Talks & Entertainment

Building on the success of their Webby award–winning hit podcast “The History of Sketch Comedy,” the creative powerhouse team of Elle Key and Keegan-Michael Key present an inventive and informative examination of comedy through the ages in The History of Sketch Comedy: A Journey Through the Art and Craft of Humor. 

Part masterclass, part memoir, The History of Sketch Comedy covers the rise of vaudeville, the golden age of television, Monty Python, “Who’s on First?”, the growth of comedy films and standup specials, and a look at the future of sketch on social media platforms. The book, interwoven with stories from Keegan’s career and the influence of his comedy heroes, also includes original essays based on conversations with performers and writers including Mel Brooks, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Chris Rock, Carol Burnett, Jordan Peele, and more.  

Keegan-Michael Key is an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning actor, writer, and producer best known for co-starring in the hit show, “Key & Peele.” Elle Key is an award-winning film, television, and commercial director, writer, and producer, and the co-president and founder of Bigger Picture Media Group. 

In conversation with Helena Andrews-Dyer, award-winning culture reporter for The Washington Post and author of Bitch is the New Black and The Mamas: What I Learned About Kids, Class, and Race From Moms Not Like Me.