I recently picked up a copy of Ian Keables "Stand Up - A Professional Guide to Comedy Magic"
I am only 63 pages into this book and I can tell you right now this is a MUST own book for those of you who are serious about entertainment.
Jokes Versus Lines
Keable states on page 33 "As a patter act there are two possible approaches to getting laughs: jokes or lines. Comedians tend to tell 'jokes', whilst most comedy magicians deliver 'lines'. Jokes represent 'stand-alone' material. You can listen to a joke, not see the performer, and still laugh. Lines go hand in hand with the performer's actions: unless you simultaneously see what the magician is doing, or can at least picture the situation, the line doesn't usually work."
Lines are funny comments or remarks that lend support to the magic that is happening. Many lines don't mean anything unless the audience is watching what is going on: the action and the line go together , the one not working without the other.
He also later states that to "guarantee" laughs, the lines have to be not just situation lines but also character lines: that is, a line that directly relates to you as a performer.
Example: Jeff Hobson early on in his act uses lines that really nail his character: "I know what you're thinking, but I'm not! I was. But I am not anymore. But I could be again.."
Those of you who have seen Jeff know this is hilarious because it fits his character and wardrobe. It is unique and funny for his character. This is not something Max Maven would say.
I am only 63 pages into this book and I can tell you right now this is a MUST own book for those of you who are serious about entertainment.
Jokes Versus Lines
Keable states on page 33 "As a patter act there are two possible approaches to getting laughs: jokes or lines. Comedians tend to tell 'jokes', whilst most comedy magicians deliver 'lines'. Jokes represent 'stand-alone' material. You can listen to a joke, not see the performer, and still laugh. Lines go hand in hand with the performer's actions: unless you simultaneously see what the magician is doing, or can at least picture the situation, the line doesn't usually work."
Lines are funny comments or remarks that lend support to the magic that is happening. Many lines don't mean anything unless the audience is watching what is going on: the action and the line go together , the one not working without the other.
He also later states that to "guarantee" laughs, the lines have to be not just situation lines but also character lines: that is, a line that directly relates to you as a performer.
Example: Jeff Hobson early on in his act uses lines that really nail his character: "I know what you're thinking, but I'm not! I was. But I am not anymore. But I could be again.."
Those of you who have seen Jeff know this is hilarious because it fits his character and wardrobe. It is unique and funny for his character. This is not something Max Maven would say.