I leaned back while I was waiting for the computer to finish a task and loaded up chat GPT and together we wrote this comedy sketch that’s been in my head for a few years. I tried writing it at least twice before over the years but this was just a fun waste of a few minutes. I will add it to my page of comedy scripts that are completely free and easy to do. It’s listed with a basic set but it can just as easily be done without a set. An easy chair in a kitchen table would be enough.
**Title: The Fourth Wall Airbnb**
*A short sketch for two actors.
Minimal set: three walls meeting at a corner on an otherwise bare stage, clearly visible to the audience. No ceiling, no front wall.*
**Characters:**
**WALLY** – Prospective renter, confused everyman.
**SPARKLES** – Overenthusiastic real estate agent.
*[Lights up. WALLY enters from stage left, looking around nervously. He approaches the corner walls, hesitates, then knocks politely on one of the walls.]*
**WALLY**
Hello? Anybody home? I’m here about the Airbnb listing?
*[SPARKLES bursts in from behind the wall, beaming, clipboard in hand.]*
**SPARKLES**
Wally! Right on time! Welcome to your potential new home! Isn’t she a beauty?
**WALLY**
*(looking up and around)*
Uh… where exactly is the home?
**SPARKLES**
Right here! it’s an Open-concept, two walls, prime location!
**WALLY**
Two walls. There’s no roof.
**SPARKLES**
Exactly! That’s the air part.
**WALLY**
I’ve never heard of a house with missing walls and no roof. Even a trailer has walls.
**SPARKLES**
Well that is the fourth wall. See? It’s kind of play. On words. Cutting-edge voyeurism chic. You can’t buy exposure like this! It’s the newest thing. Your friends will be jealous.
**WALLY**
Exposure means something different to me. It’s December. I could freeze with that kind of exposure.
**SPARKLES**
Nonsence. That’s just stage fright. You’ll be surprised how quickly you get used to it. Privacy is so 2010, Wally. This is the future. It’s an experience.
**WALLY**
I’m so confused. Who are all these people? Why would anyone want to live somewhere people can just… watch them all the time?
**SPARKLES**
All the world is a stage Wally. catch up. It’s a spectators world and you’re the star you are the show. Who doesn’t love approval? Instant gratification. Imagine waking up, stretching, making coffee—standing ovation every morning!
**WALLY**
It seems weird. What do they expect from me? Do I have to entertain them?
**SPARKLES**
Of course not Wally. You are the show. Every day life is what they come for. It’s very popular these days. All the rage. Real life is hot. The last tenant tried to hard. They people crave the mundane. The less you do, the more they love it you’re perfect. They pay to be here and we have a waiting list on weekends.
**WALLY**
What if they don’t like me? What if they boo?
**SPARKLES**
Impossible. You can’t disappoint an audience with expectations this low. They pay a premium rate to watch you sleep. And wait till you hear the best part—*(leans in conspiratorially)*—you keep 100% of the concession stand profits.
**WALLY**
What? Is that good?
**SPARKLES**
Are you kidding Wally? A bag of popcorn is $9 bucks. The Fuller you are, the more snacks they buy. Popcorn, soda, overpriced candy. Every time they munch, you make money.
**WALLY**
I’ve heard dogs are good for demographics. Really pull in the family crowd.
**SPARKLES**
Now you’re thinking. We can lend you one our rescue dogs. Not too ugly, and only partly trained so it gives you a lot of opportunities for comic relief, plus you don’t have to get out of your chair to let him out.
**WALLY**
*(nodding slowly)* I’d like think it over. It’s not what I was expecting.
*[SPARKLES I get that Wally but it won’t last. I have an accountant coming to rent it for the third time unless you sign furst. The audience loves accountants. They never do anything fun. I can tell you’ll fit right in. You’re a divorced dentist right? That will look great on the marquee. Come on Wally. Take the leap. Just be careful you don’t fall off the stage. It’s quite a drop.
**WALLY**
*(takes the pen, hesitates one last beat, then signs with a flourish)*
Let’s do it.
**SPARKLES**
*(raising WALLY’s hand like a boxing champ)*
Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for our newest superstar resident!
*[The audience applauds enthusiastically. WALLY, startled at first, slowly takes a deep, proud bow. SPARKLES joins him. They hold the bow as the lights fade to black.]*
**END OF SKETCH**
