helped found the ground-breaking sketch/short film troupe, “Here Come Your Enemies.”
His approach to comedy is one of “less is more.” Chris does not believe the myth that some people “just aren’t funny” or that you “can’t teach funny.” No two people are funny in the same way, and the comedian’s job is to find their specific “comedic note.” The only pre-requisite to be funny is a willingness to laugh at yourself.
Confusion and unoriginality are the enemies of comedy, and Chris’ approach to sketch is heavily focused on keeping your ideas clear and characters unique. By identifying your core idea, avoiding common pitfalls, and fully investing in your performance, any level of performer or writer can see great improvement in their work.
Outside of teaching, Chris has been a successful commercial actor for the past several years, and has produced countless video projects with his writing partner, Richard Keith (www.ILookLikeMyMom.com).
Chris’ performing career has taken him to 45 states and 6 continents. Career highlights include opening for Kiss and the Smashing Pumpkins on Halloween Night in Dodger Stadium, performing solo in front of a crowd of 100,000 people in Mexico City, and making both Dick Van Dyke and Jerry Lewis laugh (the latter snorted).
In the corporate realm, Chris has been seen in over 20 national commercial campaigns, as well as written and performed several corporate shows for companies like Pepsi, British Airways, and most recently, Budweiser, where he was the beer’s exclusive “Brand Ambassador.” Locally, he has worked extensively for Disney, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Lego Land. Most recently hosting USH’s award-winning, “Fear Factor Live!”
Chris holds Bachelors degrees in both Communications and Theater from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and is a proud graduate of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College.
Cost: $250
Click here to pay online.
Email alumni@bangstudio.com (please note “MacKenzie Workshop” in the subject line) to reserve your spot.
