Comedy Acting - An Introduction

About this course

This introductory course examines comedy acting through improvisation games, practical exercises and scene work. Participants explore styles including sitcom, silent comedy and farce, while working on comic timing and physicality. The course includes rehearsing and performing a scene from a sitcom or sketch show, as well as devising an original comedy sketch or scene. Activities take place individually and with other actors, including in pairs and small groups, with performance for the wider group. It also considers how comedy acting differs from stand-up and drama, and introduces character comedy, including playing multiple characters.

What you'll learn

• Apply timing and physicality to comedic performance
• Practise comedy improvisation games
• Rehearse and perform a scene from a sitcom or sketch show
• Devise and perform an original comedy sketch or scene
• Develop character comedy and experiment with playing multiple characters
• Distinguish comedy acting from stand-up comedy and drama

Is this course right for you?

The course is suitable for complete beginners as well as people with some performance experience. Participants are expected to perform in front of the whole group, although many exercises take place in pairs or small groups. Much of the work is done standing and involves movement.

• Includes performance to the full group
• Uses paired and small-group exercises
• Involves being on foot for many exercises

Before you go

• Wear comfortable clothing that allows free movement.
• No preparation is required before the first class.