Learn “act-outs” to spice up your humor
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In The Comedy Bible, author Judy Carter says, “If you are a writer who has no intention of becoming a stand-up comic, it is still extremely necessary for you to be able to create and perform act-outs.”
The act-out is when a comic acts out the funny part of the joke–the part where they become the person or people in the story. It’s the part where the great ones display their ability to become the voice or character of their subject.
One of my personal favorites as a master of the act-out is Gabriel Iglesias. His body language, voice imitation of his characters, and facial expressions communicate far better (and funnier) than words alone could ever convey.
For samples of his work, visit Pop Watch where you can study him and other comics who have mastered the art of the act-out.
When you write dialogue, thinking act-out will help prevent all your characters from sounding the same and help your readers identify with them…and enjoy them or hate them. It will help you put life into the characters in your story or script.
To me, it’s like the childhood game of “let’s make believe.”
Here’s an example from my portfolio: The Wiener People at Head of the River.
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Filed under: Insights & Opinions, Writing Technique
