"Comedy thrives on surprise, wit, and the power of words. From the memorable quips of Jerry Seinfeld to the sharp insights of George Carlin, wordplay shapes some of comedy’s funniest moments. Discover how literary devices like chiasmus and coincidence create humor that resonates, turning simple lines into unforgettable punchlines."
Timing is more than just an existential experience; it's based on many factors. Let's make something clear: It is totally learnable, especially if you understand the mechanics that underlie it. There are a lot of nuances related to comedic timing. To convey this information thoroughly, this may take several different blog posts on this subject, each relating to a different aspect of comedic timing. But for now, let's start with...
Comedy by it's nature implies frivolity. But achieving a successful career in comedy, either as a writer or performer, requires an abundance of work. Sometimes that work can seem tedious. But when you start hitting those moments of success, the thrill of the show makes all the work worth it. On the way to the goal here are 5 principles of a professional comedy writer or performer that can help guide you to your ultimate goal. A couple of things off the bat. One of the best pieces of advice I received in comedy is "Treat yourself like a professional now, otherwise nobody else will." This is my driving truth and underlying that truth are these five principles.
Steven Wright was one of the best observational one-liner comedians of all time. His observations were poignant, clever and always clean. Here are 65 of some of his funniest one-liners:
So how do we "come up" with a joke intentionally? Joan Rivers was one of the fastest, funniest comedians EVER. When I say "ever" I mean EVER! She was faster than Robin Williams. Faster than Groucho Marx, two of the fastest comedians alive at the time. She did this by doing deliberate writing every day. One of the ways she did it was to...
During your early career as a comedian, you're going to have a lot of people giving you advice. Some of the advice is golden, but other pieces of advice wouldn't keep the shit off your shoes in a dog park. Take this advice that came from the great Louis CK. Now Louis is a great comedian--not so great in a hotel room--but a great comedian. One night, it is rumored that Jeff Foxworthy came off stage and CK said, "Jeff, you really need to lose that accent, nobody's going to understand you." Of course Jeff Foxworthy--because of his accent--went on to become ...
"Selling out" is a term often used to describe a situation where an individual, usually an artist, musician, writer, or other creative professional, compromises their artistic integrity, personal values, or authenticity in exchange for commercial success or financial gain. The concept typically implies a betrayal of one's original ideals or the fanbase that supported them, in favor of...
Learn how to write reverse jokes that subvert expectations and earn respect from audiences and fellow comics. This comedian's guide explains what makes effective reverse jokes and includes examples, a student success story, and tips for writing your own surprises. Mastering reverse jokes can help new comedians stand out at tough open mics.
The Monetization Dilemma in ComedyAs you could imagine, one of the most common questions I get with regard to comedy is "How do I start in comedy and make money