The 12th annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, aka, Sketchfest, runs until Jan. 13 at Stage773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave.

Unlike improvisation, sketch comedy is all original scripted material that is set for the stage. A sketch comedy performance usually consists of short unrelated sketches rooted in satire. Sketch comedy was born in Chicago with the evolution of The Second City Theater in the 1950's.

To see the schedule of acts, visit the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival website. Tickets to each show are $14 or you can purchase night passes for $40.