Stand-up Comedy

In stand-up comedy, the comedian usually recites a grouping of humorous stories, jokes and one-liners typically called a monologue, routine, or act.

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• stand-up comedy after World War II till late 60's
• Stand-up comedy VS television
• music halls and vaudeville
• the Establishment, Lenny Bruce (USA) - 60's
• Victoria Wood (UK) - 70's till 2015

Lenny Bruce

Victoria Wood
(1953 - 2016)

Structure of Jokes & One-Liners

• Setup (story 1)
• Punch (story 2)
• Elements:
• Expectation and surprise

Example:

• A guy says (sadly): My wife ran off with my best friend. (story 1 - setup)
• How do you normally feel/react when you hear something like this?

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• Boy! Do I miss him! (story 2 - punch)

Factors that affect stand-up comedy

• age
• language/accent
• gender
• religion/ethnicity/culture
• references (knowledge)

Is stand-up comedy necessary?
Why?
Why is the number of stand-up comedians increasing?

Varieties of Stand-up Comedy

• Improvisational drama
• lip syncing
• interperative dance

Your Turn!

References:

• * Carter, Judy (2001). The Comedy Bible: From Stand-up to Sitcom--The Comedy Writer's Ultimate "How To" Guide. Touchstone. ISBN-10: 0743201256 or ISBN-13: 978-0743201254 *Greg Dean (2000). Step by Step to Stand-Up Comedy. Heinemann Drama. ISBN-10: 0325001790 or ISBN-13: 978-0325001791