"When you’re writing a sketch, it has to be surrounded by a situation. It can’t just be out of the air"

When you're creating a sketch, it needs to be grounded in a real situation—nothing can just float in a vacuum. Think about it as setting the scene. If you don't have a solid context or background for your characters and actions, the sketch will feel hollow and disconnected. It's like trying to make a joke without any setup; it won't land because there's no foundation for the humor.

Historically, this idea has roots in the evolution of comedy and theater. Look at the work of classic comedians like Charlie Chaplin or the sketches on "Saturday Night Live." Each one is built around a specific scenario—a tramp struggling in a modern world, or a parody of a news broadcast. These situations provide a backdrop that audiences can latch onto, making the humor resonate more deeply.

Let's take a practical example. Imagine you’re writing a sketch about a job interview. If you just have nonsensical dialogue with no clear setting, it won’t make much sense. But if you situate it in a specific context—say, an over-the-top tech startup where the interviewer is obsessed with quirky company culture—you create a playground for your characters. The ridiculousness of the interviewer's questions about spirit animals or office yoga can now shine because the audience understands the world you've built.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Start with a relatable or exaggerated scenario. Picture the environment where your sketch takes place. Is it a cramped subway car, a chaotic family dinner, or maybe a high-stakes courtroom? Flesh out the details: what time of day is it, who are the characters, and what’s at stake? This context will inform your dialogue and actions, making the sketch feel vibrant and real.

Picture this: You're chatting with your friend over coffee. He’s telling you about this hilarious sketch idea he has. "It’s about these two guys," he says, "and they’re just talking, and it’s super funny." You nod, but you’re not quite seeing it. "Okay, but what’s the situation?" you ask. "I don’t know, they’re just talking," he replies. You sip your latte and think for a second. "What if they’re two rival magicians meeting in a magic shop?" Now, you can imagine the tension, the competition, the potential for absurd tricks and one-upmanship. The situation gives life to the sketch.

So next time you’re brainstorming a comedy bit, remember: context is king. Set the scene first. Create a world where your characters can live and breathe. That’s where the magic happens.