Analysing why we laugh and what we laugh at, and describing how performers can elicit this response from their audience, this book enables actors to create memorable - and hilarious - performances.
Rooted in performance and performance criticism, Sidney Homan and Brian Rhinehart provide a detailed explanation of how comedy works, along with advice on how to communicate comedy from the point of view of both the performer and the audience. Combining theory and performance, the authors analyse a variety of plays, both modern and classic. Playwrights featured include Harold Pinter, Tom Stoppard, Christopher Durang, and Michael Frayn. Acting in Shakespeare's comedies is also covered in depth.
Chapter One: Playing the Comic Actor
Chapter Two: Comic Truth and Acting
Chapter Three: Energy and Intensity
Chapter Four: Elements of Comedy for Audience and Actor
Chapter Five: Playing the Whole Comedy
Chapter Six: All's Well That . . .
Chapter Seven: Why We Laugh
Chapter Eight: Improv and the Comic Actor