Dear Michael: I’ve heard again and again that funny can’t be taught. So what do I—a not-that-funny actor—do when I have an audition for something that’s supposed to be funny? Turn it down? —Drama QueenDear DQ: No! As an audition coach, I often have the enjoyable task of helping clients work on comedic material. Like you, some don’t think of themselves as funny. But I’m stubborn in my belief that there’s more than one key to the comedy door, and I love helping actors solve that puzzle. Though I’m inclined to agree that not-so-funny people can’t be taught to think funny, I can suggest some things to look for as you break down comedic material and make your acting choices, especially if you don’t have a natural instinct for the stuff.First and foremost, truth. Truthful commitment to comedic circumstances is funny. Some actors think playing comedy means forgoing their basic acting homework. Not so. Knowing and inhabiting your character’s objectives, stakes, obstacles, state of mind, philosophy, relationships, and circumstances is crucial. You must also understand the story’s time period and location, and the attendant customs. Truly funny comedy
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