Is the workshop really free?

Yes—the intro session is offered free of charge and serves as the prerequisite for the paid 10-week Sketch Ensemble elective.

Do I need prior improv or sketch experience?

No—this workshop accepts all experience levels and is designed to introduce fundamentals alongside practical exercises.

Reserve your spot through the workshop booking page using the referral link provided on the listing.

Will the class be taught in English?

The workshop is led by Boom Chicago cast and typically runs in English to accommodate international participants.

Is there an age limit?

No specific age limits were listed; if you have concerns, contact the organizer through the booking page for details.

What happens after the intro?

Laura Maynard contacts attendees on June 22nd with information about registering for the 10-week Sketch Ensemble elective and casting balance.

Free Intro to Sketch Comedy Workshop in Amsterdam

Stand on a low stage under warm house lights and you can feel Amsterdam’s appetite for live creation. The [Academy] Free Intro to Sketch Comedy Workshop brings that energy into a focused, three-hour session at Boom Chicago’s academy in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Designed for anyone—novice to experienced improvisers—the class on June 20th or June 21st from 14:00–17:00 emphasizes character-driven songs, sketch structure, and ensemble listening. Taught by Boom Chicago cast member and Academy Manager Laura Maynard, the workshop is a practical primer that doubles as the prerequisite for a longer, 10-week Sketch Ensemble elective. Expect fast-paced warmups to sharpen listening and status work, collaborative writing sprints that generate short scenes, and coaching on how to thread musical moments—jazz, rock, and country—into character arcs. The elective then advances that material across four creation weeks, three rehearsal weeks, and a three-week run with shows scheduled for October 26th, November 2nd, and November 9th. For visitors, this is an unusual way to live the city: spend an afternoon learning a craft, meet local performers, and leave with a clearer sense of how professional sketches are built. Practical details are straightforward: arrive ready to move and speak for three hours, wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and be prepared for rapid iteration and on-your-feet adjustments. Because Laura Maynard reaches out to attendees on June 22nd to balance casting, treat the session as both instruction and an opportunity to join the ensemble. The venue sits in Amsterdam’s central district, within easy walking distance of canals, late-night cafés, and 17th-century canal houses that make excellent post-class photo backdrops. This workshop stands out because it compresses the mechanics of sketch—beat, character, stakes, and the fun of unexpected musical turns—into a single, coach-led afternoon with professional feedback. Travelers who want more than sightseeing will find a clear path to deeper involvement: the elective’s schedule begins September 7th, with Mondays 19:00–22:00 set aside for ensemble craft. Locals benefit too: regular shows and a rehearsed run let performers test material in front of receptive, English-speaking crowds that appreciate tight, character-driven comedy. If you’re curious about writing quick, memorable sketches or want to audition for a compact ensemble, this free intro is a practical, high-energy starting point in the heart of Amsterdam’s performance scene. Expect to leave with tangible takeaways—one refined sketch idea, vocal and physical choices to build a character, and contacts for future collaborations—plus suggestions from faculty for next steps and how to prepare for the ensemble course. Reserve a spot through the workshop page; spaces fill quickly because the workshop is free and provides direct access to Boom Chicago’s teaching track and casting process. It’s an efficient plunge into sketch craft, ideal for travelers seeking hands-on creative connection in Amsterdam.

About Boom Chicago

Boom Chicago is an improv theatre and comedy venue based in Amsterdam, Noord‑Holland. The company programs a wide range of live entertainment, including short-form and long-form improv shows, stand-up comedy nights, special events, and workshops through its Academy.

Boom Chicago's calendar features headline performances such as The Famous Boom Chicago Comedy Show, Improv Spectacular, Sunday Night Live, and rotating guest acts including Ed Gamble, Fábio Porchat, Laureano Márquez, and international tours like Comedy Link Up featuring Jordan Rock.

The venue offers structured training with multiple Academy levels and electives: Intro to Improv, Level 2 (The 2‑Person Scene), Level 3 (Building Character), Level 4 (Advanced Scenework and The Joy Of Short‑Form Games), and Level 5 classes focused on long‑form play and hosting. Additional Academy programming includes musical improv intensives, comedy writing electives, student shows, and public jams and community nights such as Indie Night and Sketch Comedy Night.

Special events and collaborations are part of the program lineup — examples include Magic Bingo Brunch, Boom Gone Country monthly nights, Pro Wrestling Holland Live x Boom Chicago, and themed meet-and-greets with figures like Sjaak Swart. Premier seasonal and ticketed events range from Slide Slam PowerPoint Karaoke to holiday dinner-and-comedy shows.

Located in Amsterdam, Boom Chicago presents both local community nights and international touring acts, serving audiences and students seeking live comedy, improv training, and curated entertainment in Noord‑Holland. Show dates, times, and ticket information are listed per event to help visitors plan attendance and choose performances or classes in advance online easily.