Jokes
The Turn That Makes a Punchline Feel Inevitable
Learn how a punchline can surprise and still feel earned by tracing its setup, the audience’s expectation, and the…
The full running order
All pieces
Explore close readings of comic choices, from the architecture of a joke to the pace and shape of a performance.
Performance
Deadpan or Animated: Two Routes Through the Same Line
Deadpan or animated delivery changes how an audience reads the same joke. Learn to shift emphasis, shape character…
Forms
From Vaudeville Turn to Solo Mic
See how the vaudeville turn and solo comic monologue differ, and use a clear comparison to choose the right shape for…
Characters
The Catchphrase Cannot Do a Character’s Job
A catchphrase can make a comic character recognizable, but a clear point of view makes each return feel earned…
Timing
A Short Set, a Long Pause: Building a First Open-Mic Set
Building a first open-mic set is easier when each bit has a clear job, transitions stay brief, and pauses leave room…