by Brian McKim (Author), Traci Skene (Author)
Readers who have both the ambition and the desire to get started on a career in comedy will find advice, information, and direction in this unusual new book. The authors--both successful standup comics--discuss the different forms of comedy and help readers determine which style of humor matches their personalities. An early chapter analyzes things that make people laugh, such as surprise, incongruity, embarrassment, and absurdity. Chapters that follow explain the fundamentals of comic writing and comic performance, and then go on to focus on comedy's different forms: standup performance, variety acts, musical comedy, sketch writing, sitcom writing, and print humor, which includes everything from cartoon art to comedy nonfiction books. A final chapter looks at comedy's business side--contacts, agents, venues, and the challenges of making a living at comedy. More than 300 illustrations.
Editorial Reviews
From the Inside Flap
(back cover)
From improv to standup, and from satire to slapstick, this essential guide will show you how to get yourself a cult following or achieve mainstream success in comedy. Covering skills that range from writing your material to conveying physical expressiveness, this comprehensive reference book instructs and advises novice comedians in all media--neighborhood standup clubs, theater, TV sitcom, and political commentary.
The authors emphasize practical methodology as they explain the art and craft of comedy. Step-by-step instruction and advice in voice training, timing, rehearsing, and interacting with your audience are presented with detailed illustrations that help make this book as accessible as it is informative.
The authors--both of them working today as standups on the comedy circuit--discuss both classic and alternative comedy. They draw examples from a vast range of comedians as they illustrate each technique and inspire novice comedians to learn and ultimately perfect their craft.
About the Author
Brian McKim and Traci Skene are successful and experienced standup comics and writers. They were featured in Season 7 of NBC's Last Comic Standing. They are also creators of the website SHECKYmagazine.com. USA Today called them, "charming, sincere and helpful."
Product Details
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Barron's Educational Series; Spi edition (October 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764164732
ISBN-13: 978-0764164736
Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 7.4 x 1.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
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