Ian Wilkie contends that comic acting is a distinct art form, and as such demands a unique skillset. By exploring the ways in which performance choices and improvised moments can work in conjunction with texts themselves, Performing in Comedy offers an indispensable practical tool for enhancing comic performance. This volume is a must-read for any actors, directors or students who work with comic texts. Wilkie synthesises theories and principles of comedy with practical tips, and re-evaluates the ways in which these ideas can be used by the performer. Most importantly, these skills – timing, focus, awareness – are teachable rather than being innate talents. Exercises, interviews and guides to further resources enhance this comprehensive exploration of comic acting.
Analysing why we laugh and what we laugh at, and describing how performers can elicit this response from their audience, this book enables actors to create memorable – and hilarious – performances.
Classical dramatic structure, and preoccupation with families and their private lives have returned, of course: by way of French 'well-made plays', to Noël Coward, A. R. Gurney, Alan Ayckbourn and a myriad others who carry their ...
Front matter -- Dedication -- Permission Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- 1.
Al Murray's Pub Landlord has a strong cockney accent; Otis Lee Crenshaw's Texan growl is also distinctive; Neil Hamburger speaks with a grating, strained accent; and Dame Edna Everage has a high-pitched Australian accent which is ...
An exploration of the ways in which Restoration comedy was performed, using the costume, customs, manners and behaviour of the age as a way of understanding its theatre and drama.
To hear the story, it is as if stand-up comedy innately morphed from a dated nightclub scene to what one Chicago Sun-Times writer called "Chicago's atomic comedy blast."
'This is the kind of book that troubles grey-suited committees of academic peers.
This book is an intersectional, spiritual, self-improvement approach to stand-up comedy.
THE STORY: On tour in rural Dunsk (recently annexed by the hated socialist state of Strevia) a theatrical troupe is obliged to present corny melodramas and creaky verse plays as modern drama has been banned by their new masters.
This is the book I would have written. . . if I had the time, interest, or word-processor." --Jimmy Pardo"I support this book unconditionally!" --Maria Bamford"Read this book before going to your next open mic night." --Tommy Johnagin