a proud actor holding his trophy

ACTING EXERCISES FOR STANDUP COMEDIANS

Here are some solo exercises you can use to improve your acting skills. Good actors can make things believable. Being credible onstage for an actout joke or a sincere punchline is crucial. You also need performance skills and good vocal variety. Try these tools from the world of acting when …

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person holding a vampire designed donut

185 BLANKS WALK INTO A BAR

A joke writing format from improvisation comedy. This is a fun exercise you can play alone or with fellow comedians to work on your punchlines. You have a fixed setup and you can make multiple punchlines. First you need to think of a random object or ask an online tool …

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collage of portraits of cheerful woman showing many emotions

POINT-OF-VIEW. The Heart of a Joke

Your joke needs at least 2 parts, a setup and punchline. This is joke structure. But what makes a joke very satisfying is attitude. What is it you are really trying to say? Having a clear point-of-view is what helps you create a relationship to your audience. Ideally every joke, …

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Punchlines Joke Setups Joke writing practice

WRITING SETUPS FOR JOKES.

Random Punchlines – A setup joke writing exercise. It is helpful to be able to separate a punchline from the setup. Below are a list of 30 punchlines to real jokes. You should pick a random punchline and write as many setups as you possibly can for it. Setups should …

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clear light bulb

PREMISE DECONSTRUCTION. Using Improvisation to find Joke Premises

As a standup, you know the importance of strong, focused premises. But coming up with great ideas can be difficult. Taking a tip from improv can help spark new premises in a low-pressure, creative way. The format “Armando” asks an improviser to give a truthful, autobiographical monologue about a word …

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Shop sign reading Cheeky The Blank Store selling lots of generic items, useful things, various do-dads, things you might need, odds and ends

WRITING PUNS. The Pun Store exercise

THE PUN STORE Write as many puns for each ‘store’ as you possibly can. Then pick a new store and repeat till you feel your Dad vibes flowing. I run a BLANK store. (Let the internet help you find a random object.) How’s business?Pretty ________ (insert adjective) Example: I run …

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