The Art of the Laugh: A Handbook for Sketch Writers, Actors, and Directors

Since 1958, the Brave New Workshop (BNW) comedy theater has written and performed more than 250 scripted sketch-comedy shows. This book gives the reader an inside look at the process and philosophies that have been used to create some of the most innovative sketch comedy in America. Its contents can be used to immediately improve your skills as a writer, performer, or director. Revealing the Brave New Workshop's eight core philosophies of improvisation, along with the detailed process of idea generation, scripting, rehearsal, and performance, this text provides "everything you need to know" for both the individual learner and the classroom instructor.

More than 46 years ago, an ex-circus performer named Dudley Riggs founded the Brave New Workshop. Today, the Brave New Workshop is the longest-running satirical comedy theater in the United States. Alumni include writer/activist Al Franken, MADtv's Mo Collins, Reba's Melissa Peterman, The Naked Gun writer Pat Proft, Analyze This writer Peter Tolan, and That 70s Show executive producer Linda Wallem. Brave New Workshop alumni have contributed to hundreds of movies and television shows, including Saturday Night Live, Scary Movie 3, Airplane!, The Gary Shandling Show, M*A*S*H, and Happy Days. This handbook shares the creative comedy process that has helped to create some of the most prolific and successful talent in stages across the globe and in Hollywood.

Also included with the book is a CD-ROM that contains sample scripts, live performances, and worksheets to aid the reader. Featuring an online instructor's guide, The Art of the Laugh is ideal for classroom instruction, individual work, and ensemble-based creations.