Hi All--

I am looking for books on clowning and physical comedy. My reason? I am directing a film this Summer about two former circus clowns and vaudvillians from the eary 1900s who sperate for twenty-plus years only to meet up some years later. I am looking for books for the two actors who have been cast in the leading roles to study and learn about clowning and physical comedy. I have gotten them both copies of John H. Towsen's CLOWNS for the history. What I really need are books on technique, skills and routining. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Try _Mel Gordon's Lazzi: The Comic Routines of Comedia dell'Arte_.

It may also be worth the time to review early silent films: a lot of that physical comedy was first performed on vaudeville stages: Chaplin, Keaton, W. C. Fields, Harold Lloyd, Laurel & Hardy, Marx Brothers ...

Technique and routining: most intro to clowning books will have chapters on physical comedy, sight gags, etc.. What is not conveyed in all of these is how to develop a sense of comedic timing, which comes mostly from experience before an audience, with a partner, and just plain ol' observation.

Thank you for the suggestion and additional advice.

I recently posted a bunch of books for sale forum here related to what you ask for. One of them is 'Why Is That Funny" by John Wright." Don't know if the post is still there but if not PM and I'll send list. Tons of comedy material (maybe a few pounds)

PM sent. Thank you.

Creative Clowning by Picadilly Books is a good overview