4 answers
Harry
Student
Hillsboro, Oregon
1
Question
4 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1902
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Harry !
I believe that comedy is an important part of life because it's personal.
There are so many forms of comedy we encounter - stand up, situational, improvised, slapstick. dry, dark, visual, verbal. It's not so much what is said but the way it is said. The performer brings their personal essence to the performance and the audience reacts in so many different ways to the same performance.
Comedy is not important to some people, yet can be a huge part of other people's lives. As an actress, I lean towards serious drama, but have more of a comedic flair off stage and enjoy being in the audience. I was always a frequent audience member of the comedy clubs and had been to the best of them back in the day when stand up was at it's height. I think most people like to and want to laugh, so as pedestrian as that may sound, that is another way comedy is important to people. Laughter brings forth a good feeling.
As an actor in a comedic play, series or film (your tags mention actor), my advice is to practice your comedy by taking an Improvisation class. I took community training as well as college courses and that helps me get in tune with comedy. It's important to be versatile - have the ability - and I personally find it easier to be clever as a character and never had the ambition or nerve to do stand up. Yet, I have had to be light-hearted if not funny for some roles. What you want to do as a performer is different than what you end up doing sometimes, so get training - not just one class. Discover yourself. Explore why comedy is and can be important to you !
I wish you all the best in your career goals as an actor and writer as mentioned in your tags !
I believe that comedy is an important part of life because it's personal.
There are so many forms of comedy we encounter - stand up, situational, improvised, slapstick. dry, dark, visual, verbal. It's not so much what is said but the way it is said. The performer brings their personal essence to the performance and the audience reacts in so many different ways to the same performance.
Comedy is not important to some people, yet can be a huge part of other people's lives. As an actress, I lean towards serious drama, but have more of a comedic flair off stage and enjoy being in the audience. I was always a frequent audience member of the comedy clubs and had been to the best of them back in the day when stand up was at it's height. I think most people like to and want to laugh, so as pedestrian as that may sound, that is another way comedy is important to people. Laughter brings forth a good feeling.
As an actor in a comedic play, series or film (your tags mention actor), my advice is to practice your comedy by taking an Improvisation class. I took community training as well as college courses and that helps me get in tune with comedy. It's important to be versatile - have the ability - and I personally find it easier to be clever as a character and never had the ambition or nerve to do stand up. Yet, I have had to be light-hearted if not funny for some roles. What you want to do as a performer is different than what you end up doing sometimes, so get training - not just one class. Discover yourself. Explore why comedy is and can be important to you !
I wish you all the best in your career goals as an actor and writer as mentioned in your tags !
Richard Caldwell
Broker
11
Answers
New Windsor, Maryland
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Comedy is also a great stress reliever. I know from working in live broadcasting for many years that a comedic quip can often break the tension during an on-air problem. However, the use and timing of a comedic response are critical. In multi-cultural environments, our sense of humor may not gel with the recipients.
The key is to know your audience before trying to be funny.
The key is to know your audience before trying to be funny.
Joanne Wiess
teacher
2
Answers
East Norriton, PA
Updated
Joanne’s Answer
Comedy helps people connect to themselves and others. It is a great equalizer. True comedic presence negates economic status. Comedy even
lifts one out of personal poverty, even if only for a short time. One great comedian once said comedy is an instant vacation.
lifts one out of personal poverty, even if only for a short time. One great comedian once said comedy is an instant vacation.
Kevin Corkran
Mergers and Acquisitions Tax Associate
26
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Hi Harry,
Comedy is important because it points out things in our world that are absurd, but that we accept. It is our way to take a metaphorical fish and pull it out of the water, so we can observe our true nature without any cultural lens.
Another reason why comedy is important is it speaks truth to power. Comedians routinely make fun of American Presidents, which helps point our their leadership flaws. For example, people mimicked Biden's age/ dementia and Trump's depravity, which showed how both leaders weren't fit for their office.
Comedy, Parody, and Humor are core protected speech under the First Amendment, one of our core constitutional rights. This is part of our American heritage.
Comedy is important because it points out things in our world that are absurd, but that we accept. It is our way to take a metaphorical fish and pull it out of the water, so we can observe our true nature without any cultural lens.
Another reason why comedy is important is it speaks truth to power. Comedians routinely make fun of American Presidents, which helps point our their leadership flaws. For example, people mimicked Biden's age/ dementia and Trump's depravity, which showed how both leaders weren't fit for their office.
Comedy, Parody, and Humor are core protected speech under the First Amendment, one of our core constitutional rights. This is part of our American heritage.