ITS Sketch Competition 2024

Come one, come all! It’s time for the ITS Sketch Competition 2024!!

Improv Theatre Sydney’s premier video sketch competition is back and you’re invited to write and film your funniest 3 minute sketch. Once submitted it will be screened on Sunday 10th November as part of the ITS Comedy Festival, where you’ll have the chance to win some top-notch prizes.

No matter what your experience level is, you should enter!

Submission Form here.

Theme

This year’s theme is: “Afterlife”. Interpret it however you wish. 

Key Dates

• Wed 2nd Oct 2024: Submissions open.
• Wed 23rd Oct 2024 (at 11:59 PM): Submissions close.
• Sun 10th Nov 2024 (6pm-7pm at Improv Theatre Sydney): Saturday – NOT – Live and NOT Saturday Screening Show (Winners Announced).

Prizes: 

• First Place: Up to 3 Lead creatives get free ITS shows for one (1) year PLUS you have the option of mounting a Sketch Show at ITS in the first half of 2025 PLUS Two double passes for everyone involved for the rest of the festival.

• Second Place: A completely free level of sketch writing for up to 3 Lead Creatives PLUS Two double passes for everyone involved for the rest of the festival.

• Third Place: Two double passes for everyone involved for the rest of the festival.

• People’s Choice: Surprise Gift

Rules

• Sketches must be inspired by the theme “Afterlife”. Interpret it however you wish. 
• Sketches can be of any style (satire, musical parody, etc.) and have as many actors as you wish. 
• A maximum of three people on your team can win the prizes i.e. for the team that wins first place, only three people on that team will each receive a free Level 1 sketch course. If you have more than three people on your team, you will need to decide between yourselves which 3 people will win the prizes (usually the core creative team).
• The entire sketch video must not be any longer than 3 minutes – this includes any opening titles, credits, etc. 
• Sketches must be shot horizontal (not vertical). 
• Along with the sketch, you must also submit a vertical teaser trailer (max 30 seconds) for your sketch that we can post on the ITS socials to give everyone a taste of what’s to come! 

How to Enter

1. Fill out this entry form, and submit your sketch and a vertical teaser trailer, before the 23rd October 2024.
2. Purchase a submission ticket below (this includes your entry to the Screening Show on Mon 11th Nov 2024) also before 23rd October 2024.. 

FAQS

• Do I need to be a current ITS student to participate?
  Nope! This contest is open to anyone at all, so spread the word!
• Is there a live performance involved?
  Nope! All sketches submitted to the ITS Sketch Comp are filmed and will be shown at the “Saturday – NOT – Live and NOT Saturday Screening Show” on Sun 10th November 2024.
• What will the Screening Show be like?
  The Screening Show is called the “Saturday – NOT – Live & NOT Saturday Screening Show” because the sketches are not live (they’re filmed) and it won’t be held on a Saturday (it’ll be on Sun 10th November). Basically, anyone (even people who haven’t submitted a sketch, so invite your friends!) can buy tickets to watch all of the hilarious sketches that people have entered in the screening room at ITS. There will be a live element to it in that it’ll be hosted by a host and there will be three judges there on the night, making hilarious comments after each sketch is shown. Once all the sketches have been screened, the judges will deliberate, as well as the audience will vote for People’s Choice via a QR code, and finally all the winners of each prize will be announced.It’ll be a vibe.
• How will my sketches be judged?
  Sketches will be assessed by three judges. They’re looking for what’s funniest to them. Top sketches are usually fast-paced, play a clear joke or game and always paced well (don’t let your sketch feel bloated).Note: Sketches won’t be judged based on production value so don’t worry if your sketch is shot on your phone (everyone’s probably will be) and not edited like an Oscar film. Funny is king!
• Can I submit multiple sketches?
  Sure! Each submission requires a new submission fee.
• Where can I find crew and/or performers?
  Jump into the ITS Students Facebook Group and post a callout for crew/performers.