Making the Skit Cards
Step 1- Click here to download and print the skit cards
Step 2- Cut the skit cards out
Comedy Duo Sketch-Off
Louis Francis Cristillo, better known as Lou Costello, was an American comedian, actor and producer from Paterson, NJ. In 1927, he moved to Hollywood to pursue a career in acting but primarily found work as a laborer or extra at MGM and Warner Brothers. His athletic abilities also earned him occasional gigs as a stuntman. He gained fame for his double act with Bud Abbott, especially for their iconic routine “Who’s on First?”
Activity
Create and perform a silly skit with a partner inspired by the comedic style of Lou Costello and Bud Abbott
Duration: 20-60 min | Difficulty: Easy | Cost: None
Supplies
- Skit cards
- Timer (optional)
- Props (optional)
Instructions
How to Play
- Split participants up into pairs
- Establish a set time for how long each skit should be (suggested duration: 3 minutes)
- In each duo, one person will play the confused or silly character (like Lou Costello) and the other will play the serious character (like Bud Abbott)
- Each duo will select a skit card
- Allow 10 minutes for each duo to come up with a sketch performance/ skit based on the card they selected. Participants are also encouraged to improvise as much as they’d like and use exaggerated reactions, funny misunderstandings, and silly language to resemble an Abbott and Costello comedy routine
- Once practice time runs out, each duo will perform their skit in front of the rest of the group. Props can be used and the audience is encouraged to engage with the skit
- After each duo performs, if participants want to continue, each duo can select a new skit card and switch roles so that the person playing the serious character is now playing the confused/ silly character and vice versa