{"product_id":"writing-sketch-comedy-workshop-with-kevin-mcdonald-august-22-23-2026","title":"Writing Sketch Comedy Workshop with Kevin McDonald - August 22 \u0026 23 2026","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"485\" data-end=\"656\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"485\" data-end=\"495\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis Workshop has SOLD OUT. Please email production@winnipegfilmgroup.com or call 204-925-3456 ext. 1 to be placed on the waitlist.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"485\" data-end=\"656\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"485\" data-end=\"495\"\u003eDates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Saturday, August 22 \u0026amp; Sunday, August 23\u003cbr data-start=\"522\" data-end=\"525\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"525\" data-end=\"538\"\u003eTime:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm\u003cbr data-start=\"600\" data-end=\"603\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"603\" data-end=\"616\"\u003eLocation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Winnipeg Film Group, 3rd Floor, Media Lab – 100 Arthur Street\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"485\" data-end=\"656\"\u003eJoin us for \u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-processed=\"true\"\u003eWriting Sketch Comedy\u003c\/strong\u003e, an intensive, two-day workshop led by comedy legend and \u003cem class=\"eujQNb\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-processed=\"true\"\u003eKids in the Hall\u003c\/em\u003e co-founder Kevin McDonald. Over two 4-hour sessions, you’ll dive into the mechanics of what makes a scene funny, moving from a simple \"what if\" idea to a fully realized comedy sketch. Whether you are a beginner or looking to sharpen your comedic voice, this is a rare opportunity to get direct feedback from one of Canada’s most iconic sketch writers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1118\" data-end=\"1139\"\u003eWhat You’ll Learn\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"KsbFXc U6u95\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-processed=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"dF3vjf\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAEIBRAA\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sae=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003ePremise Development\u003c\/strong\u003e: How to take a \"one-line premise\" (e.g., \"What if a guy was $10 short of being a millionaire?\") and break it down into a viable scene structure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"dF3vjf\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAEIBRAB\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sae=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003eThe Writing Process\u003c\/strong\u003e: Strategies for translating a funny concept into a written script overnight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"dF3vjf\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAEIBRAC\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sae=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003eCritique and Revision\u003c\/strong\u003e: Learn to identify \"the game\" of your sketch and apply professional notes to improve your comedic timing and beats.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"dF3vjf\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAEIBRAD\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sae=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003eIndustry Insights\u003c\/strong\u003e: Kevin will share his personal approach to writing and the methods used to create legendary sketch comedy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"uJ19be notranslate\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-wiz-uids=\"otuc1_1b,otuc1_1c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"vKEkVd\" data-animation-atomic=\"\" data-wiz-attrbind=\"class=otuc1_1a\/TKHnVd\" data-sae=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" aria-owns=\"action-menu-parent-container\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1985\" data-end=\"2006\"\u003eWho Should Attend\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"KsbFXc U6u95 Lem6n\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-processed=\"true\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"dF3vjf\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAEIBxAA\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sae=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"N9Q8Lc\"\u003eAspiring Writers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"N9Q8Lc\"\u003e: Beginners looking for a structured introduction to comedy writing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"dF3vjf\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAEIBxAB\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sae=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"N9Q8Lc\"\u003eComedians and Performers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"N9Q8Lc\"\u003e: Those looking to transition their ideas from the stage to the page.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"dF3vjf\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAEIBxAC\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sae=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"N9Q8Lc\"\u003eFilmmakers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"N9Q8Lc\"\u003e: Creators who want to improve the comedic writing in their short films or digital content.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"dF3vjf\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAEIBxAD\" data-sae=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"N9Q8Lc\"\u003eNote\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"N9Q8Lc\"\u003e: Participants must be able to attend the Saturday session to participate in Sunday’s workshop.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"uJ19be notranslate\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-wiz-uids=\"otuc1_1v,otuc1_1w\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"vKEkVd\" data-animation-atomic=\"\" data-wiz-attrbind=\"class=otuc1_1u\/TKHnVd\" data-sae=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" aria-owns=\"action-menu-parent-container\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eWhat to Bring\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"KsbFXc U6u95\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-processed=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"dF3vjf\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAEICRAA\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sae=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003eA One-Line Premise\u003c\/strong\u003e: For Saturday’s session, you must bring one comedy sketch premise (like \"What if a guy had a cabbage for a head?\").