Composing

Chapter 1 Humor Sources

Can a person be taught how to be funny? That is a good question. I do know that people can learn how to be funnier. No one is “born funny.” When the doctor comes out of the delivery room the only person in stitches is the mother and she is on drugs and in pain. A child may have a natural sense of humor and a wit, but I believe that children learn most of their behavior from their family and friends. The development of these skills takes years to refine and is often done in subtle of ways. Most people develop some basic understanding of what it takes to elicit laughter from others, but others seem to excel and savor the art of wit.

It is much more difficult for an adult who has not naturally, in the course of human development, gained these skills. Improvement can be accomplished, but it takes constant attention, intention and work to truly develop the finer elements of humor. As in the discipline of Buddhism, writing and performing standup comedy is not a religion. It is way of viewing the world, a philosophy, an approach. Comedy Gym endeavors to immerse you in the discipline: to surround you with the spirit of laughter and allow you to soak up some of the essence of the playful craft of laughter making.

You must allow yourself to develop a perspective that will allow you to see the humor in a variety of situations and to then express what you have observed in a clear and succinct manner. I encourage you to have fun and laugh.

“A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.”Proverbs 17:22.

The Comedic Perspective

“The golden age is before us, not behind us.”

William Shakespeare-As You Like It

Life becomes the product of how you perceive it. A comedic perspective can be expressed in a condensed sentence or you may choose to write a detailed explanation of how you are able to see the absurdity of life. I find it easier to simply say; “People do the craziest things” or “I’ll never understand why people drive like complete maniacs”

I encourage you to verbalize your own thoughts on your philosophy of what makes you laugh at the ironies and absurdities of life.

Human beings exist in a box, the parameters of which are formed by the limitations of their understanding and capacity to express themselves. I encourage you to expand those limitations. Kick out the sides of your box to include unusual ways of examining life. Learn how to think, not what to think. Read the great philosophers, study the great comics. You should endeavor to always be in the midst of reading something that challenges your mind and, questions what you have been taught to believe.

Experimentation

When you first begin writing, you will amass the best material that you can think of. Do not be surprised when your performance works better than you thought it would and do not despair when it fails. There is an element of beginner’s luck, and fresh beginners bring an excited energy to the stage that is difficult to repeat.

Some material might be dependable for only a few times while others will become trusted ammunition. You will continue to write, perform, evolve and improve. You will drop weaker bits and add stronger material that is timelier.

Open mike nights often limit your time on stage, so it is easier to begin with material you know very well and have confidence in. Then later you can add new things you like, try some experimental stuff in the middle, and end with the strongest bits in your arsenal. Start and end with a bang.