Well, Someone Has To
Shira’s got me thinking about the parallels between creative writing and comedy. The major concepts are the same: think, write, workshop, revise, and get on the stage. I’m finding that I write much more for myself with poetry, much more aware of the audience for comedy.
The good news for me is that most of the comics in the general Spokane area are pretty amateur. Makes me think I can slide in more seamlessly. So, here’s where I’m at in the process.
I do homework. AKA, I netflix standup and take notes on joke structures. Notes might say something like: use simile to get out of a heckling retreat, or counting out the timing between echoing a previous punch line.
Then I write. Self-explanatory.
Then I workshop, which means trying jokes on friends until they reconsider being your friend.
Then you rewrite jokes, and practice verbal cues.
And then I land on stage in October. I’d appreciate it if you’d stop by. Also if you have patience while I’m imposing comedy workshops on ya.
I wish I were in Spokane! I wonder if you could get someone to video tape you doing your comedy and then you could post it on Bark. I’m so excited about your plan and hope I get to see you in comedic action.
Hey funny lady! Anytime you are on stage is a good time and if you’re doing comedy, I am so there!
[...] Like Amanda, I’ve been pondering Shira’s posts about comedy and sarcasm. I’ve been trying to figure out what makes something sarcastic successful, did some googling, and found a gem of a site called Sarcasm Socitey. Among the many things to laugh and giggle at (and learn from) on the site is a list of sarcastic quotes from brilliant minds. (Told you I’m a sucker for quotes.) One of my favorites is from George Bernard Shaw: The trouble with her is that she lacks the power of conversation but not the power of speech. [...]
Nice. I second the motion to recommend Sarcasm Society.