• Rss Feed
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Search
Skip to content
Visit Sponsor
Seattle Gay Scene
  • Home
  • News
  • Arts &
    Entertainment
  • Nightlife
  •  Living
  • Geek
  • Calendar
Home *Seattle Theaterland, Arts & Entertainment, Comedy, Sketch ComedySounds Sketchy…”The Kids in the Hall” star Kevin McDonald Leads Sketch Writing Seminar

Sounds Sketchy…”The Kids in the Hall” star Kevin McDonald Leads Sketch Writing Seminar

August 8, 2017• byMichael Strangeways

KevinMcDonaldFaces

We’re HUGE fans of the seminal Canadian sketch comedy troupe THE KIDS IN THE HALL and their eponymous CBC/HBO series from the 80s. The five man troupe (Dave Foley, Kevin McDonald, Bruce McCulloch, Mark McKinney, and Scott Thompson) occasionally regroup for special events and projects but have mostly gone their separate ways. Many gay fans loved the only gay “Kid” Scott Thompson who created iconic characters like Buddy Cole but all the “Kids” were gay friendly and the troupe did some amazing sketches utilizing gay characters and themes.

One of our favorite kids was Kevin McDonald, who co-founded the “Kids” with Foley. The sad sack faced comedian was a valuable utility player in the troupe and tended to play characters a bit more grounded in reality; McDonald characters tended to be wry as opposed to more over the top like the ones created by McCulloch and McKinney. McDonald has gone on to numerous other gigs (including much voice over work) and is familiar to younger audiences for his turn on “That 70s Show” as the befuddled “Pastor Dave”.

He’s also a much sought after teacher of comedy and comedy writing and Kevin McDonald will be leading a two day sketch comedy workshop in September with Seattle’s Unexpected Productions who perform at the Market Theater in Post Alley in Seattle’s famed Pike Place Market. (Unexpected is known for “Theatresports” and their currently running improv show “Schrampflin Falls“)

Here’s more info about the Kevin McDonald led sketch workshop:

Join Kevin McDonald of the Kids in the Hall as he returned to Unexpected Productions for a two-day sketch comedy workshop that will culminate in a show on the second night.

Workshop your sketches and perform with sketch comedy legend Kevin McDonald of Kids in the Hall, Saturday Night Live, MADtv and more. This one of a kind, two-day workshop will include YOUR sketches performed in a live show!

What: Workshop your sketches and perform with sketch comedy legend Kevin McDonald. Kevin teaches students how to run a writers room, rehearse and perform sketches, all leading up to a live performance. Kevin invites everyone in the workshop to bring one scripted comedy sketch. The workshop begins as a writers room. Everyone will read their sketches and give notes. Selected sketches will be re-written, worked on and given notes again. He will pick five/six sketches, split the class into groups and guide everyone in a rehearsals and evolve them into fully formed sketches.

What you need: A sketch. Copies of that sketch. And a laptop for editing that sketch.

What you get: You work one-on-one with Kevin McDonald as well as your fellow participants to workshop your sketch. You receive hours practical advice and guidance on sketch writing, specific work-shopping tips and guidance to help create brilliant comedy sketches.

The Kids in the Hall....back in the day.

The Kids in the Hall….back in the day.

Workshop: Saturday, Sept 23rd & Sunday, Sept. 24th 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Performance: Sunday, Sept. 24th at 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $285 – space is limited
Register: Register Here for How to Create a Sketch Show with Kevin McDonald

On Sunday, attendees will rehearse the chosen sketches under Kevin’s direction. As Kevin says, “We are creating and producing a sketch show together.” Sunday evening’s performance will include stand-up and improv as well as YOUR sketches complete with your performances.

