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ABOUT THE CLASS
One Line Premise is a sketch writing workshop led by Kevin McDonald (The Kids in the Hall), centered on developing strong comedy sketches from a single, clear idea. Each student will arrive with a one-line premise (for example: “What if a guy was $10 short of being a millionaire?”), and Kevin will guide the group through how that idea can be expanded into a full sketch.
Together, you’ll examine each premise to uncover the central comedic engine, explore character and point of view, and determine how the idea functions as a playable scene. The focus is on clarity - learning how to take a simple concept and turn it into a sketch with structure, escalation, and purpose.
This is a writers' room workshop - there will be no improvising or performing. After the workshop, students will write a complete sketch based on their premise and submit it for feedback. Kevin will provide notes on structure, character, and comedic impact, helping students refine their work beyond the classroom.
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.
Policies & Procedures
Covid-19 Policy: Vaccinations and boosters are recommended but not required. Masking is at the student’s discretion.
Cancellation Policy: We will refund 100% of tuition for cancellations made 14 days (or more) before the start of any class. Tuition cannot be refunded on cancellations made fewer than 14 days before the class. Contact us if you wish to cancel.
Concerns About Payment? If you have the desire to learn, we want you to have the opportunity! We frequently offer installment plans and partial or full scholarships (need-based and diversity). If you are having trouble affording this class, contact us to work out an arrangement.
Know someone who would love this class? Gift certificates are coming soon — let us know if you’re interested!