\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"dF3vjf\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAEICRAB\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sae=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003eWriting Materials\u003c\/strong\u003e: A notebook and pen, or a laptop\/tablet for taking notes and writing your sketch between sessions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"dF3vjf\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAEICRAC\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sae=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003eCommitment to Write\u003c\/strong\u003e: Sunday participants will need to write their full sketch on Saturday night based on the group's feedback.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"uJ19be notranslate\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-wiz-uids=\"otuc1_2c,otuc1_2d\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"vKEkVd\" data-animation-atomic=\"\" data-wiz-attrbind=\"class=otuc1_2b\/TKHnVd\" data-sae=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" aria-owns=\"action-menu-parent-container\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003ePricing \u0026amp; Support\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis workshop is part of the Winnipeg Film Group’s 2026 reduced-rate workshop program, made possible through generous support from \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.wpgfdn.org\/\"\u003eThe Winnipeg Foundation\u003c\/a\u003e. Their contribution allows us to offer more affordable, hands-on filmmaking opportunities for our community throughout the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"KsbFXc U6u95\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-processed=\"true\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"dF3vjf\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAEICxAA\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sae=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003eClass Size\u003c\/strong\u003e: Maximum 12 students (Minimum 5).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"dF3vjf\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAEICxAB\" data-sae=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003eRequirements\u003c\/strong\u003e: Students can only take the Sunday workshop if they have completed the Saturday session. Saturday can be taken as a standalone \"one-line premise\" workshop.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"uJ19be notranslate\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-wiz-uids=\"otuc1_2t,otuc1_2u\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"vKEkVd\" data-animation-atomic=\"\" data-wiz-attrbind=\"class=otuc1_2s\/TKHnVd\" data-sae=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" aria-owns=\"action-menu-parent-container\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWFG Members receive a reduced rate on this and all workshops.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eA General Membership is $60\/year and includes reduced workshop rates, access to WFG’s distribution services, funding programs, and discounted Cinematheque admission. If you’re taking more than two workshops this year, membership pays for itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eFilmmakers looking to take things further can add the Production Add-On — available in-person after application approval for an additional $90 — which opens access to equipment rentals, studio booking, and post-production suites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.winnipegfilmgroup.com\/products\/winnipeg-film-group-membership\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eLearn more about WFG Membership →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Instructor - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003eKevin McDonald\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3198\" data-end=\"3537\"\u003eComedian, 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 \u0026amp; Stitch, “Lilo \u0026amp; Stitch: The Series”, and Epic Movie.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3198\" data-end=\"3537\"\u003eOn 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.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3198\" data-end=\"3537\"\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3198\" data-end=\"3537\"\u003eAlong the way, Kevin was also in the movies, Sky High and Galaxy Quest. He did his podcast from 2016 to 2020. Just recently, he and the Kids in the Hall did another season of their sketch show for Amazon Prime. He has also done a bunch of things that he forgets. And the world is better off for that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-149315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.winnipegfilmgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Kevin-McDonald-Headshot-Color-300x240.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eREFUND POLICY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"692\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNotice Given:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEligible for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAt least 7 days prior to start date\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull refund\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7 days to 48 hours prior to start date\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull refund less 20% administration fee\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLess than 48 hours prior to start date\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo refund\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Winnipeg Film Group reserves the right to cancel any course where the minimum registration has not been met. Anyone registered for a course that has been cancelled is eligible for a full refund, Cancelled course fees may also be used towards any other Winnipeg Film Group training programs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAssistance and accommodations are available to participants with different disabilities. Please call or email us for more information: \u003ca href=\"mailto:john@winnipegfilmgroup.com\"\u003ejohn@winnipegfilmgroup.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"485\" data-end=\"495\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis Workshop has SOLD OUT. Please email production@winnipegfilmgroup.com or call 204-925-3456 ext. 1 to be placed on the waitlist.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Winnipeg Film Group","offers":[{"title":"Member Price | $180","offer_id":51879785496897,"sku":null,"price":180.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Non-Member Price | $205","offer_id":51879785529665,"sku":null,"price":205.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0666\/6299\/0145\/files\/WritingSketchComedyWorkshopwithKevinMcDonald.jpg?v=1776715967","url":"https:\/\/shop.winnipegfilmgroup.com\/products\/writing-sketch-comedy-workshop-with-kevin-mcdonald-august-22-23-2026","provider":"Winnipeg Film Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}