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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Is there such thing as a comedy school? If so, is it in a college?
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Father Photius Grammar Host El Paso, TX (Formerly Amarillo) 17161 Posts |
From what I can see, most comics learn their trade in the school of hard knocks, they start performing on amateur and open mike nights in small comedy clubs and get booed off stage until they either get tired of the booing or get it right.
"Now here's the man with the 25 cent hands, that two bit magician..."
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Lyndel Inner circle wrote the theme to the TV show COPS! 1623 Posts |
Mike,
Check with a local comedy club. Sometimes the bigger ones, like Improvs will offer classes. Lyndel |
jocdoc Inner circle Carlsbad, CA 1183 Posts |
Mel Helitzer (a former Madison Ave advertising agency president) taught "Humor Writing for Fun and Profit" at Ohio University (Athens, OH). He subsequently wrote a textbook called "Comedy Writing Secrets." The book was written in 1987 so the specific jokes and comics discussed are dated, but the general advice on how to structure jokes, etc remains valid. You can find the book on Amazon.
I still feel the best way to bring out the "funny" in you is improv training. For those not fortunate to live near an improv group, the book "Truth in Comedy" (Halpern, Close, Johnson) is a reasonable introduction to the concepts. Other books to consider: The Comic Toolbox (Voorhaus), The Comedy Bible (Carter) and The Second City Almanac of Improvisation. Hope this helps. jeff in san diego
Life is an improv. The game goes on...
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magicoftomh Inner circle Cleveland, Ohio 3664 Posts |
Have you checked the pockets of the RJOM? I'm sure you will find funny stuff there.
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richards New user Brian Richards 82 Posts |
Most colleges are a joke, especially what you pay to go to them. LOL!
I agree that comedy is primary learned through the school of hard knocks. Get out and try it. Timing is one of those things that you need an audience for to really get good. |
Mike Melito Loyal user 263 Posts |
It's hard to say but some people just aren't funny. In that case you need to pick up some Steven Wright lines.
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10585 Posts |
Yes, there are actually comedy schools usually taught and hosted by some very good comedians and comedy writers. Do a google search for Dobie Maxwell. I keep hearing rave reviews on his classes and personally have seen his live comedy shows.
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Jerskin Inner circle 2497 Posts |
I hope you were kidding about using Steven Wright's lines!?
GrEg oTtO
MUNDUS VULT DECIPI |
Larry Bean Inner circle I'm digging enough holes for 2016 Posts |
Are George Carlin's lines now free for the taking?
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Thank you guys.
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Magic Enhancer Inner circle Robert Haas 1805 Posts |
The 7 Magic Tricks you can't do on TV
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dpe666 Inner circle 2895 Posts |
I don't think that one can be taught to be funny. You either are or you are not.
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Jerskin Inner circle 2497 Posts |
Exactly!!!!!!!!!!
GrEg oTtO
MUNDUS VULT DECIPI |
MetalBender Loyal user 248 Posts |
I have a degree in Comedy Writting and Performance. I graduated with honors from Humber College, and as far as I am aware I am the only magician in the world with such a college degree. I can academically prove why my act isn't funny.
However, they didn't teach me to be funny. They taught me to be funnier. There was a stringent audition process to get in. We studdied stand-up, sketch, improv, physical comedy, film and television writing, comedy history, producing, and lejiue in a class room enviornment. Then we had to have practical experience in the real world in not only performance but writing and producing our own shows. This included what ever shows we could book, as experience in front of industry proffesionals. It was very intense to say the least. So yes, there is a comedy school, but it's no walk in the park. |
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
I appreciate the info MetalBender. Thanks.
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