So, what do we do? First let’s identify the types of comedy.
- Low Comedy – Physical comedy, the so-called slapstick. Think of The Three Stooges; not recommended for the unskilled actor.
- Character Comedy – Exactly what it is. Emphasize the character and conflict generated out of the character. A good example of this is Bill Murry. Lots of films to review; Caddy shack, Groundhog Day and Ghostbusters.
- High Comedy – Rich people having fun. Highly focused on being in the know, mannerism, group identity, country, and time. An example would be “The Importance of Being Earnest”
- Farce – dramatic work using buffoonery, horseplay, crude characterization, and ludicrous situations. The Play that Goes Wrong is a great example.
- Romantic comedy – NO offense; however, it needs attractive actors to work with a subtle sense of humor. Lord help you if the actors don’t have chemistry. Perfect chemistry are Julia Roberts and George Clooney. Bad chemistry would be Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldana in Guardians of the Galaxy. Two great actors whose relationship in the movie felt forced.
What’s next is what we call the Comedy Thought List.
- Something funny is more likely to be out of proportion than in proportion.
- Comedy is a serious exaggeration.
- Comedy uses surprises. Don’t let the audience get ahead of the joke.
- Comedy is both overemphasis and under-emphasis, you just must know how to use it.
- The joke and reaction together form the laugh.
- Comedy is 100% confidence. Not everyone can perform comedy. Think of yourself as a lion tamer!!
- Timing is in the art of the pause or lack of thereof. Best way to figure this out is to watch stand-up. Number one comic performer of all time is Charlie Chaplin!!
- Don’t over pace the audience, so there is no place for the laughter to fit in.
Lastly, some tips on performing comedy.
- Get the comedy into the body as well as text. For example, a singer can have the most beautiful voice, however if he/she is standing still with no movement or emotion…they will fall flat.
- Make sure the set-up is heard and clear. Can’t laugh at what you don’t hear. Biggest problem with my youth actors is they say the lines way too fast and jumbled. Leaves the audience thinking “huh?”
- Make sure the reaction to the joke is seen. Don’t just say it, move with it.
- Your best writers set it up, so the character does the right thing at the wrong time or the wrong thing at the right time.
- Keep them laughing – keep your reaction coming after the laughter starts.
- Don’t be the judge of yourself in thinking it was not funny. If you aren’t convinced, how do you convince the audience? Think of a model, they go down the walkway in the most ridiculous way possible. ludicrous outfits not meant for the average person; however, they must model this as if they own it and can’t wait to show it off!!
- Lastly, don’t tick off your director or the playwright. You auditioned and committed to the part. Until the final curtain falls you deliver!! If the play is destined to fail, don’t make it about you. Take a good look at reviews. Often enough you read how the acting job was brilliant, but they couldn’t save the plot. That is an actor who believed in the character and gave it their all. That’s what gets you your next audition, your next role, your next stage performance, or your next movie role!!
So, remember it is easy to die on stage…dead is dead, and you are carted off. Comedy is a continual river. Either go up the creek with a paddle or not. Good luck!!!
