Here’s a list of notes to keep in mind when acting as a comedy actor:
- If a straight man, your comedic gap is struggling to cope with the crazy character.
- As a character sketch, your comedy comes from staying in your blind-spot. You’re supposed to annoy your fellow actors, but never figure out what causes them pain.
- On stage, you’re always trying to win. Find what you want and stick to it.
- Characters come from “I believe” statements. Ex: I believe that the world is out to get me. I believe all people are inherently stupid.
- Always better to be arrogant than self-loathing. If depressed, so to self-loathing (Alan Rickman status: I hate life).
- Know when to shut-up and support when there are ten of you on stage.
- Comedy comes from characters trying to win, not trying to make jokes. Douchebags can make jokes if trying to get a laugh out of mocking someone, but that requires multiple people on stage.
- Premise sketches are consistently better than character sketches.