Held2gether Presents 6th Annual Sketch Comedy Show: Sketches 11

One of the staples of Long Beach Playhouse's Collaborative each year has been Held2gether, Improv for Life's original sketch comedy shows. This is the 6th annual collaboration between the Long Beach theatrical landmarks. The original sketch compilation, known for selling out, runs Thursday- Saturday February 28th - March 2nd in the Studio Theatre. The all-new show boasts 11 robust sketches touching upon universal relationships, outrageous characters, music, pop culture, and parodies of the time.

Sketches 11 is this years' installment and features a cast of local actors and comedians. Many, including Agnes Arnold, Chris Brennan, Richard Martinez and Sarah Slimmer. This year's highlights include comedic and musical interludes between the scenes for the first time. Included in the main event sketches this season are an American Citizen Class, an unlikely soldier from the Civil War, and a disturbing elementary art class.

"Each of the original sketches were written by the performers themselves under a prompt from the director. They have 30 minutes to create a sketch idea, and then I guide them through it, fleshing out the tone and comic timing. In a way, the creative process is like a reality show." describes director Darren Held. "It's kept the show fresh and spontaneous for six years. Our fans really love it.

The sketch show is part of the Held2gether improv comedy program that features classes in Long Beach including all levels of improv comedy, sketch writing and performance. Darren is thrilled to team up with the Long Beach Playhouse Studio Collaborative to showcase creative original programming from Long Beach artists."Our collaborative continues to strengthen each season, providing exposure for talented artists in a spectrum of genres across the board. Held2gether has been a huge cornerstone of that progress," says Playhouse Executive Director Madison Mooney.

"Their shows are fresh, hilarious and support our ongoing mission here to celebrate the human experience, encouraging the participation of artist and audience alike".
Tickets for Sketches 11 are $15 Friday and Saturday, and $10 for Preview Thursday night. They are now available through the box office of the Long Beach Playhouse (562-494-1014 (press option 1) or at lbplayhouse.org.

To request an interview with the director, cast members or reserve your media tickets to this performance, please send an email to: darren@held2gether.com
Long Beach Playhouse is located at 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA, 90804, right across from the Long Beach Recreation golf course. The Playhouse is community-supported theatre with programs and events that cut across age, gender, ethnic, and cultural boundaries.

Performances are 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, February 28th - March 2nd. The box office is open Wednesday-Saturday from 3:00-8:00 pm.

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