About the Instructor:

Comedian, actor, writer and director Kevin McDonald founded “The Kids in the Hall” with friend Dave Foley, after they met in Toronto at Second City, and the television series ran from 1988-1995. In the troupe’s television series and stage shows, he portrays several popular recurring characters, such as the King of Empty Promises, Sir Simon Milligan, and Jerry Sizzler. McDonald went on to appear in a variety of films including “Boy Meets Girl,” “Lilo & Stitch,” “Lilo & Stitch: The Series,” and “Epic Movie.” On television, he has appeared on “The Martin Short Show,” “Ellen,” “That ’70s Show,” “Seinfeld,” “Friends,” “NewsRadio,” “MADtv,” “Arrested Development,” and “Corner Gas.” McDonald has also done voice work for various animated series, including Nickelodeon’s “Invader Zim,” “The Angry Beavers,” “Catscratch,” and “Clerks: The Animated Series.” He also played an imaginary friend named Ivan in the episode ‘Sight For Sore Eyes’ on “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends,” appeared in the music video for “Roses” by Outkast, and made an appearance in “Tim and Eric’s Awesome Show.”

In 2006, McDonald hosted a CBC Television special, featuring several of Canada’s best-known sketch comedy troupes. “Sketch with Kevin McDonald” won a Canadian Comedy Award (Best Taped Live Performance – The Minnesota Wrecking Crew). He was recently at the Just for Laughs Festival with the reunion of Kids in the Hall, and also with his show “Hammy and the Kids” with Craig Northey, based on his two dysfunctional families, his father (“Hammy”) and the Kids in the Hall, as well as “Death Comes to Town” on CBC.

About the Improv School at Unexpected Productions
Artistic Director, Randy Dixon designed The Improv School. Dixon is a respected instructor and teaches improv all over the world. He is known for creating the “Seattle Style” of improv, combining the teachings of Del Close and Keith Johnston. He has written books and numerous articles on the art of improv and storytelling. He designed the Improv School to teach the

Since 1986, Unexpected Productions’ Improv School has taught new skills to tens of thousands of students. Now, improv troupes in cities across the country boast members educated by this unique institution.

Unexpected Productions’ Improv School has four quarters a year. There are 6 levels to the school, each building on skills from the previous level. Student learn the basics of improvisation. Discover how to actively listen, to use their own life to create stories, improve speaking skills and work on the fundamental principles of improvisation.

The Improv School offers a wide range of specialty classes throughout the year. Including storytelling, sketch comedy, musical improv, genre styles, stand-up comedy, performance, self-improvement, stage combat, dance improv, character, acting, genres, where, voice, and stage presence. Master classes with the best improv instructors from around the globe.

Emphasis is placed on understanding and utilizing basic scene work skills, and most importantly, having fun. Lots of laughs and lots of stage time. They make new friends, and gain new confidence. They take classes to:

  • Pursue the art of Improvisational theater
  • Improve your public presentation
  • Gain amazing teaming skills
  • Overcome shyness
  • Build confidence
  • Improve communication skills
  • Think on their feet
  • Come out of their shell
  • Have a safe place to take risks
  • Or simply to have fun and make friends.

Students unlock the secrets of active listening and being present in the moment. They discover the power of collaborative storytelling and connecting with an audience. They add more spontaneity and playfulness to their life. All while having a fun time laughing and making new friends.

(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)

About the Author: Michael Strangeways

As the Editorial Director/Co-Owner, Michael Strangeways writes, edits and does about a million other jobs for Seattle Gay Scene, Puget Sound's most visited LGBTQ news, arts and entertainment website now celebrating its 14th year as a media outlet. A semi-proud Midwesterner by birth, he's lived in Seattle since 2000. He's also a film producer who would like you to check out the Jinkx Monsoon documentary, "Drag Becomes Him" now available on Amazon.com. In his spare time, he gets slightly obsessive about his love for old movies, challenging theater, "otters", vodka, chocolate, "I,Claudius", Lizzie Borden, real books made out of paper, disaster films, show tunes, Weimar era Germany, flea markets, pop surrealistic art, the sex lives of Hollywood actors both living and dead, kitties, chicken fried steak, haute couture and David Bowie. But, not necessarily in that order.

