This blog post was written by Jane Liu, Girls Write Now mentee, about the sketch comedy workshop led by craft talk speaker Shaina Feinberg and guest facilitators from the Pit, Magnet Theater, and Upright Citizens Brigade.
“Parting is such sweet sorrow.” What a trite, pithy statement, I used to say. But it fits. As the school year draws to a close, so does my time with Girls Write Now. The Sketch Comedy workshop would be my last workshop as a mentee. Like many of the other senior mentees there, I was acutely conscious that every joke, every laugh, every smile—they all had time limits. Which made it all the more significant that at this workshop, all three (jokes, laughs, smiles) abounded.
From humorous memories to sketches, craft talk speaker Shaina Feinberg and guest facilitators from the Pit, Magnet Theater, and Upright Citizens Brigade led the way in evoking grins and snorts on a chilly May day. Cold as the outside was, the interior was piping hot with fond recollections.
During her talk, Shaina invited the audience to respond. We split in to teams and I was cheerfully acting my part in “Team Bro.” My name was Jackson, and I had a deep, drum-like voice. I man-spreaded like no one’s business. I was busily knitting the hat for my football, and I couldn’t understand why my homie’s wife had to think we were crocheting. Life was good.
Amidst chuckling, Shaina discussed having fun with what she thought was funny, telling a joke even if she thought it was obscure, and remembering what made her giggle years ago. She offered some final advice: have fun, even if you’re laughing alone; be confident in what you say, for people will listen; and remember the happiness of times past.
