comedy i
DESCRIPTION
This study of comedy will provide you with a toolbox of key comedic terms and character types, as well as historical context for two comedic traditions.TRANSCRIPT
COMEDY I
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Terms and Traditions
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FROZEN IN TIMEsome character models are
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KILLJOYthe
“They cannot make a joke; they cannot take a joke; they cannot see the joke; they spoil the game.
”-H. Levin
KILLJOYthe
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PLAYBOYthe
“…is the pleasure seeker. Think Samantha Jones, Barney Stinson, or Cosmo Kramer.
”PLAYBOYthe
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TRICKSTERthe
“…is that cunning person, animal, or god that utilizes wit and deceit to get what they want.
”TRICKSTERthe
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WISE GUY/GALthe
“…is the common person with words that ring true, like a stand-up comedian.
”WISE GUY/GALthe
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TWO TRADITIONSof comedy
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ANARCHISTIC
“The structure revolves around a single individual, a simple person with whom the audience can thus
identify, who comes up with a crazy idea and, after a number of obstacles, succeeds in bringing about a glorious change in his or her culture, which is finally
in a festive ending of dance, song, wine, and food.”ANARCHISTIC
-Andrew Horton
“…is pre-Oedipal in that it represents fulfillment of a child before he or she learns that growing up has to do with making compromises and not getting everything we want when we want it.
”ANARCHISTIC
-Andrew Horton
ANARCHISTIC COMEDY
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protagonists win without compromise
concentrates on theme
little regard for character development or plot
verbal duels are key
characters are types: Jock, Scholar, Whore Fool, Virgin, etc.
MASSIVE COMEDIC CHANCES…so take
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Imagination is your limit…
ROMANTIC
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“These worlds allow for an escape from the normal world, and are a fertile place for character and
plot development that includes advancing plots as well as subplots, and deep layers of subtext.
”ROMANTIC
ROMANTIC COMEDYyoung love builds to marriage
includes compromises
stresses conflict, character development, and plot
domestic
uses pathos to create a more human balance
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ELEVATE YOUR COMEDY
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BOTH TRADITIONS
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By utilizing