Related Posts

*Seattle Theaterland • Arts & Entertainment • Stage

Religion, Morality, Teens and Puppets Are A Funny Mix in Seattle Public’s “Hand to God”

Hand to God at Seattle Public Theater Ventures into Religion

...

*Seattle Cinemaland • *Seattle Theaterland • *The Strangeways Report • Arts & Entertainment • Arts News • Capitol Hill News • Comedy • In Memoriam • Legends • News • Performance Art • Sketch Comedy • Stage • Stand Up

Peggy Platt, Beloved Seattle Comedian/Actress Has Passed Away

Terrible news to report. Beloved Seattle comedian/actress/performer PEGGY PLATT passed

...

*Seattle Theaterland • #Interviews • Arts & Entertainment • Stage

Interview: Wayne Rawley’s “Money & Run” Trilogy Is Back For A Marathon Run At Theater Schmeater

Craig Trolli interrogates the hardened criminals of Theater Schmeater’s Money

...

*Seattle Theaterland • #Interviews • Arts & Entertainment • Cabaret • Comedy • Sketch Comedy • TV Land

Ian Schuelke Wants An Exit Interview…With Guest Star Bhama Roget

Ian Schuelke is a local – for now- sketch artist,

...

*Seattle Theaterland • #Interviews • Arts & Entertainment • Comedy • Seattle Lesbian Scene • Sketch Comedy • Women's Arts • Women's Events

Interview: “It’s That Time Of The Month” With The Funny Women Of Day Job

“Day Job was formed in 2014 and features the comedic

...

#Theater and Stage • Arts & Entertainment • Stage

Yes….It’s Time for Holiday Ham With Comedy Queens Lisa & Peggy!

Turkey Schmurkey…We J’adore The Ham For The Holidays! Which is

...

Previous: Lyle Tuttle Headlines 16th Annual Seattle Tattoo Expo
Next: Is October Going To Be “Armistead Maupin Month” In Seattle?

Comments are closed.

Upcoming Events

Thu 02

Taco Tuesdays…And, Thursdays @ The Cuff Complex

February 2 @ 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Seattle WA
United States
Thu 02

Texas’ Big Bang Bingo! @ Queer Bar

February 2 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Seattle
United States
Thu 02

Decadent @ Cuff Complex

February 2 @ 8:00 pm - 2:00 am
Seattle WA
United States
Thu 02

Bearback Thursdays @ The Seattle Eagle

February 2 @ 9:00 pm - 2:00 am
Seattle
United States
Thu 02

Mothership w/Arrietty @ queer bar

February 2 @ 10:00 pm - 12:00 am
Seattle WA
United States

View More…

  • Rss Feed
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Search

Seattle Gay Scene

SEATTLE GAY SCENE is Seattle’s Leading LGBT community website, and most visited calendar in the region.

We also proudly serve as media sponsors for a number of amazing local organizations, including: Gay City Health Project, Lifelong AIDS Alliance, SIFF, Three Dollar Bill Cinema, Qulture Qreative & Hard Times Press, NARK Magazine and Bacon Strip to help bring some of the most exciting live events and entertainment in the city.

Top Categories

  • Music
  • Community
  • Drag O’Tainment
  • Seattle Lesbian Scene
  • Stuff to Do

Recent Comments

  1. Noah Nguyen on Runway Drag Brunch @ Taqueria Cantina (Downtown)
  2. Michael Strangeways on Review: Seattle Rep’s “Mr. Dickens and His Carol” Is A Christmas Dirge
  3. A L Darling on Review: Seattle Rep’s “Mr. Dickens and His Carol” Is A Christmas Dirge

About Us

  • Our Team
  • Advertise on SGS!
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2023 | Seattle Gay Scene
  • Our Team
  • Advertise on SGS!
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
Close Search Window
↑